The Cursed Prince

That day, Mars found out what was the worst feeling in the world.

It was helpless.

Seeing the person he loved suffer, but he couldn't do anything about it... he felt so helpless. What was the point of being the most powerful person on this continent if he couldn't do anything to alleviate her sufferings?

"Are you... okay?" He finally asked her. He needed to know what she was thinking exactly and what was bothering her mind.

Emmelyn rubbed her eyes and pretended to sound sleepy. "Hmmm? I am okay. Just a bit tired and need rest. I will wash up soon and sleep."

"Is there anything you would like to say to me?" The man decided to talk to her.

He hoped she could be open to him and let him know what was bothering her. He had been guessing all day, but he wasn't sure what was so bad that she was this upset and now even cried.

Emmelyn opened her eyes and tried to see the man in front of her. Unfortunately, she could only see a vague silhouette. Now she wished she didn't put off most of the candles so she could see his handsome face.

"Why are you asking?" Emmelyn asked back. "Hmm.. what do you want to hear? Congratulations?"

Mars let out a long sigh. "That's not it."

"Ahh... Then I have nothing to say," Emmelyn replied.

"Please let me know if there is something that's bothering your mind," Mars finally said. "I might be able to help you."

"Thank you, you're too kind," Emmelyn smiled faintly. "I am fine."

Mars finally gave up. He didn't want to force her to open up to him. If she felt attacked or cornered, it would ruin their civil relationship. It would also be bad for the baby if Emmelyn got additional stress.

Maybe he should wait and try again.

"Okay, I hope you are well, and if there is anything... anything at all that you need from me, please let me know," said Mars in the end.

"Mmm..."

Emmelyn washed herself clean then stepped out of the bathtub. After she dried her body and put on her nightgown, she climbed to the bed and closed her eyes.

Mars followed suit not long after. His sleeping potion had started to kick in and he immediately laid his body on the sofa and slept.

The night went by in silence.

***

For the next several days, Emmelyn became so quiet. Mars could only ask Roshan to keep an eye on her whenever he was out to train his soldiers and let him know as soon as possible if Emmelyn needed something.

Emmelyn got herself busy to keep her mind distracted from what Mrs. Adler told her. She asked Roshan to get her some nice fabric and sewing kit so that she could sew some simple baby clothes.

She was forced to learn sewing and embroidery since she was seven by her mother, the queen, together with several other girls, who were the daughters of Wintermere's high nobility.

She used to look down on that skills until she put them to good use when she was traveling. It was easier to fix ripped clothes during fights or shenanigans than to buy new ones. She could also save money.

Now, she felt lucky that she learned such important life skills and started picking up a hobby to create simple stuff with fabrics, like a handkerchief or scarf. It helped her pass the time when she was cooped up in this castle.

She liked reading too, but sometimes too much reading could be boring, besides, the prince didn't have much variety of books in his library.

His books mostly consist of history and war strategy, which Emmelyn sometimes enjoyed, but not always.

Now, that she had a baby on the way, Emmelyn thought it would be nice to put her sewing skills to good use and made a few baby clothes. She knew the prince could provide the best clothes for his future children, but Emmelyn wanted to give them something from herself.

She didn't have money since she was stripped of her title and wealth the moment Wintermere fell, and she didn't want to ask for money from Mars. Her conscience told her not to do it.

So, she was proud to leave behind something that her baby would be able to use.

***

Days go by, and suddenly, the royal ball was around the corner. Emmelyn was engrossed in her sewing when Mars entered their chamber, so she didn't notice his arrival.

"Hey.. what are you doing?" The man's voice startled Emmelyn that she accidentally dropped everything.

Mars furrowed his brows when he saw the fabric and the sewing kit. He bent down to pick them up and observe them. Then he looked up and stared at Emmelyn. "I didn't know you can sew. I thought you are only good at sword fighting."

He smiled in adoration when he saw the tiny clothes in his hand.

Mars quickly added, "This is beautiful."

Emmelyn reached out her hand to take them back from his hand. She said, "Thank you."

Emmelyn put them all in a basket and stopped her work. The sun was going down anyway and she wouldn't be able to see and sew properly in dim candle lighting.

"The royal ball will start soon. We should get ready," Mars said.

Emmelyn had been contemplating for several days if she should make up some excuses to avoid going to the royal ball. She hated the king and didn't want to see him.

However, after several days, she relented and decided to go. The royal ball was held to celebrate Prince Mars Strongmoor's birthday. She loved the man and should see this event as a celebration for him, and not his father.

This would be their only time to celebrate his birthday together, so she might as well take the opportunity to be there for him.

Emmelyn had made a decision to leave as soon as her baby was born. There would be no baby no. 2 or 3, and she also didn't wish to claim Wintermere back.