Chapter 985: Meeting Raphael's Parents

Rowena, Raphael, and King Draco ascended the grand staircase that led to the throne room of the King of Cretea.

When they arrived, Rowena paled slightly and was a nervous wreck—but did her best not to show it to Raphael.

Both the King and Queen of Cretea awaited them and servants announced their appearance.

"The Seventh Prince of Cretea appears with the following, King Draco Roseland and his daughter, Crown Princess of Ashland, Rowena Roseland."

"Welcome to Cretea." The King of Cretea sat on his throne but stood up graciously along with his wife and went down to meet with the family. King Areal looked almost as young as Raphael, and so did his wife. 

He had neat black hair with very handsome features and a pair of golden eyes that shone with wisdom and intelligence. His wife, Queen Lilith had beautiful long hair with a really soft pink hue. 

Her eyes were bright green and she looked like a young woman with a carefree attitude but, at the same time, perfect elegance. Rowena could see how Raphael looked so much like his mother and only took after his father's hair color.

She didn't know if her eyes played tricks on her again and she saw things that weren't there, but the family looked shimmering. Was it because they were gods… or she was hallucinating again?

Raphael didn't shimmer when they were in human realm. She snapped out of it and thought was seeing things. Gosh… she hoped she wouldn't see Julian next.

"The honor is ours, Your Majesty," King Draco said. His smile was so broad, and his chest puffed up. He couldn't hide his happiness. Being here again.. was his lifelong dream.

And finally… his dream was coming true. 

He bowed his head so respectfully. "I am Draco Roseland and this is my lovely daughter, Rowena Roseland."

When he didn't hear Rowena's voice, Draco turned to his daughter and sent a warning glare, very, very subtly.

"My name is Rowena, Your Majesty," Rowena curtsied and greeted the monarchs wth her melodious voice. "Thank you for having us."

"Nice to meet you, Rowena," King Areal said kindly. He stole a glance at his son, Raphael who was standing by Rowena's side proudly. The boy looked smitten and happy, the king thought.

King Draco proceeded with talking with the king and expressed his gratitude and honor for being invited to the realm of the gods and he told King Areal how everything in Cretea was perfect.

Rowena's mind went to another place. She felt like she didn't belong in this throne room, even though her father seemed completely at ease even in the presence of gods.

She was moved from her reverie when the queen approached her and touched her arm gently.

"I've heard so much about you from Raphael, I can see why he has fa

llen for you," the queen said,

  Queen Lilith was a beautiful goddess, but she could appreciate that a mere mortal could look so much more beautiful than her. Was this young woman's beauty what attracted her youngest son's heart? She was wondering.

When Raphael talked about Rowena, it was always filled with praises and with a big smile on his face that the queen was looking forward to meeting the girl.

However, when she saw Rowena in person, all she saw was a beautiful face and empty eyes. There was something about her that the queen found disturbing.

Was it her behavior that looked like she was always on edge? Wasn't she a princess in her realm? Why was she not acting like someone from her level?

She looked uncomfortable being around them. Did she not like them? The queen kept all her thoughts to herself. She decided to invite Rowena to tea so she could get to know her better.

"T-thank you," Rowena said with a forced smile. Even though she was not feeling comfortable being around all these majestic creatures, she managed to keep her appearance calm and composed. "You also look ethereal, Your Majesty."

"Oh, really?" The queen of Cretea laughed airily. "That's the benefit of being a goddess, but you yourself are outstanding even without any of that. What a becoming child."

"I'm a little reminded of Raphael now that I can see you, Your Majesty," Rowena confessed.

"That's indeed the truth, my son looks quite handsome doesn't he?" the queen of Cretea said and looked over at her child. "I'm glad he took more after me than his serious-looking father."

Somehow, despite all of the training and etiquette that Rowena went through vigorously even while she was a child—it failed her now.

"Yes?" Rowena said.

"Ah, forgive me. It's just the first time that Raphael brings a woman to meet his family besides Nymia," the queen of Cretea said.

"Mother..." Raphael started.

"Nymia?" Rowena looked at Raphael in surprise.

"She's just a close friend. One of the many gods and goddesses that Raphael spent his time with before you arrived in his life." the queen of Cretea said and sighed softly. "A good one that girl."

Rowena smiled. "I see. Perhaps I've encountered her during one of my first meetings with Raphael. He was with a group of friends back then."

"Please don't overwhelm Rowena, mother. She just got here." Raphael intervened. "This is why your sons like traveling countless realms to avoid you."

"Hmph. My children are all grown up and don't want to spend time with their mother—but that won't be the case here, right?" The goddess grabbed Rowena's hand and smiled.

She said, "I'd love to be closer and get to know you more, Rowena. And I

also like to keep my precious youngest Raphael close by at home. The world outside of Cretea is dangerous, so it's best to stay close and we'll ensure everything goes well. Nothing beats home."

Rowena knew very well how dangerous the world outside could be. However, she also knew that, for her, home was a more dangerous place.

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From Missrealitybites:

I hope you like the chapters I'm publishing today. I am trying to make up for the slow release in the previous weeks. I will publish another one soon. ^^