Emmelyn thought about it for a while and shook her head. "I don't know if it's safe to get married now, but if you asked me, I think the best time is either now before I become so fat because of my pregnancy or later after I lose weight from giving birth."

"Why not safe?" Mars asked her. "What do you have in mind?"

Emmelyn looked at the prince deeply. "I am from Wintermere. I came here to kill you and your father. Can really you tell your parents who I really am?"

Mars understood what she meant. Ahh, she was right. Even if Emmelyn is carrying his child, the king might not necessarily accept her as his daughter-in-law if he knew who she actually was.

Once Mars told his father her identity, the king would wonder why the prince didn't immediately introduce Emmelyn to them, but instead, he covered it up and said she was from Glendale.

The king was no fool. This would make him try to find out more about Emmelyn's background and he WOULD DEFINITELY KNOW the truth.

King Jared had all spies all over the country. He didn't feel the need to place spies in the crown prince's castle for obvious reasons.

However, if he started to get suspicious... he would dig the information he needed and Emmelyn would be found out.

No. Mars and Emmelyn couldn't take that risk.

Another thing to consider was Ellena's feelings. They knew she harbored love for the crown prince.

Earlier today Mars could deceive everyone into thinking that he only used Emmelyn for procreation, to give birth to his heirs and that was it.

The rest, he made them think that he kept her because he gave her his word. Only his mother knew the truth.

And even if the king suspected that Mars was in love with Emmelyn, the king didn't know Emmelyn was a princess from one of the colonies. He might actually be able to accept Emmelyn into their family if she was a commoner.

His wife was a commoner girl from a small village. So, King Jared was not partial towards non-royalties or non-nobles.

However.. it would take more for him to accept a princess from their new colony who came to the capital to kill him and his son, to be his daughter-in-law or the future queen of Draec.

"I actually want us to get married as soon as possible," the prince said with a hoarse voice. "but I understand your concern. If I told my father about you, he might not give his blessings so easily."

Emmelyn nodded. "I thought so too."

They went silent. It was not easy. Even though they loved each other deeply, but just love was not enough as their situation was unusual.

They had to think about all the implications of their decision to get married.

"Well.. maybe it would be better to get married after the baby is born," Emmelyn finally said. "Even if your family couldn't accept me, they might be softened by our child."

Mars nodded. "I agree... but..."

He was not sure if his father would accept Emmelyn just for the sake of the baby.

King Jared might take the baby and ask Mars to marry another woman. The crown prince knew King Jared was very strict when it came to his family's safety.

"But?" Emmelyn looked at the man questioningly. "You don't think so?"

"Let's think about it tomorrow. All I know is that I want to marry you and I am so happy that you accepted my proposal. Can we enjoy this night without worry? Let's keep the worry for tomorrow. I will definitely find a way for us." The man pulled her to his embrace and then kissed her forehead.

Emmelyn didn't say a word. She agreed that she wanted to enjoy the moment with him. She wrapped her hands around his waist and hugged him back.

After they had dinner, the happy couple enjoyed half a cup of wine each and got ready for bed. The fireplace was lit and their chamber felt quite warm. It was a perfect setting to snuggle and make love slowly.

And that was exactly what they did. They made love slowly into the night, venting their love for each other, and enjoying the feeling of bliss, knowing that they loved each other and wanted to bind themselves in holy matrimony.

"You are... a perfect dessert," Mars said between his panting, as he rolled down from on top of her to the side and hugged her tightly, after their beautiful lovemaking. "Now, I'm full."

Emmelyn smiled sheepishly when she heard him. Her cheeks flushed.

She agreed with him. It did feel like that. Their first lovemaking before dinner was the appetizer, and this one... was the dessert.

Such a perfect arrangement.

They caught their breath and enjoyed each other's presence in the afterglow. It was more beautiful and pleasant without the worry about their relationship.

Mars was right when he suggested them to set aside their worry and just enjoy the moment.

***

"So, what will you do when I'm out to see my friends?" Mars asked Emmelyn that afternoon. "It's still cold outside, but not snowing and the weather is actually quite good. You can go out and have fun too if you want."

He was getting ready to meet his friends in town. Mars already sent the invitation to meet Gewen, Edgar, and Ellena in their usual tavern. So, after lunch, he decided to go.

Emmelyn pursed her lips and thought about his words. Mars was right when he said the weather was not too bad if she wanted to go out.

Should she visit Mrs. Adler again?

Uhm... in her every visit, she seemed to encounter heartache. She even asked Mrs. Adler to stop reading her future.

Yeah.. maybe she should do just that. She could visit her to have tea and cakes together and not talk about other things. She didn't know if she could leave the castle again.