Chapter 966: Invitation For Raphael To Stay

Raphael looked up to see Rowena's bright smile on her face, she was beaming at him with so much joy.

As he looked up at her face and heard his own heart pound around her, Raphael realized it.  Everything was crystal clear to him now.

He had been hesitant before and didn't think his feelings for her were beyond physical attraction, but now as he looked at Rowena, he realized that she was the woman who he wanted to spend his life with.

He didn't want anyone else, it had to be Rowena.

"I do not think that is the proper way for a princess to act around in public." A gruff voice erupted behind them and interrupted the happy reunion between Raphael and Rowena.

Rowena's face turned red as she realized that she was on top of Raphael and quickly stepped back to apologize.

"I'm sorry, pardon my behavior–—I was just happy to see you." Rowena offered a hand to Raphael. "Let me help you up."

The man smiled and took her hand, standing up and also shaking his head. "I appreciate the warm welcome… I offer my apologies for the sudden intrusion into this event, Your Majesty."

Raphael still didn't like King Draco, but he imagined that Rowena still loved her father.  It was why Raphael chose to pay respects regardless.

"Mhmm, I know who you are," King Draco said.

Both Raphael and Rowena's eyes widened for a moment. They were unsure of what King Draco would say, but then the older man simply held out his hand.

"To the person who helped nurse and take care of my daughter while she is gone—I suppose I could let this indecent behavior slip once," King Draco said.

"A-ah, I see. Think none of it, Your Majesty." Raphael said. "I would do what everyone would do in that position. Helping someone else is within our nature."

"Well, as the King of Ashland, I cannot simply express my gratitude. I will appear cheap and not generous." King Draco chuckled. "Instead, since I am finally able to speak with you in person… shall I make you an honored guest of our palace?"

Raphael looked at the beautiful girl beside him and knew he couldn't resist the invitation to stay near her. He wanted to spend more time with Rowena.

"Very well, you give me a great privilege, Your Majesty."

"Good. For now, find your place among the crowd of nobility, I still have to finish the ceremony with my daughter."

***

After the ceremony, instead of allowing Rowena to meet up with Raphael right away, the king dragged his daughter away to speak with her in private.

As they left the forest and entered the palace, King Draco couldn't help but notice the intense longing

present in Raphael's eyes, and the same could even be said for his daughter.

"Wasn't I right, dear daughter?" King Draco said once they entered an empty chamber.

"I don't know what to say, Father. I think he only happened to come here by chance," Rowena said.

"He has agreed to stay here for a certain duration. That means now is your time to make your move so we can finally get this plan into motion," King Draco hissed slightly.

It was already more than two decades since he last met his beloved goddess, nearly the same amount as trying to raise Rowena as the perfect temptress—his patience was already at its limits.

"Father, now that he's here… I'm not entirely sure," Rowena confessed quietly. "I mean… if he really is a god and I'm myself…"

"And what is the issue with yourself, child?" King Draco frowned. "You were raised according to my standards, you're impeccable."

Rowena hung her head low. "I still… sometimes see Julian, Father. I've already tried sleeping draughts to clear my mind, but it's no use."

"That is simply your friend's way of remaining a constant presence in your life. I am sure that he is afraid that you will forget him."

Forget Julian?

Rowena would never do that, and yet the thought of seducing Raphael still felt wrong.  She respected him so much that she couldn't even bring herself to try it.

King Draco's eyes narrowed as he watched Rowena's expression.

"Fine," he said.

"Fine, what?" Rowena asked.

"It's a shame since Raphael only looked moments away from pouring his heart and soul out earlier to you," King Draco said. "I'm sure that seducing him would be easy, but you do not want to."

Rowena shook her head and smiled weakly. "When the time comes, when Raphael and I are closer, I'll ask him about it, Father. However, right now, I just want to be able to talk to him without any pretenses or schemes."

"Indeed." King Draco said. "I suppose I will just have to accept that. Your friend Julian will have to accept that he's only second place as well."

"Father, please don't say that–" Rowena's voice wobbled. "I care about Julian, but there has got to be another way besides seduction."

"I know, I know." King Draco raised a hand. "You said it yourself. It just didn't work the first time, you know?"

"This time will be different, I'm sure of it."

"Of course, of course." King Draco smiled. "If that is the case, then I suppose I will not hold you back any longer from seeing this Raphael. Let all three of us have dinner together."

Rowena s

miled back and she quickly bowed. "Then I will see you later, Father! Thank you!"

Without a moment's hesitation, Rowena scampered out of the room.

It left King Draco alone. Soon his smile finally turned to hysterics.

"She only had one job and yet she failed to do it." The old king scoffed. "Fine, I've been reasonable for the past months, for the past years, I've tried to go about it through a path that seemed logical. However, now is enough. I will not wait any longer."

A terrible cold smile curled on his lips.

"If you do not wish to do the seduction, then I'll simply have to intervene myself."