The Cursed Prince

This time, Mars felt he should pull himself together. No matter how much he was in pain and grief, he should not let himself be overwhelmed by them.

Harlow needed him.

"Thank you," Mars nodded and got up. He got on Snow and rode his horse toward the castle at the outskirts of King's town, where Lord Greenan, his aunt's family lived.

Miranda Strongmoor married Lucas Greenan and had three children. Two were sent to govern a colony that Draec had conquered over the years.

Athos was married off to Lily, a princess from Southberry, and governed the wine-producing kingdom, while Ethos was now ruling Wintermere.

As for the Greenan's youngest son, Landon, he was being prepared to govern the new colony that Draec was eyeing to conquer, and that was Asguay.

Landon Greenan was a scholar who spent most of his time studying politics to prepare him for the role. He was not a warrior like his older brothers and preferred to immerse himself in books.

More recently, Lord and Lady Greenan preferred to spend more time in their home in the countryside, so their main home in the capital was often empty. That's where Athos and Lily and their three children had been staying after they took Harlow in.

The family was waiting for Mars to return so they could give Harlow back to her father before they went back home. They were worried if they brought the young baby to Southberry or to Athos' parents' home in the countryside, Mars would get into a hassle just to see his baby.

So, they waited patiently in that castle. That's where Mars was heading this morning after he visited Emmelyn's grave. Gewen followed him faithfully.

When they arrived in the Greenan's castle, Athos welcomed them at the gate. News traveled fast in the capital and he already heard that the crown prince arrived in the royal palace last night. So, when Mars arrived at his family home, Athos was expecting him.

"Your Highness," said Athos after he bowed his head to pay respects.

Mars was nodded impatiently and went to the point. "Where is my daughter?"

"She is inside, sleeping," said Athos. He showed them the way and soon the three men were walking past the big garden inside the castle wall, going to the main building where the lord's family lived.

Lily came out of a chamber when she heard the butler announce the crown prince's visit. As soon as she saw Mars, she couldn't help but shed tears profusely. It had been three weeks since Emmelyn 'died', and she was still grieving.

She cried when she remembered Emmelyn, every time she cradled Harlow in her arms to sleep. Lily felt deeply sorry for the little baby. Now that she saw the baby's father, she couldn't help but shed tears again.

"Your Highness...." Lily wanted to curtsey but Mars quickly waved and signed her to forgo formalities.

"Where is Harlow?" Mars asked firmly.

"She just woke up. I will bring her right away," said Lily. She went back inside the chamber and came out soon after with a small bundle in her arms. "Your Highness, this is Harlow."

Lily smiled broadly when she handed over the baby to Mars. The young prince was dumbfounded when he saw the small face poked from the bundle.

So... this was Harlow?

The baby was very small and a bit wrinkly, but her face had started to show its distinct features. Her eyes were light grey and she had a bunch of hair on her head. Her hair was almost white and made her look weird for a baby.

This reminded Mars of himself. Queen Elara often told him that he had white hair when he was born and how he looked 'different'.

Now, he could understand what his mother meant back then.

"She is so...." Mars was at a loss for words. He could only mutter, "beautiful."

Emmelyn was the only woman he had ever loved, and Mars didn't think he could love another woman in his lifetime. However, Harlow just proved him wrong.

Those tiny lips that were half-opened looked so cute as her small pink tongue was visible from inside her mouth, trying to suck into something.

And her nose... Her nose was small like a button. Mars had to hold back so hard not to pinch that cute button.

It was love at first sight.

"Harlow..." Mars whispered as he reached out his hands and accepted the small baby from Lily.

He didn't know that tears had slowly dripped down his cheeks, nor did he care.? Today was the saddest but, at the same time, the happiest day of his life.

He lost his mother and wife... but he just gained a daughter.

Lily stepped back and watched the father-daughter bonding and she turned to look at her husband. Athos nodded and smiled.

The man understood what his cousin was feeling. He was there too. When Lily gave birth to their eldest son, Louis, he felt the same way.

Being a father was the best feeling in the world. Athos fell in love with his wife even more after they had a child together and their marriage became stronger and happier.

It was because both he and Lily were into children and having a child together bound them in the unbreakable bond for life, as they shared the experience, the happiness, and the struggle of being parents.

Unfortunately, Mars would go through the journey alone as his wife passed away and he was left to care for their daughter on his own.

Gewen came closer to see Harlow better. He had seen Mars's reaction and now curious to know how beautiful was that baby to get such a reaction from the adults around her.

He thought perhaps Harlow was born beautiful since she had elven bloodline from her father. Gewen tilted his head and checked the baby.

The man quickly furrowed his brows when he caught sight of Harlow.

Were all these people blind? He was wondering.

This baby was ugly.