Edgar didn't pay Gewen any heed. He patted his friend's back and looked straight into his eyes. "You have one week to say goodbye to your mother. After Sand gets his rest, I will send him back to Summeria, and you are coming with him."

Gewen pursed his lips. He was not a coward. He would die for his country, especially for his best friend. He would do anything for Mars.

However, now, thinking that this mission would probably take his life, the man couldn't help but think about his beloved mother. He was his family's only son and they were hoping he could continue their family line.

Alas! He never wanted to marry and settle down with just one woman. He thought he would have plenty of time for that once he became old and boring.

He planned to get a wife to make his mother happy when the time came.  However, now he realized that the opportunity might never come.

He felt so guilty. His mother loved him so much and always dreamed of having chubby grandchildren, especially after Mars got Harlow.

Now, Lady Rose Athibaud would never see Gewen have children...

Somehow, this realization made the former womanizer feel sad.  Why did he wait until it was too late?

Mars noticed Gewen's countenance and patted his back sympathetically, "If you don't want to go, I will send someone else."

Gewen quickly shook his head and forced a smile. "No, I will do it. It's my duty to our kingdom. You should just focus on taking care of Draec. I will try my best to convince your wife to... to go home."

"Thank you, Gewen."

If it was up to him, Mars would prefer to go on his own, so he could meet his wife sooner. His longing for her was unbearable... 

However, he knew Edgar was right. He must not follow his own selfish desire to go and see Emmelyn and risk losing his life. Right now, he was not just a man, a husband, but the monarch of this country. His safety was paramount.

Sigh. Why did he have to be born in this family and become royalty? Life was much easier and uncomplicated if he was a commoner.

"Very well. Now that we have made the decision, I will get ready to go in a few days," Gewen said. "I want to spend as much time as possible with my family before—"

'Before I die,' he thought despondently.

The three men started eating dinner in silence. They were all busy with their own thoughts. There were so many things that happened today and each man needed time to process them in his own way.

"By the way, my birthday is around the corner," Mars suddenly spoke up after he sipped his wine. "I will hold a royal ball next week to celebrate it."

Edgar and Gewen exchanged glances, both looking confused. They thought this was strange. Why would Mars hold a royal ball in a time like this?

They knew him well and knew he didn't even like festivities. So, why would he do something that was out of character for him?

"This doesn't sound like you," Edgar commented. "Do you have any hidden agenda?"

Mars nodded. "You know how much my mother loved celebrating my birthday every year by throwing a royal ball, don't you?"

Edgar nodded. "Yeah..."

Gewen nodded too. "I actually thought about this last week. My mother and I were sad, thinking this year would be so quiet and different without Queen Elara throwing events to celebrate important occasions in the capital."

"Yeah. Now that my mother is back, I want to make her happy by throwing a royal ball to celebrate my birthday, just the way she likes it," Mars explained. "I will also use the event to announce that I plan to get a wife."

"Huh?" Gewen batted his eyes in confusion. "You already have a wife."

"Yes, but people thought she died," Mars replied. "I will invite Ellena and the Prestons as our guests of honor. Let them think that I plan to propose to Ellena."

The other two men instantly froze and dropped their spoons to the table. 

"You must have plans on how you will punish her..." Edgar looked at Mars deeply. "She was our friend once."

Gewen sighed. He covered his face with both hands. The man looked very frustrated.

"How did we end up like this?" he muttered.

The man was very disappointed when he found out what Ellena did. He always thought Ellena was wronged when Mars decided to marry another woman after asking Ellena to marry him years ago.

Gewen could understand if Ellena was angry and disappointed... but to the point of killing an innocent woman to frame another? That was too much.

Now, he was not sure if he really knew Ellena.

"Let me handle it," Mars said. "You both have other things to worry about. Edgar, you need to rest and recover your strength. Gewen, you will need to prepare for the trip. I am trusting you with my family's future. I hope you won't disappoint me."

Edgar nodded and Gewen replied, "Understood."

They downed their wine and finished their meal.  After dinner was over, Edgar went home to meet his family and rest properly. Gewen started making preparation for his upcoming trip, and Mars went to his mother's chamber.

"Your Majesty, the old king just arrived. He wants to see your mother, but she refused," John stopped Mars before he reached his mother's chamber. The butler looked confused. "What should I do?"

Mars knew his mother was angered by what his father did to Emmelyn and had stated that she would not see him until Jared Strongmoor begged forgiveness from their daughter-in-law. Apparently, Elara Strongmoor was very serious with her decision.

"Let me talk to my father," Mars said. "Where is he?"

"He is waiting outside your mother's chamber," John replied.

"Very well..." Mars walked in long strides toward Queen Elara's chamber.

When he reached the place, he saw the old king was standing dejectedly in front of the door. His face was filled with regret and frustration. Jared Strongmoor looked ten years older than his real age.

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