THE CHOSEN ONE : CHAPTERS 41 – 50

THE CHOSEN ONE : CHAPTERS 41 – 50

BY HAZEL BOOKS. H

CHAPTER 43

Time seemed to freeze as they stared into each other’s eyes. Sapphire’s heart raced like a wild animal, her breath caught in her throat. She felt like she was drowning in his gaze, her senses overwhelmed by his proximity.

The spell broke when Astrid yelped in pain, his hands releasing her as he clutched his forehead. “Ouch!” he muttered, his eyes narrowing at her. “What was that for?”

Sapphire’s face gleamed as she realized she had hit her head on his. “I should be asking you that,” she retorted, her arms crossing over her chest.

Astrid’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “I was just trying to help. You would have fallen on the floor.”

Sapphire’s eyes flashed with annoyance. “I didn’t ask for your help.” She glared up at the apples, her desire for them still burning strong.

“I’ll just go, since you don’t need my help” he turned to leave and Sapphire face fell, she was expecting him to help her but her pride won’t let her.

He was almost out of sight when she bit her lips hard staring at the Apples.

“Wait” she screamed and he stopped turning back.

She pouted and gestured for him to come back, he came back immediately.

“Why asking me to come back” he asked.

She hesitate picking on her fingers and pointed at the Apples.

“Fine” Astrid shrugged, his eyes never leaving hers. “Let me just help.” He climbed the tree with ease, plucking the apples and tossing them into a basket Sapphire took.

As the basket filled up, Astrid descended the tree, his eyes locked onto hers. “Won’t you at least say thank you?” he asked, his brow furrowed in mock annoyance.

Sapphire’s eyes narrowed, her lips compressing into a thin line. “Why should I?” She blinked.

Astrid’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Then I’ll take these back.” He reached for the basket, and Sapphire’s eyes widened.

“Give it back!” she demanded, her hands grasping for the basket.

Astrid chuckled, his eyes dancing with amusement. “Say thank you,” he teased, his brows wiggling.

Sapphire’s face flushed, her eyes flashing with annoyance. “Ok, fine. Thank you, thank you,” she muttered, her voice barely audible.

Astrid grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “That not sincere” he said, his voice low.

As Sapphire reached for the basket, Astrid tripped, his hands releasing the apples. They scattered across the grass, and Sapphire’s eyes widened in dismay. But that was nothing compared to what happened next.

As they both bent to pick up the apples, their faces met, their lips colliding in a soft, gentle kiss. Sapphire’s heart skipped a beat, her eyes frozen on Astrid’s. It was their second kiss, and it left her breathless.

She hastily stood up, her face aflame. “Sorry,” she mouthed, her eyes avoiding his.

Astrid’s eyes sparkled with amusement, his lips curving into a sly smile. “No need to apologize,” he said.

Sapphire’s heart raced as she picked up the apples, her hands shaking slightly. Astrid helped her, their fingers touching as they worked in silence. When they finished, Sapphire took the basket from him, her eyes avoiding his.

“Thank you,” she muttered, her voice barely audible.

Astrid chuckled, his eyes never leaving hers. “Anytime,” he chuckled.

Sapphire’s heart skipped a beat as she turned and hastened away, the apples clutched tightly on her.

Why was she feeling this way??

Astrid chuckled on seeing her reaction as she walked away, he waited till she was out of sight before he left too.

THE CHOSEN ONE : CHAPTERS 41 – 50

EMP. AUGUSTUS CHAMBER

Madam Eloise emerged from the kitchen, her hands folded in front of her, and her eyes cast downward in respect.

“I’m done, your highness,” she bowed, her voice low and submissive. The emperor’s back was to her, his hands clasped behind him as he gazed out the window, lost in thought.

“Where is Aurora?” he asked, his voice firm but laced with a hint of concern. “Isn’t she supposed to serve me?”

Madam Eloise hesitated, her eyes flicking upward to meet the emperor’s gaze before quickly looking away. “She is not feeling too well, I asked her to rest,” she replied, her voice measured.

The emperor’s hands tightened behind his back, his knuckles white with tension. “Is she okay?” he blurted without thinking.

Madam Eloise raised an eyebrow, her expression neutral. “She is…fine,” she replied, her voice trailing off.

The emperor’s eyes narrowed, his mind racing with possibilities. He turned to face Madam Eloise, his eyes piercing. “You can go,” he muttered, his voice dismissive.

Madam Eloise bowed, her eyes never leaving the floor. “Yes, your highness,” she replied, backing away before turning to leave the chamber.

As the door closed behind her, the emperor’s mind returned to the events of the previous night.

He had felt strange after taking the drink Esmeralda had given him. A sense of unease settled in his stomach as he realized he might have been drugged.

His thoughts raced as he tried to recall the events of the night, but his memories were hazy.

He might have done what he had been preventing for a long time.

He exhaled loudly.

THE CHOSEN ONE : CHAPTERS 41 – 50

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