The answer was to be expected. However, that didn't mean Maxim and Emmelyn didn't feel shocked and devastated when they heard Myrcella confirmed their suspicion.
Maxim must fulfill the betrothal between him and Elise Leoralei in order to protect Emmelyn from suffering further.
He must marry a woman he had never met and never loved. At that moment, the king felt like a loser who didn't even have a say on his own life. Even commoners had an easier life than him. If he thought about farmers and fishermen, their life was so simple and easy.
Why, oh why couldn't he be born into a poor family and lived an uncomplicated life?
What's the use of having the power expanded throughout the whole continent of Atlantea if he couldn't even marry the woman he loved?
He sadly realized that all his wealth, glory, and power meant nothing today.
Maxim closed his eyes and held his breath, holding back from screaming and lashing out his anger at Myrcella. The old queen didn't do anything wrong.
It was all Aunt Catalina's fault, but... how could he blame Catalina now? She was already dead.
And from Myrcella's story, it seemed Catalina was in a lot of pain after she gave birth to her daughter and she might not think straight when she cast the protection spell.
Maxim didn't have a child, but he could see how much his mother loved him and would do anything for him. Maybe... in Aunt Catalina's mind, she was doing what's best for her daughter.
It was really hard to blame anyone at this point. Maxim realized he was just really unlucky.
He opened his eyes and turned to look at Emmelyn. His gaze was filled with sorrow and regret. "I'm very sorry, Emmelyn. Apparently... I am the one who caused you to suffer. I understand if you hate me now."
Emmelyn bit her lip. She didn't hate Maxim. How could she? The man was so kind to her and had been helping her a lot. Maxim taught her so many things that she used for survival. He also stayed by her side during some of the toughest times in her life.
Yes, his love for her caused her to suffer so much... but it wasn't really his fault.
His only mistake was... hiding the fact that he actually knew the Leoraleis. But even that was understandable. Maxim didn't know for sure that the curse that befell Emmelyn had anything to do with the fact that he was betrothed to Elise Leoralei.
Emmelyn could accept the reason why Maxim hid the information because he didn't want Emmelyn to freak out. It wouldn't help anyone if Emmelyn lashed at Maxim before they got to Myreen.
"It's not your fault," Emmelyn whispered in a barely audible voice. She touched Maxim's arm and shook her head weakly. She could see how devastated he was right now, and thought Maxim needed consolation more than her.
The guilt, anger, and helplessness were evident on his face. His body trembled slightly as tears slowly dripped down to his cheeks.
"It's my fault..." Maxim spoke hoarsely. "You lost your family, your kingdom, and the people you care about... because of me. I am very sorry... I wish I could trade my life so you can get your family back..."
Emmelyn wanted to cry too when she heard his heartfelt words. She missed her parents and siblings so much. It had been three years since the last time she saw them.
She also missed Harlow, her daughter. She might never be able to see her again because she was still cursed and there was no way to break it. She couldn't possibly ask Maxim to marry Elise for her sake.
So, the only way was—
"Maxim... it's not your fault, okay?" Emmelyn steeled her heart and smiled bitterly. "Let's think about it later. Maybe there will be another way. Let's not give up so easily. It doesn't suit you."
She approached Maxim and whispered in his ear, "Don't just believe what this lady said. She must want you to marry her granddaughter. Of course, she would tell you that there is no other way."
Maxim's body became stiff when he heard Emmelyn's words. He turned to look at her with a glint in his eyes. Maxim felt so grateful that Emmelyn didn't blame him blindly. Instead, she encouraged him to keep trying.
Gosh... he really loved her! Emmelyn was so understanding and supportive.
Why couldn't she be Elise Leoralei? Maxim would gladly marry her.
"Y-you are right..." Maxim suddenly felt hope again. Maybe Myrcella was not telling the truth, because, like Catalina, she wanted Maxim to fulfill his betrothal with Elise and married her.
Maybe King Alexander would have a different answer. Maybe they could ask for answers from people like Margueritte or Raphael. They might know how Maxim and Emmelyn could break the curse.
He turned to Myrcella and asked her politely, "Your Grace, is it possible for us to meet King Alexander? I know he is currently sick, but I just want to pay my respect to him after nineteen years."
Now that he had talked to Myrcella, Maxim wanted to talk to King Alexander Leoralei next. He wanted to know the king's answer. He wouldn't give up so easily.
Myrcella let out a long sigh. She downed her tea and then rose from her seat. "I would like to invite you two to dinner. Are you planning to stay here for several days? We can talk about our family and what we should do going forward."
"Will King Alexander be there?" Maxim asked Myrcella.
The queen nodded. "Yes."
"Then, we will come. I have questions to ask him if you don't mind," Maxim said.
"I don't mind," Myrcella Leoralei replied. She thought for a while and wanted to say that Alexander's response would be no different from hers, but she changed her mind and didn't say anything.
"Elise..." Emmelyn suddenly remembered Tides said Elise disappeared. She was wondering what happened in Myreen that Elise ran away from home. "Where did she go?"
Myrcella looked away sadly. "She is looking for medicine to cure her father.. That foolish girl thought she could help."