The Crown's Fire - Chapter 116

Chapter 116: Teasing
“You’re finally here!” Tarah exclaimed, rushing towards Ezekiel and taking his hand in hers. “Why do I get the feeling you’re becoming extra clingy?” he teased, pulling her closer with a chuckle.

‘It’s because I want to cherish every moment with you,’ Tarah thought to herself, but instead, she simply smiled and replied, “You mentioned through our bond that you’d have lunch with me, so I decided to personally cook for you.”

With excitement, she led him to the private dining area where she had already prepared everything. Tarah was skilled in the kitchen, having been trained by her mother to possess all the qualities of a good wife from a young age. By the time she was sixteen, she had mastered it all.

Tarah beamed as she served the dishes onto Ezekiel’s plate, happy to be able to provide for him in such a simple way.

“So, what did you cook for me?” Ezekiel teased, eyeing the five dishes spread out on the table. “Isn’t this a bit much for just the two of us? It looks like a feast…” he remarked, looking at the lamb, beef, chicken, fish, and vegetables that Tarah had prepared.

“Here, taste this,” Tarah said, offering a forkful of lamb chop to Ezekiel. “It’s delicious,” he exclaimed after trying it. “How about you feed me everything?” he suggested eagerly.

“Well, that’s the plan. Let me spoil my prince before his coronation,” Tarah replied with a grin.

“Why do I get the feeling you have a request after this?” Ezekiel asked suspiciously, but Tarah just responded by feeding him more food, ignoring his question.

“Aren’t you dedicated to fattening me up this afternoon?” Ezekiel teased after munching on some beef.

“You still have to try the chicken, fish, and vegetables. Can’t you see I’m showing off my cooking skills to you? They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” Tarah remarked, offering him some herb roast chicken.

Tarah’s cheeks flushed with warmth as Ezekiel’s words touched her heart. She was taken aback when he gently fed her some meat in return. “You should eat too. Why are you just watching me?” Ezekiel scolded playfully.

Tarah complied, opening her mouth as Ezekiel gestured for her to do so. She savored the bite of food he offered, and their lunch continued with the two of them feeding each other, sharing laughter and affection in each bite.

After lunch, Tarah and Ezekiel enjoyed a late afternoon tea in her bedchamber. “How’s the preparation for tomorrow?” Tarah asked.

“It’s going smoothly,” Ezekiel replied. Tarah nodded, then took a deep breath before speaking again. “I know you’re planning to announce our relationship after the coronation, but I’ve been thinking… What if you postpone it again? What if you wait until after your mission? After Vulcan’s soul has been extracted and permanently removed from your body?”

Ezekiel’s frown deepened, and Tarah anticipated his reaction. Ignoring his expression, she gently placed her tea on the table, rose from her seat, and approached him. With a shy flush coloring her cheeks, she settled onto his lap, tenderly cradling his face before pressing a gentle kiss to his lips.

“Can we do that, please? It’s just that the future feels uncertain. I… I don’t want rumors spreading about us unless…” Tarah hesitated, unable to voice her concern directly, but hoping Ezekiel would grasp her meaning.

“You’re worried that if things go awry, and I fail to defeat Devon and break his hold on you,” Ezekiel interjected, his expression clouded with seriousness.

Tarah wrapped her arms around his neck, seeking solace in his embrace. “I don’t want any unnecessary scandal attached to your name, especially as you’re about to take the throne, Kiel. I just… I need more time. I want to wait until everything is settled until Vulcan’s influence is eradicated for good before we proceed as you wish.”

“Trying to win me over with your charm, huh? Do you think I’ll have the heart to refuse?” Ezekiel murmured with a drawn-out sigh, his tone laced with affectionate exasperation. Tarah retreated slightly to meet his gaze, finding him wearing an endearing expression, like a reluctant child coerced into something they didn’t want.

“Thank you, Kiel,” she whispered, before leaning in once more to kiss him. This time, her kiss was fervent, driven by the uncertainty of when they would have another opportunity.

With tomorrow’s coronation looming and Ezekiel’s imminent mission to confront Devon, today marked Tarah’s last chance to openly display her affection. She didn’t want to risk arousing suspicion by insisting on spending the entire day with Ezekiel.

“You,” Ezekiel gasped for breath as Tarah finally released his lips. “Sorry,” she murmured, her cheeks tinged with a blush.

Ezekiel brushed aside the strands of hair obscuring her face and teased, “Look at you, becoming more shameless by the minute.”

Tarah felt a rush of warmth as Ezekiel held her steadfastly, his teasing words causing a playful spark between them. She surrendered to his passionate kiss, reveling in the intertwining of their lips and the dance of their tongues.

As they broke apart, Tarah met Ezekiel’s gaze with a shy smile, her heart fluttering with anticipation. Summoning her courage, she took a deep breath before bashfully murmuring, “I’m feeling a bit sleepy, Kiel. Would you like to join me for a late afternoon nap?”

Ezekiel’s brow furrowed as he contemplated Tarah’s proposition. “Right now?” he murmured, a hint of uncertainty in his voice. Tarah nodded with a suppressed smile. “I just want to cuddle with you,” she added, her smile sweet and inviting.

“Cuddle only?” Ezekiel echoed, inadvertently revealing his thoughts, and causing Tarah to chuckle.

“Wanting more than cuddling?” she teased, watching as a deep blush colored Ezekiel’s cheeks.

“I-I didn’t mean it like that,” he stammered, his embarrassment evident.

Tarah’s eyebrow arched mischievously as she enjoyed Ezekiel’s flustered state. “And what did you mean, then?” she pressed, teasing him further.

“Uh, just kissing and cuddling?” he offered with an awkward smile.

“You want more than that?” Tarah teased playfully, enjoying his discomfort.

“Tarah, stop teasing me,” Ezekiel protested with a pout, but Tarah couldn’t resist teasing him a little more.

“But I’m not teasing you. I can offer more than just kissing and cuddling,” she added with a wink, leaving Ezekiel speechless, his jaw dropping in surprise.