CHAPTER 529: HARD TO LET GO

The sword was thrust straight into her heart and lungs. The pain was unbearable

She could barely breathe or speak, but she had to say those words before she never had the chance to speak them again.

The truth she tried so hard to ignore was right before her.

"I lo_" she didn’t finish her statement when her hand fell from her cheeks. Her blood was lingering on his skin. Her eyes were still wide open but it was dull and dead.

"Abrielle..." He could barely whisper.

*****

"Abrielle,"

"Abrielle," she felt a soft touch on her cheeks. Abrielle’s eyes popped open. Tears were rolling down her cheeks. Her eyes were bloodshot red

"Abrielle," the voice called out again weakly. Abrielle blinked, her gaze blurry stained with tears. A blurry image of Aurelius was before her. His brows furrowed, eyes filled with concern.

Was she back to the present?

Aurelius’s arms wrapped around her, and her body crashed against his taut chest. His hand was holding her tightly. His subtle warmth only made her cry more..

Aurelius held her close; his embrace was reassuring. He was silently telling her he was there for her. That was all she wanted right now..

.

Abrielle broke down completely in his arms and cried out her heart. Aurelius didn’t say anything and just let her cry in his arms. He rubbed her back in a soothing motion, hoping to calm her.

Her sobs broke continuously through her lips, time drifted. Aurelius could not keep up with how long that had passed.

Her shoulders eventually stopped trembling and her tears died off. Abrielle sniffed, still burying her face in his chest.

"It will be fine," Aurelius said softly, giving her the time to sort her emotions. Abrielle nodded, she sniffed several times to control her snort.

"You can use this," Aurelius offered a handkerchief to her. "Thank you," she mouthed, then used the clean hankie to wipe her tears before blowing her nose.

Abrielle caught sight of her reflection in the mirror from the corners of her eyes. She looked like a complete mess. Swollen eyes, red nose and flushed cheeks. " I look like a complete mess now. " She muttered.

Aurelius sighed, his gaze was soft. He was disturbed about her condition. He had left the palace earlier after receiving the news that Sebastian was in the castle. He intended to have dinner with Abrielle and Sebastian. The time for the meal arrived, but Abrielle didn’t come down.

The maids later informed them at the table that Abrielle was fast asleep, and knowing how difficult it was for her lately to sleep, he couldn’t find the place in his heart to wake her up.

He and Sebastian ended up eating together. They were technically in-laws since Sebastian’s twin sister was married to his uncle. Aurelius didn’t have any issue with his uncle who knew his place and never bothered about that throne

They spoke about politics and a bit about Abrielle’s childhood. Sebastian even shared the story of how Abrielle’s obsession with Cedric started. It was a cute story.

Aurelius could not help but imagine what his childhood would have been like if they had grown up together. Abrielle might not have been as happy as she was being spoiled by the Nightshades if she had grown up in the palace surrounded by the politics of the harem and a stepmother like Seraphina.

One thing he knew for sure he would have protected her. The damage was already there and he couldn’t cry over spilt milk.

After dinner, he decided to visit Abrielle’s because she had been asleep for a while just to check up on her. He was welcomed by the sounds of soft sobs.

Abrielle was crying in her sleep, he tried to call her over and over again, but there was no reply, as if she was trapped.

Fortunately, she responded to his calls after a while. "You are a complete mess." He replied half laughing trying to lighten up the atmosphere

Abrielle smiled weakly, "How was the ancestral test? Did you pass?" Aurelius had been away all day because of the Ceaphyr’s family ancestral test every successor to the throne had to take. She wasn’t expecting him to return today because it was customary for him to spend the night before his coronation in the palace of Luminaria

"It was fine," she didn’t expect any less from him. He was powerful and of pure blood. Both parents have roots in the Ceaphyr family.

Aurelius’s eyes were still watching her keenly, "Did you have a nightmare you were crying in your sleep?" He asked. His eyes darted around that’s when he noticed the Nightshade seal on an envelope.

Aurelius’s gaze darkened as his presence got heavy. He narrowed his eyes on the letter wondering if it was the reason she was crying. Abrielle noticed his gaze and understood immediately.

"Mother_" she paused, realising how weird it was calling Rebecca her mother in front of Aurelius. It was a subconscious action..

"Rebecca?" He arched his brow at her. He seemed amused. "You still call her mother after they betrayed you?" Aurelius scoffed. Abrielle’s heart squeezed, but she was in no place to defend Rebecca.

"Despite what happened. They still raised me with love for years. Things are just complicated." She could barely say, afraid of Aurelius’s wrath.

His jaw clenched, "So you have forgiven her," he sneered, his gaze was sharp. Abrielle flattered under his gaze. Aurelius hissed then closed his eyes to rein in his anger

"You are too soft Abrielle," he mumbled. She took after their mother despite never knowing Bethany.

Abrielle bit her lips. Was she too soft? She wondered. She sighed before continuing, "I let bygones be bygones. As a repayment for everything they did for me, I forgive them." She admitted

"Oh dear," Aurelius groaned, rubbing his face.

"It will be hard to suddenly stop calling her my mother. Silvanius was also hard on you but he never stopped being your father." She swallowed a lump. "I think that is the same for me."

Silence. Just their breath echoed until Abrielle spoke again. "Rebecca sent a letter of apology and I think I will forgive her..." She paused then picked up the crumpled letter. The ink was already stained with her tears and some had faded away.

Holding the letter, her mind drifted to the bizarre dream. She could still feel the pain

in her heart; it felt too real. Cedric killed her.