The Crown's Fire - Chapter 193

Chapter 193: Future Queen
The delegates from Zion, escorted by the Ebodian convoy, had a smooth journey ahead. Before sunset, they made another stopover in the wilderness to set up camp for the night. As Katelina expected, Ezekiel invited her to dinner once again. This time, it was not a private meal but one shared with her officials.

She wondered what he was up to this time.

“Your Majesty, it’s an honor to dine with you,” Minister Karen greeted Ezekiel politely, accompanied by Minister Dion. Both were elderly, holding the same position and having survived Devon’s purge during his siege. They had been locked up in the dungeon with the rest and were fortunate to have survived Devon’s abuse.

“It’s my pleasure. Please, eat to your heart’s content,” Ezekiel answered casually. They started eating, and Ezekiel placed some meat on Katelina’s plate. The elders noticed this gesture and looked pleased.

“Your Majesty, we’re truly grateful for all the help we’ve been receiving for our kingdom. We are indebted to you,” Minister Dion pointed out.

“That’s true. Whatever it is that you request, we’ll surely oblige with our utmost capacity,” Minister Karen seconded. Katelina remained quiet, letting her officers interact with Ezekiel. Her mind was still occupied with the words she had said earlier. She had unintentionally invited Ezekiel to sleep with her.

Minister Dion of Public Works cleared his throat and added, “Our kingdom is still rebuilding, and receiving more of your assistance would be deeply appreciated. We are lacking manpower and more assistance from magic users. Commander Cora informed us that Ebodia will surely extend assistance and they are just waiting for your approval to extend more of it.”

Upon hearing that shameless request from Minister Dion, Katelina’s face reddened as she scoldingly interrupted her minister, “I’m sure we’ll manage, Minister Dion. We’ll think of some other way. We’ve been asking Ebodia too much at this rate.”

She gave the older man a knowing glance, and he seemed to understand, so he didn’t press the matter further.

“Hmmm, I will have to discuss this matter with my officials too. We have to consider a lot of things if we plan to send more help, especially with manpower and magic users. But I’m sure there are a few arrangements that can work out,” Ezekiel commented.

He then turned his head to look at her and said, “I’ve been a bit more generous to Zion because of you, Queen Regent, but you see, nothing in this world comes for free. I might demand something in return, but I will finalize my thoughts about it at the Global Summit.”

Katelina frowned at what Ezekiel was insinuating. Did he mean that he would ask for repayment? Something in return for everything he had done for them?

“We understand, Your Majesty. After all, the fact remains that we are all still indebted to you,” Minister Karen admitted.

“In the Global Summit, I am also planning to seek a future queen for my kingdom,” Ezekiel firmly stated, his eyes directed at Katelina.

Katelina’s heart skipped a beat. She couldn’t tell if he was speaking generally or if his words were directed specifically at her. The room fell silent, the weight of his statement hanging in the air.

“Your Majesty,” she began cautiously, “I hope that whoever you choose, she will be deserving of such a noble role.”

Ezekiel’s gaze softened slightly as he replied, “I am confident that she will be.”

Katelina bit her inner cheek and thought, ‘Why is he looking at me like that?’ She felt like Ezekiel’s words were directed at her. But then, he had been vocal about his feelings for her.

Could she possibly accept becoming his queen if it came to that point? But being his queen would mean leaving Zion… leaving Levi alone?!

Her thoughts spiraled as she considered the implications. Becoming the queen of Ebodia would be a monumental responsibility, not just to Ezekiel but to his entire kingdom. It would mean leaving her people, her duties, and most importantly, Levi, who needed her more than ever.

Sensing her distraction, leaned in slightly and whispered, “Is everything alright, Kate?”

Startled, she looked up at him. “Yes, of course. Just thinking.”

“About?” he asked, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.

“Nothing important,” she replied quickly, hoping to steer the conversation away from her.

The meal continued with light conversation and laughter, mostly among the ministers and Ezekiel. Katelina found herself occasionally glancing at Ezekiel, who seemed at ease, while her officials looked a bit nervous and awkward.

As the dinner came to an end, Minister Karen and Minister Dion expressed their gratitude once more before excusing themselves for the night. Katelina and Ezekiel were left alone at the table.

Ezekiel looked at her with a gentle smile. “Thank you for joining me tonight.”

She nodded, her voice softer than usual. “Thank you for inviting me.”

Ezekiel stood up and offered his hand to help her rise. “Shall we take a walk? The night is beautiful.”

Katelina hesitated for a moment but then accepted his hand. They walked away from the camp, the cool night air refreshing against her skin. She felt Ezekiel draped his cloak against her shoulders.

Katelina’s heart pounded as she stood there, feeling the warmth of Ezekiel’s embrace. His touch, gentle yet firm, made her realize just how much she had grown to rely on his presence. She closed her eyes, allowing herself to savor the moment, even though her mind was conflicted.

“By the way, you can use the potion tonight. I plan to leave you alone for the rest of your journey. I’ll see you at Haven Forest,” Ezekiel had commented earlier, catching her off guard.

Katelina had stopped walking and looked at him intently. Didn’t he get her message this morning that she would allow him to accompany her tonight? But then again, perhaps it was better this way. As a maiden, even sleeping in the same bed with a man, regardless of the innocence, was scandalous enough.

“I’ll see you then at the Global Summit, Your Majesty. Have a safe journey ahead,” Katelina replied, trying to keep her voice steady. Her heart skipped a beat when Ezekiel leaned down and kissed her forehead.

“We’re outside!” she reminded him, despite not making any move to push him away.

“Don’t worry, I will sense if someone is nearby,” he hummed against her ear before pulling her into a warm embrace. “Just give me a few minutes to hug you like this. Then I’ll leave…”