Because Queen Elara could not bear to part with Harlow for the night, the baby slept with her in the old queen's chamber. Mars felt moved to see how much Harlow made his mother happy. Ahh... it seemed, one by one, all the problems he had were sorted.

Now, if only his wife was back with him and Harlow. Their life would be perfect together. He smiled faintly when he thought about the future. He was sure that Emmelyn would take him back once she found out the truth about what happened.

He NEVER doubted her. He was put between rock and a hard place but he always tried to do what he considered best because he loved her and he trusted her.

Now, he needed to sort the problem on his side, before he could move to get her back to Summeria.

***

Ellena was very surprised when her family butler told her the king came to visit. She was sulking, thinking of ways to get rid of the Athibaud sisters from the royal palace but she couldn't find ideas yet.

Even though she was very angry, she couldn't do anything rashly because Ilma and Lorian were the daughters from one of the most prominent families in the capital. Their older brother was Gewen Athibaud, the king's own best friend, and also Ellena's.

She didn't want to make Gewen suspicious and eventually hated her if he found out Ellena had anything to do with whatever calamity that would befall his sisters. So, Ellena was put in a difficult position.

Every day that passed by felt like torture. She knew Ilma and Lorian were very beautiful and well educated. So, even though they were not smart, they knew how to carry themselves well in the royal palace.

What if Mars was attracted to one of them? People could fall in love with someone if they got used to seeing that person for a long period of time.

Ellena could only meet Mars from time to time, when he invited her to tea or such. He was really busy and didn't have time to hang out like they used to. Even Gewen often complained that they rarely spent time together nowadays.

So, while Ellena had less and less opportunity to be with Mars, those Athibaud girls could get the upper hand because they could stay in the palace, while they were taking care of Harlow Strongmoor.

Ughhh...

She was biting her nails in frustration when the butler knocked on her door and told her the king came to see her and now he was waiting for her in their living room.

"His Majesty is here???" Ellena was jolted awake when she heard the butler's words.

She needed a few seconds to digest the information. Did her ears play tricks on her? What was the king doing here? She was wondering.

"Yes, your grace." The butler smiled to see Ellena's happy countenance. The woman had been upset and easily angered lately. So, he thought the king's visit lifted her mood.

"Please tell him to wait. I will be out in ten minutes. Serve him wine or whatever..." Ellena waved her hand impatiently, motioning the butler to leave her chamber.

Once the butler disappeared from view, Ellena quickly put on some makeup and combed her hair. Dammit. She hoped she looked presentable. Mars' visit was too sudden, she didn't have time to get her maids to help make her look pretty.

Ahh.. she better go out now and saw him before he became too impatient and left.

Ellena walked in long strides to the living room. Her heart pounded. She thought it was quite unusual for Mars to suddenly come to her home, especially after they had a fallout several months ago.

She thought their relationship would never recover. Yes, Mars started to warm up to her and even invited her to come to see him for tea twice a week to catch up and such, but the progress was too slow to her liking.

"Your Majesty," Ellena curtseyed and greeted the king. "What can I do for you?"

"I want to invite you personally to attend my birthday celebration in a few days," said Mars politely. "Edgar just returned home from a mission and Gewen will leave next week. I want to celebrate it with friends and the people I care about."

Ellena pressed her hands to her chest. She felt moved, knowing that the king still considered her part of the people he cared about.

"Of course..." She said in a choked voice. "I always remember your birthday, even when I wasn't here. I always lighted a candle to wish you all good things. I thought this year you will not celebrate your birthday because..."

She halted her words. It had been such a tough year for Mars. He lost his beloved mother and his wife, and he was always so busy with royal affairs, that Ellena assumed he would not even remember his birthday.

"I know this year has been really tough," Mars admitted. "That's why I thought I should lighten the mood and throw a celebration. That's what my mother would do."

Everyone knew Queen Elara liked festivities to celebrate every little thing. So, the people would have something to be happy about.

"Oh... that's a good idea," Ellena said. Her face lit up. She thought this was a good sign. Maybe Mars had got over his grief and was finally ready to move on.

This meant good things for her. Hopefully, soon, he would be able to open his heart to a new love.

Ellena was faithful to him, since many years ago. She didn't mind waiting for him... Didn't people say good things come to those who wait?

"I am sure your mother would want you to be happy again," Ellena added. Her voice was soft and sympathetic. She moved closer to Mars and touched his arm. "I will come. Thank you for inviting me."

"Yeah. I decided to do it the way my mother usually did. So, I will hold a royal ball and invite the nobles in the capital." He paused and looked at Ellena deeply. "I think it's time for me to move on. I will use the opportunity to rebuild my life again. Harlow needs a mother."

Ellena's heart skipped a beat when she heard Mars' last words. What did he mean by those?

She looked at him deeply and her mouth agape. Was he implying that he was ready to get another woman to marry... because he wanted his daughter to have a mother?

And... if so, why did he tell her this?

"So... you want to... look for... a new wife?" Ellena finally found her voice and she asked the man what he meant by his words. "Is that it?"

Mars nodded. "You are right. My daughter needs to be raised by a noblewoman. I tried to get Gewen's sisters' help to raise Harlow, but it's not the same. Harlow needs a mother."

Ellena swallowed. Her voice was hoarse when she asked her next question. "Why... are you telling me this?"

Mars shrugged. "Because you are my good friend."

"Oh...." Ellena was wondering if Mars was giving her a hint that he was considering her for marriage. Or, was she thinking too far ahead?

.

.

***************

What do you think about the new cover? I personally love it!

Ahhh...! I cannot wait to write about the royal gala where everything will be exposed and Ellena will get the shock of her life when she saw Queen Elara present!

PS: THANK YOU SO MUCH for all the gifts! Harriet Moskowitz, Mamabird, Lalove, Hossi, Lucy30, Margaritas, and so many others that I cannot mention one by one. There are too many of you! You know who you are. Love you lots!! xx