Chapter 961: A Surprise Visit

Rowena let out a deep and shaky breath as she stared at the sleeping form of Raphael. She pressed a hand on her chest, realizing that she spoke too much.

Even if Raphael was asleep, she normally wouldn't speak too much about her emotions. It was always something she kept privately to herself. Without another word, she spun around and hurried out of the hut.

Rowena immediately plopped down on the front porch and buried her face in her hands.  She tried to clear her head and eventually chose to look up at the night sky.

Meanwhile, back in Rowena's room, Raphael raised his head up and didn't say anything for a short while.

He heard the confession, heard the truth about why Rowena was pushing him away and he understood it.  Raphael even agreed with it.

She was right. He wouldn't always be with her, so the fact that he kept insisting to be here in the hut was actually a weight on Rowena's shoulders.

As he was deep in thoughts about what he had just heard, Raphael thought he heard her cry–and that alarmed him. The man pulled up to his feet and quickly headed out of the room.

"Rowena?" he called out.

He needed to converse with Rowena, maybe comfort her and even admit that he heard all of her words. He needed to apologize for making her feel burdened with his presence. They needed to talk about this. He didn't want her to feel sad.

However, when he reached the living room, he stopped. The door was left ajar so he could see Rowena seated by the porch.

She already blinked back her tears and was focused on the stars. She looked much better than when she first woke up.  If Raphael took a step towards the door and spoke with her now–what would happen?

The usually self-assured ice prince hesitated for the first time.  It was a delicate situation. 

He stood in silence, watching her from the door. Raphael realized she was being vulnerable and scared that she would have to grieve again when he finally left. That made him question his own motives and the reason why he was staying.

He only knew that he felt indebted to her, and over time, as they spent more time together, he thought he liked her. But then, what?

He was very young for an immortal standard and he had never been in love. So, Raphael was not sure if he wanted to bind himself in a relationship, especially with a mortal.

He could wait for a thousand years and still didn't find a woman to anchor his heart and that's fine, but she didn't have a thousand years. Perhaps, only several decades before her clock was ticking so hard and then finally stop.

Raphael sighed and wondered what he should do. He realized this was something that he had to decide soon because the longer he stayed, the more she would be attached to him and the more painful it would be for her to see him go.

The question was on him. Would he wish to stay with her throughout her lifetime, or not? Because if he couldn't see a future with her, then he should just go.

The sooner the better.  However, how could he leave her in this situation? 

Raphael took a deep breath and stepped forward towards the door–but a burst of magic suddenly burst forth and revealed a portal.

Prince Jadeith step

ped forward and regally inclined his head in greeting to the Prince of Cretea before turning to his niece. "It's been awhile, dear niece. How are you faring?"

Rowena blinked and stared at him in surprise.

It was about three months now since the incident back in Verona and her uncle appeared out of nowhere. She drew back uncertainly, unsure why he was here, but finally greeted him.

"Hello there, uncle. I did not expect you to come see me, much less be able to find me."

"There is a connecting line of magic available for those who share the same bloodline–but enough with the explanations, I am simply here to reiterate my invitation."

"Invitation?" Rowena blinked.

"Yes… after what happened a while ago, I understand why you may have chosen to take some time away–but your family, our family misses you. They would like to know you," Prince Jadeith explained.

"But they don't even know me so why…"

"Is it not enough that we share the same blood?" Prince Jadeith smiled. "Do not worry about not knowing them, they and even I myself are excited to know you."

Rowena didn't know what to feel, but then she noticed Prince Jadeith's gaze focused behind her and she also glanced back. She was surprised to find Raphael there. Since when had he been standing there?

"Rowena." Raphael greeted her.

"Raphael?" Rowena's eyes widened. "You were asleep earlier… When did you wake up?"

The Seventh Prince cleared his throat. "Oh, just now. I heard something and went out to check. It seems that your uncle has come to pick you up. It's a bit sudden isn't it, Prince Jadeith?"

"Apologies for the intrusion." Prince Jadeith bowed his head. "However, I do not mean to linger any longer. I am simply waiting for my niece to come to a decision to come with me or not."

"Yes, I understand that," Raphael said. "But it still seems like a rushed decision if you're waiting for a reply now. Wouldn't it be better to let her think about it some more? Do you not agree, Rowena?"

After she admitted her feelings for Raphael, she couldn't quite meet him in the eyes.  However, a thought struck her head and she looked back at him.

"The truth of the situation was that my uncle extended the invitation a couple months ago, so it isn't that rushed." Rowena smiled. "I am so happy to take that opportunity now and get to know my other family."

"Ah, I see." Raphael was surprised with the smile on her face.

Rowena gently turned to her uncle, Prince Jadeith, and inwardly took a deep breath. She didn't know who her relatives were, but if she left now, it  meant that she wouldn't grow attached further to Raphael. 

Both Prince Jadeith and Raphael witnessed Rowena suddenly brighten up and smile over at her uncle.

"Although this visit has indeed been shocking, I am quite pleased that you found me, uncle!" Rowena said and curtsied. "I apologize for suddenly leaving back then, but I will be more than happy to meet with the rest of my relatives."

"Is that so? Then it's settled then." Prince Jadeith smiled relieved. "We can go immediately."

"Really?" Rowena was surprised.

"You

need not worry about any items or objects, if there is anything that you desire–our family is more than happy to provide it." Prince Jadeith explained.

"I see, then I only need to part ways with the person who helped me then." Rowena politely said and then gently turned to Raphael. "Thank you for your help for the past months, but it seems that this is where we finally part ways, Raphael."

Raphael was still a bit shocked, but then he looked at Rowena's smiling face and the look of genuine care and concern over Prince Jadeith's face.

Raphael finally relented to it, the two of them would separate at last.

This was a good idea.