The Cursed Prince

"I'm glad you approve," Kira said with a smile. Mars winced when he saw her smile that reminded him of the smile curved up on Thessalis's lips when she spoke to him before Mars killed her.

It was a smirk that now he always associated with wicked witches and it was hard to change his mind over it.

Mars knew Kira was dangerous and would probably become a fierce antagonist if they were on the opposing sides. In short, he was relieved that Kira was not their enemy.

Mars thought for a moment while Kira was getting ready to leave the dining room to get her plans to work. He was wondering if he should tell Kira that Emmelyn was pregnant.

Ahh.. maybe this was not a good time?

Mars thought perhaps it would be better if he talked to Emmelyn about announcing her pregnancy together. She might want to wait until she reached the second trimester, as some people said it's bad luck to announce one's pregnancy early.

Maybe that's what happened to them in the past. He was too eager for an heir that he immediately notified his parents about Emmelyn's pregnancy. Look at what happened in the months following that?

No. This time, he would do things right. He would talk to Emmelyn about keeping this information a secret until they were sure that there were no issues with her pregnancy and everything was smooth sailing.

"Why are you knitting your brows?" Kira asked when she looked up and saw the king look deep in thoughts. "Is there something wrong?"

"No, nothing..." Mars waved his hand and changed the topic. "Will you tell Gewen about your plan?"

Kira shrugged. "Why would I?"

Mars was taken aback by Kira's question. "Ahem... I thought you and he are together. So... usually, couples talk to each other."

"Huh? What makes you think Lord Gewen and I are together?" Kira asked again. Her expression looked confused and suddenly Mars didn't know what to think anymore. He honestly thought his best friend finally found the woman for him.

But apparently, even though Gewen and Kira were intimate, the pirate princess didn't think there was something between them?

Whoa... this time Gewen was truly tasting his own bitter medicine. He was finally falling for someone, but the woman only considered him as her bed warmer.

How did that feel, Gewen? Mars wanted to ask his friend.

Wait... did Gewen even know that Kira didn't think they were a couple? He could be slow sometimes.

Oh, my gods... Mars wanted to facepalm himself.

What if Gewen was under the impression that Kira was now his girlfriend and would one day become his wife just because they slept together?

Could he accept the truth if Kira told him that she didn't see him that way?

Mars felt very sorry for Gewen for his misfortunes, but after he thought about how Gewen led such womanizing life in the past, the king couldn't help but think that this was just karma that came knocking on Gewen's door.

What goes around, comes around. What goes up, must come down.

Mars cleared his throat. "I am sorry, forget what I said."

"Hmm... oh, kay." Kira tapped the table with her bony fingers and said. "I will get some people to help me. I will make sure that wench and her family pay. I will personally bring her to my father so he could sell her. I will send you the money... hehehehe."

Mars winced when he heard Kira's words. "Yeah.. about that... you don't need to send the money. We're good."

"I was joking," Kira laughed. "Well... I have to go back to see my father anyway. I have been away for far too long."

Mars suddenly remembered that Gewen wanted to take Kira to Southberry to see the beautiful vineyards. What would happen to that if Kira left immediately?

Gewen would be heartbroken. So, as a good friend and wingman, Mars immediately coaxed Kira to be flexible with her plans.

"That's good," Mars said. "Uhm.. didn't Gewen plan to take you to Southberry? You just arrived in Draec for a week. It will be good to go around and sightsee. The vineyards are truly beautiful at this time of the year. I thought you like wine?"

"Hmm... I do like wine." Kira scratched her head. "But don't we need to punish Ellena?"

"Yes, but we are not in a hurry. She has been waiting for her punishment for a year now. She can wait one more week," Mars said to convince Kira. "You should go and have fun."

Then, he added with a more sincere tone. "If you will leave soon after Ellena is punished, Gewen will be sad. I think he would wish to have more time with you."

Kira was not dumb. She could now see that Lord Gewen Athibaud might have special feelings for her. Would he really feel sad if Kira left?

What did he actually see in her? Kira knew herself. She was not like the typical noblewomen who were always hovering around the handsome young lord.

"Very well..." Finally Kira nodded. "Perhaps, I can see the vineyards."

"Thank you," Mars let out a sigh of relief. "You will like the place. Have fun!"

"Thank you."

"Let's meet again later for the details after you return from Southberry. I will need to check on Emmelyn and Harlow." Mars nodded at Kira and left the dining room.

Kira also left soon after. She looked for Gewen and asked him about his plans to take her sightseeing to Southberry. The man was beaming in happiness when he chattered about how lovely it would be.

"We can go camping on that hill, overlooking all the beautiful vineyards, and make love under the stars..." he gushed.

Kira chuckled when she saw his child-like enthusiasm. "Sounds good. When can we go?"

"Let's go tomorrow morning," Gewen said. "You can rest well tonight. I will go home to my parent's castle and pick you up tomorrow after breakfast."

"Oh, so... you won't be having me for breakfast tomorrow?" Kira asked innocently.

Gewen's face flushed red when he heard her blunt words.

Gosh.. she was so hot!!

If they were not surrounded by other people in the palace courtyard, Gewen might have pounced on Kira and... eat her again.

***

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