The Cursed Wolf’s Love

In the evening, Iris, Adolphus, and Joshua embarked on their journey to the palace. Inside the carriage, Adolphus and Iris shared a seat, while Joshua occupied the opposite side.

Adolphus expressed his dissatisfaction, “I had asked for two carriages to be prepared.”

Joshua responded, “In a village, Your Grace, securing even one carriage is fortunate.”

Curiously, he turned to Iris and inquired, “How did you come to love my friend? All he ever does is complain.”

Iris cast a glance at Adolphus but remained silent.

“Are you telling her not to love me?” Adolphus asked Joshua.

“I never intended that, Your Grace,” Joshua replied. “I’m just curious to know how a sweet girl like Iris fell for a short-tempered person like His Grace,” he asserted.

Iris decided to intervene as she didn’t agree with that statement. “His Grace isn’t a short-tempered person. He is a thoughtful person,” she stated in her humble tone while defending Adolphus.

“I must admit that His Grace is indeed a considerate person, especially when it comes to those he cares about,” Joshua remarked with a heartfelt smile.

He shifted his focus to Iris, his voice filled with genuine sympathy, “I’ve heard about the eighteen years of abuse you endured. It must have been an incredibly tough ordeal.”

Iris responded with a heavy heart, “Yes, it was an incredibly challenging period. There were moments when I doubted if I would ever find a way out of that place.”

Adolphus gently rested his sizable hand above her head, tenderly caressing it. “You need not dwell on those painful memories,” he affectionately told her. Joshua couldn’t help but smile at the heartfelt exchange between the two, while Iris, feeling a touch of shyness, lowered her gaze.

“Iris, you’ve transformed my friend into quite the romantic,” Joshua playfully declared, drawing her attention to him. “He wasn’t quite the same before. His Grace used to be rather reserved around women, rarely engaging in conversation,” he explained, stealing a knowing glance at Adolphus.

Adolphus admitted to that. “I’m glad that I found Iris,” he said.

Iris felt extremely delighted to hear all those things. Her heart fluttered with profound happiness. “I never imagined that I would be cherished by someone,” she pronounced, grabbing both of their attentions at her.

“I’m your big brother, Iris. No one can dare to harm you,” Joshua asserted, bringing an amused expression on her face.

“My brother?” Iris asked.

“Yes. Your big brother,” Joshua admitted. “I see my sister in you,” he ended up saying.

“Joshua used to have a sister. Unfortunately, she passed away when she was a teenager,” Adolphus explained.

“Oh. That’s very sad to hear. I’m so sorry,” Iris immediately expressed her remorse.

“It’s alright,” Joshua said. “So, will you call me a Big Brother?” he inquired.

“I would love to,” Iris said with a smile.

Their continued their conversation as the journey was long.

~~~~~~

Radulf swirled the glass of wine in his hand, his eyes fixed on the woman before him. With a chuckle, he gestured gracefully for her to take a seat.

“I find myself curious, Miss Juvia,” he mused, taking a sip of his wine. His gaze lingered on the hood she had just removed, revealing her features. “What brings you to my manor at such a late hour?” he inquired.

“I am grateful to Prince Radulf for granting me an audience,” Juvia replied with a respectful tone. “I come seeking a favor,” she added, her eyes meeting his.

“A favor?” Radulf raised an amused eyebrow. “Miss Juvia, you may ask for it,” he graciously conceded.

“Marry me, Prince Radulf. I will help you become Arcaria’s next King. I am not doubting His Highness’s capabilities, but he needs a stronger support,” Juvia proclaimed with a determined voice.

“I didn’t expect that offer to come from a lady like Miss Juvia,” Radulf stated.

“The Crown Prince ridiculed me yesterday. I have always my eyes on him. Yet, he chose a maid over me… A human over me. I feel dejected and betrayed,” Juvia truthfully told him.

“So, you want to marry me because Adolphus couldn’t be yours. Why do you think I’ll choose to marry you? Don’t talk about the kingdom before. I have a change of heart recently, Miss Juvia,” Radulf stated.

That revelation stunned Juvia and she felt she didn’t think thoroughly before coming to Radulf.

“Why did Miss Juvia suddenly turn quiet?” Radulf asked as he again picked up the glass of wine.

“I thought Prince Radulf wanted the throne,” Juvia stated. “I-I must take my leave,” she added and quickly rose from her seat.

Radulf appeared in front of her while holding the wine glass. “What if I tell about this to Adolphus? He’s going to wipe out your family’s existence,” Radulf affirmed.

“Please don’t do that,” Juvia said, a fearful expression covered her face.

“Miss Juvia is naive. I hope she doesn’t use such tricks on a man ever,” Radulf stated.

Juvia gazed into his eyes and nodded her head.

“Miss Juvia’s hatred turned into love so early. Love never makes a person jealous, rather it teaches you to be kind,” Radulf stated, “I heard this from my late grandmother once.”

“I understand,” Juvia stated.

“Leave,” Radulf opined and Juvia quickly headed to the door.

“Juvia, don’t try to harm Iris. I know you’ve sent a poison for her in the dessert,” Radulf asserted.

Juvia widened her eyes and she promptly faced him. “How did His Highness find out?” she gulped in fear.

“That’s a difficult question to answer. Just keep one thing in mind: do anything but don’t harm Iris or else I’ll kill you,” Radulf proclaimed.

“Then, why didn’t His Highness tell the Crown Prince?” Juvia inquired.

“I didn’t get the time to talk with him. Also, I don’t wish my brother to lose his temper on you,” Radulf stated with a smile.

“Lies. I am sure His Highness wants something from me,” Juvia affirmed.

“That’s your illusion,” Radulf proclaimed and warned her, “You won’t be saved the next time.”