The Crown's Fire - Chapter 239

Chapter 239: Finally Confessing
Meanwhile, back at Haven Forest, Cora couldn’t believe how Apollo and Aurum seemed so close now. Perhaps it was because when Cora opened up to Apollo about her hesitation to accept being Aurum’s dragonrider, Apollo coaxed Aurum, telling the dragon he would help ease Cora’s doubts.

“So, Aurum, what do you say? How about we go out with Lady Cora and have a quiet walk in the serene part of the forest? Maybe Lady Cora just needs some good ambiance around her to realize the opportunity she’s about to miss if she delays forming that dragon bond with you?” Apollo suggested.

Right then, Aurum excitedly flapped his wings, causing everything light inside Cora’s tent to fly everywhere.

Cora and Apollo strolled through the serene part of Haven Forest, accompanied by Aurum in his invisible form. The forest seemed to come alive with the rustling of leaves and the soft murmur of distant streams. Apollo, always animated, was engaged in lively conversation with Cora about Aurum’s future as her dragon.

“You know, Cora,” Apollo said with a mischievous grin, “I understand your worries, but you shouldn’t let them hinder you from opening your heart to new possibilities and connections with others.”

He casually pulled Cora’s wrist and led her to sit on the nearest makeshift bench he saw. “Aurum, stay close, alright? Cora will really get mad if you don’t!” Apollo reminded, and they heard Aurum’s soft purrs.

Cora chuckled and teased Apollo, “Aurum should have chosen you!”

“But he didn’t! It chose you for a reason, Cora,” Apollo pointed out. “You know you don’t need to convince me, right? It’s not like I have a choice. The king’s order is that I prepare myself because Queen Katelina will form the dragon bond between me and Aurum the moment they arrive,” Cora commented.

She felt a jolt of electricity run through her when Apollo suddenly grabbed her hands and gently squeezed them. “I know, but it will be painful for you if you don’t fully open your heart to Aurum. I don’t want you to be in pain, Cora,” Apollo hummed, his expression turning serious.

It was the first time Cora had seen him so serious, and he didn’t even blink as he looked at her.

“What’s wrong with you?!” she murmured, her forehead creased in confusion.

“I like you so much, Cora. Didn’t you even notice that?” Apollo suddenly confessed, making Cora pull her hands away from his hold.

Cora stared at him, her heart pounding. “Apollo, I… I didn’t know.”

Apollo sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I’ve tried to show you in so many ways, but I guess I wasn’t clear enough. I care about you, Cora, and I want you to be happy. I want you to embrace this bond with Aurum and not hold back because of your fears.”

Cora took a deep breath, trying to process his words. “Apollo, this is a lot to take in. I never thought you felt this way. I mean, you always vex me!”

“I know,” Apollo said softly. “I do that because it’s the only way to get your attention!” he reasoned. “You’ve shut yourself off since Rina died. It’s been so hard to reach out to you unless I… tease you often.”

Cora was speechless, her mind racing. Apollo continued, his voice earnest, “Aurum can be the step you need. Open your heart to the dragon and accept the bond without worry. People and animals die, Cora. Even immortals can lose their lives, but that doesn’t mean you should stop moving forward and opening your heart to those who want to get close to you.”

She looked down, feeling the weight of his words. “It’s just so hard, Apollo. Rina was everything to me. Losing her… it broke something inside.”

Apollo gently lifted her chin, making her meet his gaze. “I know it’s hard. I can’t imagine the pain you’ve been through. But shutting yourself off isn’t the answer. Rina wouldn’t want that for you. She’d want you to live fully, to embrace new bonds, and to let others in.”

Cora felt tears welling up, but she nodded, understanding the truth in his words. “You’re right. It’s just… so scary.”

Apollo smiled warmly, his hand still holding hers. “It’s okay to be scared. Just don’t let that fear control you. Let Aurum in, and maybe let me in too.”

Apollo pulled Cora into a comforting embrace. He didn’t know what had come over him, finally confessing his feelings. He had been keeping them in for some time now. He and Cora had a good relationship before; she liked him first, and he felt that. But when Rina died, Cora seemed to distance herself from him.

That was when he started teasing her and annoying her most of the time, just to get her to look at him, even if it was with an annoyed expression. He didn’t want her to fully distance herself from him, so he made ways to reach out to her, even if it was through teasing.

He was so glad when Cora finally returned to Ebodia, even though she seemed a little aloof with him at that time. He had been able to spend some time with her, but when Tarah went missing, she became distant again. Then Ezekiel tasked Cora with many responsibilities, and Apollo was once again left alone, longing for her presence.

Unable to bear it any longer, he took the initiative to follow her to the Global Summit, hoping to spend more time with her and find a chance to finally express his emotions.

“Cora,” Apollo began, his voice trembling with the weight of his feelings. “I followed you here because I couldn’t stand being away from you any longer. I needed to tell you how I feel.”

Cora looked at him, surprised and touched by his honesty. “Apollo, I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t need to say a thing now and just listen to me. I’ve felt this way for a long time,” Apollo admitted. “But I was afraid to tell you, afraid you’d push me away. When Tarah went missing and Ezekiel kept you busy, I felt so helpless. I couldn’t just stand by anymore.”

Cora, feeling the warmth of his embrace, found herself relaxing slightly. She had always felt a connection with Apollo, but her grief had clouded her judgment and led her to push him away. She had loved him and tried to express her feelings before, but when Rina fell ill, everything else faded into insignificance besides her sister’s suffering. And when Rina died, it felt like her heart had died with her, leaving Cora to focus solely on her duties and becoming one of the kingdom’s best warriors.

“I’m sorry,” she murmured against his chest. “I didn’t realize how much I was shutting you out. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

Apollo stroked her hair gently. “I understand, Cora. Grief does that. It makes you build walls. But I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere. I’m always here waiting for you.”

Cora gently pushed Apollo away, wiping her tears as she pouted. “But you’re always involved with women!” She admitted her disappointment, often hearing news about Apollo’s relationships with various women. Growing up together under his family’s protection, Cora knew Apollo well, they were childhood sweethearts. She had fallen for him first, but she also knew Apollo loved her too.

“They are just rumors meant to threaten you, but they don’t affect me at all. You’re still as stoic as ever! I’ve been waiting for you to confront me about it, but you seem unbothered!” Apollo muttered with a crumpled face.

Cora missed seeing him act so childish. She patted his head and said, “I am affected. I just didn’t show it.”

“Oh, Cora! Why did it take us so long to be honest!” Apollo mumbled, cupping her face gently. Cora pouted in response. “What took you so long to confess?” she retorted.

Apollo chuckled softly. “I guess it’s my fault. I should have reached out to you sooner, but it’s not too late now. We can make up for lost time, Cora. How about we don’t waste any more time and sleep in the same tent?” Apollo suggested playfully.

Cora frowned and hissed, “Do you have a death wish?”

Ignoring her threat, Apollo leaned in and gave her a quick peck on the lips. “Let’s get married as soon as we’re back in Ebodia. Mother will surely jump for joy when she hears the good news!” Apollo hummed as he cupped her face.

He leaned in again and kissed her lips, this time with a passion that took Cora’s breath away.

“I love you, Cora Smith!” Apollo murmured against her lips, refusing to let go. Cora smiled back and deepened the kiss, savoring the moment.

When Apollo pulled back slightly to look at her, he asked with a furrowed brow, “Cora, don’t you love me?”

Instead of answering, Cora leaned in to kiss him again.

“Is this your way of showing actions speak louder than words, my future wife?” Apollo murmured against her mouth. “If you keep this up, I might end up crawling into your tent!” he added huskily.

Cora didn’t reply and she simply savored the sensation of kissing his luscious lips.