The Crown's Fire - Chapter 100

Chapter 100: Market
Tarah and her friends, Duke Apollo, Princess Ezme, and Cora, decided to stroll outside Ebodia Royal Estate’s walls. To avoid attracting attention, they dressed up as commoners. Tarah appreciated the anonymity this provided, as she didn’t want to be recognized as the kingdom’s fated seer. Walking through the streets, they blended in seamlessly with the crowd.

Princess Ezme chattered happily about the sights and sounds of the city, while Apollo and Cora kept a watchful eye on their surroundings. Tarah felt a sense of relief being able to enjoy this moment. She noticed that only a few Ebodians were roaming around the Market Square.

“Ah, the scent of fresh human blood since I entered Ebodia!” Ezme bluntly remarked with a sniff. Tarah chuckled softly, knowing well of the princess’s determination to abstain from drinking human blood since her time at the Ebodia Encampment. It must have been challenging for her, but she seemed resolute.

“The streets here seem unusually quiet,” Tarah hummed, changing the subject.

“Well, it’s due to the war,” Cora explained. “King Stephan has yet to lift his decree imposing curfews on each district of Ebodia City. Consequently, residents are only permitted to venture out freely to the market once a week for essential supplies. Until then, everyone remains vigilant within the confines of their homes. Prince Ezekiel suggested this measure to root out any potential spies lurking within Ebodia City.”

“That prince is remarkably astute,” Ezme remarked admiringly, surveying her surroundings. “His strategy is commendable. Safeguarding the heart of the kingdom is paramount; the fall of the capital would spell the kingdom’s demise.”

Tarah nodded in agreement. Such caution was warranted, for it was precisely how their kingdom had fallen before—when Devon launched a direct assault on the capital city and its royal family.

“Is this your first time in Ebodia too?” Princess Ezme asked Tarah, walking arm in arm as they followed Apollo and Cora toward the market.

Feeling generous, Ezme whispered to Tarah, “Feel free to pick out anything you like; I’ll cover the cost.” Tarah smiled gratefully, agreeing to the offer.

Suddenly, Apollo turned back to face them, overhearing Ezme’s offer. “I heard that! Don’t worry, Ezme, as my guests and newfound friends, everything is on me. Just grab whatever you want, and it’s my treat,” he declared with a wide grin.

Cora, with a skeptical expression, interjected, “And what about me? I’m not a guest, nor your newfound friend.”

Apollo’s grin widened, and he replied, “Of course, you too Cora! Consider it a special treat for our reunion,” Cora.” He winked at her, causing her cheeks to flush with embarrassment.

“By the way, aren’t you needed in the inner court?” Cora suddenly asked.

Tarah noticed a subtle blush creeping up Cora’s cheeks as she commented, realizing that Cora was trying to cover up her own embarrassment by diverting the topic.

“It’s boring there. Besides, they will just discuss the coming coronation for Ezekiel and not to mention pestering him about the selection for his future Queen,” Apollo murmured, drawing all eyes to Tarah.

This time, it was Tarah’s own face that flushed crimson, her embarrassment evident to all. Tarah couldn’t believe that her relationship with Ezekiel was this transparent already.

“Goodness, what a complicated dilemma your future king is having for sure,” Ezme scoffed. “But don’t you worry since he looks like someone who can handle everything.”

“Right, especially given how he handled you back in the encampment,” Cora teased.

Ezme suddenly touched her neck and her face crumpled as she murmured, “You, I’m still the Princess of Valcrez. How dare you speak to me like-”

“What? Aren’t we all commoners now?” Cora innocently remarked as she looked around, subtly reminding them of their current disguise and the need for discretion.

Ezme, clearly agitated, abruptly stepped forward and pulled Tarah along, urging her to continue walking. “Are you upset with Cora? That’s just her nature. She’s always been straightforward,” Tarah commented, attempting to diffuse the tension with a smile.

“I’m not angry, really. I actually admire her. I prefer being around people who aren’t afraid to be themselves and express their thoughts. It’s just that remembering what happened that night is so humiliating,” Ezme muttered. “That man was terrifying. A beautiful woman enters his tent, and he goes berserk, nearly decapitating me!”

Tarah smiled, understanding Ezme’s feelings. Despite the extreme reaction, she found reassurance in Ezekiel’s protective nature. It was comforting to know that he wouldn’t be swayed by someone as alluring as Ezme.

A woman like Tarah would undoubtedly want a man like Ezekiel, who remained immune to the seduction of another woman he didn’t share feelings with. She couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride knowing she had a man like him by her side.

“But what you did back then was wrong,” Tarah instinctively remarked.

Ezme sighed, acknowledging her mistake. “You’re right. But old habits die hard. I thought I had learned my lesson that night with Ezekiel, but I repeated the same mistake with Atlas. Fortunately, he’s more forgiving,” the princess chuckled.

“Are you saying you’d continue pursuing him?” Tarah couldn’t help but inquire.

“Well, Atlas hasn’t rejected me yet. I pursue a man I like, but if I see no chance, I know when to stop. Right now, I feel Atlas is the right one for me, and I’m confident I can win him over soon.”

Tarah admired the Princess’s unapologetic demeanor and her ability to remain unfazed by her emotions, though it left a lingering unease within her. Perhaps because she couldn’t muster the same courage for herself.

“Enough of this talk, let’s have some fun after the stress of battle,” Ezme declared, snorting as she pulled Tarah towards a stall displaying hairpins and makeup.

It had been a while since Tarah had enjoyed a leisurely stroll to the market without a care in the world. She simply grabbed what she wanted, knowing their generous sponsor, Apollo, would foot the bill. As lunchtime arrived, they found themselves at a tavern with private dining rooms.

“Do they serve fresh blood here?” Ezme inquired.

Before anyone could react, two cloaked figures with hoods barged into their private parlor. Instantly, everyone assumed defensive stances, except for Tarah, who calmly turned her head to inspect the faces of the intruders.