The Crown's Fire - Chapter 202

Chapter 202: A Shadow
Another morning dawned for Katelina, who managed to sleep after taking the potion Kasper provided. The camp was buzzing with activity as everyone prepared to continue their journey. They were nearing the event site, and Katelina smiled as she overheard the excited murmurs of her people.

“It’s the first gathering of delegates from all the kingdoms in one place. I hope it turns out well. Did you see the activities they prepared? It’s not only for the monarchs, but they also have fun activities for us, the companions of the monarchs,” one of the servants whispered.

Katelina smiled, deciding to enjoy the moment and stop worrying about Devon’s bloodthread. Her eyes landed on Janus, the Minister of Defense, who had personally come to handle the security of their convoy.

She approached him, her expression serious. “Minister Janus, can I have a word with you?”

They sat on a makeshift bench away from everyone, and Katelina relayed everything Kasper had told her. The minister released a deep sigh and murmured, “This will bring fear to our men…”

“I know, but they need to know so they can prepare and not let their guard down. I will handle relaying this message to Luis,” she commented. She planned to talk to her dragon, Onyx, through their bond and have Onyx relay the information to Levi.

Janus nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Very well, Your Majesty. I will make sure our defenses are on high alert. We cannot afford any lapses, especially not now.”

“Thank you, Minister Janus,” Katelina said, feeling a bit more reassured.

As she walked back to her carriage, she reached out mentally to Onyx. [Onyx, I need you to convey a message to Levi. It’s urgent.]

[I’m here, Sire. What do you need me to tell him?] Onyx’s voice was a comforting presence in her mind.

[Tell him that Devon’s followers are planning something. They’re using his bloodthreads to try and revive him. We need to be on high alert and ensure the security of our kingdom.]

[Understood. I will relay the message immediately. You should have let me come with you,] Onyx murmured.

Katelina chuckled, imagining Onyx’s flaring nostrils. [How come Aurum can come when I can’t! I am your dragon, Sire.] he continued to rumble.

[Didn’t I already explain it to you? Aurum chose Lady Cora, which is why he had to come with her. They are bound to travel back to Ebodia after this event,] she reiterated.

[But still, I should have come to protect you…] Onyx persisted.

[You’re still a baby, Onyx. Grow fast and I will let you protect me. Besides, you and the others have a lot more to learn before we can let you be known to this world and let you out. Didn’t you study the history of the dragons with Levi? Don’t sulk now, alright? I’ll just bring you something good when I come back,] Katelina coaxed.

[Fine,] Onyx grumbled, but Katelina could sense his mood lifting slightly. [But it better be something really good.]

[Of course,] she promised with a smile. [Stay safe and study hard. I’ll see you soon.]

With that, she felt Onyx’s presence retreating, and she focused back on the tasks at hand.

“Your Majesty, we’re all ready to leave,” Cora suddenly spoke from outside. Katelina opened the window of her carriage and said, “Alright, let’s begin the journey.”

With that, her carriage began moving. It had been a long day for Katelina, though she couldn’t quite pinpoint the reason for her restlessness. Feeling confined within the carriage, she decided to change into her riding clothes during a stopover for lunch, opting to ride her horse for the remainder of the journey.

Master Kasper remained with them, riding alongside Commander Cora’s men. Asura, who rode beside her, let out a heavy sigh, prompting Katelina to inquire, “What’s wrong? You’ve seemed troubled since this morning.”

Asura sighed again before telling her everything. There was a terse silence between them after hearing Asura’s story.

“Hmm, let me ask Onyx to check with Levi and get more information about this ancient man,” she suggested.

“No need, I already asked Levi about it before. Honestly, that Kasper fits all his descriptions…” Asura huffed. “But I hope he’s still not him.”

“Why not? You two can still get to know each other better. Last night’s encounter wasn’t enough for either of you to form a fair judgment. Perhaps it was just a misunderstanding,” Katelina encouraged.

Asura’s romantic history wasn’t a secret to Katelina; she had often confided in her since they were children. By the age of eighteen and nineteen, Asura had already experienced two failed relationships. Her latest, and third at twenty two, she referred to as a fling during Zion’s siege by Devon. She recalled Asura mentioning that the man had abruptly left after getting information from her about Katelina’s gift of clairvoyance.

“Ah, whatever. I still don’t like him!” Asura snorted.

Katelina chuckled, then glanced at the sky. It was late afternoon. She frowned as she looked ahead and behind their convoy. Sunrays bathed the surroundings, yet their spot remained in shadow. It was autumn, a time when the sun’s rays should be at their peak.

“What’s wrong, Your Majesty?” Asura asked, noticing Katelina’s puzzled expression.

“Don’t you find it strange that our spot is the only one without sunrays? It’s like there’s a shadow casting over us, even though there are no trees around,” Katelina questioned with a frown.

“Right… Wait, let me call Lady Cora. They have a powerful magic user with them,” Asura suggested. But Katelina stopped her, saying, “There’s no need, Asura. I believe I know who it is. Look at the shadow. Doesn’t it look like a dragon flying above us? I can hear the faint flapping of its wings. He’s using his invisibility.”

“Oh, right!” Asura beamed, then threw Katelina a teasing smile. “His Majesty is really so thoughtful. Why can’t I get lucky and have a man like that?” she mumbled, making Katelina blush. Deep inside, her heart fluttered. Katelina smiled warmly, feeling a mix of embarrassment and joy.