The Cursed Prince

1020  Raphael And Rowena

Rowena tried to read the writings in that notebook but she couldn't. Apparently, Draco Roseland wrote his note in another language. What language was this? Rowena didn't even know her father speak another language.

She bit her lip and thought about Raphael. Would her husband know what language was this? Raphael was a god, so he might know things that humans didn't.

However, when she remembered Raphael, immediately the image of Raphael hugging Nymia, the most beautiful goddess Rowena had ever seen in Cretea, her heart felt hurt.

Nymia loved her husband and, from all angles, people would think that she deserved Raphael more than Rowena who was a mere human who took the immortality potion by illegal means. Rowena was also a murderer who was cursed with infertility because she killed her own father.

This made Rowena feel so sad and unworthy.

Maybe Raphael would be happier with someone his equal. Maybe he just needed to see what it's like to be with a woman who didn't always bring him problems and who was liked by everyone around him.

At this moment, Raphael was stuck with Rowena because they were married and he, being a good man, wanted to stay faithful to her and keep being with her because they had committed to each other.

If only he opened the door for Nymia to enter, things were over for Rowena.

Today, he was hugging Nymia. It was only a matter of time until he let her get closer and then he would realize Nymia was more worthy to be his wife... not the problematic Rowena.

Rowena put back the pouch and the notebook inside the box and closed the lid. She put the box in her closet. Then, she sat on the bed and closed her eyes. Suddenly she felt so tired and sad.

When Rowena opened her eyes again, she was surprised to find a pair of golden eyes looking at her from above. Raphael's face was so close to hers. He was smiling gently. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"When did you return from the palace?" he asked her. "I didn't see you enter. Did my mother give you trouble?"

Rowena batted her eyes and thought about the tea party at the palace. She didn't like being there. And then she remembered the scene when Raphael hugged Nymia. It burned her with jealousy and helplessness. Yes, she was angry and she wanted to protest, but at the same time, she thought she didn't deserve to be angry.

The fact that Raphael stayed with her despite her being barren made her feel bad about showing her jealousy or complaining about anything. She must know her place.

"Was I sleeping?" Rowena asked Raphael, changing the subject. "I only remember that I closed my eyes because I was tired, and suddenly you're here."

Raphael nodded. He reached out a hand and help her sit up. Then he sat beside her. "I saw you sleeping. I have been admiring your beauty when you suddenly woke up. Did my mother upset you that you feel tired?"

Rowena didn't reply. She didn't want to say anything bad about the queen. Queen Lilith had been kind enough to invite her to her tea party and started introducing her to her ladies-in-waiting. In a way, it was the queen's effort to show Rowena that she had accepted her as her daughter-in-law.

"I am tired and hungry," said Rowena. "Is it dinner time already?"

Raphael shook his head. "Not yet, but if you are hungry, we can eat now. I will ask the maid to prepare food."

"I am hungry," said Rowena. She got up from the bed and walked to the door, leaving Raphael who was surprised to see her cold demeanor.

He knew Rowena was not a warm person. She was quiet, cold, and aloof. She had been like that from the beginning. However, over the years, she had warmed up to him and even though she was still aloof, he could always feel her love for him. However, today, there was something different.

Was she... angry?

Did something happen in the royal palace that upset her?

Or...

His heart skipped a beat.

Did Rowena see Nymia hug him earlier today?

Raphael didn't know when his wife arrived home. The servants also didn't know. So, there was a possibility that she came back early and witnessed the scene where Nymia confessed her love to Raphael and then hugged him.

Ahh... dammit! Why did he let Nymia hug him? It was so bad!

He had no excuse. he shouldn't have done that. Why did he sympathize with Nymia when she cried in heartbreak over her unrequited feelings and not think about his own wife who might be upset to see another woman hug her husband?

Gosh...

Raphael regretted letting Nymia hug him. He thought it was okay because it was their way of saying goodbye and he didn't think Rowena would see it.

Why was he so dumb?

"Rowena my love..." Raphael got up and chased after Rowena who almost reached the door. "Wait for me."

Rowena didn't stop. She continued walking out of the bedroom. This made Raphael feel convinced that something bad had happened and now she was upset. He walked faster with his long legs and caught her arm.

"Hey, hey..." he stepped in front of her and stopped her from moving forward. Their front bodies almost touched. "Are you mad at me?"

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Rowena lowered her head. She was feeling jealous of Nymia but she couldn't be mad at Raphael. She was not worthy of him.

"Ro, please tell me what happened."

Rowena raised her face and said, "Nothing. I am not mad at you. I am just tired."

"Are you sure?" Raphael asked again. "Did you happen to see..."

He swallowed. "Did you happen to see Nymia hugging me earlier today?" he asked carefully.

Fuck it! If Rowena saw it and she was mad at him because of that, Raphael would beg her forgiveness. He made a bad judgment and he was willing to admit it and take accountability.

Rowena didn't play games and would not pretend she didn't see it. So, she nodded. "Yes."

"Oh..." Raphael stepped back and let go of her shoulders. The man looked upset with himself when he remembered how he let Nymia hug him. Since Rowena saw that... it was understandable that she was mad. "I am sorry. I shouldn't have let her do it."

"You shouldn't," said Rowena coldly. She looked away. "But I am not mad."

"You aren't?"

"No," Rowena pursed her lips. "She said she loved you. I understand her."

"I don't love her," Raphael quickly said. "I was moved by her confession and I sympathized with her because I know what it felt like to love someone but think that person is in love with another. That's how I felt when I saw you with Julian. It hurts to love you so deeply and thought you were in love with your best friend."

"I was not in love with Julian," said Rowena. She turned to Raphael and glared at him. "We've talked about this."

"I know, and I am sorry. I didn't mean to bring that up. I was just letting you know why I was sympathizing with her. That is all," Raphael felt so bad. Why did he have to try to make a justification for what he did? There was no excuse. "I was wrong and I hope you would forgive me. I wish I didn't let her hug me. If I knew you were watching, I would have made a better decision."

Rowena looked at Raphael deeply and asked him with a very serious tone. "Raphael... ever since you are with me, I have brought you nothing but problems. Have you ever felt, even once, regret for choosing me? I want you to be honest."

"No. Never," said Raphael firmly. "It has always been you. Only you."

"I really won't feel mad if you regret choosing me. You can still be with a woman who is more your equal than me," said Rowena.

Raphael shook his head. Rowena had such low self-esteem that she would always think she was not worthy of him. He thought they had resolved that after years of being married. However, today she was like this again. He could only blame himself for letting Nymia make Rowena feel jealous.

"I never regret anything," he said stubbornly. Raphael moved forward and let his body touch Rowena's. He wrapped his arms around her small waist and hugged her tightly. "I am with you now and forever. The only way you can get rid of me is if you pushed me to the River of Death. Otherwise, you are stuck with me, wifey."

He didn't let Rowena argue. Raphael tilted his face and planted a passionate kiss on her lips. He loved her and only her and he would keep working hard to make her believe him.

Rowena was startled by the sudden kiss, but she reflexively wrapped her hands around his neck and returned his kiss.

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From Missrealitybites:

I am very sorry for the lack of updates in the past two months. I have been working every day in conferences and, after each day, I was mentally exhausted and just wanted to sleep. I wish I could just write all day, but unfortunately, I cannot. My work is what puts food on the table for my kids. Writing doesn't make half-decent money for me now.

It's hard to have all these stories in your head, but no time to write them down. I am too busy to write "The Dragon Prince's Replacement Bride" but I really want to get it out there, so I hire a group of artists to make the comic. You can read it on W e b t o o n. Just open this link on your browser:

bit. ly /ineswebtoon (without space)

The main leads are Ines and Aleric. The comic will be published weekly and it's FREE. Please show your support by reading it on W e b t o on, commenting, and rating 10 stars. It will make me so happy. THANK YOU!

PPS: The reason why the female lead is named "Ines" is that I just read the love story between Ines De Castro and King Peter of Portugal. Please look it up. It's so heartbreaking... but so beautiful.