The Crown's Fire - Chapter 203

Chapter 203: My Appearance
Katelina’s convoy finally arrived at Haven Forest just before dusk. Minister Janus handled the registration for their kingdom, and the members of the Sorel Guild quickly guided them to their assigned camp spot once they were cleared of any dark magic and spells.

She was delighted to witness how organized the Sorel Guild was in handling the situation. She could also sense a very strong protective barrier around the area.

As she looked around, she wondered, ‘Where could he be?’

The shadow and flapping sound of Ezekiel’s wings had disappeared the moment they stopped by the entrance of Haven Forest so she assumed he shifted already into his human form.

“Are you looking for His Majesty?” Asura whispered to her. “Cora said that our assigned spot is just next to Ebodia.”

Katelina didn’t comment and simply remained quiet, but deep inside, she was curious about how close Ebodia’s camp was to theirs.

As they settled into their camp, Katelina couldn’t help but glance towards the neighboring camp. She caught glimpses of familiar banners and heard the distant hum of voices. Her heart skipped a beat, hoping she might see Ezekiel.

Their camp soon bustled with activity as tents were set up, fires were lit, and the evening meal was prepared. Katelina took a moment to appreciate the camaraderie among her people, their laughter and conversations filling the air with comforting ease.

“You are rather quiet tonight, Your Majesty,” Asura commented as they dined together in the meeting tent with her officials.

“I’m just a bit tired,” Katelina answered, giving Asura a quick glare as a reminder not to comment further. Asura had a tendency to talk too much, but she quickly picked up on Katelina’s signal.

“Ebodia’s camp is right beside ours, which is quite reassuring,” Minister Janus commented. There was no doubt how much her people trusted Ebodia by now.

“And I have a feeling that it’s because His Majesty wants to be close to Her Majesty, having his personal tent just a few steps away from our Queen Regent’s tent,” Minister Karen added with a meaningful smile.

Katelina frowned, as she was unaware of this arrangement. She turned to Asura and asked, “How many steps apart? Did you check?”

Asura nodded. “Yes, Your Majesty. It’s very close, just about twenty steps away. Seems like His Majesty wants to ensure he’s nearby.”

Katelina’s heart fluttered at the thought. “I see,” she murmured, trying to maintain her composure. “Well, it’s good to know we have such strong allies nearby.”

“Tomorrow the program will start, and we are asked to prepare a small introduction of our leaders. I took the liberty of drafting it, Your Majesty. Please review it and let me know if you’d like any revisions,” Minister Karen informed her.

“Alright, I will look into it. Thank you, Minister Karen,” Katelina said with a curt nod. After dinner, she dismissed everyone early so they could rest well for tomorrow.

Asura escorted her back to her tent and helped her change into her sleeping gown. “You only have one bottle left, right?” she asked as she handed Katelina the potion Cora had given her.

“Yes, this is the last one,” Katelina replied with a sigh.

“I’ll ask Lady Cora tomorrow if—”

“No, please don’t do that, Asura. I don’t want to demand more or involve the Queen Mother of Ebodia in this. Don’t worry about me. I just need more time, and I will surely overcome this. I did it before, like you said, so it’s only a matter of time before I move past it,” she reassured her friend.

Asura sighed but soon bid her goodnight. Katelina felt the effect of the potion took hold, and she closed her eyes, falling into a deep slumber.

*****

Asura sighed deeply as she walked toward her own tent. She felt bad for Katelina but knew she couldn’t do much about her traumatic past with Devon. Their Queen Regent had to overcome this on her own. Feeling restless, she decided against heading to her tent and instead turned toward Ebodia’s camp to look for Lady Cora. She wanted to visit Aurum too.

“There’s a rumor that our king is fond of the Queen Regent of Zion. Why? How? I mean, she has her face covered with a veil, so how did it happen? Is she even beautiful beneath that veil? What did our king see in that fallen kingdom?”

“She’s probably ugly; that’s why she hides her face.”

“I heard no one has seen her face yet. So what did our king see in her?”

Asura heard the murmurs from a group of Ebodia’s soldiers gathered at the bonfire. “Stupid jerks,” she muttered under her breath, feeling her face flush with anger. Hearing more irritating comments, she refused to let it slide. With a determined stride, she walked toward them.

“What’s this nonsense I’m hearing about the Queen Regent of Zion?” Asura’s voice was sharp, cutting through the soldiers’ conversation like a blade.

The soldiers turned to face her, their expressions ranging from surprise to embarrassment.

“What? I’m Lady Asura, the Queen Regent’s court lady. The only person who sees her without a veil,” she introduced herself with pride, her eyes blazing with determination.

“Milady, we apologize if our words offended you. We didn’t mean any harm. I… I…” the soldier who had spoken earlier stuttered, scrambling to find words to appease her.

She placed her hands on her hips and posed confidently before them. “Look at me… What do you think of my appearance?”

The soldiers gulped as they took in her beauty and commanding presence.

“You’re a beauty to behold, Milady,” one of the soldiers bravely stated with a charming smile, his eyes lingering on her.

“Well, our Queen Regent looks far better than me!” she declared, making the soldiers gasp in anticipation. There was no way she would let any false rumors about Katelina spread.

Her frown deepened when she suddenly heard clapping hands and annoying laughter from behind her. “Aren’t you one brave and fierce court lady! Such loyalty and valor!” The voice was unmistakably familiar, dripping with sarcasm and amusement.