The Cursed Prince

Chapter 972: Raphael Reveals His Secret

Rowena looked at Raphael with thundered heart. She wanted to say no. That was the right thing to do.

However, her mouth was a traitor and before she could realize it, she already nodded and said, "Yes."

Raphael's lips curled up to form a sweet smile. He was happy that he could finally convince her. He knew he might need to work hard to keep her convinced but he would think about it later. What's important was she was willing to accept him.

"Good," he kissed her forehead and hugged her tightly. "Let's get dressed and meet your father. I will settle this as soon as possible. Then, we can think about our wedding."

Rowena felt the throbbing headache again and she moved back to clutch her head with one hand. This made Raphael worried. He touched her temple and asked her with concern. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing... just headache," Rowena said. "I just need to sit down."

She walked with trembling steps toward the bed and sat there. There was so much to take in. She had just said yes to Raphael. Now, there was no turning back.

She hoped he really meant what he said. She hoped Raphael wouldn't someday regret this.

"Let me try to make it better," the man said. He sat by her side and he placed his hand on her temple and released his energy to engulf her whole being. He was glad he studied healing magic to the god of healing when he returned to Cretea. It was useful in a situation like this.

He realized, as a human, Rowena must be prone to weaknesses and diseases. Before he could give her the immortality potion, he must be ready to protect her from those things.

Rowena furrowed her brows when she felt a really subtle warmth entering her body. The throbbing headache was gone almost immediately.

She looked at him with newfound admiration. This man was truly powerful. He was capable of healing, wasn't he?

Maybe...

Maybe King Draco was really right about that immortality potion. Would such a potion be able to revive Julian? Should Rowena at least try it?

But how?

"Are you better now?" Raphael's words moved Rowena from her reverie.

She nodded. "Yes. How did you do it? Can you heal people?"

Raphael shrugged. "I can now."

"You couldn't do it before?" Rowena asked again. She was wondering if Raphael was already capable of healing before then he would have healed Julian when he met him in Verona.

The man shook his head apologetically. He sighed. "If I could, I would have helped your friend, Julian."

Taking care of Rowena was his main motivation to study healing magic. However, after he thought about it again deeply, Raphael wished he was already skilled in healing when he met Julian in Verona.

He could have helped him and thus prevented Rowena from suffering over Julian's death.

He witnessed how heartbroken she became after Julian died. Seeing her like that made him feel extremely sad. So, even though he was jealous of Rowena's relationship with Julian, Raphael would rather have the other man live as long as Rowena could be happy.

Unfortunately, there was no crying over spilled milk. He couldn't change the past, but he could definitely make the future better. He was glad his healing magic was useful today to alleviate her headache.

"I understand," Rowena said. "I was just asking. No need to think too much of it."

Raphael nodded.

She cleared her throat and nudged him to get off the bed. "I want to get dressed. Can you... look that way?"

She pointed at the window. Raphael chuckled when he heard her request.

"But I have seen everything," he said with a playful grin. "You have got nothing to hide."

Rowena's face flushed red and she pushed his chest more strongly. "But I don't remember it. Please look that way."

Finally, the man got up from the bed and walked to the window. He watched the scenery outside, with his back toward Rowena. He waited patiently while she put on her clothes and only turned around when she told him so.

"You can look now," she said shyly. She had taken new clothes from the wardrobe and wore them hurriedly.

"Are you ready to meet your father?" Raphael asked Rowena as he walked toward her. She nodded.

"Yeah," she said.

"Very well," Raphael reached out his hand and took Rowena by the hand to get out of the chamber. They walked holding hands to meet King Draco who was waiting for them outside.

"Let's talk in my study," the king spoke curtly. He motioned them to follow him. He silently cursed that the couple took their time to come out and see him. He had been waiting for a long time and had become so impatient that he almost barged in again.

Fortunately, he didn't have to resort to that.

***

"So, it's time for us to talk about formalities," King Draco said coldly after they arrived in his study and he took a seat on his big and luxurious chair. Raphael and Rowena stood before him.

"I already said I will marry Rowena. I have asked her directly to marry me and now I am asking your blessings as her father," Raphael said. He was displeased by King Draco's attitude, but he held back. "What other formalities do you mean?"

King Draco crossed his arms on his chest, showing the expression of being offended. He said, "Things are not yet settled, child. You must bring your entire family to officially propose for Rowena's hand in marriage, otherwise, I won't let my daughter marry you."

"Huh?" Raphael's eyes widened at King Draco's request.

"You heard me the first time," King Draco glared at Raphael. "Bring your family here to come and see us. I will see it as you showing goodwill and you really will cherish my daughter."

Raphael was surprised by King Draco's request? He must bring his family to Ashland? It was a lot to ask because...

Well, because of his family's status.

They were the most respected of all immortals in Cretea. They didn't meet or hang out with just anyone, there had to be an added value and that was another reason why asking to meet them was not a good idea.