The Cursed Prince

Chapter 997: Let's Throw The Wedding

They kissed again and for that moment, Rowena was carried away. Raphael's words were so soothing and gave her mind peace. She decided to get rid of all the bad memory of her father and focus on the here and now.

"I'm so tired," she complained softly and buried her face in the crook of his neck.

"Hmm... let's rest," Raphael rubbed her hair and gently placed her on the bed and he covered their bodies with the blanket. The window was opened and gave them the beautiful scenery of the night sky.

This place was different from the human realm, Rowena admired the two moons in the sky before drowsiness engulfed her whole being, and she fell asleep in Raphael's embrace.

***

The next day, Rowena woke up in Raphael's arms and this time there was a bright smile on her face. She was in a good mood. After spending the night with Raphael in an intimate setting, she felt a deeper connection with him.

Raphael was still fast asleep when he felt something on his nose and he opened his eyes to see Rowena planting a kiss on his forehead.

"Hmm... good morning," Raphael greeted her. "Did you sleep well?"

She nodded. "You?"

"Great," Raphael replied. He sat up and stretched his limbs. He cast his glance around them and immediately chuckled. He just remembered this was not his chamber in the royal palace.

It was the new home that he was showing Rowena. They ended up spending the night together here.

"We were forgetting something," Rowena whispered. She pursed her lips and then covered her mouth. "We told your parents that we were only visiting the house—"

"Mhmm."

"We need to get going then," Rowena wrapped the blankets around her body and padded down the bed. Her face was red as she made her way to the bathroom door. "I—I don't think they'll figure out what we did, right?"

"...I think they'll have an idea or two, but I'm sure they won't pry," Raphael said with a comforting look.

***

After they were ready, the two returned to the royal palace and still made it in time for the first meal of the day.

Rowena sat down beside Raphael and smiled apologetically.

"We... hope that you weren't that worried about us. We failed to send an appropriate message to convey that we were staying there overnight." Rowena greeted them respectfully.

She felt the need to say something because it seemed Raphael was acting too casual and didn't even offer any explanation to his parents.

There was a look on Queen Lilith's face as she sighed softly. "Children. I'm glad that you've decided to come join us for breakfast. I was afraid that you'd be having each other as a meal and that's unhealthy."

Rowena nearly collapsed in her chair and stared at the straightforward queen.

Even that amount of forwardness made Rowena surprised and it left Queen Lilith both amused and yet she chose not to say anything more.

"How was the bed?" King Areal teased his son.

"Father, can we just eat? I think there's much to be done today." Raphael said.

"Much to be done? Like what?" Queen Lilith tilted her head. "I was planning to invite Rowena to accompany me, Nymia and some other maiden goddesses to have a tea party or a picnic. Perhaps go about the Goddess of Weaving and find clothing much finer than what Rowena is wearing now?"

Rowena looked down at the beautiful silk dress she wore that was fit for a princess in the human realm—and yet in the eyes of the goddess, perhaps they were nothing but mere rags.

"That's..." Raphael hesitated and looked over at Rowena.

He wanted to spend time with her and cherish their moments together. It had been over a month and even last night wasn't enough for him... he just wanted some time with her.

However, he also saw what his mother was trying to do. Little by little, Queen Lilith was trying to involve Rowena in what she thought what a person married to one of the Seven Sons of the King of Cretea might do.

Was Rowena comfortable with the idea?

Raphael knew that she was an introvert and preferred a smaller company than most other people.

"Your Majesty, when you go visit this Goddess of Weaving, do you think that you will be able to find and fit a wedding dress for my daughter?" King Draco engaged in the conversation with a light smile.

"So soon?" Queen Lilith blinked. She still wanted to get acquainted with the woman her son fell in love with—and King Draco's suggestion was a huge step.

In the past, a lot of maiden goddesses pined for Raphael's affections, and not once did they ever get close with him, save for friendship. So, the queen wished to understand what made Rowena different from the rest.

"The earlier, the better?" King Draco chuckled and looked in Rowena's direction. "It's almost like you can't keep the two away from each other from what I'm seeing."

"...I guess that's true." Queen Lilith reluctantly agreed. "What do you think, Raphael?"

"I agree with King Draco." Raphael said and clasped Rowena's hand in his and gave her a gentle loving look. He wanted to gauge her reaction on whether she was ready for the wedding, and she gave him a smile that made him pleased.

For once he and Rowena's father had something to agree on and Rowena loved him. Raphael was fulfilled as he said. "I think I've already proven that I really want to be with Rowena, mother. So why delay at all?"

"Very well, that shall be on my list of agendas today. I'll move some of my other itineraries to another time because a wedding certainly needs a lot of time and energy."

"We'll be having a wedding in maybe a week or two at the max then?" King Draco asked.

"That's so sudden." Queen Lilith said and looked at her husband for help. "Agree with me that it should take at least a year or more."

"Well, the two can barely get their hands off each other." King Areal chuckled. "I do not see anything wrong with it as long as everything is in order during the wedding day proper."

"And it doesn't have to be a grand wedding, Your Majesty," Rowena intervened at last. She gave her best smile. "A simple wedding where Raphael and I exchange vows is all that I really could dream of."

"Nonsense—you only get married once!" Queen Lilith declared. "Well, child... a simple wedding for my son isn't something I've imagined. It's a celebration not only for the two of you but everyone else who comes to witness the love shared between you needs to also enjoy it."

Rowena didn't know what to say. "I understand what you mean, Your Majesty but—"

Queen Lilith raised a hand. "No, it's fine. It's not my wedding but yours. You are free to choose whatever you wish... it seems like I must simply give my blessings for the two of you."

"Thank you," Rowena said, even though she could see the disheartened look on the face of Raphael's mother.

She had to pretend she didn't see that look of discontent.