The Crown's Fire - Chapter 151

Chapter 151: First Kiss
Elijah watched as the formalities of crowning the new king ensued. It was a simple ceremony with its intricate rituals and elaborate regalia yet the weight of history and responsibility was palpable in the air.

Casimir, a royal healer from Helion, stood beside Elijah and provided context to the situation. “Her Majesty, the Queen Mother, had to send Amon away while he was still a baby to protect him from Devon’s purge,” Casimir explained. “Amon possesses demonic powers, and Devon sought to eliminate anyone who could challenge his claim to the throne. Many parents had no choice but to send their children with demon blood away, as it was their best chance for survival.”

Elijah nodded, absorbing the information. “So he’s been away for too long? How did he find his way back?” he asked curiously.

“We searched for him in the shadows for years but failed,” Casimir continued. “However, Her Majesty’s people found him months ago, severely wounded. We believe it was Devon’s doing, as we detected a dark spell around him that only Devon could cast. It took a while for him to regain consciousness, and when he did, he remembered nothing.”

Elijah pondered this, concern etched on his face. “I see, but how can we be sure that he can effectively rule over this kingdom? I don’t mean to offend, but our king wants to ensure that Helonians won’t suffer again like before,” he voiced his concerns. His duty was not only to provide assistance but also to ensure that their efforts were not in vain.

Casimir gave a reassuring smile. “Your concern is valid, Commander Elijah. Amon’s amnesia is indeed troubling, but his potential is undeniable. He has shown remarkable recovery and wisdom despite his memory loss. The Queen Mother and the council believe in his ability to lead. With time and support, we hope he will grow into the role and restore peace and prosperity to Helion.”

Elijah remained skeptical but hopeful. “I understand. I’ll relay this to my king. We will continue to offer our support and monitor the situation closely.”

As the ceremony continued, Elijah watched Amon with a mixture of curiosity and caution. The newly crowned king’s journey had just begun, and only time would tell if he could rise to the challenge and lead his kingdom to a brighter future.

Elijah no longer commented and simply walked back to the execution grounds. His eyebrows lifted upon seeing a convoy arrive, bearing their insignia. His surprise deepened when he noticed the Minister of Justice dismounting her horse.

“What is she doing here?” he murmured to himself. No one had informed him of Greta’s arrival.

“Lady Greta?” he questioned as she approached him.

“Commander Elijah, it’s been a while,” she greeted him with a curt smile.

“Yes, and you look quite different. I see you have grown your hair longer now. It suits you,” he commented without thinking, then blinked in surprise at his own words. ‘What is wrong with me?’ he inwardly scolded himself, reminded of how this woman had made things difficult for him during their combat training.

Not that she had outperformed him, but because he had always found it hard to focus when partnered with her. Elijah was usually a jolly person who enjoyed the company of women, but Greta was different. She always seemed to distract him, making him feel confused and not quite himself.

“I take that as a compliment. I see you haven’t changed,” she remarked with a smirk.

“Why would I change?” he responded with a frown. “Why are you here, anyway?” he asked directly.

“I was sent here to ensure that the suspects receive a fair verdict. We don’t want any innocents being framed or executed, so it’s crucial to make sure those deemed criminals are actually guilty. I heard the justice system here is still stabilizing, so I thought lending a helping hand wouldn’t be too bad, especially since my schedule isn’t that hectic,” Greta explained excitedly.

Elijah raised an eyebrow. “So you’re here to oversee the trials?” he asked, his tone skeptical.

“Yes, precisely. Given the recent upheavals, it’s important to maintain justice and order. I’m here to make sure everything is done correctly,” she replied.

Elijah sighed, feeling a mix of relief and irritation. “Very well, Lady Greta. Your help will be… appreciated,” he said, though he couldn’t quite hide the reluctance in his voice.

Greta’s smirk widened. “Don’t worry, Commander. I’m sure we’ll work well together,” she said confidently.

Elijah nodded, still feeling uneasy. Greta had always had this effect on him, but he knew he had to put personal feelings aside. There were more pressing matters at hand, and ensuring justice was served was paramount.

“I see, you’re still the same as always. Miss know-it-all,” Elijah mumbled with a twitch of his mouth.

“What did you say?!” Greta exclaimed.

Elijah gave her a wide smile. “I said, you’re working so hard, Lady Greta.”

“Everyone is working hard, and I should do my part too,” she replied with a wide smile. Elijah had to pinch himself to avoid drooling over her lovely smile.

“Don’t smile,” he blurted out.

“Huh?” Greta muttered, raising an eyebrow.

“You’re lovely when you smile,” Elijah mumbled again.

“What?!” Greta burst out.

Elijah’s face reddened as he inwardly cursed himself. “I should go now and let you do the job from here on,” he muttered before quickly turning around and practically running away.

‘She’s back…’ Elijah thought with a scoff. That woman had been his greatest nightmare. “I’m sure she’s prepared well to be Ezekiel’s queen, seeing how she’s working hard now to get the attention she wanted,” he murmured, followed by a deep sigh.

Everything was still fresh in his memory, even though it was a long time ago—nine years, to be exact. He was twenty then, and Greta was eighteen. They celebrated the new year, and everyone got drunk. He was tasked with bringing Greta home. She was totally wasted and confessed her feelings to him, thinking he was Ezekiel.

Elijah clicked his tongue in annoyance because Greta even snatched his first kiss that night, but the next morning, she acted like nothing had happened.

“I hate this feeling,” Elijah mumbled. He hated that since that night, he couldn’t feel the same way about any other woman as he did about Greta.

Walking up the castle stairs, Elijah found a good spot by an arrowslit where he could have a better view of the execution grounds. Greta was there, interviewing some of the witnesses.

“She’s changed a lot,” he murmured to himself. She looked stunning with her curly shoulder-length burgundy hair, very different from the last time he saw her when she had boyish short hair. She also wore a dress now.

“It’ll be awkward to tease her like before,” he continued talking to himself. He used to get her attention by teasing her non-stop, but Elijah felt that approach would be too childish now, especially since Greta held an esteemed high-ranking position as the Minister of Justice.