The Crown's Fire - Chapter 127

Chapter 127: Conflict
Tarah dedicated her days to mastering the spells detailed in the journal, delving deep into the intricacies of demonology. Meanwhile, Ezekiel assumed his responsibilities as the new King, holding court in the grand throne hall of the Jade Palace. Thankfully, their bedchamber was situated on the third floor of the right wing of the palace, giving Tarah the privacy she needed to focus on her practices and studies.

Ezekiel ensured that his offices were situated in the left wing, preserving his personal privacy at the right wing of his palace. All the servants were carefully chosen, many recommended by loyalists to the Ward Royal Family. Recently, Tarah had noticed new faces among the servants, like Tessa, who personally served her when Cora was absent. She began her job yesterday, allowing Cora to attend the coronation day.

At present, Tarah asked Cora to bring Ezekiel some homemade cookies since she opted not to deliver them herself to avoid drawing unnecessary attention, leaving Cora with the task instead. So it was Tessa who was serving her now.

Inside her bedchamber, Tarah continued to write in her journal. “I’ve written so much,” she mused. Within its pages, she told everything about herself, her true identity. Once she finished, she promptly closed the journal and returned it to her magical purse.

“Your warm bath is ready, milady,” Tessa informed her with a kind smile, though she accidentally knocked over a cup as she cleared the table. Tarah moved to help, but Tessa quickly pulled away, earning a frown from Tarah.

“I’m sorry, milady… I’m just not comfortable with being touched,” Tessa murmured, bowing apologetically before swiftly tidying up and almost rushing out of the room.

“What’s wrong with her?” Tarah wondered aloud, her brow furrowing with concern.

Tarah didn’t think much about it, instead heading into the private bath for her warm soak. She took off her gown, her face reddening at the marks on her body. Seeing them, she felt a rush of pleasure, knowing they were from Ezekiel. The thought of their intimacy made her feel even warmer, recalling how gentle he was. His every action never failed to make her feel desired and loved.

[Tarah, I got the cookies and they are tasty. Thank you. I’ll try to wrap things up before dinner so we can eat together,] Ezekiel messaged her through the bond.

[I’ll wait for you,] she replied with a smile, sinking into the water. She would also cook for them.

[What are you doing right now?] he asked.

[Hmm, taking a warm bath.]

There was a brief silence, then she heard Ezekiel groan.

[What’s wrong?] she asked, worried.

[Nothing, just that I want to join you,] he shamelessly answered, causing Tarah to blush deeply.

[You should focus on your work instead of teasing me,] she murmured with a scolding tone, and she heard Ezekiel chuckle through the bond.

[Heaven’s, you’re always on my mind, making it hard to focus. I’ll see you soon,] Ezekiel exclaimed. Tarah giggled and replied, [I’ll see you soon then, My King].

*****

Inside the throne hall, Ezekiel frowned as he read the scroll petitioned by his officials. His gaze remained fixed on the document as he continued to peruse it.

“Your Majesty, please don’t delay this any further. Our people are beginning to believe these rumors,” Minister Arlan of the Ministry of Personnel begged, dropping to his knees. The rest of the ministers followed suit. “Please, Your Majesty, heed our request.”

Ezekiel maintained a stoic expression and replied firmly, “But these are not mere rumors…”

Murmurs filled the throne hall. “I granted the Seer her freedom so she could choose her own path in life. It’s time we stopped relying on one individual and took proper measures to strengthen our kingdom, especially in terms of security and warfare,” Ezekiel reiterated.

“But, Sire, it’s been a tradition in our kingdom to-” Minister Arlan began, only to be interrupted.

“A tradition that selfishly withholds freedom from Seers for generations. I believe it’s time we break that tradition. Seers are humans too, deserving of the right to live their lives as they choose. While I understand it may take time for some to adjust, everyone must start getting accustomed to this,” Ezekiel firmly declared.

“But, Your Highness, we don’t understand why you haven’t at least formally introduced us to her. We’ve heard she’s residing here in the Jade Palace,” Minister Lambert insisted.

“Because it’s unnecessary. She chose not to become the kingdom’s Seer. There’s no need for a formal introduction,” Ezekiel replied.

“Sire, you said the rumors are true. If so, then is it also true that you hold the power to control the golden dragon?” Minister Greta interrupted. Gasps echoed throughout the throne hall. All eyes were fixed on Ezekiel, awaiting his response.

“I indeed hold the power to control the golden dragon,” he answered plainly.

Once again, gasps of disbelief and murmurs of differing opinions filled the throne hall.

“Please remain silent in the presence of His Majesty,” Chancellor Javier reminded the officials. Then there was a tense silence as Ezekiel picked up another scroll to discuss.

“Your Majesty, could you please enlighten us regarding this matter? As your subjects, we don’t want to be confused so we can properly handle the people spreading this kind of rumors in the kingdom,” Minister Greg of the Ministry of Defence pointed out. Ezekiel’s eyebrows raised. Greg was five years older than him and had been appointed to his post two years ago.

Greg, as the Minister of Defence, was responsible for managing the administrative and logistical aspects of the military. He sometimes oversaw matters such as recruitment, training, supply distribution, and strategic planning alongside Atlas. Meanwhile, Atlas, as the Great Constable, focused more on tactical and operational aspects of military affairs.

“I will brief you all on this within the week. For now, let’s discuss more urgent matters that need to be dealt with immediately,” Ezekiel stated nonchalantly. He planned to inform everyone about this once the dragon soul Vulcan was completely gone from his body, and for good.

Greg’s family had always been in conflict with the current ruling family for generations. Greg was part of the royal family, as his grandmother and Ezekiel’s grandfather were siblings, making them distant relatives. Despite occasional arguments and disagreements between the families, none had dared to make a move against them. Yet something about Greg irked him…