The Crown's Fire - Chapter 139

Chapter 139: Handsome Enough
Prisoners Dungeon, Kingdom of Helion

Asura winced as she rose to her feet, feeling the stiffness in her muscles from days of confinement. The stench was overwhelming, but her main concern was for Levi.

Had Princess Katelina’s prediction already come true? If so, it meant Levi was in a safe place, known only to… Luis.

The door creaked open, and relief flooded through Asura as she saw her father, Laban. “Look at you, an absolute mess,” he scolded, his tone a mix of annoyance and concern.

Asura shrugged, accustomed to her father’s lectures. “Come, let’s go home. Your mother won’t stop pestering me until you’re back,” Laban grumbled, leading her out.

As they rode in the carriage, they passed the execution ground, where rows of men were being executed. “What’s happening?” Asura asked, peering out the window.

“The king is furious because of the coalitions, so anyone cooperating with them is being killed,” Laban explained, his gaze fixed on her. “Don’t cause any more trouble, Asura. I don’t know how much longer I can protect you from the king’s wrath,” he warned sternly.

Asura was well aware of the coalitions, knowing that Luis was involved. Though she assisted, she wasn’t actively engaged. “I told you nothing good would come from associating with her and her brother! Why are you so foolish? I’m doing everything to ensure our family survives, yet you constantly put yourself in danger,” her father continued his scolding.

Asura remained silent, gazing out the carriage window as it rolled along. Perhaps her father cared for her in some way, but the truth remained—he was a traitor to their kingdom, selling his loyalty to Devon for power and greed.

Turning to her father, Asura furrowed her brow and asked directly, “Did you truly sell yourself to Devon for power? To take over Zion like this? You do now that even though you’re seizing control, you’re nothing but Devon’s lackey. Does that make you feel powerful?”

There was a mocking edge to her tone. She wasn’t proud of her father’s actions, just as she wasn’t proud of her own betrayal of Princess Katelina’s trust before. Even though Katelina had forgiven her, Asura still felt guilt.

“And what about you? You betrayed the princess once, and yet you still linger around her and her brother. Aren’t you ashamed?” her father taunted.

Asura’s lips twitched, and with gritted teeth, she hissed, “And whose fault is that?! Should I have just stood by while Mother died and let them kill me too?! You cooperated with them, becoming their means of breaching our kingdom’s defenses, yet you couldn’t even bargain for the lives of your wife and daughter during the siege?!”

“Isn’t that what I am doing right now? Who do you think saved you and got you out from the dungeon? It’s because I gained the King’s full trust now that he let me take you back. Instead of doing what I told you to, seduce the king and secure your safety, you’ve been idling and serving the prince,” her father hissed.

“The prince… How is Levi?” Asura worriedly asked.

Laban released a sigh and said, “The king is very furious right now, and I heard that the princess and the prince escaped. He did his best to track them, and this time, those two will be done for sure. So don’t ever associate yourself with them anymore!”

Asura’s face lit up with enthusiasm as she replied, “Alright, I won’t be associating myself with them. I don’t want to stink again like now…” She was relieved that Levi and Katelina had escaped as planned.

She wondered where the siblings were and if Luis would help her reach them. She already missed their adorable Prince Levi terribly.

Traveling back to Zion from Helion would take at least three days, so Asura and her father opted for a stopover at a renowned tavern known for its expansive private and public hot baths. Seeking solitude, Asura requested a private bath large enough to accommodate four people.

“Finally, this feels good,” Asura murmured, sinking into the warm water to unwind and refresh herself. She was thoroughly enjoying her swim when she heard a commotion outside, the noise interrupting her peaceful moment of relaxation.

Asura clicked her tongue in annoyance before her eyes widened in surprise as she saw a rather handsome man jump into the water before her. “Hide me, please! Tell them I’m not here!” he pleaded urgently.

Before Asura could respond, she heard a voice outside asking, “Milady, apologies, but we need to check this area.”

In a swift motion, the intruder submerged himself under the water, hiding from view.

“Apologies for this intrusion, but we’re searching for a wanted man. Has he, perhaps—” the guards began, but halted when Asura threw them her most dangerous look.

“I am so pissed off right now! All I want is a peaceful bath in relaxing water!” she barked in frustration.

“We’re sorry, but—”

“But what?! Isn’t this area small enough for your eyes to see whether the man you’re looking for is here or not?!” she chided, scanning the room’s four corners.

‘He’s lucky he’s handsome!’ Asura thought inwardly, unable to help but find some amusement in the situation.

“What?! What are you all still staring at? You didn’t possibly think I’d let the criminal you’re looking for hide here underneath my milky white waters with my naked body, did you?!” Asura hissed, her annoyance palpable.

“Apologies, Milady,” one of the guards of the tavern said with an awkward smile. “Scram!” she barked, and the four guards quickly left the private chamber.

The guards finally left, and Asura’s eyebrows raised as the man emerged from the water. He looked around in his thirties, with wavy jet-black hair and dark grey eyes. While not as muscular as some men she had encountered, his body was lean.

“Thank you, Milady, for your help,” he said with an endearing smile.

“You’re lucky you’re handsome enough,” she replied candidly, still assessing his features. “Are you saying you won’t help me if I’m not handsome?” he questioned with a frown.

Asura pondered for a moment and then honestly responded, “I’m not sure… Maybe it still depends on my gut feeling.”

“Anyway, I have to leave now. Again, thank you,” the man said, and Asura watched as he created a portal and quickly disappeared through it.

“He can cast a teleportation spell? Why did he even bother to hide under the water? That pervert!” Asura scoffed while hugging her bare upper body under the water.