Chapter 18: The Sailing on Two Different Rivers “Did something good happen?” We were having a snack the next morning when Shahida read her book while biting a chocolate cookie. After days being with this girl, she has gotten more beautiful than ever. Even though her eyes were focused on her book, I could not get away from her juicy stares and teasing smile. Aunt Isadora even gave me a glimpse as she put a pitcher of strawberry juice on the table. “Do you need anything else?” Aunt Isadora asked after placing the food. “We are all good, Aunt Isadora. Have a snack with us,” Shahida invited her. “I am not yet done at the kitchen, Shahida. Also, I have things to prepare. I will leave you here and if you need anything, just call me.” Aunt Isadora reminded us. “Do you need a helping hand, Aunt Isadora?” I asked, trying to get away from Shahida. She’s not going to let me breathe with my privacy. “Did you see Shahida’s eyes clawing me?” Aunt Isadora chuckled at me. “You can’t get away w
Chapter 19: Look At Me Aunt Isadora’s words lingered like a glue on our fingertips. Apollo may be entitled with everything but he has no over control with everything especially when the elders will get in the way. “Thank you, Aunt Isadora.” Before she left, I received a reassuring smile from her and I wondered what was that for. However, Apollo ordered me to check the warriors that were part of the encounter last night. I know he is just making excuses. “I have important matter to check and I would not be able to check it with you. Can you accompany Aunt Isadora and check my men outside?” he asked softly. Apollo is bad at lying. Anyone could figure out if he is telling the truth or not. He is just as clear as a crystal water. I nodded at him, although I was a bit sad. “Okay. You can call me if you need anything. I am just right down stairs.” Apollo went to me and gave me a peck on the side of my forehead. “Thank you.” AUNT ISADORA was surprised when I offered my help in the k
Chapter 20: The Promise Leaving the mansion was my only choice. When my foot stepped outside, it sinks in my mind that I do not know where to find him. Foolish me for pushing Apollo away. Now, I do not know where to start. I was in the middle of the road and the tall gate just closed, leaving me outside soaked with rain drops. I stared at my back to check where should I go since I have no idea where ai could find Riley’s body. However my brain didn’t work. The rain is pouring lightly but I am still adamant to end this today. Riley is waiting for me to find him, for sure. Then, I covered my forehead with my palms, preventing the rain from flowing on my face. I did not care what I would look like running through the rain. But, I felt thick linen on top of my head, smelt so familiar, stopping me from running. I looked upwards and saw Apollo drenched, water trickling from the rain. It fell hard on us but neither of the both of us moved. He was staring intently at me as if comtemplatin
Chapter 21: The Moment “Have you seen that? It’s a shooting star. Let me make a wish.” Exclaiming from excitement, I pointed the sudden appearance of the wishing star from the clear night sky. I could not help but be in awe as I saw how the star shines bright above. I have never seen such thing since my childhood days. I was beaming with happiness, that it took me minutes before I could utter my next word. “Woah! They are beautiful.” I felt like my eyes were brimming with water. “It’s just a shooting star. You can see them every night since we are under the shed of Northcrest. You act as if it is your first time,” Apollo chuckled lightly unaware. I answered him softly, “It is my first time.” His expression changed all of a sudden. I knew from it since I mastered the art of sensing other people’s thinking. He was flustered. “I-I… I d-didn’t m-mean that way. I’m sorry,” he stuttered. I faced him with my bright smile, telling him it was okay. He didn’t know anyway. To make him co
Chapter 22: The Fishbone in my Throat Tonight, Apollo and Shahida will leave the mansion. After persuading him successfully into coming there, he finally decided to reconsider his grandpa. But, one thing does not change in him. “Are you sure you are not going with me? I promise I will not let you be an outcast there.” He was still adamant to bring me with him. From what I know, his grandparents reside at Eagle Hill, the private farm of the Valencourt outside Northcrest. I know it’s still against his will to pay them a visit but Apollo needs a good alliance and not being on their side is a huge disadvantage for him. And he was aware of it. I was fixing his tie but he teased me by tipping his toes, making me unable to reach it. I thought it’s just because he’s taller than me, but when I saw him grinning at me, I pulled his tie slightly and slapped his elbow. “Aw!” he exclaimed, rubbing it with his other hand. “You are really mean. When are you going to treat me like… I am yours?”
Chapter 23: I’m Sorry 3rd Person POV Alfonso groaned at him. “The Senior Council and I thought that it would be better to have remarriage ceremony for you and Isabelle. It’s been years already you have no heir. What will happen to the next generation, huh?” Lady Isabelle walked to their direction and acted innocently. “You don’t have to force my husband, grandpa. He’s been very focused on the town and so do I. We couldn’t fulfill the duties of being a husband and wife to each other because of that. I apologized. It’s my fault.” Apollo scoffed loudly at her. “Cut that nonsense, Isabelle. We’ve been like this since we married when we were thirteen.” All of the guests inside heard what Apollo bursted loudly. It is clearly spoken that the two of them didn’t tried to have an heir. “What do you mean by that, Apollo? Isabelle?” Alfonso glanced at both of them alternately. “Brother, stop it.” Shahida pulled her brother’s cufflink slightly. “You don’t want to make grandpa angry, do you
Chapter 24: The Wreck Shahida “Who says I need breakfast in bed, you punk?” Evangeline, one of the kitchen staff runs off crying from my brother’s chamber. She was kicked out again after serving breakfast for him. It has been a two hell weeks since Elias left the mansion and didn’t even bade his goodbye. All that I recalled at grandma’s death anniversary was Apollo getting criticized by the elders of our family, and the councils who payed their visit. Rejecting and voided the marriage was the best of the night but it was soon exchanged with horror. I was forced to stay there unaware. Grandpa has never been disappointed in his life not until my brother defended Elias in front of everyone and announced that Isabelle and him was nothing but a contractual marriage, which drew a conclusion about his feelings for Elias. He also announced his love for him which was so romantic. After he received Elias’ betrayal, I understood his anger and frustration on everything. I really want to pu
Chapter 25: Back on Track 3rd Person POV It was still evident to Apollo’s eyes how worn out it were. His eyebags were showing and he got skinny for refusing food for days. After visiting Elias’ room, he went straight to the infirmary. Andrius ran towards his direction as soon as he stepped inside. The familiar scent of alcohols and the infirmary itself lingered into his nostrils. He slightly wrinkled his nose and roamed his eyes around. “Alpha, you didn’t tell me you’re visiting today,” Andrius muttered shocked. “You could have informed so I can make everyone in their posts.” He was well aware that Apollo was not a fan of infirmaries, clinics, and hospitals. He has never visited one while growing up because he hates it. And now, he is here. “How was everybody here?” His voice is stern and stoic. Apollo strolled each bed of the infirmary and checked everyone. Andrius just followed the alpha around and reported everything to him. “About half of our warriors have been discharged a