The Crown's Fire - Chapter 238

Chapter 238: History Will Not Repeat Itself
In the Kingdom of Zion, Katelina watched as Ezekiel wrapped up matters in their realm. He gave all the necessary instructions, and her officers followed everything meticulously.

Luis had captured every spy as instructed by Ezekiel, and they were brought to the gallows for execution. To ensure her people remained vigilant, Katelina decided to spread the news about the plan of Devon’s followers to revive Devon. She wanted everyone to report anything suspicious they found within the kingdom.

Katelina stood with Luis at the gallows as the execution took place. She wore her crown as the Queen Regent and every eye was on her. This was the first time her people would see her face without the veil she often wore. Now, unveiled and exposed, her people could see the mark from her off-shoulder gown that signified she was chosen to be the future bride and queen of the dragon king of Ebodia.

The atmosphere was charged with tension and curiosity as the crowd observed their queen with a mixture of awe and reverence. As the executions proceeded, Katelina maintained a calm and composed demeanor.

When the last of the spies were dealt with, she addressed the gathered crowd, her voice steady and resolute. “Today, we have shown that we will not tolerate betrayal. We stand united and vigilant against any threat to our kingdom. With the strength of our people, we will overcome any challenge.”

Still sensing the fear among her people because of the news about Devon’s revival, she announced, “We’re not alone in this fight against Devon’s followers. We have the support of Ebodia. I declare that the Kingdom of Zion will be under the rule and protection of King Ezekiel of Ebodia.”

Murmurs filled the gallows area, and people bowed down to their knees, many crying as they gave their thanks. “Thank you, Your Majesty. Long Live the Great Regent!”

Such was the power of Ezekiel’s name in their kingdom. The scene didn’t end there, as Lurio soon arrived with royal guards and mages from the Global Summit Ebodia Entourage. The arrival of Ebodia’s support quickly spread in their kingdom like wildfire.

Katelina and Luis quickly rode back to the palace and back to the throne hall where Ezekiel was taking care of everything.

“I have the best of them here. The Sorel Guild is protecting Haven Forest, and there’s a powerful barrier around it, so my men aren’t actually needed there. I brought them as a backup. They will stay here now and assist Luis to ensure Zion is well protected. They will also cast a protective barrier at the borders,” Ezekiel explained to the inner court.

“Thank you so much, Your Majesty, for all your support and generosity!” the inner court praised and bowed to Ezekiel. They were all expressing their sincere gratitude.

Katelina didn’t mind this at all because she felt confident with Ezekiel by her side. She was not as strong and not ready to rule alone in the face of great danger and a powerful enemy. It was a sad reality. With her memories gone, all she learned from those years to become strong led her back to the beginning.

When they were about to leave the throne hall, the ministers approached her and said, “Your Majesty, we will not forget all the sacrifices you’ve made for our people. We are truly grateful that you accepted this alliance with Ebodia. It’s not because we don’t trust your ability to lead us, but because we believe in your wisdom and foresight to secure a brighter future for our kingdom.”

Katelina took a deep breath, she was relieved that her people felt more secure now despite the dangers they could face again because of Devon’s followers. With Ezekiel by her side and the support of her people, she felt more confident in facing the challenges ahead.

“Thank you, Your Majesty. Please rest assured that we will do our best to ensure everyone’s safety and cooperate fully with Chancellor Luis and the Ebodian aid sent by King Ezekiel while you’re away,” they added and Katelina simply gave them a reassuring smile with a nod.

They soon left the throne hall and met Lurio inside her bedchamber where Levi, Onxy, and Ember were waiting. He then created a portal that would take them to their camp at Haven Forest.

Before stepping through, Katelina turned to Luis and instructed, “Make sure no one enters or exits the border.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Luis replied with a curt bow. Katelina handed him a journal and explained, “Keep this with you and study it well. It contains the spells you need to perfect for use with Jade. She’ll grow fast. In a few weeks, you’ll be able to ride her already.”

“I understand, Your Majesty.”

“Don’t lose her, alright? Jade is particularly sensitive and easily jealous. For now, avoid being close to any woman,” Levi added, causing Katelina to frown.

She turned to Levi and asked, “What’s going on, Levi?” She felt something was off with that setup. Dragons could have tempers and mood swings, but jealousy of any woman?

“Hmm, I’m not sure about it yet, Sister, since the vision is blurry. I will explain everything to you later…” Levi answered.

Katelina’s face paled. She looked at Jade, who was standing close to Luis right now.

“Could it be…” she weakly muttered with parted lips.

When Ezekiel marked her, all the memories about the dragons in the dragon scrolls she absorbed came back. She also remembered Vulcan and the forbidden love between a dragon and its dragonrider, Vulcan and Hanah, and how that love led to the near extinction of dragons and dragonriders.

She looked at Luis, who was watching her closely with questions in his eyes as he asked, “What is it, Your Majesty? What is wrong?”

It was too early to tell, right? Luis was human, and there was no way he would develop romantic feelings for a dragon. But that had happened to Vulcan’s dragonrider Hanah, so it was not impossible.

Hanah had resorted to dark magic and offered a human sacrifice so Vulcan could take human form, but that didn’t succeed. Before Hanah could complete the rituals needed, she had been discovered and punished, which led Vulcan to convince and lead the dragons to kill all dragonriders.

She didn’t want history to repeat itself. The weight of that thought pressed down on her as she turned back to Luis.

“Your Majesty, please, what is it?” Luis asked again, concern deepening in his voice.

Katelina shook her head slightly, trying to clear her thoughts. “Luis,” she began carefully, “there’s something I need to tell you about the history of dragons and dragonriders. It’s crucial that you understand the potential dangers.”

Luis nodded, his expression serious. She pulled Luis inside the other chamber so Jade wouldn’t hear it. “I’m listening.” Luis hummed once they were alone.

She took a deep breath, steadying herself. “In the past, there was a tragic story of a dragon and its rider. Their bond grew beyond what was natural, leading to dark magic and terrible consequences. We must be vigilant to ensure that history does not repeat itself.”

She continued to narrate and elaborate everything about Vulcan and Hanah to Luis that she could remember.

Luis frowned, “You think… Do you think something like that could happen to us? But that’s so absurd!”

“It’s a possibility we cannot ignore,” Katelina said softly. “Jade is sensitive and easily jealous. You must be cautious, Luis. Avoid being too close to anyone else for now, especially women like Levi suggested. We need to prevent any emotional entanglements that could lead to disaster.”

Luis nodded slowly, absorbing her words. “I understand, Your Majesty. I’ll be careful.”

Katelina felt a sense of relief mingled with lingering worry. “Thank you, Luis. I am sorry that I’m putting so much work on you. You and Asura are the only ones I can fully trust,” she stated.

Luis gave her a reassuring smile and said, “You don’t have to worry, Your Majesty. I want this, and it helps me cope after being so heartbroken over you. I’m just glad that you’re happy now and with the man you love. That makes me feel more at ease. You’re still in my heart, Your Majesty, so I do believe that history will not repeat itself. There’s no way I’ll fall in love with a dragon.”

Katelina knew that Luis hadn’t intended to admit it, but his openness reassured her about her concerns regarding the forbidden love between humans and dragons.

Katelina couldn’t shake the feeling of unease as they returned to her bedchamber. Her gaze shifted to Jade, who was attached to Luis, even perching on his head. Then, she glanced at Ezekiel, whose ability to shift into a dragon was due to her merging his spirit with that of a dragon’s spirit Khal.

But with Jade, could there be a chance for her to shift into a human form without being involved in dark magic and human sacrifice? Katelina understood the potential for numerous possibilities through evolution and mutation. However, if it led to destruction and chaos, she felt a pressing need to prevent it at all costs.