The Crown's Fire - Chapter 109

Chapter 109: Rumors
The next morning, Tarah chose to remain inside Jade Palace instead of accompanying the Ward Royal Family to attend the wedding of the Duke of East Ebodia’s daughter, who happened to be Commander Atlas’s only sibling.

As she walked through the palace, the few chosen servants of the prince she passed by greeted her with the utmost respect. Cora informed her beforehand that the servants currently inside the Jade Palace were securely briefed about her presence, not as a seer, but as the prince’s future queen. Though she wasn’t privy to the exact details, she felt a slight awkwardness meeting their gazes.

Making her way to her favorite spot in the courtyard, she found solace under the shade of a cherry blossom tree. Sitting at the bench, she released a heavy sigh and mumbled, “I shouldn’t worry since he will soon rise as the most powerful king.” Ezekiel would be hailed as the dragon king, respected by many but feared by his enemies.

She pondered on whether another seer ascension would be needed in Ebodia’s future. It seemed like Ezekiel’s bloodline would usher in a new era of mixed humans and dragons, akin to werewolves.

Reflecting on her brother Levi’s abilities, she noted that he too possessed the gift of foresight, yet he hadn’t ascended as Ebodia’s Seer. It appeared that their kingdom, Zion, would have the advantage of foresight upon Levi’s ascension as king in the near future.

“You’re lost in thought, milady!” Cora remarked, catching Tarah’s attention as she placed a tray of cut fruits and hot tea before her.

Tarah smiled gratefully at Cora’s thoughtfulness. “Why didn’t you join the festivities?” Cora asked, her tone curious. “But I suppose it’s wise not to attract too much attention. The people of Ebodia are eager to see the new Seer.”

Tarah nodded in understanding. “Are you disappointed?” she inquired gently.

“Not at all, milady. I trust Prince Ezekiel, and I’m confident he won’t disappoint our people. Besides, I believe in facing the future without knowing what lies ahead. It’s how we learn and grow. But of course, not everyone shares my perspective. However, their opinions won’t matter much, except for a few officials in the inner court, I suppose,” Cora expressed with conviction.

Tarah listened quietly, wanting to reassure Cora that things wouldn’t escalate to that point. However, she held her tongue, knowing she would be gone before Ezekiel could even introduce her as his future queen.

Rubbing her hands together, Cora inquired, “Aren’t you cold, milady?” The snow fell gently around them, adding to the chill in the air, but Tarah seemed determined to remain outside.

“You should go inside, Cora. I’ll join you shortly,” Tarah replied, offering a reassuring smile. Shivering slightly, Cora nodded at her and hurried back indoors.

Tarah chuckled softly to herself, watching Cora’s retreat. With Ezekiel occupied with the festivities, she knew she had the perfect opportunity to check on her brother Levi and make the necessary preparations for their escape from Devon.

After a few moments of contemplation, Tarah rose from her seat and made her way back inside the palace. Upon entering, she approached Cora and said, “Cora, I’m going to take a short nap. Please ensure that I’m not disturbed for a while.”

“I understand, milady,” Cora replied dutifully. With that, Tarah made her way to her bedchamber, where she quickly opened a portal that transported her to the forest near Ebodia’s northern borders—the same forest that housed the relaxing hot spring.

Navigating through the familiar terrain, Tarah arrived at the spot where she had previously called Devon through their bond during their time in the encampment. Drawing upon her strength, she focused her energy and called out to Devon, “Milord, I need to report something.”

As expected, the black portal materialized before her.

‘Damn,’ Tarah cursed inwardly at the prospect of encountering Devon once more.

‘This will be the last time, so bear with it a little longer, Tarah,’ she reminded herself, finding solace in the thought as she stepped through the portal.

******

Meanwhile, at Wright Manor, Ezekiel arrived with his parents just in time before the wedding ceremony started. He found himself on the balcony at the second floor, alone with Atlas, who offered him a cup of wine.

“Are you certain about this? You know that many will not approve of what you’re planning for our kingdom’s new fated seer,” Atlas reminded him.

“I will declare the dragon’s power inside of me as soon as Vulcan’s soul is extracted from my body. I trust that will be enough to pacify them and alleviate any fears about the kingdom’s safety,” Ezekiel replied confidently.

“Anyway, whatever you decide, I’ll always support you. I just hope the rumors Elijah is spreading throughout the kingdom work out as you expect,” Atlas dryly murmured.

Ezekiel chuckled, aware that Atlas didn’t entirely approve of Elijah’s proposal, but he saw potential in it so he let Elijah proceed with it. Soon, they would see if it would succeed or not.

The rumors that Elijah had begun spreading focused on the new fated seer of Ebodia, suggesting that her visions were often unreliable and that it was solely the dragon’s might that saved Ebodians from the war. Elijah aimed to emphasize the significance of the golden dragon, overshadowing the importance of the seer and implying that Ebodia no longer needed one. Ezekiel also let a rumor circulate that he was the one controlling the golden dragon…

Indeed, it was a strategic move, allowing Ebodians to become accustomed to the idea of the dragon being associated with his name. This way, the eventual revelation would be less of a shock to them.

Raising his brow inquisitively, Ezekiel questioned, “Atlas, tell me about yourself. I’ve heard you’ve accepted the marriage of convenience. Princess Ezme happens to be my brother-in-law’s sister, in case you’ve forgotten. Should I be concerned about this?”

The revelation about Atlas’s acceptance of the marriage of convenience caught Ezekiel off guard the moment he heard it. Understanding that Atlas was still healing from his sister Xenia, Ezekiel felt a sense of responsibility toward him. Atlas was like a brother to him, and Ezekiel wanted to ensure that Atlas fully understood the implications of his decision and the challenges he might face ahead.