Chapter 968: In Rowena's Chamber

KNOCK KNOCK

Raphael heard Rowena whimper as a response. He was wondering if she was fine.

"Are you okay? Can I come in?"

"Oh, Raphael? Come in," Rowena replied. The man opened the door. It was not locked. He stood by the doorway and found Rowena sitting on her bed with her hands pressed on her chest. She looked uncomfortable.

"Hey..." Raphael stepped closer and sat beside her. "What's wrong? I came here as you requested."

Rowena's vision was blurry. She didn't really hear the man properly. She thought she heard him say he came as her request but she was not sure.

How did he know she wanted him?

Maybe he was truly a god like her father often said. Gods must know things that humans don't. Maybe he could even read minds?

"Thank you for coming," Rowena's voice was hoarse when she turned to see Raphael better. She knew he was really handsome, but tonight he looked even more attractive. His face was decorated with a sweet smile, laced with worry.

He was worried about her, a no one.

Why did he bother?

She didn't deserve his attention and kindness.

Rowena took a deep breath and her chest felt so full of indescribable feelings. She really, really liked this man but didn't think she deserved him.

What could she give him? She only had her beauty, but she was sure there were many women more beautiful than her out there. When she went to the elven realm, she could see many elven princesses with their ethereal beauty. So, there must be many more beautiful goddesses back there in Cretea.

"Of course. I came as soon as you called. Do you need anything?" Raphael asked again.

His heart started pounding so hard when he saw Rowena from such a close distance like this. Her cheeks flushed red and her beautiful doe eyes were glimmering so adorably. When she bit her lower lip, it was enough to arouse something within him.

He wished he could hold her hands and kiss her luscious lips. They looked oh so delicious.

"Yes, yes... I need you..." Rowena bit her lip again and shook her head shyly. Then she looked at Raphael with a longing expression. "Raphael, can I be selfish and tell you how I wish to have you by my side when my life is this horrible?"

"Yes, you can," Raphael replied gently.

He couldn't describe his feelings when he finally had this heart-to-heart conversation with Rowena. All this time, she kept her distance from him and avoided having an intimate conversation which was fine for him as he also didn't know what to do with her if

she initiated something as such.

He was not sure of his own feelings for her and only wanted to help. However, after he went away and searched his heart, letting Rowena live her life back with her family, he realized that he did want her. He might even love her.

So, this conversation came at the right time.

"I would love to be by your side," Raphael said. "If you would allow me."

Rowena chuckled and touched the man's chin. She moved her head closer and looked him closely with furrowed brows.

"I can't allow you," she said firmly.

"Why not?"

"Because my life is horrible and I have nothing to offer. You will regret ever wanting me and then you will leave me," she looked down. "I know it."

"No, I will never do that," Raphael shook his head, horrified. He knew himself well enough and thought her accusation was baseless. "Look at me, Rowena. I will never regret wanting you and I will never leave you."

He tugged her chin to look at him. She pursed her lips adorably and her gaze was filled with desire. Raphael's heart fluttered at the sight. He could tell she wanted him but was too scared to give her heart to him for fear she would be disappointed and rejected.

"So, do you really want me?" she asked him with her small voice.

The seventh prince nodded. "I do."

"Then, when I pushed you away, why did you go?" Rowena asked again. 

"I needed to give myself time to think," Raphael admitted. "I also wanted to give you space to be with your family."

"I hate my family..." Rowena muttered. "I don't have a family."

"Hasn't your father changed now?" Raphael took her hand and clasped it with his. "I noticed a lot of changes around here. I thought maybe he had regretted the way he treated you in the past after you ran away, and now he wanted to make up for everything."

"How did you know how my father trea...." Rowena didn't continue her words. She vaguely remembered Raphael was a god. Of course, he must know everything. She didn't know to what extent their powers could go, so she just assumed Raphael was powerful enough to know things on his own. She changed the subject. "Do you feel hot?"

Raphael knew the temperature was quite low because winter was approaching, but he did feel hot. How could he not feel hot, her slender body was now leaning on his arm while their hands clasped together. It was very intimate.

"I do," he admitted.

"Ah... good. So, I am not the only one," Rowena laughed a little. She looked at their hands clasped and sh

e really liked it. She thought his big hand on hers made her feel safe. She raised their hands to her face and admired his hand. "I just noticed you have a big hand."

"I do?" Raphael chuckled.

"Yes," Rowena replied. "I never paid attention to it before. You never held my hand like this."

Raphael's heart was beating fast. "Do you like it?"

"I do." The beautiful princess nodded. "I often wondered what it would feel like to hold hands with you, or to kiss you..."

Before Rowena could finish her sentence, Raphael had used his free hand to pull her face closer and he planted a sweet kiss on her lips.