The Cursed Prince

Harlow didn't realize it at first, but after crying so much, she eventually fell asleep in exhaustion. 

She later woke up and found herself feeling better, if not a little more refreshed. She looked around the room and found it was still the elegant design she slept in and not the lonely stone-cold walls.

She was worried that when Raphael left, all around her would go back to their original appearances. She would hate to stay in the ugly, grey, stone castle, and surrounded by ugly and scary servants and guards with many eyes, melted skin, and tentacles.

Those were stuff that would give her nightmares. So, seeing that all around her was still nice and not scary, Harlow felt relieved.

"I… I'll find out the truth myself." Harlow rose up and rubbed the sleep away from her eyes. When she looked out the window, it was almost evening, but she was determined to go out and leave her room.

"Your Highness." Beth greeted her with a curtsy. "Are you feeling famished? Dinner is in preparation but we can also serve you a light snack or a cup of tea while you wait. If you are bored, there are a lot of amenities for you to enjoy. Just let us know what you want. We are here to serve you."

Harlow walked past the maidservant and smiled a little. "Ah, no need for snacks or for you to fuss about me. I will be going on a flight with Icecube and I'll just return by evening for dinner. Thank you for your help."

She didn't show it openly, but she was also relieved to see Beth was still looking like Beth from earlier today, She didn't have eight tentacles, and a hideous face. She also only had two eyes.

"Your Highness, I hope you pardon my words, but don't you think it's a little late?" Beth pointed out with a good-natured smile. "Wouldn't it be best to do it tomorrow? When you are out at this hour, you might get lost in the dark. At least let me and several guards come with you."

Harlow shook her head and tried to answer, but then another maidservant came forward.

"Your Highness!" Dorian came running forward with Harlow's bow and quiver of arrows. She was also carrying the dagger that Harlow used when she fought off the demon and witch. "I would like to return the rest of your items."

Harlow's eyes widened, but she quickly grabbed them. "Thank you. They will be useful… Well, I hope I won't have to use them but thank you all the same."

"You're welcome, Your Highness." Dorian bowed down respectfully.

Beth threw Dorian a look that was slightly annoyed, but Harlow was just pleased. 

"Well then, I better get going so I can return back here fast for dinner," Harlow said. "I'll see you guys later!"

Before Beth pressured Harlow to bring many bodyguards to accompany her or tagging along as the princess' chaperone, Harlow hurried along and went to head out of the castle and headed for the hills.

She found Icecube there who was eating on some young calves this time. Compared to when Harlow used to hunt for her beloved ice dragon, he was having a feast right now in the demon realm. Icecube seemed to always have good food in a big quantity.

Icecube swallowed down some of the meat and happily snorted out snowflakes at the sight of the princess. Harlow chuckled and crossed her arms. "Looks like someone is enjoying themselves, huh?"

Icecube seemed to nod and that made Harlow smile even further.

Spoiled but beloved dragon. Well... Icecube was her baby. He deserved only the best. So, seeing him having a good time made Harlow feel happy too.

Harlow didn't want to interrupt Icecube with his food, but she was determined to find answers and hopefully forget everything that happened earlier. She knew that there was supposed to be an explanation for the incident with gardener Julian if Raphael was keeping the truth away from her.

Once Icecube finished scarfing down all of the meat, the princess took Icecube for a flight and gently went aboard her dragon's back. Slowly, they took off into the sky and flew over the castle.

"Icecube, we'll be going on a search trip this time," Harlow told him. "We'll be looking for Julian again if possible. Signs of him to be exact. I… I don't know what happened earlier, but if we can just go back to the restaurant, that'll be great. I am sure I can find clues there."

Luckily for Harlow, the beautiful blue dragon responded well to her words and took her to the place that she wanted. Icecube landed on the large and open street of the demon city. Once Icecube landed, Harlow jumped down from his back and walked inside the restaurant through the open door.

"Excuse me." Harlow cleared her throat and immediately saw the waiter from the other day. This person was the one that Julian talked to into helping Harlow find an inn to stay in and would be the first to tell her that she wasn't making anything up.

The princess already knew the elven princes were real since she got her bow and arrows. So, the next on her list was none other than Julian himself. She eyed the waiter who halted in her steps at the princess' entrance.

Harlow approached her with a sheepish grin. "Do you remember me?"

"Yes, Miss. You were the one who dined at our restaurant the other day and asked about the available inns." the waiter nodded. "Is there anything I can do for you again?"

Harlow blinked at the waiter's words. "I… it was Julian who asked you about the inns. Do you remember the handsome man who came in with me for lunch?"

"Who?" the waiter tilted her head.

Harlow gestured at the old table she sat at. "I was here with someone that time. He was dark-haired, dressed as an adventurer, and actually ordered a lot of food…"

A confused look sprung up on the waiter's face and she shook her head. "I'm not sure if you mistook the restaurant or the server, but you were alone when you dined here, Miss. Afterward, you asked about the inns and then I led you to the one I recommended."

Harlow looked away, frustrated. "Thank you."

Her heart sank.