Semua Bab FOREVER YOURS TO KEEP: Bab 21 - Bab 30

Avery's PovThe moment I stepped into the hallway, cradling the bowl filled with used water and the damp towel, I nearly bumped into three familiar figures hurrying toward me.“Your highness!” Amaya’s voice rang with urgency, her skirts rustling around her ankles as she quickened her pace. Behind her, my two personal maids, Flora and Eliha, trailed with concern etched across their youthful faces.“There you are, my lady!” Amaya reached me first, eyes immediately darting to the bowl in my hands. “How is Prince Sebastian? Is he any better?”I gave her a small smile, balancing the bowl carefully as I answered, “He’s much better. His fever has gone down, and the wound doesn’t seem infected.”Relief softened Amaya’s expression, and she exhaled deeply. “Thank the heavens…”Without needing to be told, she reached out and gently took the bowl and towel from me. Her gaze lingered on my face for a moment, a flicker of concern in her eyes before she spoke gently. “I’ll take care of this, Your

Sebastian POVThe silence that followed Avery's departure pressed down on me, heavy and suffocating; each tick of the clock felt like a hammer blow, amplifying the emptiness. Claire moved with practiced grace, her every gesture, the meticulous dusting of the spotless table, the seemingly casual adjustment of a chair, a performance designed to reassert her control. Her eyes, sharp and unwavering, never left mine, the anticipation in their gaze a tangible pressure I kept mine on the floor, on the shattered moment between Avery and me, which is now in ruins, much like the overturned bowl of rice porridge. The white grains clung to the floor, like silent accusations. My chest tightened, but I did not say anything.I should have stopped her. Instead, I sat there and watched her walk away, as if she meant nothing to me. Like everything she did for me meant nothing.The memory of Avery was both vivid and intensely painful. I recalled the warmth of her hand as she fed me, the unexpected ge

Avery's PovAs I approached Sebastian's chamber, I felt a cold dread settle in my stomach; the normally vibrant palace was silent, the dimmed lights casting long, eerie shadows.Only the low hum of the ventilation system and the occasional creak of a distant door broke the uneasy silence. My heart's frantic beat resonated against the stillness, mirroring my inner turmoil. I had to do it, regardless of the consequences.Raising my hand, I knocked softly.Sebastian's deep voice from inside said, "Come in."I paused abruptly after opening the door. Sebastian and Kael sat across from one another, their expressions grim and serious. Whatever they would been talking about stopped the moment I arrived."I apologize for interrupting," I said quietly, my voice barely a breath. "I have got something urgent." Sebastian's sharp gaze softened briefly, but a hint of suspicion remained. "What brought you here at this hour?"I paused, my gaze shifting to Kael, his presence a sudden, unwelcome we

Avery's POVThe air in my chambers became frigid as Sebastian entered, his wheelchair contrasting sharply with the frantic rhythm of my own heart. Kael trailed behind, his presence adding to the tension. Sebastian's face was a mask of cold, unyielding stillness, terrifyingly impassive; the intensity was palpable and suffocating. His rigid expression conveyed complete disbelief and utter disregard."Kael," he said, his tone sharp and emotionless. "Begin your search.”Kael gave a small nod and moved silently toward the shelves and corners in my room. I clenched my fists as bile rose in my throat. The humiliation of being suspected and treated as a criminal in my own chambers burned through me like acid."There is nothing here!" I snapped, my voice tinged with desperation. "You will not find anything because I did nothing! There’s nothing..”Claire's voice, smooth as polished marble, cut right through my outburst. "Perhaps you should let him search without further protest, Avery," she s

Avery's PovA hesitant rap on my door, barely louder than a whisper, shattered the fragile calm of my sleep. My eyelids are heavy, and my body aches with a weariness that goes beyond simple exhaustion; the emotional wreckage of the previous night clings to me like a wet blanket. The bitter taste of betrayal lingered on my tongue."Princess?" It was Flora's voice, closely followed by Eliha's. "May we come in?"I sat up slowly, pressing my palm to my eyes, and responded in a hoarse whisper, "Come in."The door creaked open, and Flora and Eliha entered, their movements deliberate and gentle, as if they were walking lightly around a sleeping bird. Flora carried the breakfast tray with almost reverent care. Eliha followed, her expression a mix of concern and quiet strength. Their eyes met mine and instantly softened, conveying a depth of unspoken understanding and empathy."Good morning, Your Highness," Flora said, walking over to sit beside my bed after placing the tray on the table."W