The Crown's Fire - Chapter 209

Chapter 209: Prompt
Katelina felt like she was a wilting flower under Ezekiel’s gaze, and his words were almost too much for her heart to bear. He was practically melting her with his intense sweetness.

“Did you have a talk with Lord Kasper?” she inquired, deftly changing the topic to avoid being overwhelmed by his affection.

Ezekiel’s face darkened as he answered, “Yes, he informed me of the situation. You don’t need to worry because I will wipe out Devon’s remaining bloodthreads.”

“But how will we be able to find out who has Devon’s bloodthread?” Katelina curiously asked.

Ezekiel stopped walking and guided her to a makeshift bench under a large tree. She frowned, wondering if Ezekiel had prepared everything. There were even fruits on the makeshift table. She looked around but saw no one else in this part of the forest as far as her eyes could reach.

Ezekiel peeled a banana and handed it to her. “Here, eat some. I will narrate to you the story of Devon’s bloodthread that he implanted in one of our head mages.”

Katelina accepted the banana and flinched when Ezekiel suddenly removed her veil. “No one is around, so you can remove this veil now and let your future husband ogle your beauty,” he said with a cheeky grin. Katelina blushed furiously, feeling both embarrassed and amazed at how easily Ezekiel could tease her.

She quickly focused on eating the banana to distract herself, urging him, “Tell me everything.”

Ezekiel chuckled at her reaction but quickly grew serious as he began to recount the story of Jayra and Devon’s bloodthread.

Despite the seriousness of the topic, she found herself drawn to his words, feeling a sense of comfort and reassurance in his presence. As they sat together under the shade of the tree, she felt a warmth spreading through her, both from the sun above and from the connection she shared with Ezekiel.

.

Katelina started eating as she listened to Ezekiel narrate how Devon had instilled his bloodthread in a mage named Jayra.

“She’s the one with my sister right now, Queen Xenia. She’ll probably be one of the missing children of Helion that King Amon is looking for,” Ezekiel informed.

“But you said that I saw it in a vision before when I was still Tarah. That’s how all of you found out that Devon’s bloodthread was in her body. I don’t have those abilities right now, so how are we going to find out who among those with demon’s blood is still hosting Devon’s bloodthread?!” Katelina panicked. The thought of Devon being revived filled her with dread.

Ezekiel cupped her cheek and gently caressed it with his thumb, his touch sending a comforting warmth through her. She found herself unable to resist the allure of his mesmerizing gaze as he looked into her eyes.

“Is the banana sweet and good?” he asked, his eyes still locked with hers. Katelina furrowed her brow, momentarily puzzled by the question. She nodded in response, unsure of where he was going with this sudden inquiry.

“Let me see if it’s really sweet,” he mischievously murmured, and before she could fully comprehend his intentions, she felt his lips press against hers. She opened her mouth to protest but found herself overcome by soft moans as his tongue slipped inside.

Her mind told her to push him away, to remind him of the impropriety of their public display, but her body refused to obey. Instead, she found herself melting into the kiss, her tongue dancing with his in a rhythm she couldn’t resist. His exploration of her mouth sent waves of heat and electricity coursing through her, igniting a fire deep within her core.

She moaned softly, her arms instinctively wrapping around his neck as she lost herself in the intoxicating embrace. Every touch, every movement, seemed to send her senses reeling, leaving her breathless and yearning for more.

When Ezekiel finally broke the kiss, they were both left panting, their lips tingling with the lingering sensation of their connection. He gently kissed her lips this time, softly nibbling at her lower and upper lip as they both panted for breath. “It’s sweet, and I honestly want more, but I think I should stop now or else…” he murmured feverishly against her mouth.

Realizing how she had clung to him, Katelina quickly pulled away, a flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks as she hastily replaced her veil, hiding her flushed face from his gaze. She couldn’t bear to meet his eyes, afraid of what he might see in her own.

“We should head back. I need to see my Ministers,” she suddenly said, her tone brisk. Standing up, she walked ahead, her pace quickened. She was here to coordinate and work with other kingdoms, not to engage in public displays of affection.

“Let’s go back together,” Ezekiel suggested, falling into step beside her. But Katelina intentionally walked with her hands clasped in front of her, avoiding any attempts from Ezekiel to grab hold of her.

“I believe your body remembers me, don’t you think?” Ezekiel’s voice was confident, almost teasing.

Katelina remained silent, quickening her pace even more. Ezekiel chuckled softly, undeterred. “You don’t need to be shy around me. It might be strange since you can’t remember anything, but I’ll help you recall it all. Your body and heart will acknowledge me…”

She continued to walk in silence, unsure of what to say. It was hard to argue when she had already allowed him to kiss her, let alone kiss him back.

“Katelina…” Ezekiel called, his voice filled with affection. “Katelina… Katelina Grimaldi Ward…” he murmured excitedly. Ah, seriously, this man… Deep inside, she was squealing. She knew she didn’t have the means to say no to him. Though she was still confused because of her lost memory, he was right… her body and heart undoubtedly acknowledged him.

“I will have to inform my officials yet,” Katelina murmured.

“Oh, I’ve already sent word to your officials in the palace of Zion. I sent an official edict of marriage proposal, detailing all the benefits Zion will receive from our union. By today, you’ll probably receive their opinions…” Ezekiel informed her with a wide, bright smile.

“You’re so…” she trailed off, unable to find the right words.

“Prompt? I prefer to be prompt, especially when it comes to you, Kate. I always feel like I’m running out of time…” he replied, his voice softening with emotion.