The Crown's Fire - Chapter 168

Chapter 168: Who You Really Kissed
Greta didn’t know how many times she forced a smile during dinner. She walked her father and mother to their carriage in silence.

“Hmm, it looks like we have to organize a ball at our residence instead,” her mother, Eunice, commented.

“I guess so. I’m sure our daughter here will find another suitable match to her liking at that ball,” her father remarked. He put his arm around her shoulders and added, “Don’t sulk too much, Greta. You’re still young, and I’m sure there’s someone out there destined to be with you.”

Greta pursed her lips. She didn’t need to tell her parents her feelings at all because she was an open book to them. They could easily tell that Ezekiel was her first love.

“Your father is right, Greta. I will arrange a grand ball so every noble family in our kingdom will see how you have changed a lot and grown up to be a beautiful young woman,” her mother encouraged.

Greta’s shoulders shrugged as she said, “You two should go ahead since it’s already dark.” Her mother and father exchanged meaningful glances before they kissed and hugged her and bid her goodbye.

Since Greta was the new Minister of Justice, her office was the Justice Hall building and she was also rewarded a private chamber in the officials’ wing at the Jade Palace. She could simply go home with her parents since their manor was just near the royal estate, but she chose to sleep in her living quarters because she would be closer to Ezekiel.

“This is annoying. Didn’t he remember that we kissed? Was he that drunk? Should I tell him about it? Will that even change his mind?” Greta mumbled as she walked towards her living quarters. But she suddenly halted. She felt like she wanted to have a drink at this point.

Greta looked around for a servant to ask to bring her a drink inside her bedchamber but found no one. So she walked directly to the wine cellar.

She smiled, seeing a variety of bottles to choose from. It had been a while since she last drank alcohol. “Ah, that’s what I want,” Greta murmured as she reached for a bottle that was above her height. She tiptoed, trying to grasp the bottle’s neck. She gasped when she managed to pull it but lost her balance.

“Ah!” she gasped, closing her eyes and hugging the bottle, bracing herself for the impact of the fall. But she felt arms snake around her.

“Clumsy,” a familiar voice scoffed. Greta quickly opened her eyes to see Elijah’s face so close to hers. Instinctively, she pushed him away.

“Oh, hello Elijah. I see that you’re back,” Greta greeted him with a wide smile. This man and Atlas were very close to Ezekiel, so she should be extra nice to him in order to fish out the details she wanted.

His eyes darted to the bottle of wine she was holding. “You’re planning to drink? Alone?” he asked.

“Yes, would you want to join me?” she asked him as she grabbed two glasses.

His frown deepened as he murmured, “Do you know that you’re a light drinker?”

“Is that a no, then? Anyway, thank you for your help earlier. I’ll just drink alone, I guess,” she said with a pout. She then slightly bowed to him and said, “Goodnight, Commander Elijah,” before turning around and walking to the inner courtyard. The weather was nice, and she felt like drinking under the glow of the night.

She liked staring at the night sky when she had a lot going on inside her head. Well, she could do that inside her bedchamber, which had a balcony of its own, but she felt Elijah following her. Instead of going to her bedchamber, she chose the inner courtyard.

The moonlight cast a gentle glow over the courtyard, creating a serene atmosphere. Greta found a bench near a small fountain and settled down, opening the bottle of wine. She poured herself a glass and took a sip, savoring the rich flavor. The cool night air and the quiet surroundings helped to calm her thoughts.

Elijah, who had been silently observing her from a distance slowly approached her and spoke. “Why are you drinking, Greta?”

She looked up at him, her expression softening. “Sometimes, it’s just nice to have some time to myself. To think while drinking?”

He sat opposite her, and Greta poured him some wine. “Did you know the king has decided not to hold a selection for a queen?” she asked directly.

“Yes,” Elijah answered plainly, taking a sip of his drink.

Greta raised an eyebrow, staring at Elijah. “Because of this Katelina?”

“Oh, is that what he said?” Elijah replied.

“Yes, at dinner he mentioned a woman named Katelina as his perfect partner. But he refused to give more details, saying we’ll meet her soon. Do you know her? Is she from another noble family in Ebodia? I haven’t heard that name before, and besides, I hear no one has gotten close to the king except for the Seer. But she’s gone now. She left and chose not to be our kingdom’s Seer,” Greta explained.

“Katelina Grimaldi. She’s the Queen Regent of the Kingdom of Zion. I guess the king got his confirmation today about her…” Elijah mumbled.

“What do you mean?” Greta pondered.

Elijah gave her an awkward smile and pointed out, “He already chose a queen, and nothing can stop him now. You know how decisive he is.”

“But that’s so unfair, Elijah. We kissed before, and I even confessed to him,” Greta said. She wasn’t embarrassed to say it now because she wanted to fight for her first love.

Elijah coughed, but she ignored it and continued, “I know we were both drunk that night, and that was a long time ago. But in those nine years… He’s the only man I’ve cherished! I won’t let any woman take him away from me!”

“Greta… Like I said, you’re a light drinker. How could you not recognize who you really kissed and confessed to that night?” Elijah spoke, annoyed.