The Crown's Fire - Chapter 194

Chapter 194: Best Choice
Katelina watched as Ezekiel shifted into his dragon form in the clearing part of the camp and flew into the dark sky. “What is he up to now?” she mumbled to herself.

She believed she was clear this morning that she would let him sleep tonight with her, but she had no guts to bring it up to him again.

“Your Majesty, the Ministers are asking to have a word with you,” Asura informed her. Katelina released a sigh and then said, “Where are they?”

Asura led her to the makeshift meeting tent where Minister Dion and Minister Karen were waiting. Katelina sat and gestured for Asura to stay with her.

“Your Majesty,” Minister Karen started, “it seems that King Ezekiel fancies you.”

Katelina raised an eyebrow. The older woman released a deep sigh and said, “I apologize if I am being straightforward, but you must know that many of us would prefer you choose someone like King Ezekiel to be your husband. And after our conversation with him a while ago, it is clear that he wants you to be his queen.”

“What are you saying? Being his queen means abandoning Zion!” she remarked with a deep frown.

“Please don’t take this in a negative way, Your Majesty. Yes, our kingdom is stable for now, but we’re still rebuilding and we lost more than half of our army to keep our security intact! The barrier that’s protecting us even now comes from Ebodia! Yes, you managed to organize the inner court again, but not all share the same sentiments as us supporting you to the throne as Queen Regent. The people…” Minister Dion halted.

He took a deep breath and continued, “Our people still live in fear. We all have trauma and everyone has their fear and nightmares of the possibility of encountering another siege. We’re not a big kingdom like Helion. Zion is just a small kingdom that was once favored by the heavens, but now… we’re no more. Please… consider taking the offer of King Ezekiel if he asks for you as his Queen. If you truly want to protect us, your people… and your brother… being married to a powerful king like Ezekiel is the best choice.”

Katelina felt the weight of their words pressing down on her. The logical part of her knew they were right. Zion was vulnerable, and her position as Queen Regent was tenuous. Marrying Ezekiel would bring stability and protection to her people. But she was still conflicted.

“I understand your concerns,” she finally said. “But this is not a decision I can make lightly. My duty is to Zion, and I must consider all aspects, including my brother’s future and the will of our people.”

Minister Karen leaned forward, her expression earnest. “Your Majesty, your brother would be safe and secure in Ebodia. He could be educated and protected in a way that Zion cannot currently provide. And the people… they would see this alliance as a symbol of hope and strength. It would show that Zion is not alone.”

Katelina took a deep breath, her mind swirling with thoughts. “I will consider your words. But understand, this is a deeply personal decision. I need time to think.”

Minister Dion and Minister Karen nodded, understanding the gravity of her position. “We trust in your wisdom, Your Majesty,” Minister Dion said. “We only want what is best for you and for Zion.”

As they left, Katelina sat back, feeling the weight of their plea. She had always put her people first. The decision ahead was not just about political alliances; it was about her future and the future of those she loved.

Asura sat opposite her and asked, “Can I voice my opinion?”

Katelina shrugged her shoulders and said, “Even if I say no, you’ll say it anyway, so why even ask?”

Asura chuckled and deliberated, “King Ezekiel is the best choice. Any woman would want to marry someone like him. He has this fearful and intimidating aura, but around you, he’s nothing like that. He’s just a man who’s deeply in love and doing everything he can to please you.”

Katelina’s face blushed as she murmured, “I… I still need more time.”

“Of course, after all, you can’t remember him. But like I always say, just follow what your heart desires, Your Majesty,” Asura encouraged. “I believe you two will get to know each other well during the Global Summit.”

That was true, as the Global Summit would have activities that promoted interactions among leaders.

*****

Meanwhile, Ezekiel arrived at his camp around midnight. He shifted into his human form and went straight to the makeshift tent arranged for him. After a few minutes, Elijah rushed inside.

“Your Majesty, you’re finally back!” Elijah greeted him with his usual exaggerated enthusiasm, attempting to hug him.

Ezekiel brushed off the embrace with a smirk. “Any news?” he asked as he poured himself some wine.

Titus followed and asked, “Should I prepare a warm bath for you, Sire?”

“Yes, please,” Ezekiel replied.

Elijah continued, “Well, the Sorel Guild is doing a great job. The security is tight in the spots where each kingdom will camp. Also, the activities prepared are excellent. We already surveyed the location, and everything seems in order. Wizard Lurio confirmed there are no traces of dark spells or magic in the area.”

“That’s good to hear,” Ezekiel said, taking a sip of his wine. “We’ll arrive at Haven Forest tomorrow and help the Sorel Guild with any further arrangements needed. I want this first Global Summit to be a successful one.”

Ezekiel turned to Elijah and asked, “Did you prepare everything I asked?”

Elijah chuckled and teased, “Don’t worry. It’s all done. Just like you instructed, everything will look like an accident. All you need to do is give her an impressive act, playing innocent every time you two end up trapped together in each other’s arms.”

Ezekiel smirked, “Perfect. This summit will be more interesting than I thought.”

Elijah grinned, “Just don’t overdo it, Your Majesty. You want her to fall for you, not run away in panic.”

Ezekiel frowned, and Elijah, sensing the shift in mood, quickly bid him goodnight and ran out of the tent.