The Crown's Fire - Chapter 141

Chapter 141: Burden
Days turned into weeks, and Ezekiel was already awake, immediately resuming his duties as the kingdom’s king.

Dana and Stephan refrained from pressing Ezekiel about what had occurred at Helion; he seemed reluctant to discuss it and redirected the conversation whenever Dana broached the topic.

“I’m so worried about him. What do you think is going on in his head? What is he planning? Despite appearing busy with kingdom affairs, I sense our son is plotting something…” Dana sighed, gazing toward Jade Palace from the balcony.

Stephan embraced her from behind, whispering, “Cora mentioned that Ezekiel has been visiting the training grounds at dawn. He’s been using the private area and not allowing anyone to enter while he’s there.”

“He’s likely preparing for another attack,” Dana murmured. Her son wouldn’t rest until Devon was stopped, as that was the only way to save Tarah.

“Any news about Tarah?” she inquired.

“Our men are still searching for her. Mineah provided a sketch of her face and the child she mentioned that Tarah had with her,” Stephan commented. Both he and Dana ensured they stayed updated on Ezekiel’s movements as they remained worried.

“Ezekiel made sure their tracking mission to find Tarah and the boy was kept very confidential. There are also reports that Devon is looking for Tarah…” Stephan added.

“I just hope that things will turn-” Dana halted, her eyes widening as she glanced toward Jade Palace’s roof.

“That…” Stephan murmured.

“The golden dragon… our son has transformed into his dragon form,” Dana gasped as she watched the golden dragon soar into the sky.

“The dragon—it’s the golden dragon! It’s true that our king is controlling the dragon! He’s our dragon king who will save us from our enemies!”

Dana wrinkled her forehead at the cheers and commotion from those in the royal estate who witnessed the dragon emerge from Ezekiel’s palace rooftop.

“Our son’s strategy seems to be working. I heard he instructed Elijah to spread those rumors, and it looks like they’ve painted a favorable impression of the golden dragon and its connection to Ezekiel,” Stephan observed. “Where do you think our son is headed?” he added curiously. “I should have him followed.”

“No, let him be. Ezekiel needs his own space, and I’m sure he knows what he’s doing…” Dana commented.

True enough, reports came in the evening of how the golden dragon attacked the monsters that Devon had unleashed in one of the kingdoms he’d sieged. The dragon also destroyed the barriers Devon had erected as his mark around every kingdom he conquered. Ezekiel was slowly crippling Devon, starting with the monsters and dark magic users.

Dana paced back and forth in the throne hall while Stephan sighed as he watched her. “When do you think he’ll be back? Maybe you’re right. We should send someone to tail his movements and ensure he has backup if things don’t go according to his plan,” Dana murmured. It was past dinner already and close to midnight, but Ezekiel was still not back.

The door swung open, and Atlas entered the throne hall. “Your Highnesses, I was told that you were waiting here. I apologize for making you two worry. King Ezekiel wanted to keep this operation as confidential as possible,” Atlas quickly explained.

“Even from us?!” Dana burst out.

“He didn’t want to worry you both, but to ease your worries…. Elijah, with all of his dragon royal knights, is tailing his every move. Our King has a backup plan in case things don’t work out with his initial plan,” Atlas reported.

“When will he come back?” Dana asked, and before Atlas could answer, the door swung open again and Ezekiel entered. “I’m back, Mother. I’m sorry if I had you worried. I was just exercising with my dragon, Khal,” Ezekiel remarked with a half smile.

Dana’s face darkened as she scolded, “Look at you, acting like nothing serious is going on. You only recently woke up, and I know you’ve been mastering and practicing hard with the dragon’s power within you, but attacking Helion’s monsters? Aren’t you being too confident, son?”

She had a feeling that Ezekiel was pushing himself too far. “You worry too much, Mother. How about this? I’ll be gone for a few days to go to Vacrez and Cordon and ask my brother-in-laws for help. Will you be more at ease if I talk to them regarding our alliances and form a solid plan against Helion?” Ezekiel suddenly proposed.

“When are you planning to leave?” Stephan asked. “As early as tomorrow morning, Father. So, I apologize if I’ll have you in charge again during that time. Atlas will stay here to assist you and keep you two updated about my movements.”

Dana’s shoulders slumped with the realization that nothing she said would dissuade her son. Nonetheless, she found solace in the fact that Ezekiel would have allies like Cordon and Valcrez by his side, rather than shouldering the burden alone.

“I came here since the guards informed me that you were all here. Please return to Rose Palace now,” Ezekiel stated, and Dana could no longer argue when Stephan gently guided her outside. Ezekiel accompanied them back, with Atlas at his side.

Meanwhile, Ezekiel let out a long sigh as he watched his parents go inside their bedchamber. Then, he turned and walked back to Jade Palace with Atlas.

“I still believe it’s crucial to seek assistance from Valcrez and Cordon, as you mentioned to your parents,” Atlas insisted as they walked together.

“This fight is mine alone to make, Atlas. Xenia is pregnant and needs her husband, Darius. Mineah and Nikolai nearly lost each other recently because of the incident at Helion. I can’t share this burden with them right now. Besides, I need to find Tarah soon and ensure she’s safe,” Ezekiel asserted.

He turned to his friend and continued, “Didn’t you see how powerful I am now? I destroyed all those monsters alone, Atlas. You don’t have to worry about me anymore.”

Atlas shrugged and said, “But that doesn’t mean you’re invincible and can’t be killed.”

“But it will be hard for them to kill me. Don’t worry, Atlas, I’ll survive this,” Ezekiel reassured his friend with a half-smile as they continued to walk. His expression darkened at the thought of Devon. He was determined to erase that demon’s existence from this world.