THE CHOSEN ONE : CHAPTERS 1 – 10
BY HAZEL BOOKS. H
CHAPTER 3
YONGJING KINGDOM
ESMERALDA CHAMBER
Esmeralda reclined on her velvet couch, her personal maid Sage’s skilled hands massaging her skin with sweet-scented oils. The soft glow of candles illuminated her chamber, casting a warm light on the intricate tapestries and lavish furnishings. The sound of gentle music drifted through the air, a soothing melody played on the lute by an invisible musician.
“Maybe the emperor is back,” Esmeralda said, her voice low as her eyes were closed in relaxation.
Sage’s hands paused in their ministrations, her fingers hovering above Esmeralda’s skin. “Yes, mistress. He has returned and……..”
Esmeralda’s eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze still fixed on the ceiling. “And?”
Sage’s voice was neutral, her tone carefully controlled. “He came with a slave.”
Esmeralda’s brow arched, her eyes opening to regard Sage with a hint of curiosity. “A slave?”
Sage nodded, her eyes downcast. “Yes, mistress. But not just any slave. His personal slave.”
“I heard she is the youngest daughter of Emperor Sebastian, he exchange her for his life” she added.
Esmeralda’s gaze drifted away, her expression unreadable. She shrugged, a subtle movement of her shoulders. “I suppose it doesn’t matter. As long as she doesn’t become an obstacle in my path to becoming the empress soon.”
Sage’s eyes dropped, her face a mask of servility. “Of course, mistress. I’m sure it won’t be a problem.”
Esmeralda’s lips curved into a faint smile, her eyes glinting with a calculating light. “See that it isn’t, Sage. I wouldn’t want any…complications.”
Sage’s nod was almost imperceptible, her hands resuming their massage with a gentle pressure. Esmeralda’s eyes closed once more, her mind already spinning with schemes and strategies to maintain her position as Augustus’s mistress and how to become the potential empress.
THE CHOSEN ONE : CHAPTERS 1 – 10
EMP. AUGUSTUS CHAMBER
Augustus’s chamber was dimly lit, the only sound the soft scratch of his pen on parchment. He was hunched over his desk, his brow furrowed in concentration, his eyes scanning the documents before him with a calculating intensity. The flickering candles cast eerie shadows on the walls, making it seem as though the very spirits of the empire’s ancestors were watching over him.
Suddenly, the guard outside his door spoke up, his voice firm but respectful. “Your highness, Astrid, your personal guard, is here to see you.”
Augustus’s pen paused mid-stroke, his gaze lingering on the parchment as though reluctant to tear himself away from the intricacies of statecraft. Then, with a slight nod, he spoke, his voice low and commanding. “Let him in.”
The door creaked open, and Astrid entered, his armor gleaming in the faint light, his eyes fixed on the emperor with a loyal intensity. He was Augustus best friend and guard ever since he was young.
He bowed low, his movements precise and graceful, his voice deep and respectful. “Your highness.”
Augustus’s gaze still fixed on the papers before him, he acknowledged Astrid’s presence with a slight nod. “Any news”
Astrid straightened, his face expressionless, No one looks at his eyes for they seek death. “Your Majesty, you have a meeting with the ministers soon. They await your presence in the throne room.”
Augustus’s eyes narrowed, his mind still focused on the documents before him. He nodded once, a slight movement of his head. “Very well. I will be there shortly.”
Astrid bowed again, his eyes never leaving the emperor’s face, his voice firm and reassuring “permit me to be casual your highness” he muttered and Augustus nodded.
“What about the lady you brought to the palace, what do you want to do with her” he asked.
“You heard me earlier, she’s my personal slave” he replied firmly.
“Ok, your highness…. I’ll escort you to the throne room” Astrid bowed again.
One of the guards that is guarding the chamber spoke out. “Your highness, Prince Sapphire has left the palace” he interrupted.
“Go find her and lock her up in her chambers, till I’m back” Augustus Said, his voice menacing.
“Yes, your highness” Astrid bowed his head and left the chambers.
THE CHOSEN ONE : CHAPTERS 1 – 10
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