The Crown's Fire - Chapter 125

Chapter 125: Smooching
“Mistress Marla, the porridge is so yummy. Do you want to try some of Lady Asura’s cooking? She told me it’s her specialty, so I thought I should have a taste, especially now in this cold weather,” Levi cheerfully asked.

Asura was relieved to see Levi’s acting skills come into play. They both stayed seated at the table, facing Marla, who remained steadfast in her position. Two servants stood silently behind her, their presence adding to the tense atmosphere.

Asura held her breath, hoping desperately that Marla would simply leave. She knew it wasn’t safe for Marla to get too close to Levi, especially with his high temperature.

Marla’s eyes narrowed as she stared at Levi. “The day of the extraction is nearing, I’m sure your sister is cooking something, and I have to ensure that I’m looking after our King’s best interest,” she hissed. Without a word, she signaled the two servants behind her.

“Mistress Marla!” Asura attempted to rise from her seat to stop the two servants, but Marla cast a spell on her, freezing her in place. Asura’s eyes widened in horror as the servants forcefully grabbed Levi and stripped off his upper clothes.

“He has a high temperature,” one of the servants informed, abruptly turning Levi so that his bare back was visible to Marla.

Asura’s eyes widened in horror as she noticed the red rashes on Levi’s back and the glowing mark. Levi had skipped his bath today, so she hadn’t seen his back before.

“This! I knew it!!!” Marla laughed maniacally. Levi met Asura’s eyes, and her heart shattered at the sight of tears welling in the boy’s eyes. He murmured, “It’s nothing. It’s just the weather.”

He looked at Marla, trembling as he reasoned, “Mistress, please… It’s nothing to do with my sister!”

“Hah! Look at how your mark is glowing! Your sister is doing something against King Devon! Bring him to His Majesty!!!” Marla commanded.

“No, please…” Asura cried out helplessly as she watched Levi being dragged outside his chamber. She felt utterly powerless, unable to do anything but cry and beg Marla to spare him.

Meanwhile, Marla’s smile widened as she marched triumphantly towards the throne hall to report the matter to Devon. She was eager to witness his reaction upon discovering that the woman he was fixated on was plotting against him behind his back. Devon couldn’t afford to let his guard down.

Marla halted by the doors and instructed the guards, “Announce my presence along with Leviticus. Tell him this is urgent!”

As the door swung open, Devon motioned for everyone to leave. Levi, tears streaming down his face, pleaded, “Please, My Lord… My sister isn’t causing any trouble. It’s just the cold weather! I don’t understand why the mark on my back is glowing, but it doesn’t hurt. It’s just a rash from the cold.”

Marla’s gaze turned icy, her disdain evident as she fixed her eyes on Levi. It seemed Asura thought him well. Yet, the glowing mark betrayed his suffering.

Devon’s expression darkened at the sight of Levi’s illuminated mark. “That cursed woman!” His voice dripped with fury, and Marla’s smirk only fueled his rage.

“Return Levi to his quarters! And remove Asura! I won’t tolerate her presence near his tower! Expel her!”

Marla’s satisfaction grew as she observed Levi being dragged back to his confinement. She then motioned to her two servants and commanded, “Keep a close watch on him. Report any developments to me immediately.”

Once they were alone, Marla approached Devon. Knowing he needed comfort, she swiftly settled onto his lap, seeking to soothe his anger.

****

Back at the Jade Palace in the Kingdom of Ebodia, Ezekiel felt the weight of exhaustion after a long night, yet his excitement was tangible as he reentered his palace, his smile lighting up the darkness. He wondered if Tarah had already retired for the night, considering the lateness of the hour.

Though he could easily contact her through their bond, he resisted the urge, knowing she would only scold him for disturbing her.

He halted just outside her door, taking a deep breath to steady himself. Beyond simply seeing her, he longed to speak with her.

His smile faded as thoughts of Tarah’s sacrifice and the inevitable punishment she would face once Vulcan was expelled from his body consumed his mind. If only he could retain Vulcan within him to shield Tarah from any repercussions for her actions. But Khal’s stern words echoed in his mind, emphasizing that such a course of action was not possible.

Vulcan had to be swiftly expelled, or all would be lost. Ezekiel’s soul hung in the balance with another soul residing within his body.

He opened the door and slipped inside quietly, casting a tender gaze upon Tarah as she lay sound asleep on her bed. He couldn’t bring himself to disturb her, contenting himself with simply watching over her in her peaceful slumber. He had heard from Cora that she had been diligently practicing spells from the journal he had given her, so he knew she must be drained of energy.

Ezekiel removed his crown and discarded his regal attire, leaving only his trousers and tunic. He quietly settled beside the bed, his eyes fixed on Tarah. After a moment, he contemplated getting up, but Tarah stirred, slowly opening her eyes. A smile grace her lips as she spoke, “Is it finished?”

He nodded, gently brushing her cheek with his hand. “I’m sorry I woke you up. Go back to sleep…” he murmured softly.

Tarah shifted and gestured for him to join her. “Sleep here. I want to cuddle…”

Ezekiel couldn’t resist the invitation, despite knowing it would only torment him further, given his body’s yearning for more than just cuddling. Nevertheless, without hesitation, he joined her on the bed, enveloping her in his arms as she nestled comfortably against him.

“How’s the celebration?” Tarah sluggishly hummed against his chest.

“It went smoothly, Tarah. But it’s rather boring since you’re not there,” he replied with a long sigh.

She raised her head and met his gaze with a mischievous smile. “Let’s do more than just cuddling. How about smooching?” Tarah murmured.

Ezekiel chuckled, feeling rather energized. “Be careful what you’re asking for…” he teased, giving her a playful peck on the nose.

Instead of answering, Tarah simply leaned closer and kissed his lips.