The Crown's Fire - Chapter 291

Chapter 291: Luckiest Woman
While waiting for Ezekiel, Katelina spent most of her time resting, feeling particularly lethargic due to her pregnancy. By late afternoon, with Ezekiel still away, she decided to visit the training grounds.

She smiled upon seeing Cora working diligently alongside Aurum.

“I can’t believe I have to compete with that dragon for her time,” Apollo grumbled, sitting down next to Katelina.

“How’s the search going?” Katelina asked, aware that he and Atlas were hunting for Marla and her journal. There were certain visions recorded in Marla’s notes that could prove advantageous to their cause.

“I’ve got a lead, so I’ll be leaving soon,” Apollo replied. “I just wanted to see Cora for a bit before heading out.” Katelina chuckled, and not long after, Cora noticed Apollo and walked over, with Aurum following behind.

Apollo took Cora’s hand and said, “Excuse me, Your Majesty. I just want to show Cora something for a moment.”

Cora gulped, giving Katelina a quick, polite bow before Apollo gently pulled her along. “Where are we going?” she asked as he led her away, but Apollo only winked in response.

Moments later, he cast a teleportation spell, surprising Cora. She knew Apollo was skilled in magic, but she hadn’t realized he could create portals.

“See how awesome your future husband is?” Apollo said with a mischievous grin. “Come on, I don’t have much time. I’ll be leaving with Atlas soon to track down Marla and reclaim the dragon she controls.”

They stepped through the portal, and Cora blinked, finding herself transported to Apollo’s family manor. He led her directly to a bedroom. “Our bedroom is ready. What do you think of the design?”

Cora’s eyes widened. “Isn’t this…a little fast? We already have a bedroom, and we’re not even officially engaged yet!” she said, smiling awkwardly. She sometimes forgot how bold and brazen Apollo could be.

Apollo sighed, his face softening. “I know I haven’t asked you properly. Maybe I’ve been too confident, or maybe I can just read you well. It’s not the most creative approach, I know, but…you’ve always appreciated straightforwardness.”

He gently took her hand, slipping a ring onto her finger. “Cora Smith,” he said, his gaze unwavering, “will you be my other half, through thick and thin, until death do us part?”

Cora stared down at the ring on her finger, her eyes welling up with tears. She tried to hold them back, but the emotions were too overwhelming. With a soft, choked laugh, she wiped at her eyes, but the tears kept falling.

Who would have thought that she had been Apollo’s first love all along? That he would go to such great lengths, patiently waiting for her to be ready before he even approached her. They had both already wasted so much time, and she wasn’t about to hold back her feelings for him any longer.

Right now, she was overwhelmed with happiness, knowing that Apollo loved her for who she truly was, even though she felt she had nothing to offer except her heart and her devotion. To her, that was enough, and it seemed it was enough for him, too.

She felt so incredibly fortunate to have Apollo, someone who saw her worth and loved her deeply.

“Cora…” Apollo’s voice was gentle as he stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her. “Hey, don’t cry. I didn’t mean to overwhelm you. I just… wanted to make it real, to show you I’m here for everything.”

She buried her face against his shoulder, the warmth of his embrace wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. “It’s just… I didn’t expect this to feel so… good,” she whispered, gripping the fabric of his shirt as she leaned into him fully. “I’ve always worried about the future… about the possibility of loving and losing someone I cared for. But with you…” She looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “I want to be strong, to push aside all my fears and simply enjoy the moment of being with you.”

Apollo smiled, gently wiping her tears away with his thumbs. “I’m here, Cora. Always. You never have to hold back with me.”

He lowered his head, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead, then her cheek, and finally, brushing his lips softly against hers. She returned the kiss, tentative at first, before her arms wrapped around his neck, drawing him closer. The kiss deepened, their connection fueling a new surge of warmth between them. He lifted her slightly, guiding her toward the bed, his movements slow and careful, as though savouring every moment they shared.

They lay together, their breaths mingling, as he continued to reassure her, his fingers tracing soothing patterns along her back. “I want to give you everything, Cora. All of me,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “There’s no rush, but know I’ll always be here by your side.”

Cora then smiled brightly and hummed, “I will marry you, Apollo, and I’ll gladly be your wife!” She pulled Apollo closer, initiating a more passionate kiss than before. But just as they were lost in the moment, she suddenly stopped, both of them breathless.

“Aurum mentioned that Atlas is at the training grounds right now looking for you,” Cora informed him.

Apollo cursed under his breath. “Let’s go back then. I’ll wrap things up today so we can finally concentrate on making all the arrangements for our marriage. Oh, by the way, my parents prepared dinner for you, so stay here and sleep over tonight. Everything you need is here… except for Aurum, of course!”

“But…” Cora began but was cut off when Apollo kissed her again and said, “I’ll be back and sleep with you tonight! Don’t worry, though; I’ll just cuddle you. Unless… you want us to do more.”

Cora’s face reddened, and Apollo winked at her, stealing another kiss before casting a portal to return to the training grounds. As the portal shimmered around them, Cora parted her lips and murmured, “Ah, this man…” A satisfied smile spread across her face as she looked around their bedroom.

She bit her lip, taking in all the wardrobes he had filled with beautiful clothes for her. There were exquisite pieces of jewellery and many more treasures that any woman would adore.

“Ah, he loves spending too much money!” she exclaimed, her heart swelling with happiness. The thought of a future with Apollo, filled with love and warmth, made her feel like the luckiest woman in the world.