The Cursed Prince

Chapter 1024  Rowena's Desire (2)

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Raphael kept his word, and the next day a teacher was sent to start teaching Rowena how to read the written language of Cretea. He was happy because Rowena asked for this. It meant she was showing interest in something in Cretea, and he hoped it was enough to keep her busy.

He didn't fail to notice how lonely she sometimes looked, and he had tried his best to be there for her. However, when he asked her how she was doing, Rowena would tell him that everything was fine and she didn't need anything. This was actually the first request she made to him in Cretea and Raphael was excited to grant it.

So, Rowena started learning.

However, she was surprised to find out that, apparently, she also could read Cretean written language now?

When Rowena opened a book from the stack in front of her, the runes were dancing and created forms that she could understand. For a good moment she was frozen in her spot. This was unexpected.

Was this caused by the magic dust? So, not only did she now read the elven words, she could also read the books from Cretea. Rowena realized now she no longer needed a tutor to teach her how to read. However, when she saw Lady Alma, who was sent from the palace to teach her, Rowena pretended not to know anything.

"You gasped," the teacher commented. "Is there something wrong, Your Highness?"

"No, nothing," Rowena lied. She didn't want anyone to know that she suddenly could read in other languages. If they found out, people would be suspicious. What happened to her should not be known to others. She wanted to know more about the magic dust before she knew what to do.

"Nothing? Your expression looked surprised," Lady Alma said again. "I am just wondering if I offended you in any way."

"Not at all, Lady Alma. Apologies for making you feel that way. There was something on my mind. I promise I will pay attention to the study from now on and not let my mind wander," Rowena replied politely.

"Very well, we can start with today's lesson," said the teacher finally. She sat down and opened one book filled with images to teach Rowena the written language.

Lady Alma was happy with the task given to her by Raphael to teach his wife. She liked teaching and she enjoyed seeing her students thrive. She was one of Raphael's teachers when he was much younger and she thought Raphael was her most talented student. She was happy to help him.

Secretly, Lady Alma also wanted to know what kind of woman married to the prince who was considered the most eligible bachelor in Cretea until ten years ago. After she got to know Rowena, Lady Alma had a favorable impression of the woman.

She was surprised to see how smart and talented Rowena was. Everything she taught her seemed absorbed by the younger woman like water. Rowena was quiet, serious, and dedicated. In just a matter of days, she could already read simple sentences.

And in exactly one month, she was an avid reader. "Your progress is amazing," the teacher said in disbelief. "Soon, I won't be able to teach you anything else. Everything you need to know can be found in books, which now you won't have a problem reading."

"Thank you, Madame Alma," Rowena smiled shyly. She felt bad about lying to her teacher, but she didn't want to take a risk by letting people know that she had used the magic dust secretly. Rowena added, "I have a great teacher."

Once Rowena was able to convince her teacher that she was truly smart and master the written language in such a short amount of time. She started reading openly. So far she had collected information she could get from the books they had at home.

She would pretend to learn to read them and Raphael would smile happily to see his wife find something that kept her busy and excited. Unfortunately, there was nothing related to the magic dust found in those books. Rowena was wondering if the palace would have more books that she needed.

"I have read most of the books at home," said Rowena after she put down one book on the cabinet and sat on her husband's lap. Raphael was reading something. It was a book on apothecary lent to her by Esper. When Rowena casually sat on his lap, immediately Raphael's concentration broke and he couldn't read anymore.

"You read so fast," he commented. "What kind of books do you like?"

He buried his head on her nape and hugged her waist tightly. He was happy to see Rowena's progress day by day. She was happier and more active. He hoped she would always be like this.

"I actually don't have a preference," said Rowena. She thought about his question again and said, "Hmm... well, when I was young I was taught to like history. Father told me it was important for a princess to learn from the past. So, I grew to like it. Do you have books like that? It will be interesting to know more about the history and the people of Cretea."

"You might like the books in my father's library. It contains all books ever written from the beginning of Cretea," Raphael suggested.

"The beginning of Cretea? Interesting. What's in the beginning?"

"Not sure... hahaha," Raphael admitted. "I am not a fan of history. I like the future more. If you asked me, I don't know much. There has been so much going on for tens of thousands of years."

"Do you think your father will allow me to read the books in his library?" Rowena asked again.

"Why not? You are my wife, that makes you his daughter-in-law. You can definitely read any books you like," Raphael said. "I will take you to the palace tomorrow and ask his permission if you are not confident to ask him yourself."

"Would you do that?" Rowena looked at Raphael with beaming eyes. Her happiness was so obvious that it made Raphael's mood bright.

The prince nodded. "I'd do anything for you."

He pulled her chin closer and kissed her lips gently. Then he turned her around and pinned her body on the sofa. Rowena gasped because she was startled by what she did. However, Raphael immediately silenced her with another kiss.

Then, his hands moved down to grope her shoulders and exposed them from her dress.

"You look happy, and your happiness makes the world a more beautiful place," he whispered. Then he lowered his kisses from her lips to her chin, down to her neck, her collarbone.

As his skilled hands unbuttoned Rowena's dress from the top, his lips traced her exposed skin and kissed every inch of it. Rowena was surprised to see Raphael had abandoned his apothecary book and was now focused solely on her body.

Rowena smiled broadly when she heard him. She closed her eyes and smiled. Her mind was filled with possibilities. She couldn't wait to visit the royal library and learn more about the magic dust.

If her father could know so many things about Cretea and even steal magic dust, surely Rowena, who was allowed more access than him, could accomplish more.

She was determined to cancel the curse that had made her suffer and live a happy life together forever with Raphael.

They made love on the couch lovingly before going back to their books.

***

As Raphael promised, he took Rowena to the palace and talked to his father about Rowena's great achievement in studying, and he explained to the king how eager Rowena was to read more books.

King Areal was impressed. He easily gave Rowena access to whatever books she wanted to read. He thought the collection in the royal library should be enough to satisfy her for years or even centuries to come.

"You can come anytime," said King Areal kindly. He knew about Raphael's desire to get Rowena something to keep her busy and happy in her new life in Cretea. "Your Majesty is too kind," said Rowena with a sincere smile. "I am grateful for your offer."

"Well, it's good to see my daughter-in-law showing interest in Cretea," said the king. "I hope you will enjoy your time here."

"I will," said Rowena. "Thank you."

The king was happy to keep Rowena busy. That means, he could also ask Raphael to take on his royal duties. As the only prince left in the capital of Cretea, since most of the king's other sons were living in faraway places, King Areal hoped Raphael could slowly take on more responsibility to represent him in maintaining a good relationship with the other realms.

***

Rowena already had plans. She carried her father's notebook secretly in her pocket when she went to the royal library. She wanted to read the contents there when she was alone. She didn't want to read it at home and risk being found out by Raphael.