The Crown's Fire - Chapter 123

Chapter 123: The Ongoing Party
Tarah was engrossed in her spell practice when a series of knocks interrupted her concentration.

“Milady, it’s me, Cora. Her Majesty, Queen Mineah, is here to see you,” Cora announced. Tarah promptly closed her journal and opened the door.

“Your Majesty,” she greeted with a respectful bow. “Please, come in.” Tarah ushered Mineah inside and instructed Cora to prepare some hot tea. After settling the queen, Tarah took a seat across from her.

“How are you feeling? You still look pale,” Mineah inquired with concern.

“I’m much better now, Your Majesty. Just a common cold and flu,” Tarah explained. Initially, she had assumed it was just a hangover from the morning, but her condition worsened as she practiced spells. It felt like her inner energy was depleting. Aware of her limitations, she decided to rest and resume practice tomorrow.

Tarah felt a twinge of guilt for not being at her best in the queen’s presence. She appreciated Mineah’s concern but didn’t want to fuss about her health.

“I appreciate your concern, Your Majesty,” Tarah replied with a faint smile. “It’s nothing serious, just a minor setback. I’ll be back to normal soon enough.”

She leaned back in her chair, feeling fatigue settling in her bones. Tarah made a mental note to take it easy for the rest of the day. Pushing herself too hard wouldn’t do any good.

“Please don’t worry about me. I know you’re concerned, especially since King Nikolai and King Ezekiel are heading out on their mission, but-”

“Tarah, are you keeping something from me about this mission?” Mineah interrupted sharply. Tarah felt uneasy; she couldn’t share everything with the Queen. All she could do was reassure her that everything would be fine.

A tense silence fell as they locked eyes, each silently challenging the other.

Tarah sensed the Queen’s probing energy, furrowing her brow in response. ‘So, she can read minds and compel?’ she thought.

Tarah recognized such abilities as someone who studied magic, but this was her first encounter with them. However, as a seer, she remained resilient against such intrusions. Queen Mineah should have known better, growing up with a Seer. ‘Maybe she’s just testing me,’ Tarah speculated silently.

Tarah’s lips curved into a meek smile as she revealed, “Your Majesty, I’m sorry to say this but compulsion doesn’t work on me.”

Mineah’s face reddened and her shoulders slumped. Her worry hung over her like a dark cloud. Desperation laced Mineah’s voice as she confessed, “I’m sorry, Tarah, but I feel like something is going on behind my back. I can’t help being worried…”

“I’m not sure if this will help put you at ease… But I saw a vision of King Ezekiel attending the Global Summit for all kingdoms. In that event, you and His Majesty are present too, both of you looking happy together. I even saw a celebration in Valcrez Camp there. It seemed like a grand function organized for you two,” Tarah informed with a reassuring smile.

Seeing her vision unfold without her presence stirred a pang of envy within Tarah. The stabbing pain in her chest returned, a reminder of the ache she felt at the thought of not being part of Ezekiel’s future. Yet, she knew she had to remain strong and focus on her brother’s safety. After all, she had initiated everything for his sake. Ensuring Levi’s safety should suffice; she shouldn’t be greedy and wish for more.

Seeing how restless Queen Mineah was, Tarah stood up to sit beside her. She grasped her hand and said, “Also, if so-”

Tarah’s words were left unfinished as her grip on Mineah’s hand tightened and her eyes turned white.

Tarah was having another vision right now… And in that breathless moment, Mineah could only hope that it was something positive. Anxious seconds ticked by as she waited for Tarah to unveil the vision’s message. When Tarah opened her eyes, they had returned to their usual icy blue, but she was covered in a sheen of sweat.

“Are you alright?” Mineah asked as she quickly handed her a glass of water.

Tarah put the glass aside and, with a grave expression, began to elaborate on her revelation. “It was quite unclear before but the vision is starting to make more sense now. I think I finally know what it meant when it showed you stabbing King Nikolai’s heart to stop the curse. It’s indeed him but it’s not his heart that you need to stab with the divine dagger…”

Mineah’s eyes widened as she asked, “Please explain…”

Tarah took a deep breath and exhaled loudly. Previously, the vision had been unclear, making it difficult for her to piece everything together. However, one thing she was certain of: it was Queen Mineah who would ultimately put an end to Vulcan’s soul on this earth.

“That divine dagger within you was created solely to kill dragons. It’s a divine dragon blade. You must wield it with utmost precision. You’ll encounter replicas of King Nikolai’s face, but you must distinguish the true him and stab his heart while Vulcan’s soul resides within him. King Nikolai was an exordium vampire, and stabbing his heart with the divine dagger won’t kill him, especially if a dragon soul has consumed him,” Tarah explained at length.

Queen Mineah didn’t linger long and soon bid her farewell. Tarah had Cora escort the queen back to Rose Palace. Tarah made her way to the balcony, observing the busy workers engaged in renovations. Ezekiel had decided to set up his office in this location.

Cora returned to Tarah’s chamber to inform her about the ongoing party.

“Milady, the party is still happening. Are you sure you don’t want to join us?” Cora asked, her expression holding a hint of something unsaid.

“What is it?” Tarah inquired, smiling.

“Well, Lady Greta is back, and the chatter among everyone is about how she and King Ezekiel make a splendid pair,” Cora revealed, her tone filled with a mix of intrigue and gossip.

Tarah blinked rapidly, taken aback by the unexpected news. “Greta?” she exclaimed, wondering if she was the woman Ezekiel had mentioned earlier.