The Crown's Fire - Chapter 225

Chapter 225: Got You
Ezekiel still participated in the hunt, with Katelina riding on his horse sitting sideways while he protectively hugged her.

“All eyes were on us a while ago,” Katelina complained. She no longer had a veil, so everyone managed to catch a glimpse of her face. Unlike her, who wanted to hide out of embarrassment, Ezekiel looked proud, with his head held high.

As they took a different route, Katelina murmured, “Where are we going?”

Ezekiel wore a mischievous smile and replied, “Well, we’re not really going on a hunt, but on a tour. There’s a good lake nearby, and I made arrangements for us to go fishing. Then later, we’ll have a sleepover there.”

“What?!” she burst out, blinking rapidly at him in disbelief.

Ezekiel chuckled. Katelina raised her eyebrows and asked, “Wait, did you plan this all along beforehand?”

“Guilty,” Ezekiel admitted, before kissing the tip of her nose. Katelina’s face flushed with embarrassment.

The only consolation she had was that the mark Ezekiel gave her spread everywhere. So she wouldn’t be in a scandal of being with a man without a proper marriage first. A dragon’s mark, a flamebond in particular, indicated that she already belonged to him and they were a couple, equivalent to a married couple in the eyes of the heavens.

But she wouldn’t let this opportunity slide to have quality time with Ezekiel and get to know him better. She liked the thought of having him all to herself.

Her face reddened again at how easily she was falling harder for this man.

“I love you too,” Ezekiel whispered into her hair followed by a gentle kiss. But she didn’t say a word, still feeling confused. He simply responded to her emotions.

“Don’t worry and take your time. I’m not in a hurry to hear you say those words. Finally seeing you and having you by my side, and feeling your emotions like this, is more than enough,” Ezekiel added as he continued to kiss her head.

The emotions inside were overflowing with bliss, perfectly in sync with Ezekiel’s own, that she found herself smiling bashfully. It didn’t take long for them to reach the place Ezekiel had mentioned.

He dismounted the horse and helped her down. Katelina’s eyes lit up as she saw the tent already set up, and the lake and river nearby. There was even a small boat docked at the edge of the lake. She smiled and felt a rush of excitement as she walked towards the water.

Though she hadn’t tried fishing before, she was eager to give it a shot. She looked at Ezekiel with eyes brimming with enthusiasm and said, “Let’s go catch some fish!”

Ezekiel nodded, quickly tying up their horse before walking towards her. “Come,” he offered his hand and helped her onto the boat, then followed suit. They sat facing each other, and Ezekiel paddled the boat to the center before handing her a rod with bait.

“Here, you throw this rod into the water and wait until a fish takes the bait. You’ll feel it, and then you pull up,” Ezekiel instructed, and she followed his guidance. He took a rod for himself and began fishing as well.

“Oh, it’s moving. I think I’ve got something!” Katelina beamed as she immediately pulled the rod, revealing a fish. She was thrilled with her catch.

Ezekiel grabbed it and placed it in the bucket. Katelina watched him bait another hook, eagerly awaiting her next catch. She was so engrossed in the activity that she didn’t notice Ezekiel simply observing her.

When she finally realized, she pouted and remarked, “Why am I the only one catching our lunch?”

Ezekiel chuckled and replied, “Well, it’s because I’ll be the one preparing and cooking them.”

“Good point. Fine. I’ll catch more so we can have a feast of fish!” Katelina burst out excitedly. After catching a few more fish, she said, “Let’s go back now.”

Ezekiel nodded and paddled back. Katelina sat on a makeshift chair, her eyes widening as Ezekiel started removing his clothes, leaving only a pair of short trousers behind.

“What are you doing?” she exclaimed.

“Oh, I’m going to the waterfall and river over there,” Ezekiel pointed in the direction.

“Why?” she asked, still puzzled.

“To get more seafood for you, my wife,” he answered with a wink. “Do you want to come and take a dip?”

Katelina quickly nodded and walked with Ezekiel. She would love to dip or play in the water while watching him catch whatever he could find.

“Wait, what are you going to get there?” she asked curiously.

“Just some crabs… I heard there are some oysters there too,” Ezekiel commented. She watched him skillfully gather crabs and oysters, placing them in his bucket. Soon, she felt bored and decided to remove her clothes, leaving only her undergarments covered by a thin sleeveless chemise.

Ezekiel was busy catching more seafood, so she busied herself with a good swim in the deeper part of the pool where the water reached her neck. The cool water felt refreshing, and she couldn’t help but smile at the playful glances Ezekiel occasionally threw her way.

She watched him for a moment, admiring his strength and skill. He glanced back, catching her gaze, and grinned. “Enjoying the water?”

“Very much,” she replied, her voice echoing with happiness. She floated on her back, looking up at the clear sky, feeling utterly content.

Ezekiel finished his task and waded over to her. “You look like you’re having a great time.”

“I am. This place is beautiful,” she said, turning to face him.

“And it’s even more beautiful with you here,” he replied, leaning in to kiss her gently. Katelina blushed, feeling her heart swell with warmth.

Katelina swam gracefully through the cool, clear water, her laughter echoing around them. Ezekiel watched her, a smile playing on his lips as he waded deeper. Suddenly, she turned and splashed him, droplets of water sparkling in the sunlight.

“Oh, you want to play it that way?” Ezekiel grinned, lunging towards her. Katelina squealed and tried to swim away, but he was too fast. He caught her around the waist, pulling her close.

“Got you,” he murmured, his breath warm against her ear.