The Crown's Fire - Chapter 169

Chapter 169: Invitation for a Global Summit
Another morning came, and Katelina kept yawning while Asura helped her undress for a bath.

“Did you not sleep well last night?” Asura asked.

“I didn’t,” Katelina confessed. Her encounter with King Ezekiel had swirled through her thoughts all night, his aggressive and intimate movements replaying in her mind.

“What’s that? Wait… That’s a hickey!” Asura exclaimed as she inspected Katelina’s neck. Katelina’s face reddened, and she quickly covered the mark with her hand, but it was too late; Asura’s piercing gaze had already caught it.

With a teasing grin, Asura asked, “You two already advanced like that after just meeting yesterday?”

Katelina couldn’t refute her friend’s teasing. She had spent her day only with King Ezekiel. “I think the two of us were in a romantic relationship while I spied on him under Devon’s command,” she muttered.

“That’s possible. Who wouldn’t fall for King Ezekiel? He’s so handsome. He’s intimidating, but that only adds to his sex appeal!” Asura burst out. “Did you tell him and confirm you’re Tarah? Honestly, it seems like he’s into Tarah, especially since he killed Devon and extended extra help to our kingdom. I think what Cora told you is true.”

That was what Katelina thought too. She felt a deep connection and pull towards him. If they were not on good terms, she should at least feel fear and disgust, right? Because that was how she always felt whenever she heard Devon’s name. But with Ezekiel, it was different. It was as if she yearned for him.

“Look at your blushing face. Care to share what you’re thinking?” Asura teased more.

“I haven’t confirmed to him that I’m Tarah… I denied it,” she answered, trying to divert Asura’s teasing.

“He believed you?”

She shook her head. “No, he didn’t. Also, he removed my veil and saw my face…”

“Oh, I see. But Levi said you will marry him, so that’s fine… I’m curious how and when this marriage will happen,” Asura mumbled.

Katelina dipped herself in the tub while Asura started washing her hair. “It’s during the Global Summit.”

“A Global Summit?”

“Yes, it’s the only detail Levi mentioned…” she murmured.

“What are your plans now? Will you tell him that you lost part of your memories for three years?”

“I don’t know, Asura. I’ll probably observe more and see how things unfold. I need to balance things out and decide how to proceed. To be honest, I feel confused, but my main focus and goal right now are stabilizing our kingdom and ensuring its safety. I don’t want the people I care for, including our citizens, to suffer the way they did under rulers like Devon,” Katelina stated.

That morning, she proceeded with her usual routine alongside Levi. While they were in the Great Hall, an invitation suddenly arrived from Mount Sorel Guild.

After reading it, she passed it to Luis, whom she had formally appointed as her trusted advisor and Chancellor of their Kingdom.

“It’s an invitation for a Global Summit for peace talks among kingdoms. Sorel Guild will handle the event at Haven Forest. Our kingdom is highly encouraged to participate. It will commence two weeks from now,” Luis informed the court.

“This is a great chance for us, Your Majesty. All rulers will be there, not just for peace talks but for possible trade and alliances. It would be beneficial for us to attend such an event,” one of the Ministers commented.

Katelina nodded and said, “Then we’ll make all necessary preparations. I will bring only three officials with me: Chancellor Luis, Minister Karen, and Minister Dion. Chancellor Luis, coordinate with the Ministry of War, specifically with Janus, regarding the security of our convoy on our journey to Haven Forest.”

She then looked at Luis and added, “I also want to bring Priest Saul with us.”

After discussing a few more important topics regarding the kingdom’s welfare, Katelina soon dismissed everyone.

“Are you sure about this? I mean, we’re not yet certain if the journey to Haven Forest is truly safe,” Luis commented when they were left alone with only Levi and Asura inside the throne hall.

“We all know about the Sorel Guild, Luis. Didn’t they mention in the invitation that they will also secure our journey to Haven Forest? This is a great opportunity for us to discuss the needs of our kingdom and explore potential trades with neighboring kingdoms that could benefit our people in the long run. Besides, it’s a peace talk. Every kingdom will want to discuss this matter after experiencing nonstop wars for years. I want to propose peace treaties as well,” Katelina explained at length.

“Alright, I will make all the arrangements,” Luis responded, then quickly left.

Pouting, Levi suddenly pointed out, “Sister, you didn’t mention me going to the meeting.”

Asura chuckled as she approached Levi and helped him down from his high chair. “Did you see yourself attending the Summit in your vision, our young King?” Asura asked.

Levi frowned and murmured, “Not really, but I want to come…”

“You have to stay here and look after the young dragons and our kingdom, Levi,” Katelina told her brother. “I will be more at ease if you stay here, please?” she almost begged, because Luis was right. Nothing could guarantee their safety on the journey, and she wanted Levi to stay safe within the confines of the royal estate, where their mages, with the help of Ebodia’s mages, had secured strong and powerful barriers against dark magic.

“I understand, sister. I will protect the dragons and our kingdom while you’re gone,” Levi firmly stated, making her smile and kiss his cheek. But in that instant, Levi’s body froze, and he simply stared at her for a moment.

“What’s wrong, Levi?” she asked worriedly.

“A vision,” he murmured. Katelina exchanged meaningful glances with Asura, and the two women remained calm as they waited for Levi to finish absorbing whatever vision he had seen.

After a moment, he looked at her and murmured, “Sis, you need to bring Onyx with you to the Global Summit.”