Chapter 904: Going To The Library

While Julian made his way to the city and discovered a way to earn money, Rowena herself grew a little too cooped up inside of her room.

It was a little suffocating to be in one place for several hours that she chose to move out of the door, and when she did, she came face to face with Prince Liam.

Prince Liam who had already met with his mother smiled at the sight of her. "Row—er, Harlow."

Rowena knew that Prince Liam heard her real name when Julian called it out by accident earlier, but he still chose to call her by her pseudonym. She was grateful for that and smiled. "Prince Liam... or Liam rather, what can I do for you?"

"I was hoping to invite you to the royal library actually," he admitted. "I did offer that to you previously haven't I? I would also like to apologize for my mother's behavior... She has been quite difficult. She's not usually like that."

"I see… no need to apologize for her sake." Rowena's smile faded away slightly at the mention of Liam's mother. In her own way, the mother reminded her of King Draco.

Whenever King Draco was around other people, it was easy for him to act charming, and friendly and often was admired by a lot of individuals, whereas in reality, he was nothing more but a cold and calculative man.

It seemed Queen Serena was his opposite, cold and unforgiving to others but also doting and kind to her family.

"It still seems right to do it in her stead. Things have never been quite the same for my mother when her older sister, my aunt died and the pressure of being queen is rather choking," Prince Liam said with a sad smile.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Rowena said.

"My mother hasn't really been prepared to be the queen and it set off a lot of harsh criticism and trials on her part, especially from a lot of the king's supporters... so she tends to be at the edge." Prince Liam looked down.

Rowena didn't know what to say and chose to remain silent.

"I guess that also contributes to why I'm not too eager to be the next king which has a lot more responsibilities."

Rowena saw that Prince Liam genuinely cared for his mother's well-being. It was something that she could admire about him and she nodded briefly.

"You're a good son and when you toured me yesterday, you also seemed to know a great deal about how your kingdom functions. I'm sure that you only need a little more confidence in yourself and then you'll be a great king as well."

Prince Liam blushed and nodded. "Thank you."

"So if we're going to the royal library to check out some books, should I invite Julian?" Rowena asked.

She actually wanted to see him and check if he was doing alright after their conversation, especially because she didn't want to see him cooped up.

"O-oh," Prince Liam was startled.  He was actually hopeful that he'd be able to talk with Rowena privately and discuss her reasons for leaving Ashland.  &

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If she seemed reluctant to be reunited with her royal family... So what not just stay here instead?

It didn't seem like a bad idea.

Prince Liam didn't want to shake her up, but if Rowena became his queen... not only was he more confident about becoming a ruler, she was an incredible woman that he was sure that they'd spend their days in bliss and happiness.

From a political standpoint, even though Ashland and Verona were far away, it was still bound to be a good alliance.

He was moved from his reverie when Rowena knocked on the door. "Julian?"

There was no answer.

Prince Liam inwardly sighed in relief.

Whether or not Julian was actually his relative or not, he was glad that the person was not around.  Based on his interaction with Rowena as 'Julian' yesterday, it seemed like their relationship was strictly platonic. Or if it was anything more than that, it was a one-sided and unrequited love for Rowena.

Prince Liam was hopeful that being the crown prince of Verona offered more chances for him to approach this beautiful young woman.

"Perhaps he chose to sleep or traveled around the palace all by himself?" Prince Liam suggested.

"Maybe." Rowena sighed as she looked at the closed door.

  "Then perhaps we should go." Prince Liam gestured to the hallway. "The royal library will be in that direction."

"Okay."

On their way to the royal library, they'd encounter no other than King Xander himself. He was seated at one of the tables and with a dozen books on a pile at the table.

"Father?" Prince Liam raised a brow.

"Your Majesty," Rowena greeted the king.

"A-ah, Liam and Harlow, wasn't it?" King Xander smiled kindly. "It seems like the two of you wish to spend some time here alone. I'll give the two of you some privacy."

"That's not necessary at all," Prince Liam said as he eyed the books. "Is there anything we can help you with?"

"Oh, these are genealogy books," Rowena said as she eyed the covers.

"While my informants are visiting my relatives to privately investigate and question if one of them has a child born out of wedlock, I also chose to check things myself. Even a little," King Xander explained as he offered a seat to the two young people.

Prince Liam stared at his father and his expression became a little stiff.  This was the first time that he saw his father actually pour energy into a matter by himself and not hand it to someone else.

Despite the seemingly 'good' perception that the royal Verona family had on the surface... there were far more issues that lingered below and simmered. When he was six years old and had a nightmare, he rushed to his parents' chambers to seek comfort.

What he encountered was an argument instead.

Queen Serena cried

while King Xander talked about how their marriage was a 'mistake' and that it would have never happened if she hadn't gotten pregnant with Liam.

Something like that often did a number when you figured out that you were born as an accident.

Prince Liam never actually quite forgave him for it. King Xander might have involved himself in spars with Prince Liam, but that was what King Xander wanted and not what he wanted.

While King Xander may have been a responsible father, he was by any means, not one who could actually provide enough love.

The man emotionally distanced himself ever since his first wife and firstborn son died.