The Crown's Fire - Chapter 128

Chapter 128: No One But You
Before the sun went down, Tarah immediately prepared dinner for Ezekiel. Knowing his love for beef, she started cooking a hearty beef stew with carrots and potatoes, with Cora assisting her along the way.

“Milady, I have a task to brief you on what’s going on in the kingdom. King Ezekiel said you’ll need all the information so you won’t get confused when he introduces you to the inner court. But he told me to do it whenever you’re not busy. I wonder when we can start?” Cora asked as she handed Tarah the potatoes and carrots she had finished cutting.

“Hmm, I will be very busy this week, Cora, so how about next week?” Tarah answered with a faint smile.

She couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness, knowing that she wouldn’t be here next week. Tomorrow, Ezekiel, together with Nikolai and Zoran, would penetrate Helion to retrieve the magical books. But there was more to it… Ezekiel wanted to kill Devon if he saw even a slim chance of doing it.

Tarah’s premonition revealed that Devon’s demise wouldn’t occur tomorrow, but it was undoubtedly inevitable and would ultimately be at Ezekiel’s hands.

“That’s great then. I’m too excited,” Cora hummed with a giggle. Tarah bit her inner cheek, already feeling the pang of longing for Cora, her trusted companion and friend since she had joined Ezekiel’s household.

After some time, Tarah finished cooking and then prepared a delightful assortment of freshly cut fruits and sweet desserts.

“You’re such a wife material, milady. I mean, is there anything you can’t do?” Cora praised after tasting everything Tarah prepared in the dining area.

“You’re exaggerating,” Tarah hummed with a smile.

Her interaction with Cora was interrupted when a servant informed her that the King had already arrived.

Immediately, Tarah walked back to Ezekiel’s bedchamber and found him taking off his clothes. “I’ll help you,” she offered as she quickly assisted him in removing the layers of his garments.

“I wonder how Father managed to put on these clothes always. I should change this style since it’s not like the cold will affect me,” Ezekiel complained. Tarah chuckled as she first removed his golden crown.

“How about trying the trend of werewolves, like how King Darius would just wear his cape and nothing beneath in his upper body?” Tarah teased.

“Hmm, that’s a great idea,” Ezekiel hummed in agreement, making her frown. “What’s with the reaction?” he asked as he gently caressed her cheek. Tarah pouted and mumbled, “I’m just teasing you. Why would you do that and let other women ogle your fit and perfect body? It should be exclusively for my eyes only.”

Ezekiel chuckled and leaned in, kissing the tip of her nose. “Fine, my body is for your eyes only then, my Queen.”

Hearing him say “my queen” should have been blissful, but Tarah felt a sharp pain in her chest, knowing she wouldn’t be his queen.

“This won’t do. You helping me undress just makes me want to stay naked in front of you. I might end up undressing you too,” Ezekiel bluntly murmured in his hoarse voice.

Tarah leaned in closer, her voice gentle as she whispered in his ear, “But dinner’s ready. It’ll get cold. How about we eat first, and then we can indulge in more undressing? You mentioned wanting a warm bath with me. We can save that for later.”

Ezekiel let out a long sigh before promptly taking her hand. “Let’s go and finish dinner then,” he said. Tarah chuckled, wrapping her arm around his as they walked together to the dining area.

“How’s your day?” Tarah asked Ezekiel as they walked to the dining hall.

“Exhausting as always, but being with you like this just energizes me,” Ezekiel whispered in her ear. Tarah blushed deeply, unable to reply, and simply hugged his arm tighter.

As they arrived at the dining table, Tarah began to pamper Ezekiel, feeding him with care. “You’re spoiling me too much,” he said, narrowing his eyes suspiciously at her.

Tarah chuckled. “I’m just showing you how much I love you, and besides… I…” She faltered, unable to continue.

“What’s wrong?” Ezekiel asked.

“I’m worried about tomorrow,” Tarah murmured. She couldn’t bring herself to tell him about the danger his life was in. Instead, she held onto the vision she had, believing that Ezekiel would overcome the peril.

“Don’t worry. I’m with Nikolai and Zoran. We’ll be fine. We just need to retrieve the magical books, and if I see an opportunity, I’ll…” Ezekiel trailed off, but Tarah interrupted him.

“No, don’t do that. Just focus on retrieving the magical books and escaping. Later, after that, you can plan your next move…” Tarah murmured, her voice filled with concern.

“I can’t tell you more but please just don’t pursue with the plan of killing him,” Tarah muttered. She wanted to show Ezekiel that vision but she couldn’t afford to put Levi’s life in danger.

“Something must be going on?” Ezekiel murmured and Tarah could only nod.

“Focus first on removing Vulcan’s soul from your body, and then recuperate well after that,” Tarah reiterated softly. “Once Vulcan’s soul is completely gone, you will have full access to Khal’s power, and you can even shift into its dragon form without encountering hiccups. You may be in full control for now after the merging is completed, but having Vulcan inside of you is still a risk.”

Ezekiel pulled her into his embrace. “Don’t worry now. Everything will be alright. I understand what you want me to do, Tarah. I will finish and kill Devon as soon as Vulcan’s soul is gone from my body and for good…”

She gently pushed him away and then smiled at him. “No matter what you hear in that place… Don’t take it to heart,” she told him, her heartbeat erratic. “Always remember that you are the one that I love. All of me belongs to no one but you, and I willingly offer myself to no one but you, Kiel…”