The Cursed Prince

"How was your sleep?" Mars asked her. 

He was up almost all night, and barely got a wink of sleep, but all he was worried about was how was her sleep. After the horrific incident yesterday, he was worried she would have nightmares. She did toss and turn a little bit while in his arms, but he couldn't see if she was having a bad dream.

Emmelyn sighed. "It's not too good."

"Hmm... I am sorry to hear that. Perhaps, you can stay in bed longer and try to rest some more. Would you like that?" The prince asked her.

Emmelyn nodded weakly. She actually wanted to stay in bed longer with him and do nothing, but she knew he had to go. After spending so many hours mourning alone, now she wished to have someone by her side. Just to spend the day while processing her grief.

"I will do that," she replied.

"Hmm..." Mars sighed too. He wanted to be here with her, but the pressing issue with his father and the Prestons needed to be taken care of. "Is there anything I can get you?"

"Are you going out?" Finally, Emmelyn asked, even though she could actually guess the answer.

Mars nodded to confirm. "Yes. I told you my father asked me to come to the royal palace. So, I want to go there as soon as possible to talk to him."

"Can I..." Emmelyn swallowed hard. It was really difficult for her to utter the next words. "Can I see... my brother?"

Mars already assumed that Emmelyn would want to see Killian. He was actually worried that seeing her brother would bring back the sadness in her heart, but he knew he couldn't stop her. If it was his brother, he would also want to see him for one last time.

"Yes, you can," he replied. "I asked my people to treat him properly. He is now in one of the chambers in the East Wing. Roshan will take you to him."

"How long will you be gone?" Emmelyn asked again.

"Maybe all day."

"Hmm..." She was deep in thoughts. Suddenly she felt really lonely. During the toughest time in her life, she didn't have anyone to share her broken heart.

Mars had to meet his parents, and besides... she wouldn't know if Killian would like it if she came to see his body with the man who was responsible for his death.

"Can I invite the village witch here? She is from Wintermere. She is... my only friend in this country." She looked up and stared at him with a pleading look. Mars remembered the witch. He already told Emmelyn to invite the old woman whenever she wanted so she wouldn't be so lonely.

"Of course. You can also ask Roshan to invite her. If she is still here by the time I arrive home, I would love to meet her," Mars replied.

"Thank you."

"Hmm.. I will go get ready." The prince climbed down the bed and proceeded to get changed. He chose a black shirt and black pants and a brown leather coat in full regalia. He looked especially handsome this morning.

This reminded Emmelyn that her husband was the next king in line once King Jared stepped down from the throne. For a few moments, she sat on the bed, looking at him in awe. He looked so dashing and imposing.

She was wondering why Mars intentionally wore black today. Was it his way of telling her that he was also mourning for her family with her?

This small gesture touched her heart. Whatever anger she had for him and his family yesterday, had slowly dissipated. She knew he was not to be blamed for Killian's death.

It was only a very unfortunate incident. She heard with her own ears how Killian said he could die in peace. He intentionally attacked the crown prince so the soldiers would kill him.

And he only did it after he was convinced that Mars Strongmoor really, really loved his sister. Apparently, Killian was touched by Mars' action when he bent his knees and asked for forgiveness for the Rosehills' death. All so that Killian would let Emmelyn go.

Right at that moment, Killian let go of his resolve and he chose death. Maybe... he was feeling what Emmelyn felt last year. She felt guilty for being the only one to survive. So she decided to kill the enemy and die trying.

Survivors' guilt was very real and it was devastating. Killian had been guilt-ridden for not being there when his entire family was destroyed. And even if he wanted to avenge their deaths, what could he do? He was only a one-man army.

So, when the worse came to worst, he took that drastic decision to end his life and, at the same time, cleared Emmelyn from suspicion. If he took all the blame, the enemy wouldn't suspect his sister.

If he could just loudly accuse her of being a traitor to their family, they would not think of her as a threat.

And that was exactly what he did.

When Mars had finished changing clothes, he came to Emmelyn and asked if she wanted to have breakfast with him.

Since he would be gone all day, Emmelyn forced herself to say yes. She had no appetite, but she wanted to accompany him to eat breakfast, like they always did.

"Yes. We should have breakfast," she said. "You must not go with an empty stomach."

Mars smiled dotingly. He was glad that even during her dark times, she still worried about him. The man reached out his hand to her. "Do you want to eat breakfast here or in the dining room?"

Emmelyn looked around her and realized that their chamber looked so gloomy. Apparently, her husband intentionally still let the curtains closed, so the sunlight wouldn't bother her sleep earlier. She didn't know what time it was.

"I'd prefer to eat in the room," she said. 

She took his hand and he quickly carried her in his arms. He brought her to the sofa by the window and put her down. 

"Then, you can sit here. I will get food for us." Mars said.