The Crown's Fire - Chapter 205

Chapter 205: A Woman of Power
That morning, everyone was busy preparing for the introduction of all the kingdoms participating in the Global Summit. Katelina woke up early, and Asura helped her get dressed.

“Ah, it’s a shame these participants won’t be able to see your blinding beauty, Your Majesty,” Asura commented as she put on Katelina’s golden and silver veil with tassels.

Katelina simply smiled and teased, “Well, they will be able to feast their eyes on you by my side, Asura.” Her friend’s face blushed, adding more allure to her already stunning appearance.

“Stop it,” Asura muttered with a pout.

Katelina chuckled. “Alright, let’s go now and let every kingdom have a feast of my court lady’s stunning face.”

Asura gave her a look, and Katelina made a gesture of zipping her lips, though she couldn’t help but whisper, “I can’t help it. I’m just stating a fact.”

They continued to giggle as they walked outside her tent. They were escorted by members of the Sorel Guild to the makeshift stage inside the forest, where the gathering of all the kingdoms would commence.

Katelina couldn’t help but part her lips in awe as she stared at the grand preparations made inside Haven Forest. It was clear that magic had been used to create the makeshift stage, giving the appearance of an arena and allowing every delegate of each kingdom to be properly accommodated.

Each kingdom had assigned seats, and there were designated thrones arranged in a circle, presumably for the rulers of each kingdom.

With the resounding boom of a trumpet, the signal that the program and the gathering of the kingdoms were about to start was given. The announcer, a member of the Mount Sorel Guild, stepped to the center and began the announcements.

“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. From all the different kingdoms gathered here today, we all have one goal in mind: to uphold peace and unity among the lands,” the announcer proclaimed. “We, the Mount Sorel Guild, welcome you all to Haven Forest. We strongly request your warm cooperation.”

There was a pause before the announcer proceeded with the introduction of each participating kingdom in no particular order, though it seemed to be based on arrival times. The respective rulers were introduced, standing up and taking their designated thrones as their kingdoms were called.

“His piercing eyes reflect his strong-willed nature, and his muscular physique attests to his prowess as a warrior and as a leader,” the announcer declared as he began yet another introduction. “Let’s have a round of applause for the impetuous and fiercely determined Werewolf King of the Kingdom of Cordon, Darius Grant!”

The Cordonians present in the makeshift arena roared with approval, cheering for their King. “King Darius is so manly. Look at those biceps and muscles,” Asura whispered in Katelina’s ear, making her chuckle. Many women were feasting their eyes on the event, but it was too bad for them because the King of Cordon had his beautiful wife and Queen by his side.

“His commanding presence exudes an aura of supremacy despite his silence. He carries himself with an air of nobility and authority that would demand respect from those around him,” the announcer proclaimed as he went ahead with the next king. “A round of applause for our enigmatic and reclusive Vampire King of the Kingdom of Valcrez, Nikolai Ichor!”

As predicted, the Valcrezian delegates present cheered their king on. “This is so much fun,” Asura muttered, and Katelina couldn’t agree more.

“Don’t forget your top five picks for the kings,” Asura reminded her, referencing their playful agreement with Cora to name the top five male rulers based on physical appearance.

Katelina laughed softly. “How could I forget? This event just got even more interesting,” she replied, her eyes twinkling with amusement. The anticipation of the lighthearted game added an extra layer of enjoyment to the grand gathering.

To be honest, she was just waiting for Ezekiel’s introduction because she was curious about how he would be presented. She had been subtly searching for him in the crowd but couldn’t find him at all. Yet, for some reason, she could feel his warmth near her and catch his familiar scent. Katelina’s forehead creased as she turned to her left side and murmured, “That’s weird.”

“The very whisper of his name is enough to send a shiver down anyone’s spine, for he reigns over his kingdom with an iron fist,” the announcer passionately proclaimed. “Ruthless against his enemies, none would dare offend the dangerous, indifferent, and merciless Dragon King of the Kingdom of Ebodia, Ezekiel Ward!”

“What’s with the intimidating kind of introduction?” Katelina murmured, her body freezing as she suddenly heard Ezekiel’s voice in her ear. “It’s because I want those who plan to do harm to me and those I care for to fear me and think twice before they proceed with their doom,” Ezekiel replied, his voice low and resolute. “I will show no mercy if they cross the line with me. That’s how I protect what is mine…”

Katelina gulped as Ezekiel seemed to appear out of nowhere beside her, his presence commanding and intense. A hush fell over the crowd as Ezekiel stepped forward. She watched, spellbound, as he walked to his designated throne, his eyes never leaving hers until he took his seat.

“And who says that only a man can efficiently sit on the throne and bring it to glory? We have here a brave woman who stands tall despite the cruelty she and her people faced when their kingdom fell. But with the help of the Dragon King of Ebodia, she was given a chance to rebuild her kingdom,” the announcer proclaimed, his voice ringing with pride. “A woman of power, she raised her fallen kingdom and got it back on its feet! Let’s give a round of applause for our one and only Queen Regent at this Global Summit, Queen Regent Katelina Grimaldi!”

The crowd erupted in applause, the sound reverberating through the makeshift arena. Katelina rose gracefully, her golden and silver veil with tassels gently swaying with her movements. She could feel the eyes of everyone upon her.

As Katelina settled into her seat, she couldn’t help but feel a bit self-conscious, as she was seated directly across from Ezekiel. Their eyes met, and she felt the familiar erratic beating of her heart, a mix of excitement, anticipation, and longing. Yes, there was no doubt she was longing for him, even though the emotions swirling inside her were confusing and intense.