The Cursed Prince's Strange Bride

A/N: I'm currently travelling so writing is quite a challenge especially as I am suffering from motion sickness. So I am hoping the grammar errors and typos aren't much. Thanks.

The soft flicker of candlelight illuminated the chamber as Alicia emerged from the bath, her skin still damp from the warm water. This was one of the things she appreciated here. Having a tub here, even though it was not as comfortable as the modern tub. At least she could soak in it after a stressful day like today. And the fragrance from the oils and flowers added to the bath made her feel refreshed as she stepped out.

She wore a simple gown that was barely up to her knees and had wrapped a towel around her hair as she stepped out of the bathroom, heading for her room.

It was funny how every single day it seemed like he was seeing a new and prettier side of her. But at the same time, he was frustrated because this wasn't her real body.

"I can return later." He said, pointing back at the door.

She gestured at the bed and walked to the dressing table to finish up her nightly routine.

The room was quiet, save for the occasional sound of the oil bottle being opened or the soft rustle of clothing as Alicia shifted in her seat.

She could tell he was watching her every movement.

He watched her massage the oil into her skin, starting at her feet and working her way up her legs. His gaze lingered on the smooth, taut skin of her calves and thighs, and he felt a surge of desire stir within him.

Alicia finished oiling her legs and moved on to her arms. She worked slowly and methodically, taking her time to savour the sensation of her own touch. When she was done with that, she untied her hair and brushed it neatly.

When she was finished, she stood up and turned to face Harold. His eyes roamed over her body, taking in every inch of it.

Harold cleared his throat, feeling suddenly self-conscious. "Maybe," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

She joined him in bed and leaned into him while he covered them with the quilt.

Harold cleared his throat, trying to push aside the thoughts that had been plaguing him since he entered the room tonight. "The king woke up briefly."

He shrugged. "I hope so. He doesn't still look too well. But I don't want anyone to know about it for now. He needs to fully recover."

"I won't let anyone know about it."

"Don't you think you should also rest and see the physician to check you properly? You haven't been looking too well lately." She said with concern. Lately, he seemed paler and more tired. She had assumed it was because of all the stress, but he didn't look like he was getting better.

"What were you up to? You were not in your chamber when I returned earlier." He asked, changing the topic.

"How about I buy you another horse?" He offered.

She shook her head. "I am going to tame Hellion and make him mine."

She nodded, grinning. "Just you watch me."

"I went to the shooting range too to practice. Although I'm still not very good at it, I think with more practice I'll get there. So I was hoping you might join me tomorrow and give me some pointers. It's been a while since we went there together."

"Tomorrow?" she asked.

That single word made her beam, and she leaned back into him.

The two said no words for a while before Harold spoke again, asking, "Are you okay to attend the morning assembly tomorrow? Damon was asking for the queen to be let in. She apparently has something to say about the case."

Alicia nodded. "Yes, I'm okay with that. I think it's important to hear what the queen has to say and also ask her some questions too."

Alicia placed a gentle hand on his arm. "I understand your concerns, but I think it's important to keep an open mind. We won't know what the queen has to say until we hear it. I really want this case to end as soon as possible."

A knock on the door interrupted them, and Harold looked up, wondering why he hadn't sensed the person's presence. Was it still because he was recovering from his blood share, or was there something else?

He looked at her, remembering how he also hadn't been able to sense other people around when he was close to her.

He put in an effort to sense who was outside and realized it was Lady Victoria. At once, he got down from the bed and looked at Alicia as he walked towards the door, saying, "Yes. I was supposed to meet Lady Victoria for something."

When Harold opened the door, he found the woman there. She seemed a bit nervous as she looked around.

Harold looked back inside the room at Alicia, who was still sitting on the bed. However, he stepped out of the room and closed the door behind him as he said in a quiet voice, "You can speak." He said, looking hopeful.