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.