The Crown's Fire - Chapter 189

Chapter 189: Running Out of Time
Moments passed, and the carriage grew quieter. Katelina’s eyelids grew heavy, but she fought against sleep. She knew she shouldn’t be so fearful; it wasn’t as though she would always have that kind of nightmare, right? But the horrendous feeling lingered, and she didn’t want to experience it again or, worse, face an even more terrifying nightmare.

“Damn,” she cursed under her breath, starting to chant a spell to keep herself awake. Just as she was about to drift off, the door opened and closed.

“Is he here?” she wondered, blinking her heavy eyes. The familiar warmth of Ezekiel’s presence seemed to envelop her, easing her tension.

Right then, he materialized next to her, staring closely at her. “Sleep and rest, my queen,” he murmured, pulling her closer and cuddling her in his arms.

She was taken aback, but his warmth felt so familiar and truly comforting. This might be wrong since they did not have a formal relationship, but it felt right… Maybe because, in her heart, she remembered him? Her body seemed used to him as well.

“Since you’re one persistent man, I will let this slide tonight. If I have a nightmare, keep your promise on the bargain,” she mumbled before snuggling closer to him.

She was truly sleepy and didn’t even hear what he was saying as she dozed off. His arms around her and the warmth of his body were just so relaxing.

Ezekiel smiled the moment he felt Katelina’s breathing relax. “Hmm, look at you sleeping already without a care in the world. I guess I will be the one who’ll have another sleepless night like last night,” he muttered.

He missed Katelina too much, and it took all of his control not to do more than just cuddle her and a peck on her forehead, head, and lips. “Goodness, I need more patience,” he murmured to himself, feeling his body react to Katelina in his arms.

Her scent was intoxicating. Keeping his composure, he simply basked in her scent, burying his nose in her hair. “Sweet dreams, my queen. Instead of nightmares, please dream of me and our memories together.”

That was like a silent prayer for him as he hoped that Khal was right and that his presence would make her sleep with ease.

After some time, Ezekiel yawned and kissed Katelina’s forehead, whispering, “Goodnight.” Then he closed his eyes and slept the night away with her.

It was almost dawn when Ezekiel woke up. They were still in the same position, with Katelina nestled in his arms. Her head rested on his arm, and her face was so close that he could feel the warmth of her breath.

He leaned closer and kissed her on the lips. It was supposed to be a peck, but he became greedy, gently suckling her lower and upper lips.

[Stop, you’re waking her up. Let her sleep more,] Khal scolded him, so Ezekiel quickly pulled back.

‘Damn,’ Ezekiel inwardly cursed, realizing his dragon was more rational than him when it came to Katelina. He released a deep sigh and simply stared at her beautiful, peaceful face.

Smiling widely, he murmured, “She didn’t have a nightmare. I won this bet, Kate.”

On the other hand, Katelina stirred in her sleep, feeling unusually refreshed. She slowly opened her eyes and was startled to see Ezekiel’s smiling face so close to hers.

“Good morning, my queen,” he whispered lovingly. She gulped, feeling a large lump in her throat. Right, the deal… He won because she didn’t have a nightmare last night.

She glanced toward the small glass window of her carriage, but the curtain covered it.

“It’s still dawn. You can sleep more. The sun isn’t up yet… Besides, I already instructed Cora to leave on schedule even if you’re still sleeping. You need to make up for the sleep you lost,” Ezekiel explained.

“You should leave now. Our deal was for you to only stay with me while I sleep at night. It’s morning…” she pointed out, her heart racing from how close her body was to his. There was a tingling sensation that made her uneasy.

“Can I kiss you?” he asked, making her hold her breath.

There was silence, and Katelina wanted to slap herself for not answering him with a simple no. She opened her mouth to respond firmly, but then Ezekiel’s lips were on hers. It was gentle… and it felt good.

‘Get back to your senses!’ she scolded herself, and with that, she pushed him away. “What are you doing?” she questioned, quickly sitting up and glaring at him.

“Silence means yes,” he stated simply, blinking innocently. “Is it a no to you? Your silence means no?”

“Unbelievable!” Katelina remarked. “Get out now,” she reiterated, pointing at the carriage door.

Winking, he cheekily said, “Alright, I will. Let me prepare breakfast for you.” And before she could say a word, he suddenly became invisible, and her door simply opened and closed.

“Seriously, the audacity of that man!” she complained with a pout, her eyes widening when she felt something press against her lips.

“Sorry, I will leave now,” she heard Ezekiel’s voice say as the door opened and closed again.

Katelina grabbed a pillow and swung it around every space of her carriage to ensure Ezekiel had truly left. “I can’t believe I’m doing this!” she hissed after confirming Ezekiel was no longer inside. She quickly put on her veil to cover her face and left the carriage. She was fully awake and no longer in the mood to go back to sleep.

As she got out, Asura quickly approached her. “Good morning, milady. You’re up early,” she commented.

“Right, because there’s this big bug that woke me up!” Katelina spoke in a louder voice than usual, looking around the surroundings with narrowed eyes.

“A bug?” Asura gasped, immediately calling the servants to check her carriage.

“Yes, a bug, a very cunning bug that’s not visible to the naked eye!” Katelina scoffed with a contorted face.

Ezekiel, still a few steps away from Katelina in his invisible form, heard her.

[Can’t you take things slowly? She has no memories of you. You’re being too much,] Khal scolded him again. Ezekiel simply released a deep sigh and said, [I feel like I’m always running out of time being with her, Khal.]