The Crown's Fire - Chapter 118

Chapter 118: Warm Cuddles
Dinner arrived, and although Tarah and Ezekiel remained cuddled on the bed, they eventually had to rise, as Ezekiel’s father had requested their presence for dinner at Rose Palace.

“Are you truly certain about taking office at Jade Palace?” King Stephan inquired during the meal.

“Yes, Father. It would be cumbersome for both of you to relocate, and I know you and Mother have countless memories here. Jade Palace is spacious enough for me to assume office, and I’ve grown accustomed to living there. Renovations will begin tomorrow during the coronation,” Ezekiel explained.

Tarah quietly listened to the conversation between father and son as she ate. “Can we have tea later, dear?” Queen Dana suddenly interjected when they were nearing the end of dinner.

Tarah nodded with a smile. After dinner, Ezekiel and his father retired to King Stephan’s private study for further discussion, while Tarah accompanied the Queen to the inner courtyard for tea.

“Are you nervous about tomorrow?” Dana asked Tarah directly. “Don’t fret and trust Ezekiel. You may encounter some resistance to his decision for his Queen, but I’m confident you both will manage it admirably. I want you to know that you and Ezekiel have our full support,” the Queen added warmly.

“Thank you so much, Your Highness,” Tarah expressed gratefully. “But Prince Ezekiel and I have decided to delay the announcement. We plan to do it after everything is settled—after Vulcan’s soul has been extracted from his body for good and destroyed,” she explained.

“I see, but that will take time. He still needs to acquire the ancient book for the dragon. Will he continue with the plan to penetrate Devon’s lair?” Queen Dana inquired.

“He’s currently discussing the matter with King Bikolai. Please don’t worry, Your Majesty, because Prince Ezekiel won’t be undertaking this alone,” Tarah assured her.

Queen Dana released a long, deep sigh. “He no longer keeps us updated on that matter since he knows his father and I are against it. But I suppose I’ll feel more reassured now knowing he’s not acting on his own,” she murmured.

Tarah nodded understandingly as she sipped her tea. “I appreciate your concern, Your Majesty,” she replied.

“I will support you in every way, Tarah. Being the mother of a kingdom will be a weighty responsibility, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to me whenever you need assistance,” Queen Dana kindly offered.

Tarah felt deeply touched, overwhelmed by the kindness and support of Ezekiel’s parents. She couldn’t help but be filled with emotion as tears filled her eyes.

Tears welled up in Tarah’s eyes as she thought of her parents, who were as warm and kind as Ezekiel’s. Tarah quickly wiped them away, feeling embarrassed by her emotions.

“Are you alright, dear?” asked Queen Dana, her voice gentle. “I’m sorry, Your Majesty. It’s just… I was reminded of my parents, how much they resembled both of you in their kindness.” she meekly answered.

Dana’s expression softened. “I heard they passed away during the siege. I’m sorry for your loss, dear.” She reached out and gently squeezed Tarah’s hand. “Please, think of Stephan and me as your second parents. And when we’re alone, there’s no need for formality. You can call me Mother, and Stephan, Father.”

Tarah fought to control her tears, biting her lower lip. She felt overwhelmed by emotion, but grateful for the warmth and kindness from the Queen.

Here’s a refined version of the passage:

After their time away, Ezekiel and Tarah returned to Jade Palace hand in hand. As they stepped onto the grounds, Ezekiel gently clasped Tarah’s hand, their fingers intertwined as they walked.

“You’re so warm,” Tarah murmured, snuggling closer to him, seeking comfort in his presence. Ezekiel chuckled, a warmth in his voice as he replied, “You’ll have to get used to it. That’s my new permanent temperature now that the dragon’s spirit has merged with mine.”

Tarah halted, looking up at him with curiosity. “Fully merged?”

Ezekiel nodded. “Have you communicated with it?” Tarah inquired, knowing she had spoken to the dragon spirit herself and expecting it to reach out to Ezekiel in return.

“Yes, I have. And I’ve given it a name since it had none. It seemed to approve,” Ezekiel revealed.

Tarah’s curiosity sparked. “A name? What did you choose?”

“Khal,” Ezekiel chuckled.

“Khal, it’s a nice name. It sounds mighty,” she replied, cheekily pulling Ezekiel to continue walking.

“Tomorrow, I will briefly watch the coronation but retire early,” Tarah murmured.

“I guess that will be for the best. You didn’t want our relationship to be revealed yet. Also, I can’t promise not to be clingy once you’re there. I might end up not leaving your side,” Ezekiel confessed.

Tarah chuckled and teased, “But I heard there will be plenty of beautiful maidens from noble families present. I’m sure you’ll feast your eyes on the beauties trying to catch your attention.”

“Hmm, is that your way of warning me not to look at other women?” Ezekiel teased back. He stopped walking, grabbing her shoulders to turn her to face him.

“You know my eyes see no other woman but you, Tarah,” he reiterated, making her smile. “I know, I’m just teasing you,” Tarah commented.

“You’re always teasing me. Come now, I’ll walk you to your bedchamber,” he said with a playful poke, and the two of them walked inside the palace.

Ezekiel stopped by her door and hummed, “You’re here.”

Tarah turned to face him and then tiptoed to give him a kiss on his lips. “Goodnight, see you tomorrow,” she whispered before quickly entering her bedchamber and closing the door.

Leaning weakly against the door, Tarah sighed deeply. Her eyes darted to the balcony connected to Ezekiel’s bedchamber. She wanted to sleep with him like before, but she was too embarrassed to ask again.

Her eyes lit up as she noticed her empty fireplace. Tarah immediately opened the door to call Ezekiel. It would be fun to see him cast fire with his hand, and maybe she would gather the courage to ask him to sleep together.

But her heart almost jumped out of her chest when she saw Ezekiel standing outside her door as soon as she opened it.

He had an awkward smile while massaging his nape as he asked, “Do you want warm cuddles?”