The Crown's Fire - Chapter 107

Chapter 107: Magical Artifacts
Days passed for Tarah like a dream, with Ezekiel always finding time to spend with her, sometimes even sneaking away from his duties to be by her side.

“Are you ready, milady? You’re requested in the dining hall of Jade Palace for dinner. Queen Mineah and King Nikolai will be present,” Cora informed her. Tarah nodded, and she quickly walked with Cora to Jade Palace.

On their way, they passed Ezekiel’s working chamber. “Is he still working?” Tarah asked curiously.

“Yes, there’s a lot to do for the coming coronation,” Cora replied. Tarah simply nodded in understanding. Cora escorted her to the doors of the dining hall and excused herself. Tarah proceeded alone inside, where King Stephan and Queen Dana were already seated.

“Your Majesties,” she greeted them politely with a bow.

“Please take your seat, Tarah,” King Stephan said.

As soon as she was seated, Queen Dana inquired, “How is your teleportation spell coming along?”

“I’ve managed to perfect it, Your Majesty,” Tarah replied with a half-smile. Dana nodded approvingly and remarked, “That’s good. I hope it comes in handy for you when the need arises.”

Soon, the royal guard announced the arrival of King Nikolai and Queen Mineah. Tarah exchanged courteous greetings with them, her eyes lingering a bit longer on King Nikolai. In one of her visions, she had seen Queen Mineah using magical items in her possession. With the queen’s birthday approaching, Tarah thought it best to hand them over to King Nikolai instead, briefing him on the visions she had involving him and his wife.

“Where’s Ezekiel?” Mineah asked as she settled into the chair her husband had pulled out for her.

Before anyone could reply, the door swung open, and Ezekiel entered with a slightly apologetic tone. “I’m sorry I’m late. It’s because of that damn selection for a wife,” he complained. “Those court officials are pestering me too much about it.”

Tarah bit her inner cheek, feeling awkward knowing she was the reason why Ezekiel was adamant about the selection of his wife. She quickly bowed her head down a bit.

Mineah chuckled. “Well, you’ll soon be crowned king, and many would want their daughters to become queen.”

“That’s true,” their mother chimed in. “In fact, it’s also giving me a headache.”

Ezekiel sat beside her, and she froze when she felt his hand on hers under the table. Turning to him, she found him wearing a blank expression. Her face reddened at how he was becoming bolder with each passing day since their hot spring experience.

Tarah quickly cleared her head of the thought and quietly composed herself.

“I’m sorry,” Ezekiel suddenly said, breaking the tense silence. “I saw everything, and I know how painful it must have been. This monster is currently inside of me, but don’t worry. You’ll soon get justice for your father and the rest as soon as I have Vulcan’s soul extracted from my body.”

Everyone was taken aback by Ezekiel’s words addressed to King Nikolai. Right, Ezekiel probably had gained access to Vulcan’s memories by now.

[Is the merging complete by now?] Tarah inquired through the bond.

[Yes, it’s almost completed,] Ezekiel answered. She should have felt relieved knowing Ezekiel’s life wouldn’t be in danger now. But it was also a reminder that her separation from Ezekiel was imminent.

“When do you plan on attacking Helion’s Palace?” Nikolai suddenly asked. “I want to come.”

“Lai!?” Mineah burst out.

Tarah’s heart sank at the thought of being separated from Ezekiel. Would it be possible to buy more time? Without thinking, she murmured, “Your Majesty, I really don’t feel good about this idea. I’m sure there’s another way.”

She knew that this was the best way for her and Levi to escape. She should be encouraging them in this mission, not the other way around.

“This is the only option, Tarah, and you know that,” Ezekiel firmly stated. Tarah turned and saw how determined he was, his serious look conveying the urgency of the situation. “I need those books no matter what…”

“Let me accompany your brother, Mine,” Nikolai quickly reasoned. “Also, one of the books they will retrieve can also help us regarding your curse.”

Dinner proceeded smoothly, with Nikolai and Ezekiel discussing their plans while the rest voiced their concerns. Throughout, Tarah remained silent.

[You’ll have a private discussion later with King Nikolai, right? Let me come with you. I have to give him the magical items in my possession without your sister knowing,] she communicated through the bond as the dinner concluded.

Ezekiel simply nodded in agreement. [I’ll speak with him later, once Mineah is asleep. I’ll call for you at that time.]

That night, Tarah awaited Ezekiel’s call, which came soon after. She proceeded to his private study. There she first exchanged courteous nods with King Nikolai before handing over the draconite and the magical carpet.

“These are?” the king asked as he inspected the items.

“These are,” Tarah confirmed, “magical artifacts of great power. The draconite has properties that can grant invisibility to its owner, while the magical carpet possesses the ability to transport individuals swiftly over great distances. You can give them to her as additional gifts for her upcoming birthday.”

Noticing the furrow on the king’s forehead deepen, she added, “These items will help her in ending her own curse.”

“What do you mean?” the king questioned.

“Hmm, rather than explaining everything to you in words, how about I show you what I’ve seen in a vision could happen if you and His Highness Ezekiel proceed,” Tarah suggested.

She didn’t want to compromise Levi with her words and thoughts against Devon, so the safest way to convey her message was to show King Nikolai the vision involving only him, his wife, and Vulcan’s soul. She omitted every part with Devon in it.

She touched the king, allowing him to see things for himself.

“This…” he gasped the moment she broke the connection.

“I understand your worry, but she’s the only one who can destroy Vulcan’s soul once it’s out of Prince Ezekiel’s body,” Tarah informed him.