The Crown's Fire - Chapter 217

Chapter 217: The Flamebond
Unexpectedly, the flame bond had taken a toll on Katelina, leaving her feeling lethargic. When she finally woke up late in the morning, she noticed that Ezekiel was no longer beside her.

She lazily sat up just as Asura entered her tent. “You’re finally awake, Your Majesty,” Asura greeted with a wide, teasing smile. Katelina ignored the teasing and said, “I feel so sore, Asura, and I don’t have the energy to lift a finger. Where is Kiel?”

“Looks like the two of you are truly in a deep bond now for you to call him by his nickname,” Asura commented with a grin. “He had to attend an important meeting. He’s also closely monitoring the list of missing persons with demon blood who approached Helion.”

Asura sat by her bedside with a tray of breakfast and said, “King Ezekiel personally prepared this beef soup for you at dawn, thinking you might wake up hungry. Since you slept longer than expected, I reheated it. Eat this before you rest again.”

Katelina felt her stomach grumble and immediately began eating the soup.

“A healer checked on you before sunrise,” Asura continued. “You’ll need complete rest today, but you should feel better tomorrow. Just drink the potion the healer left.”

Katelina lazily nodded, taking in everything Asura said. “The hunt is scheduled for tomorrow. I’d like to join,” she murmured with a sigh.

“Yes, you’ll be able to join if you refrain from making love to His Majesty tonight. You’re not a werewolf who can easily heal, and he just, well, took you for the first time last night. Riding a horse tomorrow will be uncomfortable if you continue,” Asura advised straightforwardly, causing Katelina’s face to turn a deep shade of red.

“I will get indigestion with the way you’re looking at me,” Katelina complained, noticing how Asura was staring at her.

“So tell me, Your Majesty… How was it?” Asura pondered, her eyes shimmering with curiosity. She eagerly awaited details about Katelina’s night with Ezekiel, but Katelina simply pursed her lips, silently indicating she wouldn’t say a thing.

“Fine, I won’t pry anymore. If you need any advice on how to please a man, you can ask me directly. You know I’m quite experienced, right? So I can help you with that,” Asura said with a wink.

Katelina chuckled and said, “Oh, Asura. How about you go enjoy yourself outside? I’m fine being left alone. After all, I’m already bonded to Ezekiel, so he can feel my emotions and sense if I’m in danger or not feeling well. Go and have fun with the activities today. Just leave some fresh fruits on the table and water in the tub so I can clean up later.”

Asura chuckled and pointed in a direction. “You see that extended partition of the tent? It’s a tub for you and His Majesty. He wanted an extra-large size, always filled with clean water. It’s like a honeymoon tub for your stay here at the summit,” she teased. Then she pointed at a chest and said, “And that is his extra clothes since he plans to sleep with you every night!”

“Seriously,” Katelina muttered, blushing.

“I guess he can’t help it. Cora told me how devastated he was when he couldn’t find you. No wonder he’s in such a hurry to take you back. You see, our people support this, to be honest. And I personally prefer that you also stay in Ebodia. You’re safer there. Levi is safer there, including the baby dragons, especially now with another threat because of those damn bloodthreads Devon spread,” Asura commented with a sigh.

“Also, here…” Asura handed her a journal. Katelina opened it and saw sketches of males and females, each with detailed profiles. “Those are the dark witches, sorcerers, and warlocks still on the run. Make sure you remember their faces, particularly Marla’s. She’s hellbent on killing you.”

“Why?” Katelina whispered with a frown.

“She’s Devon’s most trusted mistress, and she wants you dead because she’s jealous. I’m sure right now, she will target you first before reviving Devon to make sure you’re already dead. Devon is obsessed with you, and I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re the first he seeks once he successfully revives himself,” Asura warned.

Katelina studied the sketches intently, her fingers tracing the outline of Marla’s face. The woman’s eyes were cold, and her expression was one of calculated malice. “I’ll remember them,” she said determinedly.

“Good,” Asura replied, her voice serious. “We’ll need to stay vigilant. But for now, focus on your recovery.”

“Thank you, Asura,” she said, her voice filled with gratitude.

Asura assisted Katelina in taking a bath after she ate. Once Katelina had taken her medicine and settled back into her makeshift bed, Asura left her to rest.

Katelina sighed, trying to find a comfortable position. [You’re awake. What’s wrong? You’re restless,] Ezekiel suddenly communicated through their bond.

[Oh, it’s nothing. It’s just about the bloodthreads. I’m thinking of a way to determine it,] she confessed.

[Don’t worry about it and rest for now, Mine. I’ll come to you shortly after this. Gather more strength because I may end up exhausting you again later,] he shamelessly stated, causing Katelina’s face to turn crimson.

She heard Ezekiel’s chuckle through the bond. There was a way to temporarily shut off her emotions from the bond, but it required inner energy. Besides, if she did that, she wouldn’t be able to feel Ezekiel’s emotions either, and she didn’t want that. Ezekiel’s emotions were always overwhelming, but they always put a smile on her face.

[Sleep well, Kate. I’ll be here when you wake up,] he whispered. Katelina closed her eyes, trying to rest. Despite the soreness and fatigue, she felt a deep sense of contentment. The flamebond with Ezekiel was strong, and she felt his love and protectiveness enveloping her like a warm blanket.

[Kiel, I want to join the hunt tomorrow,] Katelina sheepishly murmured through the bond.

Ezekiel chuckled softly. [Hmm, I’ll try to behave then, but if I can’t, I’ll just cradle you on my horse so you’ll sit on your side…] he chortled.

Katelina couldn’t help but smile at his playful tone. [You’re impossible, you know that?]

[Only for you, Kate,] Ezekiel responded warmly. [Rest now. We’ll see how you feel in the morning.]