***
Emmelyn and Mars visited Killian's body together after they returned from their leisurely ride with Snow. This time, Emmelyn could cry for Killian all she wanted. She was not with other people. Mars was her husband and she could be herself around him.
Mars held Emmelyn's hand while she sobbed and let out her tears falling down hard for Killian. She had let him go, but she still felt hurt and devastated that her brother was killed before her.
Her only consolation was that Killian didn't suffer. His death was fast and clean, so he didn't feel any pain.
Roshan and their other servants also had taken good care of his body and now he was wearing a regal outfit, fit for a prince, according to his status.
Another thing that made Emmelyn feel relieved was the fact that Killian was going to be buried near their castle, so she could visit often. He was not going to be buried in a nameless grave like a criminal.
Emmelyn suspected this was because of her husband's effort. Even though Killian was killed when he was attacking the crown prince, he was not treated like an enemy or a criminal.
If Mars didn't do anything, the king would definitely have his way and Emmelyn could forget about saying goodbye like this to her late brother.
"Thank you," Emmelyn said with a hoarse voice after she was done crying for Killian. Mars took out a handkerchief from his coat pocket and gently wiped her tears dry while listening to her.
Emmelyn pursed her lips and almost cried again. She felt so touched by all the love and care he showed her all this time.
"Why did you thank me?" Mars asked her, not understanding.
"Thank you for doing this for Killian, and making sure he is laid to rest properly," said Emmely hoarsely. She almost lost her voice from crying too much the past three days.
"Your brother is my brother-in-law," Mars replied. "So, of course, I should treat him well because he is family. No need to thank me for such a thing. It's like thanking the sun for shining and the wind for blowing. It's what they are supposed to do. Surely, the sun will shine and the wind will blow."
"But I don't want to take anything for granted... Even though the sun will shine no matter what, I still want to be grateful for it..." Emmelyn stood weakly before her husband and took his hands with hers. "I love you and I am grateful for everything you do for me."
Mars looked at their joined hands and then looked at her face. He was very happy that Emmelyn was a kind woman who knew how to appreciate people.
He knew she had a good heart from the way she treated the servants and other people who were below her in status. Mars knew he had chosen and married the right woman.
Emmelyn was truly the perfect queen for Draec, the best mother for his children... and of course, the perfect life partner for him.
He couldn't wait to spend the rest of his life with her.
But first... he had to take care of the witch.
"You are.. truly the most wonderful human I have ever met," Mars said with a smile. "I am always grateful to meet you in my lifetime and make you my wife."
He kissed her lips tenderly and then he pulled her into his embrace. Emmelyn felt her pain and sadness truly halved when she shared them with him.
She hugged him back and buried her head on his chest.
It felt so warm and pleasant.
***
Emmelyn and Mars rested in their chamber and enjoyed tea together while watching the scenery outside their window. It was such a long and tiring day, but at least, at the end of it, they could sit together and unwind.
"Let's go to town tomorrow. We can go for a walk in the woods and catch a rabbit some other time. What do you think?" Mars suddenly asked her. "I haven't been able to take you to places around here. Now that I'm taking the whole week off, is there any place you would like to see?"
Emmelyn furrowed her brows. It was such a good offer. She had not gone out much and she felt quite lonely when Mars was out to do his duties.
The only place she visited on her own was Bydell village where Mrs. Adler lived because she wanted to meet the witch.
She had not explored other areas, especially the king's town. She only passed by the market on the way to the royal gala twice.
"Can we go to the king's town? I want to walk around the market and see nice things. I might want to buy some things for Harlow and me." She looked excited when she spoke and it made Mars feel happy that he suggested they go out tomorrow.
"You haven't visited the market in king's town?" Mars asked back. "I thought you already have. You told me you wanted money so you can shop."
"Ahh... yes, that's right. But I didn't go there yet. I only went to see the witch in Bydell village and buy a thing or two," Emmelyn replied. "But it's very different from what I know about the capital. Bydell is just a village with a small market. I didn't find anything I needed when I was there."
She had always wanted to go and visit markets, public places of interest, and basically got used to her new home, and she would love to do it with Mars. However, when he was still cursed, she wouldn't even suggest that since he would say no.
They wouldn't be able to go out discreetly because Mars had to bring guards with him everywhere, to make sure no woman would touch him accidentally or intentionally, because they would all die.
But now that her husband was a free man, surely they could go incognito and blended in like other people, right? It would be nice. His guards could protect him from afar.