The Crown's Fire - Chapter 163

Chapter 163: Recognized
Katelina sent off Commander Cora and their convoy with heartfelt gratitude, ensuring that her people prepared gifts for them to take back to Ebodia as a gesture of thanks. She was also determined to give them a generous tribute in the future for their assistance to their kingdom.

Right now, Katelina and Asura walked back inside the castle.

“Asura, I want some fresh air outside without my veil,” Katelina mumbled to her friend. It had been a while since she was outside. She honestly wanted to check on her people beyond the castle walls, but Luis had been adamant about not allowing her to go out until he ensured it was completely safe.

She was genuinely thankful to Luis for doing an exceptional job handling the military affairs and security of their kingdom. It was a tough job, and she was glad to have someone she could trust for that task. She had also been very busy lately with numerous responsibilities, and today she particularly wanted to unwind.

Asura frowned slightly, clearly concerned. “You know Luis won’t be happy about this. He’s very particular about your safety, especially now.”

Katelina sighed. “I know, Asura. And I appreciate everything he’s doing. But I just need a little break. I promise I’ll be careful.”

Asura blinked rapidly in surprise. “You… you’re planning to sneak out again like the old days?” Asura burst out.

Katelina innocently blinked back at her. “It’s been a while. I want to ride a horse and visit the Dragon Blood Forest. Luis already cleared that part, so it’s safe. I will be back soon. Don’t tell Luis about it, alright? Just tell him I’m resting in my bedchamber if he asks.”

Asura pursed her lips and frowned. “Please?” Katelina begged with wide, imploring eyes.

“Fine,” Asura sighed in retreat. “But make sure you’re back before the sun goes down, Your Majesty, or else I will tell Luis so he can come pick you up.”

Katelina hugged her friend tightly. “Thank you!”

“Alright, let me arrange a horse for you in the usual spot,” Asura said with a sigh.

Meanwhile, Katelina quickly changed into her riding outfit. Like old times, she used the secret passage in her bedroom that led directly outside the royal family’s private training grounds, not far from the Dragon Blood Forest.

Upon Asura’s signal, Katelina used the secret passage and headed outside. She mounted her horse and rode into the forest with joy.

“This feels nice!” she mumbled as she rode the horse to her heart’s content. She stopped at the tree house she, Asura, and Luis used to play in. There had been many changes since she last saw it, but she was glad Luis had kept her things.

Her wooden practice swords were still there—swords she used for the dragon sword dance. She looked at her horse and grabbed her real sword, the dragon sword that belonged to her father. It was meant for Levi, but he was too young to wield it, so she would use it for now.

“Now I can dance with a real sword,” she mumbled, grabbing the sword and starting her familiar dragon sword dance.

She was mid-dance when she sensed another presence observing her. Without hesitation, Katelina aimed her sword in the direction of the gaze.

“Who are you? Show yourself!” she demanded in a defensive stance.

Katelina froze when she felt a warm presence behind her and a hot breath on her ear whispering, “I don’t mean to intrude.” The voice was deep and masculine.

Gathering her bearings, Katelina moved, but the man was faster. He disarmed her and held her from behind.

‘Something feels wrong,’ she thought, alarmed by his presence yet oddly comforted by his embrace.

‘I must be nuts!’ she scolded herself.

“Let me go! How dare you touch me! Don’t you know who I am? I am the Queen Regent of this kingdom! Let me go right now!” she demanded, but her body refused to move.

‘What is wrong with me?’

She heard the man chuckle faintly and felt him sniffing her hair.

“You pervert! I said let me go! What you’re doing is punishable by death!” she barked. She wasn’t bluffing. If anyone saw them, her people would demand death for the man who dared to touch their Queen Regent.

“Tarah, I missed you so much…” the man murmured.

‘Tarah?! The woman Cora was looking for? Oh, right, she was that Tarah… the spy…’

Katelina’s eyes widened as she realized the situation. This man recognized her as Tarah despite her veil. Was he the king of Ebodia?

“You’re mistaken. I am not Tarah! I am Katelina Grimaldi, the Queen Regent of this kingdom!” she declared, trying to remain composed despite the strange sensations his embrace elicited.

She was still confused about the identity of this Tarah, the name she had before losing her memory. To be on the safe side, she decided not to disclose her true identity. Without her memories, she couldn’t trust anyone, especially those searching for Tarah. Revealing herself might put not only her in danger but everyone around her as well.

She gathered her strength and managed to break free when he loosened his arms. She turned to face him, his face strikingly familiar.

“You, I told you to release me,” she firmly stated, but his arm was still wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer. He stared deeply into her eyes, as if reading her soul.

He raised his hand as if he was going to remove her veil, and Katelina panicked. “If you dare lay a hand on me, you will face the consequences!” she grunted.

“You… don’t you recognize me?” he muttered hoarsely. “It’s me, Ezekiel. How could you forget me when all I think of is you? Even in my sleep, I see no one but you. I didn’t even dare wake up, fearing I wouldn’t see your face again…” he murmured feverishly.

‘Ezekiel? The dragon king of Ebodia?’ Katelina inwardly confirmed her suspicion, staring closely at his perfect face. She had heard much about him and now saw the truth behind the rumors. He was indeed a sight to behold, explaining why women swooned over him.

“You may have saved us, but that doesn’t give you the right to treat me like this. We have customs and traditions you must respect, and right now, you’re crossing the line by not letting me go,” she weakly reminded him.