𝐂𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐙𝐄 ＃ YOUR THRONE. [✓]

CHAPTER 21: SOVEREIGN

"SISTER?" EROS PEERS IN the room quietly, the princess turns to him with a small smile as she pauses in writing. "Yes? Do you need anything?"

Eros walks towards the desk where Asteria was, holding a significant book. "Hm, would you like me to read this to you?" She gently asks, placing her quill down.

The Crown Prince nods, as the princess beckons for him to sit on the couch in her study. "How is your studies going, Eros? I trust that your tutors have been treating you well?"

"They do. But I still prefer you teaching me instead. They do not get straight to the point and keeps on initiating useless small talk with me."  Eros complains, as the princess sat beside him. "Well, you are the crown prince after all. They are most likely trying to curry your favor."

Eros hands her the book, as she arches a brow. There was no title on the cover, Asteria soon flicking over the coffee-hued pages. "This is.. written in the ancient language."

"Do you understand it?" Eros inquires, his curiosity piqued. "Quite. I'm familiar with the ancient language since Grandmother has teached me about it. Although this is slightly vague,"

"Do you still want me to read it?" Asteria asks, gaze flickering towards the words scribbled on with ink as deciphers the context. 'This is..!'

'How did Eros got hold of this book? This belongs to the temple..' Asteria ponders in thought as she turns the pages gently. There were odd images, and the vague image of the Guardian Deity she assumes. Her silence was broken when Eros finally spoke.

"That word over there, it says divinity right?" Eros questioned, making her golden hues widen momentarily before she shakily sighs. "Do you know more about it?"

"Divinity is a special power used by the Guardian Deity. According to ancient scripture, those who are blessed by the God will be able to wield divinity. And if I'm not mistaken, this book belongs to the temple." Asteria explains profusely, her brother's silver orbs had a unmistaken glint in it. One that showed great interest.

"Where did you get this?" Asteria carefully asks, arching a brow at her younger brother. "Do you believe in God, Asteria?" She narrows her eyes as Eros diverts the topic to something else.

"I do not." Asteria shakes her head, heaving a quiet sigh. "Return this to where you got it, okay? We wouldn't want to get in trouble with the temple." Eros nods, with a low hum. Eros soon exited her study as her gaze lingers at her younger brother, wondering why he is interested in divinity.

-

I STIRRED AWAKE, EYES snapping open as I forcefully sat up. Ragged pants left my lips, as I was drenched in cold sweat. 'How am I here?'

My gaze darted towards the other side of my lower abdomen and hovered my hand over it, aching when I touched it. String of curses escaped my lips as I leaned against the headboard exhaustedly.

The last scenarios I remember from yesterday playing in my head, I thought that was the end for me. I unwillingly passed out at the moment where Rocielle was speaking. Now I was certain that, it was definitely her.

My head throbs more as I try to remember everything else, the clicking of my bedchamber's door snapped me out of my  trance. 'Right, How did I get to Rosaria Palace again?'

"Your Highness!" Eva's delighted tone with a mix of concern calls out, holding a tray with a tea-set. "You're awake!" Eva mutters, placing down the tray on my night-stand on the other side before sitting by the bedside.

"Do you know how worried I was when Clara and Eric carried you here, all battered up and injured?!" Eva chides, acting like a worried mother but soon stopped when she sees me shake my head. "They carried me here?"