“Wait a second, Your Majesty,” a voice came, causing them to pause in taking Chloe.
Grey knelt in front of Ragnarök to greet him.
“Your Majesty, forgive my rudeness, but Chloe is my responsibility. Please let me attend to her.”
With his fist on the ground while kneeling and eyes on the ground, he pleaded.
"But Lord Grey, royal physicians are the best to give her medical attention. It would be wise to let Chloe stay here,”
Carol, worried about her sister's well-being, furrowed her eyebrows and tightened her lips as she spoke.
"Indeed, my lady, royal physicians are the best, but Chloe isn't injured. She is just unconscious from shock. It would be good if she wakes up in familiar
surroundings,” Grey responded.
“How dare you deny her words?” Ragnarök growled. His red ruby eyes, like fiery gems, pierced through the night, captivating all who saw them. His gaze was mesmerizing, both fierce and bold, causing Grey to lower his head even further in fear.
“F-Forgive me, Your Majesty. It wasn't my intention. I deserve death,” Grey stammered, his whole body trembling in fear.
“No, it was my fault. You are right, Chloe doesn't like unfamiliar places. Please take her with you and care for her. Do inform me about her condition,” Carol interjected, her sad ocean eyes reflecting deep sorrow.
Her once brightened face turned cold like ice in sadness, knowing she could only be with her sister for a brief moment.Ragnarök didn't like seeing her downcast. Without saying a word, he gently grasped her hand and led her away from there.
Leaving the dark night behind, the sun began to rise above the horizon, casting its warm and golden rays across the sky. The sky gradually transitioned from dark hues to vibrant shades of pink, orange, and purple, creating a stunning display of colors.
.
.
HEMSWORTH MENTION:-
As Chloe opened her eyes, she gasped for air, her heart racing as if it were about to burst out of her chest. Sweat dripped down her forehead, and her body trembled with fear.
She had just woken up from a nightmare, and the images were still vivid in her mind. In her dream, she was being chased by a huge monster, and no matter how fast she ran, she could hear its heavy breathing and feel its hot breath on her neck.
She woke up with a jolt, and Lord Grey tried to calm her as he embraced her.
“It's fine, Chloe. You're fine! Nobody's hurting you, I am here.”Her heavy breathing lowered in his embrace, and the nightmare's shadow slowly left her.
“Lord Grey…" a hoarse voice came out of her mouth.
“Yes, I am here, Chloe,” He gently answered.
“Stop groping me,” She punched him angrily to stop his hands from roaming on her body.
“Come on, we were having a moment,” He said as he cried on the ground.
“Forget it, I am going to the castle,” She sprang up in anger, remembering yesterday's conversation with her father.
“Where? Castle? In a nightgown? Calm down, sweetheart. What did you talk about with the count? Tell me!”He gazed into her eyes with a serious expression, his voice filled with urgency as he asked.
“Please, I need answers. Can you tell me what happened?”She sat back on the bed and told him everything.
After explaining, he said, “I understand. I always had doubts, but your words confirm it.”
Grey replied as if he were thinking something.
“What?"
“The emperor, you know, even in war, how many times his comrades tried stabbing him in the back, not mentioning the assassins from different countries. A normal person wouldn't have survived, but he survived and won all the battles.”
“Yeah, that's right, Lord Grey. We have to save my sister…"
“No! We won't involve ourselves in this matter anymore, Chloe,” Lord Grey said with a determined expression, sitting beside her.
“Are you scared, Lord Grey? If you are, then I will…"
“I am scared, Chloe. I am afraid of losing you. I spent 2 years in the war, during which time I saw countless dead bodies trampled by the Emperor. He is a cruel person and he loves your sister. If you try to take her away from him, you won't survive and I… I can't let that happen.” Lord Grey scowled and clenched his jaw in frustration and anger. He stood up and angrily turned away from her, showing his frustration and disappointment.
“From now on, you won't go near Castle Chloe. Forgive me, but you won't even attend the wedding.” He said.
“Wedding? Whose wedding?”
She furrowed her brow and looked puzzled, her face reflecting his confusion and uncertainty.
“Lady Carol and the Emperor's wedding, which will be held in a week. Until their wedding, you are under house arrest, Chloe.” He left the room as he said those words.
Frustrated, Chloe tightened her lips and cried herself under the blanket. Grey knew about her pain, but her safety was his priority. Unaware of her sister's pain, Carol was preparing for her wedding.
A bunch of servants was helping her, and the best designer of the kingdom was there to take her measurements. The bride-to-be stood in front of the full-length mirror in her room, wearing only her undergarments.
The designer held a measuring tape in her hand and began to take her wedding dress measurements. First, she measured her bust, wrapping the tape around the fullest part of Carol's chest. Next, she measured her waist, placing the tape around the narrowest part of her torso.
She made sure to keep the tape snug, but not too tight.
“My good lord, your highness, your waist is so small. I am so jealous. The Emperor is a lucky man,” the designer snickered and made a joke about her.
“I heard the soon-to-be empress and Emperor are childhood sweethearts, so jealous,” they all chatted and laughed about them.
In the midst of their laughter, Carol remembered the previous evening, her first kiss. As their lips met, a rush of emotions flooded through them.
Nervousness, excitement, and anticipation all mixed in a dizzying whirlwind. The softness of their lips and the warmth of their breath sent shivers down their spines. It was a moment they would never forget, a first kiss that would forever be etched in their memories. She blushed and put her hands on her lips.
“So many people to help you, Carol, and you are lost in your world. What is it that you are thinking to be blushing like this?” Ragnarök leaned on the door, his words flowing effortlessly, carrying a charm that was difficult to resist.
Each syllable was carefully chosen, his voice smooth and velvety, captivating everyone in the room. With a twinkle in his eyes and a playful smile, he effortlessly wove a web of enchantment with his words, leaving everyone hanging on his every sentence. Seeing the blushing of the maids, a rage of jealousy came over Carol.
The happiness she felt seeing him turned into rage.
“ Leave, every one of you.” Her command was absolute, making every one of them leave without a word.
“Goodness gracious, still a week left, but the characteristics of a queen are showing, Carol,” he said as he slowly and cautiously approached her.
The back of her dress was undone, revealing her flawless, smooth, and unblemished skin, like a canvas waiting to be painted. Every curve and contour was perfectly sculpted, inviting Ragnarök's gaze to linger on her body.
The way the light played across her skin was mesmerizing, highlighting every delicate line and crevice. He silently brushed his finger on her back, and by his gentle touch, she flinched and stepped back a little, making her step on her dress and fall.
He quickly grabbed her arm and steadied her, preventing her from tripping over her dress.
“Careful, don't want the bride to be injured before her wedding,” he said, smiling.
“It was your fault to begin with…" Her cheeks turned a rosy shade as she shyly spoke.
“Carol, let's practice what we did yesterday." His face got closer to hers.
“You think I am stupid? I know you are just teasing me. You'll just pretend to kiss me….”
Before she could finish her sentence, his lips were on hers, touching and feeling the softness, sharing a passionate kiss.
The world around them seemed to fade away as they lost themselves.at the moment, Time stood still as their lips moved in perfect harmony, their bodies pressed against each other.
It was a moment of pure bliss, a connection that neither of them had ever experienced before. They could feel the intensity of their emotions, the electricity coursing through their veins. It was a kiss that spoke volumes, conveying all the unspoken desires and longing they had for each other.
As they finally pulled away, their eyes met, and he stared at her with a serious expression for a while. She was finding oxygen to breathe after the kiss. Afterward, he hugged her tightly, burying his face in her chest.
“Let's stay like this for a while, Carol….” he said.
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