The Cursed Prince

Chapter 800: Rowena & Raphael

Raphael was silent for a moment. He didn't know if he could free her after what happened. The accusations against her were too great and he was also not in a favorable position.

He was found out to steal the magic dust and the immortality potion to give her and now they accused her of seducing the king's son to steal the magical artifacts.

He had not even known what punishment awaited him.

"I will get you out of here," Raphael gently touched Rowena's hand, faking a smile. He saw how she was feeling so distraught and he wanted to make her feel better. He added, "Just wait for me."

Rowena took a deep breath as she looked at his hand on hers and said. "Yeah, well... it's not like I can do anything else, Raphael. I'm in prison, remember?" 1

She let out a nervous chuckle. Dammit. She hated this place so much.

Raphael nodded. "Yes, I know, but it won't be for long."

"Thank you, Raphael," Rowena said. "I appreciate it."

"You know that I would do anything for you," Raphael spoke with a hoarse voice. "If I was stronger, I would have broken this door and brought you out now. I am sorry, you have to wait... My father's magic is unmatched. I have to go see him and talk to him."

"Do you think he would listen to you?" She asked him worriedly.

Raphael nodded. "He must. Otherwise, I will wreak so much havoc in Cretea so I will end up in the same prison and be with you."

Rowena bit her lip and looked away. She could feel his sincerity and devotion for her. She knew he meant what he said. This man had always been honest with his words, and his feelings. Everything he did for her was sincere… unlike her. 1

She had tricked him and used his feelings for her to get him to do the unthinkable. As his people in Cretea said, what she did was unforgivable. She was a wicked temptress who seduced their prince to the path of destruction.

If there was anything that was honest about her, it was probably only her feelings for him. She did love him. But it didn't change the fact that she brought him down and created this mess they were in. 1

Even after everything that happened, his treatment of her and his affection for her didn't change. Rowena had expected him to lash out at her and refused to see her, but he didn't do such things.

"I-I'm… I am sorry..." Rowena muttered and looked down. She was too ashamed to look him in the eyes. "You get pulled into this mess I made, Raphael."

Raphael could see the tears in her eyes and notice how she was unhappy.

"It's not a problem," he said.

How could he leave her facing all the punishment alone? She was his wife! Even if she didn't respect their marriage vow, he would. 1

From the day they became one, she became his responsibility. In good times and in bad times, he would always be there for her. How could he abandon her when she needed him the most?

"But it is a problem!" Rowena shouted at him as she clutched the prison bars.

Her expression was grim as she looked at him. She regretted bringing this wonderful man down with her when he was only a victim. A victim of her deception.

She bit her lip so hard, it started to bleed. "I don't want you to end up here with me. You don't deserve it. Please forget what I said… I don't want to get out of here!"

"Rowena, your lip…" Raphael didn't hear her words. His focus was on her bleeding lip. "Stop biting your lips when you're stressed. It's bad."

He touched her lower lip with his thumb and soon the blood stopped seeping and the wounds healed.

Rowena looked at the man wordlessly. Didn't he hear what she said?

She changed her mind and no longer wanted him to free her! She realized she had to take accountability for her actions and stopped dragging him into her mess. The man had suffered enough. He didn't deserve all this shit.

"I'm fine," she pushed him away and acted cold. "I changed my mind. You don't have to get me out of here. In fact, you should go and never come back. It's better that way."

She was scared earlier. That's why she begged him to free her from this prison. However, seeing him had given her courage. She should be able to face this situation and take whatever punishment the immortal king would give her.

"Rowena, you don't have to act tough around me," Raphael seemed to read her mind. "I know you are scared and it's normal. I am scared too. But we will face this together. I will not abandon you. You are my wife."

Rowena pursed her lips and looked at the man in a challenging manner. "You know I married you to scheme you. The marriage is not real."

"No," Raphael shook his head. "You married me because you love me. Our marriage is real."

She didn't know, he heard her mumble this in her sleep, that she truly loved him. He knew from the beginning. No matter how many times she claimed that she didn't actually love him, he wouldn't believe it. 2

"Whatever." Rowena looked away again. "Thank you for visiting, though. I… I changed my mind. I no longer want to see you and I don't need you to get me out of here. Please go."

"I will go, but I will get you out of here. In the meantime, please take care of your health and stop biting your lips. I will be back shortly." Raphael rubbed her arm before he suddenly disappeared into thin air.

Once she was convinced that Raphael was gone, Rowena fell to the floor with her hands covered her face and she sobbed despondently.

***

Raphael knew Rowena wanted to protect him and pretended she no longer wanted saving. That wouldn't work with him. He could never abandon the woman he vowed to love and cherish for the rest of his immortal life.

It wouldn't be easy, but he would fight for her freedom. What Rowena had done was something that made even the benevolent King of Cretea upset.

However, he would still try to plead with the king and ask for Rowena's freedom. That's how the seventh prince slowly made his way up the steps of the Pantheon. As soon as he reached the throne room, he knelt on his knees.

"And so you have returned at last." A deep sigh came from the throne. "My son, have you finally returned here and seen the error in your ways?"

Raphael shook his head and lifted his head up to meet his father's eyes. "I do not see anything wrong with love, father."

"I never said that it was love that was wrong, my child.. The actions that are committed under the guise and name of love are what bothers me the most," the king spoke. "I believe that you have come here to beg me to pardon her crimes, are you not?"