Note:

This chapter is still dedicated to Maude Fluckiger for sending another castle to "The Cursed Prince". Mars, Emmelyn, Harlow, and I thank you. xx

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Maxim sent someone to summon Edgar again and the man was very surprised when the king told him that he would be provided with a dragon to take him home so he could reach Draec more quickly.

He was at a loss for words for several minutes. Maxim raised an eyebrow when he saw Edgar's reaction.

"Are you scared of dragons?" he asked the man.

Edgar was moved from his reverie. He quickly shook his head and said, "No, Your Majesty... I have never seen one but I am sure I won't be scared."

"So, what do you think about this offer?" Maxim asked Edgar. "If you don't want to accept this offer, I will not force you. I am only doing this for Emmelyn. I hope you know what's good for you."

Edgar was silent. He looked at Maxim with so many questions raging in his mind. He knew this man before him was the monarch of Summeria. They ruled over countless lesser kingdoms in Atlantea. So, he really should mind his attitude and words.

However, he was deeply intrigued as to what the real relationship between Maxim and Emmelyn was. He had asked this question to Emmelyn earlier today and she said Maxim was her old friend.

But... a man wouldn't do things to this extent for a friend. He was wondering if the rumors on the street were accurate, that King Loriel Ashborn was in love with Emmelyn.

If that was true... Edgar could see how Emmelyn would fall for Maxim. She was being treated like a queen and Maxim seemed to dote on her. Added to the fact that Emmelyn felt persecuted in Draec and how she was punished for a crime she didn't commit.

Would this be the end of Mars's and Emmelyn's relationship?

"Why don't you say anything?" Maxim asked Edgar impatiently. "I can see from your eyes that you want to say something but you are holding back. Tell me what you have in mind."

Edgar swallowed. He was a big and strong man, but the king before him, even though he was still quite young, was very imposing. He didn't look overbearing when there was Emmelyn around him, like earlier today.

However, now that he was alone, Edgar could feel his intimidation just from the way Maxim stood firm and looked at him with narrowed eyes.

"Your Majesty, can I be honest with you?" Edgar asked Maxim politely. "Can we talk between two men?"

He was a nobleman from the high nobility and understood how to behave around a king. Even though he was on Mars' side and felt annoyed to see his wife's friend stay in another man's residence, he kept his composure and spoke to Maxim calmly.

"Go ahead." Maxim nodded. He could kind of guess where this conversation was heading, but he let Edgar speak his mind.

Edgar Chaucer cleared his throat. "What is your intention with Lady Emmelyn, if I am allowed to ask?"

"I want to marry her," Maxim replied casually.

Edgar had suspected this but, still, he was surprised to hear the immediate answer. Maxim really didn't beat around the bush, he thought.

"But Lady Emmelyn is already married," Edgar said. "Why don't you find another woman to marry? She is taken. I am sure Your Majesty can get anyone."

"She was forced to be in that relationship," Maxim replied. "I don't think the marriage is binding especially because her husband didn't even announce their wedding. Also... if she was really married to the crown prince of Draec, she wouldn't suffer so much that she had to run for her life."

"Mars has his own reason for hiding his marriage to Lady Emmelyn. I was there at their wedding. I am one of the witnesses and I can attest to their union," Edgar insisted. "Besides, they already have a daughter."

"So?" Maxim raised an eyebrow and looked at Edgar with a dangerous glint in his eyes. "I will raise her daughter as my own. I will protect them with my life and make sure they enjoy a good life without any bull shit and suffering that Emmelyn has constantly suffered after she met your friend."

Maxim was determined to help break the curse on Emmelyn and start over with her. He would find a way and do whatever it takes.

Edgar couldn't refute Maxim's words. He realized the king was right. Emmelyn had suffered so much ever since she got entangled with Mars.

He couldn't even remotely imagine the horror that she had gone through when she was locked up in Grey Tower and then had to leave behind her newborn baby.

Maxim was satisfied to see Edgar couldn't refute his words. Edgar knew he was right.

Since Edgar couldn't say anything, the king finally decided it was time to end their conversation.

"If there is nothing else, you should go back to your men and arrange for them to go without you. Tomorrow morning, please come back here. We will introduce you to Sand and you can start your journey home," said Maxim. He tilted his chin toward the door, motioning Edgar to dismiss.

Edgar realized he was kicked out of the palace and immediately bowed down his head slightly. It was time to go.

He then walked to the door to leave the room and opened the door. However, before he stepped out, he turned around and asked Maxim one more time.

"I know my friend. He is a good man. I truly believe there is a misunderstanding." He paused for two seconds, then added, "Lady Emmelyn belongs with Mars Strongmoor. I am sure Mars will never let her go if he knows his wife is in Summeria."

Maxim crossed his arms on his chest and spoke with a mocking tone. "Is that a threat, Lord Edgar?"

Edgar didn't say anything, but from his expression, he did confirm that he believed Mars wouldn't hesitate to attack Summeria if knew his wife was here. He would do anything to get her back.

Maxim smiled. "I was thinking of taking back Wintermere anyway."

He casually mentioned Wintermere to let Edgar know that he also wouldn't hesitate to go to war for Emmelyn.

The king added, "Tell your friend I will take everything from him. I will take back Emmelyn, Wintermere, and Harlow. He is welcome to try and defend them."

His words were uttered softly but somehow they sounded very dangerous and threatening. They sent shivers down Edgar's spine.

Suddenly his mind went back to the past when Mars told him the reason why his father, Jared Strongmoor, was so paranoid about their safety and kept saying they had to prepare for the great war.

Was this it?