The Cursed Prince

Mars was very anxious when he got ready to go to Castilse just with Harlow. His friends never saw him in this state before. They knew he couldn't wait to see his wife. So, they tried to help in any way they could.

Gewen prepared a big bag filled with clothes for Harlow and some toys that she received from the local noblewomen when they came to see her.

He also prepared two water skins to store milk for Harlow so she could drink it when she was hungry. Mars was to fill up the waterskin with milk whenever they had a chance to stop by in a city to get food.

Since Gewen and Edgar both had experienced traveling with a dragon, they could give some advice to Mars on what to do, what not to do and how to make his trip with Harlow become more enjoyable. 

Even though it was already spring, the temperature in the higher altitude would be much colder than on the land. So, Mars was advised to bring extra coats for himself and for Harlow.

They also prepared some sling to wrap Harlow to her father's body to avoid her falling to the ground when the dragon did some tricky maneuvers. Mars was also told to make a lot of stops every day because Harlow would need to take bathroom breaks.

The king took note of their advice. He became more anxious as the clock was ticking. So many thoughts were raging in his mind.

On the one hand, Mars was excited to see Emmelyn sooner than expected. 

If Maxim didn't invite him personally to come to Castilse and provided a dragon for the trip so they could reach the capital in three days, Mars could only see Emmelyn after he seized all the colonies that separated Astland and Castilse. It could take months and costs countless lives... 

On the other hand, though, Mars was also feeling really worried. Maxim already said Emmelyn was unwell. That's why she couldn't come to see him and their daughter in Astland.

What happened to her? Mars was wondering. 

Was her illness serious? Gosh... he hoped it was not life-threatening.

Mars actually thought Maxim's goodwill suspicious. A man who was in love with a woman normally wouldn't so easily give up on her and even helped his competition, like what Maxim was doing now.

So, he thought Maxim was hiding something. He couldn't figure out what it was, but it made him feel more anxious as he thought about it.

***

"Everything is ready," Gewen announced. He carried Harlow lovingly in his arms while Edgar brought the bag. Both came to see Mars who just changed and wore his leather coat to protect himself from the wind during the flight.

Harlow was wrapped up tightly in layers and a leather coat that looked similar to her father's. They were gifted by the queen of Astland, or Maxim's older sister, who kept saying Harlow was the cutest baby she had ever seen in her life.

"Your Majesty, King Loriel and his dragons just landed in the courtyard," a knight came to inform Mars that Maxim had arrived.  It was exactly two hours later. 

"Very well. We should go now..." Mars reached out his hand to take Harlow from Gewen's arms. "Give Harlow to me."

However, Gewen shook his head.  The man said, "No. Let me hold her until you get on the dragon's back. Then, I will give her to you."

"Ah, okay..." Mars knew his friend really doted on Harlow and couldn't bear to be separated from her for a long time too. It was actually funny to see how Gewen acted almost like a parent to the little child.

This made Mars feel touched. He knew that Gewen never wanted a wife or children and always avoided that responsibility to get married and continue his family lineage.

Who would have thought he finally changed?

Edgar and Gewen all walked with firm steps alongside the king toward the courtyard to see Maxim. When they arrived there, they could see, there he was, atop the black dragon, closing his eyes with his arms on his chest. There was another dragon, a blue one, stood beside Aslain. It was Sand.

Renwyck and Eris were hovering above the castle, making sure nobody disturbed the king.

Gewen and Edgar immediately recognized Sand, the dragon who went through the long journey together with them from Summeria to Draec and from Draec to Summeria. They walked toward Sand and called his name happily.

The blue dragon raised his head and let out a soft screech. He seemed in a good mood today. Sand still recognized the two men and greeted them back by snuffing some smoke from his nose and growl softly.

"Heyy... Sand...! You look amazing," Gewen chirped. He came with Harlow in his arms and proceeded to introduce the baby to Sand. "This is my niece, Harlow. Isn't she the most beautiful girl you have ever seen?"

Sand suddenly licked Gewen's face and screeched again. Gewen felt disgusted by the dragon's saliva on his cheeks, but he didn't dare to protest. What if Sand didn't take his protest too well? He didn't want to risk getting into the dragon's bad side and become a barbeque.

"Loriel," Meanwhile, Mars came forward and greeted the king of Summeria politely. "Harlow and I are ready."

"Then, we can go now," said Maxim. He opened his eyes and turned to Sand. Maxim ordered the dragon to lower his body so Mars could get on top of his back.

Sand obeyed him and lowered his body. Mars quickly jumped onto his back and adjusted his position. It felt weird sitting on such a big animal. Fortunately, it only felt weird for a little while. Soon, he actually thought it was quite comfortable.

Edgar gave him the bag and he positioned it nicely in front of him. Finally, he covered it with a fur coat to make it more comfortable, as he planned to use it for Harlow to sit.

Now, he was ready to receive Harlow from Gewen.

.

.

************

NEW BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT:

Please add the new book. It's ready now. You can search the title "The King's Wife Is The Alpha's Mate" or click my username and find the book on my reading list, called "Missrealitybites Books".

This is the synopsis of "THE KING'S WIFE IS THE ALPHA'S MATE"

The king, or the alpha?

When she jumps over the academy walls to escape from her bullies, Sophie falls straight into the arms of Nicholas, the kingdom's crown prince with a sweet and sunny disposition. Sparks fly and love blossoms between the poor orphan and the prince.

But... suddenly, Leland, the dangerous new alpha of the most powerful werewolf pack in the kingdom claimed her to be his mate?! Sophie is torn between two men. One calls her his wife, the other claims her as his mate.

The prince is warm and sweet, his love is burning like the sun. The alpha is cold and overbearing, his love is as heavy as the mountain and as cold as the winter.

Which one will Sophie end up with when both sides wage war over blood, hatred, and revenge?

Leland will burn the entire kingdom just to get Sophie and avenge his race. On the other hand, the newly crowned king, Nicholas, strives to drive out the werewolves that the kingdom deemed as monsters.... while keeping a dark secret within himself — He is also a werewolf.