The Crown's Fire - Chapter 219

Chapter 219: To Sow Discord
At the Kingdom of Ebodia

The announcement of King Ezekiel’s upcoming wedding to the Queen Regent of Zion, following the conclusion of the Global Summit, sent shockwaves through the entire kingdom.

Opinions on the impending ceremony varied widely: some were thrilled at the prospect, eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Queen Regent and curious about the woman who had captured the attention of their typically reserved king. However, there were also those who were devastated by the news, like Minister Greta, whose teeth clenched in frustration upon hearing it.

‘It simply can’t be!’ she seethed inwardly. With haste, she excused herself from the court meeting and made her way swiftly to her private chambers in the Jade Palace.

She tried to calm her breathing as she rested her back on the back of the door. She clutched her chest and tears started pouring down her eyes. Ezekiel was her first love, and letting go was proving to be incredibly difficult.

Greta was fourteen when she first met Ezekiel, and the memory was as vivid as if it had happened yesterday. It was a bright summer day during her father’s visit to the palace and she tagged along. Young Greta, curious and adventurous, had wandered away from the main hall, finding herself in a secluded part of the training grounds.

There, she saw him. Ezekiel, already tall and handsome even at a young age, was practicing swordsmanship with his instructor. His movements were precise and graceful, a blend of strength and elegance that mesmerized her. She watched in awe, hidden behind a hedge, as he effortlessly parried and struck, the sunlight glinting off his blade.

During a break, Ezekiel noticed her peeking from her hiding spot. Instead of being annoyed, he smiled warmly and approached her. “You like watching sword fights?” he asked, his voice kind and inviting. Greta blushed, nodding shyly. He handed her his wooden practice sword and spent the next hour teaching her basic moves, his patience and encouragement making her feel special and important.

From that day on, Greta’s admiration for Ezekiel blossomed into something deeper. She began attending every public event just to catch a glimpse of him, her heart fluttering each time their eyes met. He was not only her prince but her hero, embodying the qualities she had always dreamed of bravery, kindness, and gentle strength.

For years, she nurtured those feelings, her love for him growing stronger with each passing day. It was a love born from a youthful heart, but it remained steadfast and true as she matured.

“Was I really too late?” Greta sobbed, her chest tightening with each breath. She gathered her strength and walked to her table, only to frown at the sight of an unfamiliar letter lying on it.

“What’s this?” she murmured, quickly tearing it open. Her eyes widened as she read the contents, disbelief washing over her. She rubbed her eyes to clear any remaining tears, ensuring she wasn’t misreading.

“This… What is this? The Queen Regent of Zion was the fated Seer of Ebodia who suddenly disappeared?” she burst out, incredulous. The letter detailed how the Queen Regent had once been Devon’s mistress and a spy within the Ebodia encampment, posing as the newly fated Seer.

“How dare she!” Greta’s face turned crimson with rage. If this information was true then she had no right to their Queen! She rushed out of her bedroom, determined to verify the information in the letter. She needed to know if it was true or some kind of sick joke.

Spotting a servant in the hallway, she called out, “You! Find out who left this letter in my bedchamber this morning! Tell that person to come to the throne hall immediately!”

The servant bowed and hurried off to carry out her orders. Greta stormed towards the throne hall, her mind racing. If the letter was accurate, it could mean a scandal of monumental proportions. The future of the kingdom, and perhaps her own position within it, hung in the balance.

At this rate, Greta was aware that most officials were still inside the throne hall. Determined, she made her way there, her heart pounding with a mixture of rage and fear. As she entered, she saw the officials engaged in discussions with King Father Stephan.

“Your Majesty,” Greta greeted King Father Stephan with a deep court bow. All eyes in the room turned toward her, curiosity and concern evident on their faces.

“I received a letter with disturbing information about the Queen Regent, and I’m afraid of the implications this could have for our kingdom,” Greta announced, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. She signaled to the King Father’s vassal, holding the letter out.

“Please, read it aloud,” she instructed, her eyes meeting the vassal with urgency.

The vassal hesitated for a moment, glancing at King Father Stephan. The King Father nodded, giving his silent approval. With a slight bow, the vassal took the letter from Greta’s hands, unfolded it, and began to read aloud.

As the contents of the letter echoed through the hall, a hush fell over the officials. Each word seemed to weigh heavily in the air, describing the Queen Regent’s past as the fated Seer of Ebodia, her disappearance, and her time as Devon’s mistress and spy.

Gasps and murmurs rippled through the room. King Father Stephan’s face grew stern, his eyes narrowing as he listened. When the vassal finished reading, a tense silence followed.

“Greta, this information is grave,” King Father Stephan finally said, his voice deep and authoritative. “We must investigate it thoroughly before letting this kind of information leak out. My son will not tolerate anyone tarnishing the name of his future Queen. Both sides of this matter must be known before any conclusions are drawn.”

Greta nodded, her initial fervor tempered by King Father Stephan’s wise caution. “Yes, Your Majesty. I understand the need for discretion and thoroughness. We must ensure that any actions we take are based on the full truth.”

King Father Stephan released a heavy sigh as he looked at her and reiterated, “Greta, we must also consider the possibility that this letter was intended to sow discord. We need to be vigilant and cautious.”

“Of course, Your Majesty. I will ensure our investigation is both discreet and thorough. We will leave no stone unturned. I’ll find out who left this letter in my bedchamber and verify the facts it contains.”