The Cursed Prince

"Any person, in particular, would find it difficult to not include themselves in a conversation so I made that assumption," the princess said. "I thought you were talking about your own library. So, I assumed you were comparing them."

"Fair point." Raphael nodded. "But ah yes, libraries. I do have my own libraries as you expected. Perhaps you would like to join me there sometime? We could exchange titles or give each other book recommendations."

"And how sure are you that you would like what I suggest or that you haven't read it before?" Harlow glanced at him.

The Demon King smiled. "Well, it is simply because it is you who will recommend it. Even if I have read the particular title before, I am sure that I will savor every page of the book simply because you mentioned it."

Harlow coughed. "Don't you think this is enough chit-chat for one night? I am not sure if a Demon actually needs to sleep, but for someone like me who is simply human… I actually need to get some rest too. Cough cough."

"Ah, too bad." Raphael sighed a little and then smiled. "I wanted to discuss my theatre room and also the bird sanctuary, I was positive that those were rooms that you would particularly enjoy. I'm surprised that a princess who is younger than me is already drowsy?"

Harlow could tell that he was only trying to make her stay up with him. He was trying to say that someone younger than him would be more energetic and sprightly, but she wasn't going to let herself get dragged into hours of conversation with him.

The princess didn't realize how she survived their first talk, but the alcohol did its miracle back then. She also realized that it was also a bad idea to let Raphael walk out of the room and go out.

Harlow wondered belatedly if there were any tell-tale signs when a room was entered. Right now, she wasn't going to take any chances. So, she reached out to grab his hand to Raphael's surprise.

The Demon King blinked and then grinned. "I did not realize that you would now make the first move, wifey. However, I am more than welcome to this new development."

"Shut up." Harlow fumed with red cheeks as she leaned towards him and then gently kissed his cheek. "Since you were able to sleep earlier, I think Demons also need sleep so let us get back to bed, okay?"

"We're already in bed."

"You know what I mean!" 

Raphael chuckled and snapped his fingers. The thick blankets of the king-sized bed immediately covered the two of them from their feet and up to their chests. His eyes lit up as it landed on Harlow. 

"It is warm and cozy, isn't it? If you come closer, you'll feel that my body is quite hot," he whispered.

Harlow scrunched up her nose. "That's more than enough reason for me to not get close, idiot."

Raphael pretended not to hear her and closed his eyes. His arms were reached out to hug Harlow and soon he had drifted to sleep. Harlow was surprised to find the man's breathing become regular and he fell asleep... just like that.

Didn't he complain that he couldn't sleep earlier? 

She decided not to trust him. 

Harlow poked his arm that was hugging her and waited. There was no response.

Great! Even if he was just feigning sleep, Harlow could get away from him now, couldn't she? She could go back to her room because that was their agreement. She would only stay with him until he fell asleep.

If he pretended to sleep, then he didn't have any more excuse to keep her here. Harlow could finally go back to her chamber and rest properly, to get herself ready for tomorrow. She didn't need to explore more because she already found what she was looking for.

Tomorrow, she would find ways to meet Julian and share with him her findings. Let the man do anything he needed to do with the information. Harlow could pretend to feed Icecube or take him for a ride, to get out of the castle, and hopefully Julian would find her like he did today.

By the way, where was the man tonight? Was he sleeping all right? 

As Harlow carefully lifted Raphael's arm from her shoulder and slipped out from under the blanket, she thought about the adventurer and his mysterious background. If Julian could find ways to go home, Harlow was curious to know where his homeland was.

Ahh... they really needed to steal the demon king's magic closet in order for that to happen.

The princess yawned so wide and batted her eyes. Why did she feel drowsy all of a sudden when her eyes caught sight of the sleeping Raphael?

The man looked so at peace.

Harlow didn't realize she was staring at the man for a bit too long before she was moved from her reverie by another yawn.  She realized she also must get her rest.

The princess tip-toed out of Raphael's love chamber and went to her own. She could recognize it from the door since she found her room earlier that night. Once she closed the door behind her, Harlow heaved a sigh of relief.

Finally, she was free. She could rest to get energy for tomorrow. Who knew what Julian would plan in order to get to the magic closet. She needed to be prepared for anything.

Harlow washed up her face with the water provided in her chamber and dried it with a small towel. She felt clean and could climb up her bed to get her much-needed rest.

Once she lay down in bed and closed her eyes, she could finally sleep.

***

"Good morning, wifey."

That voice again! Harlow thought she only dreamed of everything. The confrontation with the wicked witch and some demons, meeting the demon king and being brought to his castle, and suddenly meeting Julian...

However, when she heard that annoying voice again, she was immediately reminded that everything was really truly real.