The crown prince was dumbfounded when he saw Emmelyn walked down the stairs in her ball gown. She looked... amazing.

Two maids helped her get dressed in their chamber, so Mars preferred to wait downstairs. As a man, going to the ball or going to war didn't have much difference to him. He could get ready quickly.

However, he knew, for women, getting ready for an important event took longer. So, to pass the time, Mars waited for her in the dining room with wine.

Once the butler announced that the princess was coming, he quickly got to his feet and went to the stairs to welcome her.

Mars never saw Emmelyn dolled up before. Even on her regular appearance, Emmelyn was already stunning. She had healthy skin, a fair complexion with beautiful intelligent eyes, a cute nose, and full red lips.

However, now that she did her hair properly, put on some makeup, and wore a new dress adorned with beautiful embroidery and gemstones, she looked like a beautiful fairy from the fairy tale.

Was this really the same woman who killed a rabbit several days before? It felt surreal.

"Hello?" Emmelyn waved her hand in front of the man's face. "Are you okay?"

Mars batted his eyes in shock. For several moments he was at a loss for words. If only he could just announce his love for this woman at the royal ball and marry her right there and then.. his life would be complete.

However, unfortunately, his common sense still worked and he held back on that thought.

Mars swallowed and smiled broadly. He reached out his hand and took her hand gently.

"You look wonderful," he praised her. "I was stunned."

He had seen her trying the dress and the coat before. However this time, she looked completely gorgeous with the perfect hairdo and thin layer of makeup applied on her face. She also wore a beautiful pair of matching shoes.

"Why, thank you," Emmelyn smiled. "You look handsome as always."

"Thank you," said the prince, looking elated. "Shall we go? The carriage is waiting."

Emmelyn nodded, but before they walked past the door, she tiptoed and planted a kiss on Mars' right cheek. "Happy birthday."

She put a silk handkerchief on his coat pocket and then walked casually toward the carriage. Mars took the handkerchief from his pocket and admired it with his lips curved up. 

The prince recognized the item as one of the things Emmelyn sew yesterday.

So, she made it for him?

As a birthday gift?

How beautiful!

Ahhh... even though it was almost winter and the temperature was at its lowest, Mars felt so, so warm.

He quickly went out, entered the carriage, and sat across from Emmelyn. His face was beaming and the girl couldn't help but smile too. She could sense his happiness. Ahh.. he seemed to like her gift so much.

"Thank you for the birthday gift. It's wonderful," Mars said. "I am very impressed. I didn't know you have so many skills."

Emmelyn shrugged. "You don't think I can sew because I don't act like a lady, have no manners, and—"

"No, that's not it.." Mars quickly corrected her. "I just can't believe someone so perfect like you exists. You can wield a sword, you can protect yourself, you can catch animals and cook them, you are brave and smart, plus you are also so beautiful... And now, you can also sew? This handkerchief is beautiful, and I saw the baby clothes you make, they are really nice..."

Mars sounded so impressed and for the first time, Emmelyn could hear him talking so many words in one go. It was an adorable sight to behold. She only smiled and nodded.

"Thank you. They are all important life skills. I don't learn useless things," she finally responded. "It's not all that special actually. If you are left to defend and provide for yourself, you have to get used to doing such things eventually so you can survive."

Emmelyn was saying those words as-a-matter-of-factly, not trying to throw shade at the prince who was responsible for her situation. However, Mars was stunned when he heard her.

Immediately a feeling of deep guilt came out to the surface. Was Emmelyn blaming him again for what happened?

How could he know that invading the small country by the sea last year would turn the woman he would fall in love with into a homeless and defenseless princess?

If only he could turn back time, he would.

Unfortunately, there was no crying over spilled milk. People who keep looking back to the past could never build a future for themselves.

"Is there anything I can do to make up for what happened?" Mars asked with an earnest voice. Their carriage had now moved toward the royal palace and they would arrive in half-hour.

He didn't want to have an awkward situation with Emmelyn when they met his parents and all other high officials.

Emmelyn, who was looking out the window, turned to him when she heard the prince's question.

"What do you mean?" she asked him with furrowed brows. "Make up for what?"

Mars stared at Emmelyn in confusion. Didn't she understand his question? Wasn't she implying that she had to learn and use those life skills to survive because Draec had conquered Wintermere and now she had nothing?

But, her countenance didn't look upset or vengeful. She looked calm.

Ahh... perhaps, she didn't mean it that way.

Maybe I am just overthinking, Mars thought to himself.

He let out a long sigh and then smiled awkwardly, "Please forget what I said. I must be confused."

"Hmm.. okay," Emmelyn nodded and then turned her sight out of the window again. The sun was setting and the scenery outside looked magical as the orange light from sunset fell on the dry yellow and orange leaves.

It was a quiet journey. When they reach the city gate, they could see banners, lights, and decorations along the road toward the royal palace. The queen went all out to celebrate her only son's 27th birthday.

The whole citizen in the capital knew it was the big day for the crown prince and many people crowded the streets and the palace gate to welcome the guests and the prince himself.

As soon as his carriage with the crown prince banner arrived, there were cheers from the people and some guests who were still outside the palace.

"Crown Prince Mars Strongmoor is here!" The head of the king's guard announced in his deep voice when the crown prince's carriage stopped in front of the entrance with carpet lined to welcome him.

People immediately cheered and clapped. Emmelyn was reminded of the party she attended back home during her brother's 25 birthday. It was a long time ago. Gosh.. how much she missed him now.

"We're here," Mars nudged Emmelyn. "I'll go out first, and you can follow me."

Emmelyn nodded. She waited patiently as Mars opened the carriage door and stepped out.

However, as soon as the prince's feet landed on the ground and Emmelyn wanted to follow him, they could hear a crisp and excited voice rang out from the entrance.

"Prince Mars Strongmoor!!! I miss you so much!!"

Before Emmelyn could make sense of what happened, suddenly she saw a beautiful girl with an intricate lacy dress ran past everyone and jumped toward Mars to hug him.

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