Chapter 37 & 38 : The Price of Love
✨ EAT ME UP ✨
Esmeralda was crying profusely on her bed, her body red and sore from the confrontation with Aurora earlier. She felt humiliated and enraged, her mind racing with thoughts of revenge.
“How dare she,” she thundered, her voice shaking with anger. She squatted on the ground, her tears falling onto the floor.
Sage entered the chamber, her eyes filled with concern. “My lady, are you okay? What happened?”
Esmeralda looked up at her, her eyes blazing with fury. “Get out,” she snapped. “You couldn’t do anything to help me out. You’re just useless.”
Sage flinched, her eyes widening in hurt. “But my lady, I was held down. I couldn’t do anything to stop her.”
Esmeralda’s anger only grew. “Get out, Sage. If you can’t help me get rid of Aurora, then you’re of no use to me.”
Sage hesitated. “I…I have a plan, my lady,” she stuttered.
Esmeralda’s expression changed from anger to curiosity. “What plan?” she asked, her voice softening slightly.
Sage took a step forward, her eyes locked on Esmeralda’s.
She whispered something into Esmeralda ears and her curiosity changed to a smirk.
“A good idea you got there” Esmeralda smirked and sage smiled.
Aurora walked into the chamber to find the lounge empty, she walked further into the inner chamber and she sighted the emperor, his upper body naked.
She smiled and moved closer to him, he faced up to see her and he smiled back. “how is my baby doing” he grabbed her hand and made her sit on his laps.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and pecked him on his lips. “I’m fine” she replied.
Suddenly, she pouted and he furrowed his brows.
“August” she called “uhm”.
“Am I getting fat” she asked and Augustus raised his brow.
“Fat how??” He muttered.
“I feel like I’m adding weight” she pouted, her butt grinding on his laps.
“No, you are not….you look beautiful this way” He smiled and her eyes lightened.
“Really” she said and he nodded.
“I want to tell you something Rory” he muttered and she nodded for him to go on.
“Do you want to meet your father” he asked and she furrowed her brows.
“Why would I, he sold me remember” she folded her arms under her boobs.
“Here you are now” he muttered and she rolled her eyes.
“I invited your family for a dinner feast tomorrow” he blurted and she stood up from his laps.
“What!!?, Why didn’t you tell me you wanted to invite them” She asked.
“You should have told me you want to” she rolled her eyes playfully.
“Ok, I’m sorry…” He pleaded pulling her back to his laps.
“They will only stay for two days” he muttered.
She folded her arms pretending to be angry, Augustus tickled her and she clamps her lips together trying hard not to laugh but it was uncontrollable.
She bursted out in laughter hitting Augustus on his chest.
“Ouch” he muttered playfully.
“Do you know what you’ve been doing all this while” he asked and she raised a brow.
“What am I doing” she asked curiously.
“You’ve been grinding on my laps Rory” he blurted and she chuckled loudly.
“I’m serious here” He muttered but she continued laughing.
His trailed his hands into into her blouse and she stopped laughing.
“What are you…….” She couldn’t complete it when he grabbed her boobs and she gasped.
“Aug….ust” she stuttered.
“Let me do my thing” He muttered and removed her blouse away from her body.
He took one of her br**st into his mouth sucking it like his life depends on it while rubbing the other one with his other hands.
Aurora hands went through his chest as she caress it gently in pleasure. “Ahhhhh” she moaned, closing her eyes as her body reacted to his touch.
“Should I stop” he asked.
“Don’t stop” she snapped and he continued.
He gave her a bite on her nipples and she shook greatly.
“Oh…my…Gawd” her hands made it way to his hair, stroking it gently.
He stopped and she opened her eyes. “Why did you……” he captured his lips on hers not allowing her to complete her sentence.
He sucked on her lips like it was his meal, Aurora opened up for him to gain entrance to her tongues and he did as their tongues entwined on each other, their lips moving in sync as they savoured the taste of each other.
“mmm” Aurora moaned.
The kitchen was a whirlwind of activity, with pots clanging, knives chopping, and the aroma of roasting meats filling the air. Maids scurried about, their aprons fluttering as they hastened to complete their tasks.
Meanwhile, Madam Eloise continued to direct the kitchen staff, her sharp eyes ensuring that every dish was prepared to perfection. The kitchen was a symphony of activity, with each maid playing their part in the performance that was the family dinner feast. Soon murmurs erupted from groups of maids.
👥 Do you know that the slave is now the Emperor’s bride.
👥 I once heard it but I didn’t believe
👥 It true, we cleaned a suite for her
👥 Seriously, Like it impossible
👥 From a slave to an empress not even a maid.
👥 I know the Ministers would be against this.
👥 I’ve never heard of such before, her’s would be different.
“What are you all talking about” Madam Eloise interrupted as she approached them.
“Nothing, Madam Eloise” one of them replied.
“Get back to work, talkatives” she scolded and they quickly went back to whatever they were doing.
Aurora was walking alone without her maids as she had dismissed them, she walked into Caeser and he smiled at her.
“It seems you have forgotten me, Lady Aurora” he teased and she chuckled.
“No, I didn’t….I rarely see you around” she replied as Caeser started walking with her.
“Oh, I’m always busy” he said and she nods gently.
“Can I ask you a question” he said and she nodded.
“Sure”
“Okay, Why did you want to marry the Emperor” he asked “he was your enemy remember” he muttered and Aurora furrowed her brows.
“Why are you asking me that” she asked.
“Nothing, just want to make sure you are safe and not making a mistake” he smiled at her and she felt awkward.
“Okay” she looked at him weirdly.
Why is he asking such question? Does he perhaps hate the Emperor?? Thought ran through Aurora’s mind.
“I’ll see you around” he let out his best smile as they walked to a point.
She shrugged letting out a sly smile as he left.
She also walked away.
A palaquin came into the palace as the maids and guards wondered who it was.
A horse also rode in turning out to be Emperor Sebastian. He got down from his horse staring at the palace before him.
Odessa came out as Nadine, her personal maid helped her get down.
She gazed at the palace before her as she admired the exterior.
“It more beautiful and bigger than father’s” she thought as she everywhere to see maids and guards around.
👥 Who is she?
👥 I’m sure, she is a princess.
👥 She is really beautiful, see her smooth skin.
Odessa smiled egostically as she heard those murmurs, she flipped her dark shiny hair backwards and went to meet her father majestically.
They walked into the palace down to the throne room.
Emperor Augustus was sitting on his throne when Emperor Sebastian walked in with Odessa.
“Good to see you In-law” Emperor Augustus smirked.
“I thought you would ignore my invitation” he added.
“Why would I when it concerns my daughter” Emperor Sebastian replied.
“Yeah, that right” Augustus said.
Meanwhile, Odessa was lost staring at the emperor handsome features.
How did Aurora manage to tame him??
“He’s cute, I can easily get him since Aurora did” she mumbled under her breath, smirking.
“The maids will show you two the way to the guest suite, so prepare for tonight dinner” Emperor Augustus muttered.
Aurora came into the throne room from the side door almost immediately.
Emperor Sebastian and Odessa were shocked to see her transformation.
This means,he has been feeding her well?? Emperor Sebastian thought as his gaze darted towards the emperor.
“She isn’t as beautiful as this before” Odessa said in her mind.
“Aurora…”
“Father, Sister…. you’re here”.
“Aurora, I know you must hate me now, but please forgive me” He rubbed his palms together.
“I don’t father, because of you…I met the only one in my heart” she smiled heartily facing Augustus and he smiled back at her.
Odessa who was in disbelief earlier soon realized what Aurora is.
“Astrid” Emperor Augustus called.
“Yes, your highness” Astrid quickly replied.
“Call a maid down here to lead out guest to the suite” he said and Astrid nodded leaving.
Instantly, a maid came towards them bowing their head.
“Greetings, your highness. Please follow me, I’ll show you to your suite” the maid said and they nodded.
Emperor Sebastian and Odessa walked out as the maid led the way.
The hall was resplendent in all its finery, with golden candelabras and sparkling crystalware adorning the tables. The aroma of roasted meats and steaming vegetables wafted through the air.
The sound of cutleries could be heard as the maids arranged the dishes on the huge dining table with the supervision of Madam Eloise.
Queen Nana came down to the dining and everyone bowed.
“Greetings, your highness”
“How is everything going, Eloise” Queen Nana asked.
“Is going well as planned” she replied and Queen Nana nodded.
“Make sure everything is well arranged and no mistakes”.
“But Queen Mother, should we bring in the Liquor or wine” Madam Eloise asked.
“No one is drinking Liquor, bring the wine instead” Queen Nana replied and turned to leave.
All the maids bowed as she left the dining room completely then continued their business.
Aurora sat gracefully in the armrest chair, her eyes fixed on the mirror as her maids bustled around her. The stylist’s skilled fingers wove her hair into an intricate knotted design, securing it in place with delicate pins and adorning it with sparkling ornaments.
Another maid tenderly rubbed her skin with a soft cloth, coaxing a radiant white glow from her complexion.
They soon finished dressing her up and she stood, her bump hasn’t started showing but she can feel it.
She stared at her reflection on the mirror and her hand went to her cheek.
It looks chubby?
“My cheeks are getting chubby, am I now ugly” she asked her personal maid.
“No my Lady, you are the most beautiful maiden in this palace” Her personal maid, Dora replied.
“Really!!!” Aurora exclaimed and Dora nodded.
“Yes, my lady”.
Odessa entered the chamber and Aurora furrowed her brows.
“You should excuse us” Aurora dismissed her maids and they left.
“Hey baby sis” Odessa smiled widely scanning her chamber.
“Lovely suite, you got here” she added with a smirk.
“What do you want” Aurora asked sternly.
“I just want to know how you are doing or can’t I care for my sister” She replied.
“I’m fine, thanks” Aurora snapped and Odessa frowned.
“You shouldn’t be treating a guest like that yunno” Odessa muttered and Aurora scoffed.
“Then how am I supposed to” Aurora replied resting on the chair.
Odessa waved her hands submissively “Nevermind, I want to ask you a question” She said
“Go on” Aurora folded her arms.
“How did you manage to be the Emperor woman because, like I heard, he was a devil…..” Odessa asked.
“And how is that your business” Aurora snapped cutting her off.
“You should know you are too young for marriage” Odessa snuggled and Aurora scoffed.
“At least, I’m not like you who isn’t yet married at 28” she rolled her eyes making Odessa pissed.
“What!!!, How dare you….” Odessa half yelled.
“Leave please” Aurora cut her off.
“You’ll regret this” Odessa spat, glaring at her as she walked slamming the door angrily.
Aurora sighed.
Emperor Augustus was putting on his robe when Aurora entered the chamber.
He smiled on seeing her and she took fast strides to him smiling widely.
“Hey little goddess” He pulled her closer.
“I can’t even state how you look right now, you are extraordinary” he complemented and she chuckled.
“Really!!!” She exclaimed and he nodded before hugging her.
She broke the hug and helped him tie his robe laces then pecked him on his lips.
“That too short” he wanted to lean closer but she used her index finger to draw him back.
“No, not now” she said.
“Why??” Augustus asked curiously.
“Keep it, I have a surprise for you tonight” she winked.
“Surprise, what kind of surprise” Emperor Augustus asked curiously.
“You don’t have to know, wait for it” she whispered and adjusted his robe perfectly.
“Okay” he shrugged.
“Your highness, everyone are present already in the dining hall” the guards outside announced and Augustus turned to Aurora.
“let go” He entwined his hands on hers smiling and they left the chamber together.
The only sound being the soft crackling of the lone candle that cast flickering shadows on the walls. Atlas entered, his footsteps echoing off the dark stone floor.
Malicia sat on her Cobra-like throne, her piercing gaze fixed on him, a massive snake coiled around her neck like a dark, scaly crown.
“Malicia, I haven’t seen Sebastian yet” Atlas muttered.
“What!!!!, He mustn’t spit out whatever we’ve done together” Malicia hissed her voice venomous.
“From my spy, I heard he was invited to a dinner feast in Yongjing” He muttered and Malicia stood up.
Malicia’s expression darkened further, her eyes blazing with fury. “What!!, that is a golden opportunity, why didn’t Sebastian inform me?” she thundered, her voice echoing off the walls.
The snake around her neck seemed to sense her anger, its body tensing, ready to strike.
“I don’t know” Atlas replied his voice barely above whispers.
Malicia gritted her teeth angrily as she clenched her fist, she darted her gaze towards atlas, her face dangerous.
“Where is the spy, I asked you to bring him here” she asked.
“Here he is” Atlas gestured for the masked man to come closer.
“Remove that mask, Let me see your face” Malicia demanded
The masked man hesitated for a moment before slowly removing the mask, revealing a familiar face.
“Caeser” Atlas exclaimed.
✨ YONGJING KINGDOM ✨
Queen Nana, Sapphire, Esmeralda, Odessa and Emperor Sebastian were seated on the dining waiting when Augustus and Aurora approached them hand in hand.
“Oh, Our future Empress….come sit with me” Queen Nana gestured for Aurora to sit on the seat in between her and Sapphire.
Aurora smiled widely and sat in between them while Augustus sat on the head chair meant for the Emperor.
“How is my Little grandchild doing” Queen Nana smiled.
“It seems to kick at your question” Aurora rubbed her tummy and she laughed.
Odessa eyes widened when she heard that.
Aurora is pregnant??
“I have gist for you, Aurora” Sapphire whispered into her ears from her other side.
“Seriously!!” Aurora eyes widened and Sapphire nodded.
“I’ll tell you tomorrow morning” Sapphire squealed.
“Okay”.
Odessa was grinning jealously as she watched Queen Nana and Sapphire joke and play with Aurora like they have known each other for years.
Soon silence erupted as Emperor Augustus broke it later.
“Welcome, esteemed guests, to this family dinner feast,” he began, his voice booming through the hall. “Tonight, we gather not only just to know more about our family, but to celebrate the unity and strength of our royal families. Let us put aside our differences and come together cooperation.”
He gestured to his right, where Emperor Sebastian and his daughter, Odessa, sat. “To my left, we have the esteemed Emperor Sebastian and his lovely daughter, Odessa, from the Huaxia Kingdom. Welcome.”
“Meet my gracious Mother, Queen Nana and My sister Sapphire, I’m sure you’ll know my Bride, our Future Empress” He muttered as Sebastian and Queen Nana exchanged pleasantries.
The room erupted in a chorus of greetings and applause as they acknowledged one another.
Then, with a nod from the emperor, the feast began.
The maids opened the dishes and they all digged in slowly. Aurora didn’t touched hers as she just stared irritatingly at it.
“Aurora, what is it….is the meal too spicy” Queen Nana asked on noticing Aurora and she shook her head.
“Then why” Sapphire asked.
Odessa just stared at them jealously as she scoffed silently.
“Nothing, I just don’t feel like eating” her face scrunched up in irritation.
“Maybe you don’t like it, take mine” Queen Nana pushed hers to Aurora but she returned it.
“I don’t feel like, I don’t have the appetite” she muttered feeling irritated about the aroma of the meal.
Emperor Augustus eyes darted towards, worries filled on his face.
“Ok then, are you okay” Queen Nana muttered checking her temperature but it normal.
“I’m fine, Mother” Aurora smiled and Queen Nana nodded.
Just as it started, Aurora aversion to the meal vanished, she started digging into the meal as Queen Nana and Sapphire stared at her shockingly, their mouth agape.
“I thought you said you don’t feel like eating” Queen Nana asked, her voice laced with Amusement and Aurora clamps her lips together.
“I know how pregnancy could be” Queen Nana stroked her hair,her eyes sparkling with understanding “continue eating…. You need your strength” She added smiling as they all continued.
<10PM~EMP. AUGUSTUS CHAMBER>
Aurora entered the chamber and Augustus looked up from what he is doing.
“I’ve been waiting for you” he muttered as she approached him slowly.
“I’m here now” She smiled.
“are you now okay” he hugged her tightly feeling her warmth.
“I’m always fine” she replied, her head on his chest.
“You haven’t given me the surprise you promised” He said and she moved away from his embrace.
“Where is it?” he asked and she bit her lips gently.
“About to show you” she replied and sat him down on the bed as Augustus looked at her curiously.
Aurora smiled as she stood in front of him. She removed her robe and it dropped on the floor with a soft rustle revealing the lingerie she is putting on.
Augustus jaw dropped in shock as he took in the sight before him.
The delicate lace and silk shimmered in the light. The Lingerie she is wearing cannot be called transparent because he is actually seeing everything clearly. From her standing boobs and pink nipples, just seeing that, he felt his senses leaving him already.
He stared down to her tummy down to her v*gina to her pretty sexy legs. He gulped down nothing on seeing it all.
Aurora spinned before facing him again.
“Do you like what you see” she asked seductively.
“Is this the surprise you were talking about” he asked and she nodded.
She leaned closer to him holding his shoulders down, “what do you think, you wanna have a taste” she whispered in her tiny voice and Augustus’s d**k almost forced itself out of his trouser as it sprang up immediately.
“Right now” He said and she smiled.
“Eat me up my Lord, don’t pity me” she said
He didn’t think twice before grabbing her making her shook.
“F**k, Finish me My lord till there is no more energy left” she moaned.
Chapter 39 & 40 : A Kingdom’s End
✨ MALICIA ✨
“Fuck……finish me my lord till there is no energy left” Aurora moaned.
“You ask for this, no going back..baby” he said.
Without hesitating, Augustus slammed his lips on her and she responded to his pace as it went deeper.
She opened her mouth for him to gain access to her tongue and he did as he savoured her sweet taste.
“mmmm” Aurora moaned into the kiss, her eyes shut as they fell on the bed with Aurora on top of his as their kiss went deeper and rough.
Augustus used his hands to tear off her Lingerie and grabbed her boobs. He broke the kiss and took one of her boobs into his mouth sucking it like his life depends on it.
Aurora moaned in pleasure as her hands went to his soft hair grabbing it. “Ahhhh” she moaned as she started going crazy with pleasure.
Augustus stopped for a second.
“Yes, August…. don’t stop” she said and pushed his head back to her chest.
He began rolling his tongues around the erected nples, his second hand giving her other boobs light pinches. “Ouch….” She closed her eyes tightly letting out a satisfying moan as his tongue curled around her nple.
He looked up and went for her swollen lips again as Aurora was getting addicted to every touch, he started using his teeth to give her countless love bite on her neck before proceeding downwards. Kissing her all the way to her belly button as he presses his lips on it.
Aurora was addicted s she wanted more of it on her body, she was feeling so hot, so flushed and longing for him.
She seized when Augustus kissed her vagina, she opened her eyes to see him already naked in between her legs.
Without warning, he shoved his tongue inside her and her legs trembled, she tried closing it but he held it back and separated it.
She was so damn wet as Augustus stopped for a seconds licking of the creamy juice from her v*gina.
She inhaled and exhaled as Augustus did wonders to her psy entrance slowly. “Oh my…..” “Gosh..” Her moans filled the room as Augustus held her trembling legs, his teeth gripping her psy in a dangerous eat up which made her struggle for breath.
“Ahhh” her whole body was raging and heated.
Augustus face was still down worshipping the heavy meal right in front of him with the Luscious taste from her p**sy juice.
He raised his head and she wrapped her arms around his neck as they went into a deep kiss, their tongues fighting for space. She was dripping with sweat as their naked body collide on each other.
Instantly, Augustus pushed his finger inside her as Aurora gasped into the kiss. He pulled it out then pushed it back in again before slamming in and out continuously.
He added another finger and she moaned loudly.
“Ooouchh!!!!”
“Fck, yes” “Ahhhhh, Fck…”
Her moans filled the chamber as Augustus did justice to her pussy like she requested for.
Her legs were trembling as he continues hitting her honeypot in a crazy thrust.
Augustus grabbed her two legs and hanged them on his shoulders giving him a perfect view of her psy. He pushed his dk inside her without warning and Aurora groaned loudly, her hand tightened on the bedspread.
His d**k kept on growing inside her.
“Oh gosh!!, Don’t stop”.
More….more, yes baby”.
It was as if she was waking his sleeping demons.
Augustus grew wild on hearing that as he went deeper into her, his member almost hitting her womb but he restrained himself because of her pregnancy.
He held her hips as she started moving on the bed against him, Fucking her more deeply.
“Ahhhhh”.
“Au….gust”.
“F**k, Rory” Augustus groaned, as he fed her honeypot with his entire length.
“Give it to me, my Lord!!!”
“Ahh..yes”.
Augustus let out a Luscious moan as he poured right inside her
“Ohhh…..” Aurora moaned, feeling the warm liquids inside her.
Augustus dropped her legs and she pulled him into an hungry kiss as they devoured their tongues and lips crazily.
His hands squeezed her boobs, she kept moaning into his mouth until she broke it.
“I want more” she said in a seductive voice and started kissing him again.
He didn’t waste no time before shoving two fingers into her wet honeypot.
“Fck” she broke the kiss as Augustus went down to her thigh spreading it wide before hugging her p*sy into his face.
“Oh my gosh!!! Eat it all up…” Aurora moaned as his tongue did magic to her honeypot.
“That feels…..so good”.
He captured her pssy lips with his teeth and at the same time, he drove his finger into her. “Ahhhhhh” she groaned as Augustus fcked her, at the same time eating her up.
“That crazy!!!!”
“Oh my….lord”
“I’m so….full!!!”
Immediately, she squirted all over his face.
“Gawd!!!….Ahhhh!!!!!” She screamed as Augustus raised his head up, her legs were trembling as it could hardly stay in a place.
Augustus lay on the bed beside her.
“Come here” he called and Aurora snuggled closer to him, her honeypot was really heated, as Augustus destroyed her like she wanted.
She rested her head on his chest as Augustus wrapped his arms around her with no space in between them.
“I love you Rory”.
“I love you too August”.
Soon, nature took place.
Aurora walked out of the Emperor’s chamber down to her suite, she actually enjoyed their sweet night yesterday as she smiled widely.
She got to her suite and was dumbfounded to see the whole place in a total changed position.
It was arranged more beautiful as a sweet fragrance filled the suite, she walked in totally to see fruits on her dining table.
She finally saw her maids who were still busy.
“Greetings, My lady” They all bowed at once.
“What’s going on here” Aurora asked, her eyes scanning the room.
“The queen mother ordered us to rearrange the suite, and also make sure to eat those fruit, more will be coming……” One of them said.
“Mother?” Aurora asked again.
“Yes, my lady” Dina replied.
“Why is she doing this much” Aurora muttered smiling as she walked into her inner chamber.
Dina took some strawberries and followed her.
“My lady” Dina called, handing it to her.
“Strawberries?, I prefer Apples” Aurora said.
“I’ll go bring the Apples…..”
“No don’t, I’ll eat it…don’t worry” she smiled and started eating it.
“My lady, you haven’t taken your bath” Dina said.
“I already did, I’ll take another later” Aurora replied.
“Hmmmm, tasty” She licked her bottom lips.
Aurora entered sapphire’s chamber and Sapphire eyes gleamed on seeing her.
“Gawd, Aurora…..come sit” Sapphire took her to a seat gently.
“Why are you suddenly acting like this” Aurora asked.
“You shouldn’t be stressing yourself, you are carrying my Godson” Sapphire said and Aurora chuckled.
“You’re funny, wait! Where is jade?” Aurora asked.
“She went to get something” she replied.
“Lest I forget, you said you have something to tell me” Aurora said, her face turning serious.
“Yes….” Sapphire looked around her room making Aurora furrow her brow.
“Why are you looking around” she asked.
Sapphire moved closer to her. “Astrid and I started dating the day before yesterday” she blurted and Aurora eyes widened.
She covered her mouth that is wide open “you mean, The Emperor personal guard” Aurora said, her jaw dropping.
“Stop calling him a guard” Sapphire snapped.
“How? How did it happen…..how did you guys confess your feeling for each other” Aurora waved her hands curiously.
“He said…….”
FLASHBACK*
“I love you Sapphire, I can’t hold in my feelings anymore” Astrid blurted again and Sapphire eyes widened the more.
“Are you…. really serious” she stammered.
“Do you think I’m joking, I’m always crazy when it comes to you Sapphire” he replied and she blinked out tears.
“I….I….” She couldn’t say a word.
“Tell me you love me too” he said and she hesitated for a while.
“I love you too Astrid” she hugged him and he smiled before hugging her back.
“Are we now in a relationship” she asked and he nodded.
“Yes, but we have to keep it a secret” he placed his index finger on her lips.
“Why?”
“What do you think the Emperor would say if he hears about it” he said for her to understand and she pouted.
“Fine” she muttered and took the lead kissing him and he reciprocated.
PRESENT*
“you guys decided to keep it a secret” Aurora asked and Sapphire nodded.
“Then why are you telling me” Aurora raised a brow and Sapphire rolled her eyes playfully.
“We are best friend, and best friends don’t keep secret from each other” Sapphire said. “Since you know my secret, I should also know yours” she added.
“Mine” Aurora shook and Sapphire nodded.
Suddenly, Jade entered the chamber and they darted their gaze to her.
“Future Empress, you’re here” she muttered as she approached them.
“Where have you been”.
“Just coming, I got the apples” She added dropping the basket of Apples on the table before them.
“Gawd, I’m craving for them” Aurora muttered and took one taking a bite from it.
“Hmmmm, this taste sweet” she closed her eyes.
Sapphire also took one and ate it too.
“Take some jade….take it” Aurora urged and Jade did too.
“Sapphire” Aurora called.
“Do I look fat, I feel like am adding weight and no one agrees to it” Aurora asked and Sapphire eyes scanned her body.
She is actually adding weight but didn’t want to inform her.
“No your not, you’re okay” Sapphire replied and she smiled.
“Really!!”
“Yeah seriously” jade muttered.
Odessa walked around the palace with Nadine beside her, after today, her and her father would be leaving the palace tomorrow but she doesn’t want to.
Her mind were filled with thought of how to make the emperor hers.
“My lady, you are lost” Nadine said when she noticed her expression.
“I’m not Nadine, just admiring everywhere” Odessa replied.
“I really love this palace, it even more bigger than Huaxia……your sister is lucky” Nadine said and Odessa furrowed her brows.
“Stop mentioning her anytime we are talking” Odessa snapped and Nadine bowed her head.
“Forgive me, my lady” she muttered.
Odessa sighted Esmeralda from afar.
“She must be the Mistress” She said inwardly. She inhaled and approached her smiling.
“Hey, Im Odessa” she smiled at her.
Esmeralda frowned slightly and soon let out a smile.
“I guess you must be Aurora’s sister” Esmeralda muttered raising her brows.
“Yes, I am” Odessa replied as they started walking together.
“Nice to meet you personally” Odessa muttered smiling and Esmeralda smiled back as they chatted together.
Sapphire and Jade were walking when they saw Odessa and Esmeralda together.
“When did Esmeralda and Odessa became friends” Sapphire asked.
“I don’t know too” Jade shrugged.
“Let just go” Sapphire shook her head and they left.
*
“You seem interesting” Esmeralda muttered and Odessa shrugged.
“Maybe, I’ll be leaving tomorrow” She said.
“Ohh, I’m sure you’ll like to stay here?” Esmeralda asked and Odessa nodded.
“Yes, I do”.
“Why don’t you talk to your sister about it” Esmeralda said, schemes filling her mind.
“My sister?” Odessa frowned.
“Okay, I’ll see you around” she added and left Esmeralda sight.
As soon as she left, Esmeralda let out a sly smirk.
“This might be easier than I thought” she grinned and walked away.
Aurora was walking past the maids quarters alone down to the Emperor’s chamber when she came across Madam Eloise.
Her eyes gleamed in excitement as she approached her.
“Madam Eloise” she called.
“Oh Aurora, I thought you have forgotten me!!” She exclaimed.
“No, I didn’t…I actually came here looking for you” Aurora said.
“Is there anything wrong?” Madam Eloise asked, raising her brows.
“No madam Eloise,” she replied.
Madam Eloise stretched some honey biscuits to her and her eyes went wide.
“Take dear, you’ll love it” Madam Eloise smiled at her.
“Thank you Madam Eloise, you made it yourself right?” Aurora asked taking a bite from the honey biscuits.
“Yes Aurora” she replied and stroke Aurora hair softly.
Aurora suddenly felt a tinged feeling when Madam Eloise touched her, she started feeling awkward as she stared at Madam Eloise.
“You can go Aurora, I have things to do” Madam Eloise said.
“Let me help you” Aurora offered.
“No, Aurora. You are already part of the royal family….you are not entitled to perform any job besides you’re pregnant and I won’t want to stress you” Madam Eloise explained and Aurora nodded.
“Ok Madam Eloise, I’ll see you around” Aurora waved and left her sight.
Madam Eloise stood still on her spot, the smile on her face vanished and turned into a dangerous smirk.
Surprisingly, smoke filled her body as it transformed into a dark smoky figure.
Malicia face came to view as she smirked darkly. “Let get started” she muttered in her venomous voice and vanished completely from the palace.
Chapter 41 & 42 : End of a Rival
Emperor Augustus barged into the inner chamber worriedly when a maid came to call him about her condition.
He sew Aurora on the bed, her whole body was pale and heated, she couldn’t move nor talk. She was paralyzed.
Her eyes were still opened fixed on the ceilings. Augustus rushed beside her and held her hands.
“Rory, what happened to you, stop playing jokes with me…………talk to me!!!!!.” He shakes her face vigorously but she didn’t respond.
“Get the physician” He screamed at a maid near and she ran out quickly.
Queen Nana rushed in and crept beside Aurora. “Aurora…..what happened to her son?!” She asked Augustus as he paced restlessly around the room.
“I really don’t know, Mother!!!!, I don’t know why she isn’t talking to me” He replied.
“I’ve never seen this before” Queen Nana muttered.
Immediately, the physician came in with her box.
“Don’t waste time, check on her” Emperor Augustus snapped and she quickly get to work.
After minutes of checking on her in silence, she stopped. Her face was full of surprise as she stared at Queen Nana.
“What wrong…..” Queen Nana asked.
“There is nothing wrong with her, this is strange….I’ve never seen this before” the physician said.
“How can you say nothing is wrong with her, look at her closely…….does she looks like someone that is okay” Augustus yelled.
“I’m sorry your highness, this is beyond my power” The physician said and Augustus took the mirror beside him throwing it across the wall as it shattered into pieces.
“Nothing must happen to her and my baby!!!!!!!” He screamed.
“Calm down, Son. I’ll just call Gina” Queen Nana assured.
“You don’t have to, I’m here” a voice came from the doorstep turning out to be the shaman, Gina.
Gina moved closer to Aurora and touched her forehead, her eyes widened.
“She was poisoned” she blurted.
“Poisoned!!!” Augustus repeated.
“Yes, your highness. It Arsenic…….it rare to find that kind of poison” She added.
“Who dared poisoned her, what did she ate last…”he asked a maid.
“It a….honey…..biscuits” she stammered.
“Who gave it to her” he thundered.
“I don’t…..know…your highness” she replied.
“With what I’m seeing, she doesn’t have more than 24 hours to Live” Gina muttered and Augustus groaned out.
“What!!!!!” Everyone exclaimed.
“Can you find the cure” He asked Gina.
“Yes I can but it takes time to prepare” she replied.
“Like how many hours” Augustus asked, his heart racing in fear.
“It’ll take 48 hours if there is rainfall and 12 hours if there is sunshine”.
Augustus looked out in the window and saw the sky darkening. His heart race rapidly.
“Oh no! Rain is about to fall” Queen Nana exclaimed.
“This is going to be really hard” Gina shook her head.
“Isn’t there any other cure for it….” Augustus broke down in tears.
“No, there isn’t…”.
Astrid entered the chamber, his eyes fixed on the figure waiting for him. “Hey baby,” he smiled, his voice low.
Sapphire turned to face him, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Hey yourself,” she teased, her voice playful. “I’ve been waiting for years now.”
Astrid chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “I’ve missed you,” he muttered, his voice filled with emotion.
Sapphire’s face softened,. “Me too,” she whispered, her voice barely audible, he pecked her lips.
“Come….let”
“No, Sapp…..Lady Aurora is in a paralyzed state and I shouldn’t be away from his highness, he might need me” he explained and her jaw dropped.
“Aurora!!! Paralyzed” she exclaimed and he nodded.
“Oh No” She muttered as she rushed out of the chamber and Astrid followed suit.
Sage was plaiting Esmeralda’s hair as they chatted. “This is the moment I’ve always wanted,” Esmeralda smiled, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
Sage’s hands moved deftly, weaving the braids together with precision.
“Yes, my Lady,” she said, her voice filled with respect. “You’ll be the future Empress in the kingdom.”
Esmeralda’s eyes narrowed, her gaze fixed on her reflection in the mirror.
“I was thinking of using her sister,” she said, her voice filled with calculation. “But the Gods made it easier for me.”
“She’ll be gone in the next 23 hours,” Sage said, her voice filled with resignation.
Esmeralda’s eyes gleamed with triumph, her face set in a determined expression. “I can’t wait for his highness to have his attention on me,” she said dreamily.
“He’s always yours, My Lady,” Sage assured her, her voice filled with reassurance.
Esmeralda’s lips curled into a smile, her eyes gleaming with confidence. “Of course he is,” she said, her voice filled with arrogance. “Not even a slave can take him away from me.”
Malicia sat on her throne, her eyes gleaming with malevolence. She laughed dangerously, her arm resting on the armrest. “This is just the tip, Augustus,” she smirked, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “You have no idea what’s coming.”
Atlas approached her, his eyes fixed on hers. “You seem to be happy, Malicia,” he said, his voice cautious.
Malicia’s gaze locked onto his, her eyes flashing with excitement. “Yes, I’ve done the first part. Now it’s time for the next!” She muttered to herself, her eyes gleaming with determination.
Atlas shook his head “I already made his bride paralyzed, so he’ll feel weak once we attack,” Malicia said, her voice filled with cruelty.
Atlas’s eyes widened in shock. “Wh…,” he started to say, but Malicia cut him off.
“Do you have a problem with it?” she snapped, her voice cold.
Atlas hesitated, his eyes dropping. “Not that, I have plans of making her mine once this is over,” he said, his voice barely audible.
Malicia’s eyes gleamed with amusement. “What if she dies…,” she said, her voice trailing off.
Malicia raised her eyebrows, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “She is going to die, and she might not,” she said, her voice filled with uncertainty.
Atlas’s face paled, his eyes filled with horror. “Why would you do that?” he asked, his voice barely audible.
Malicia shrugged, her eyes gleaming with cruelty. “Why not? She’s just a pawn in our game, Atlas. And pawns are meant to be sacrificed.”
Atlas’s eyes dropped, his face pale. He knew that Malicia was ruthless, but he had never thought she would go this far.
“Now it’s time,” Malicia said, her voice filled with excitement. “I want to see Augustus’s head right before me here.”
Atlas nodded, his eyes filled with resignation. “Sure, we’ll do just that,” he said.
✨ YONGJING KINGDOM ✨
Augustus sat dejectedly on the bed, his eyes fixed on Aurora’s pale face. He had persuaded Queen Nana, Sapphire, and Sebastian to leave him alone with her, hoping that she would wake up and everything would go back to normal. But as the hours ticked by, Aurora remained motionless, her body burning with a fever that refused to break.
Augustus’s heart raced as he caressed her face, his fingers tracing the familiar contours of her skin. “Wake up, Rory,” he muttered, his voice cracking with emotion. “I’ve missed you…I’ve missed your touch.”
But Aurora didn’t respond. Her body was still, her chest rising and falling with each labored breath. Augustus’s eyes filled with tears as he gazed at her, his mind racing with thoughts of losing her.
Just then, the full moon appeared in the sky, casting an eerie glow over the chamber. Augustus’s head jerked up, his eyes fixed on the moon as if it was a harbinger of doom. And then, he heard a voice behind him.
“It’s time to face your casualties, Augustus.”
Augustus spun around, his eyes widening as he saw Alora standing in the doorway. “Alora!” he exclaimed, his voice filled with relief.
Alora approached him, her eyes filled with concern. “I know you’re worried about Aurora, but you have to face what’s coming,” she said, her voice firm. “They’re on their way, and you can’t let your emotions get the better of you.”
But he couldn’t bear the thought of leaving Aurora’s side, not when she was so vulnerable.
“I can’t leave her, Alora,” he said, his voice cracking. “I don’t want to lose her.”
Alora’s eyes filled with compassion. “You won’t lose her, Augustus,” she said, her voice soft. “But you have to face what’s coming. You have to protect yourself, and your kingdom.”
Augustus hesitated, his eyes fixed on Aurora’s pale face. He knew that Alora was right, but he couldn’t bring himself to leave her side. Not yet.
But then, Alora’s words struck a chord in him. He remembered the promise he had made to Aurora, to protect her and their kingdom at all costs. And with that, he made up his mind.
He stood up, his eyes fixed on Aurora’s face. He took her hand, feeling the heat emanating from her body. “Fight this for me,” he muttered, his voice filled with emotion.
And with that, he kissed the back of her palm, and turned to face the door. He took a deep breath, his hand on the hilt of his sword. He soon left the chamber.
Sebastian was pacing back and forth restlessly in the suite he was given, his mind racing with thoughts of his daughter. He hadn’t gone back to his kingdom because of her.
He knew that Malicia and Astrid were planning something, and the full moon outside only confirmed his suspicions.
As he paced, his eyes fell on the window, and he couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. The full moon was a sign of dark magic, and he knew that Malicia was powerful enough to use it to her advantage.
He shook his head vigorously, trying to clear his thoughts. He had to focus on finding a way to protect his daughter.
He quickly left the suite.
Astrid and Malicia got to the Palace. He got down from his horse and moved closer to the entrance.
He used a knife to pricked his fingers and the blood dropped on the floor breaking the barrier immediately.
He smirked as they barged inside the palace.
Malicia used her dark powers to take down all the guards that are coming towards them successfully.
They stopped by the field as their eyes scanned around.
Emperor Augustus appeared and Malicia smirked.
“What are you doing here” he asked, his voice tremendous and cold.
Malicia clicked her tongues and smirked more, “I’ve come for what rightfully mine, the throne……the power. They all belong to me” Astrid said smiling.
“It not yours to begin with, Atlas……. you’re just greedy….” Augustus said.
“Yeah, greedy for Power and superiority” he completed smirking.
“You shouldn’t be doing this Atlas….”
“Then what should I do, watch you rule this kingdom…….you shouldn’t expect me to bow to you and call you ‘his highness’. Impossible, it supposed to be the other way round” Atlas flared up.
The moon shone at the field and Augustus felt his body getting weak and heated, Aurora isn’t beside him as it because worse.
“Arghhhhh!!!!!”
“See, I told you” Malicia smiled darkly.
Augustus closed his eyes tightly as his mind went to Aurora, he suddenly felt his body getting normal as he stood up again shocking Malicia and Atlas.
Malicia raised her hands to summon a dark energy blast as she made fire balls. She threw it at Augustus but he swiftly dodged it.
Augustus sword was shiny with a faint blue light as he threw it at the direction of Malicia but she used a force to take it away to another direction.
As he struggled to his feet, Malicia summoned more fireballs, hurling them at him with deadly precision. But Augustus dodged and weaved, his sword flashing in the moonlight.
Atlas scoffed and opened his arm as smokes came out. He filled his sword with dark smokes and threw it swiftly at Augustus.
Augustus turned to dodge it but he didn’t completely, it slashed his back and he fell down.
“You used the eternity energy” Malicia said.
“He won’t escape the pains” Atlas chuckled darkly.
They walked closer to him as he groaned out.
“Let just end him finally” Atlas muttered raising his sword for the final blow but Malicia stopped him.
And then, Augustus used the last of his strength to push them away, sending them flying across the field. He struggled to his feet, his vision becoming blurring.
But he knew he couldn’t give up. Not now. Not when Aurora’s life was at stake.
He stood up slowly as he rested his hands on the nearby pole, his face was dripping with sweat as his hair covered his face.
He approached them immediately as they sat up. He made an ice with his hands, knowing Malicia hates ice, he threw it at her and she screamed.
“Ahhhhhhhh”…
He wanted to slash Malicia with his sword when he remembered Aurora pale face as he stopped for a moment.
Unknowingly, Atlas slashed him again on his back and he fell down weakly.
Atlas wants to stab him when someone threw his sword away.
At that moment, Sebastian appeared.
“What are you doing here, betrayer” Atlas spat.
“I won’t let you kill him” Sebastian muttered.
“You fool, you really want to betray us…….. you’ll surely end up as him” Malicia stood up.
Without warning, Atlas sword slashing deep into Sebastian’s neck. And as his head fell to the ground, blood gushing out of it continuously.
“Who’s next………”