The Crown's Fire - Chapter 240

Chapter 240: Successful Bonding
The moment they arrived at the camp, Lurio cast a protection spell on the cache where Katelina kept the remaining dragon eggs. Ezekiel had Lurio add an extra layer of protective magic around both Zion and Ebodia’s camps as well.

Inside her tent, Katelina pulled Levi close and asked, “What exactly did you see in your vision, Levi? Did Jade do something?”

Levi shrugged, took a deep breath, and released a heavy sigh. Katelina hugged her brother tightly, feeling the weight of his burdens at such a young age.

“I’m sorry, Levi… I’m pushing you about this,” she murmured, kissing his head. According to Asura, her gift of foresight had awakened when she was eighteen, whereas Levi, who was about to turn six, was already burdened by his visions much earlier.

“It’s okay, Big Sister. Sometimes the visions are unclear and blurry. I just see Jade always hiding from Luis whenever a woman approaches him. You know, the officials will push their daughters toward the Chancellor eventually. It’s like they want him to marry, but Jade doesn’t seem to like it.” Levi explained.

“Hmm, I understand. If you happen to see more, please tell me about it.”

“I will, Sis.”

“I’m sure you are tired, rest here for a bit alright? I’ll go out and look for Lady Cora. I must form the dragon bond between her and Aurum,” she explained. Levi nodded and pulled Ember onto the bed with him.

Meanwhile, Katelina looked at Onyx and gently patted it. “[Do you want to come with me? It’s been a while since you bickered with Aurum,]” she commented.

[Yes, I want to come!]

With that, Katelina carried Onyx in her arms. Onyx had grown bigger since they first saw the dragons, so it was a bit heavier now. Her people still gasped when they saw them, but they no longer looked scared, especially since she had tasked Asura with spreading the news that the dragons were now tame.

Additionally, Ezekiel had proposed marking their dragons with the seal of their kingdom, Zion. “It’s just so people can differentiate, especially since Levi saw a future where our enemies were also riding a black dragon like Onyx.”

“Your Majesty, Lady Cora is now back in her tent,” Asura informed them. She was accompanied by Kasper, who greeted Katelina with a bow that she returned with a nod.

“Hello, Onyx! It’s been a while,” Cora greeted Onyx, who purred in response. Katelina teased Asura with a knowing look when she noticed Kasper holding her hand. Asura blushed and asked, “Once you’re done with Lady Cora, may I have a word with you, Your Majesty?”

“Yes, let’s do that,” Katelina replied with a smile, already anticipating what her lady-in-waiting wanted to discuss.

[You can put me down now, Sire. I think I’m too heavy for you to carry around.] Onyx wiggled in Katelina’s arms as they walked towards Ebodia’s camp.

Katelina stopped and gently set Onyx down. She chuckled and teased, [Hmm, are you worried Ezekiel will scold you?]

[Oh, yes. He’s so grumpy!] Onyx complained. Ezekiel had scolded Onyx once for being too heavy to carry around.

“He’s just too protective of your dragonrider, Onyx,” Katelina explained.

They soon reached Ebodia’s camp, where everyone looked amazed at Onyx.

“He’s a bit smaller compared to Commander Cora’s dragon, right?”

“Yeah, but this one looks more fierce!”

“The golden dragon looks more approachable than this one. I heard that gold dragons are more powerful!”

[Ah, these fools! It’s not about the size at all!” Onyx complained as he heard the comments of guards and servants they passed by, who were comparing Onyx and Aurum. “Ah, what did I tell you about temper, Onyx? Be cool and calm,] Katelina reminded.

[Yes, Sire,] Onyx answered. [How come you’re not just calling me by my name?] Katelina pressed. She had asked Onyx to call her just by name, but he still kept addressing her as Sire.

[Katelina is too long. Sire is shorter,] Onyx simply answered with a grin. [If I call you Kate, the king will scold me again! He said he’s the only one who can call you that.]

[Hmm, call me Ina? That’s the shortest nickname that sounds plausible, don’t you think?]

[Yes! Alright. I’ll call you Ina from now on!] Onyx excitedly hummed.

Cora guided Katelina and Apollo inside her tent, feeling a bit uneasy about the way Apollo stared at her without blinking. Cora introduced Katelina as the Queen Regent of Zion.

“I can’t believe I missed so much information! I was surprised to hear that Ezekiel will marry someone from another kingdom because I knew his heart was already taken by Tarah. But it turns out… You have the same face as Tarah!” Apollo burst out.

“Stop that. I told you, it’s a long story, and she’s also Tarah, but you must not call her that name anymore. Her real name is Katelina!” Cora scolded Apollo, introducing him to Katelina as Duke Apollo, Ezekiel’s cousin.

“I hear you, Cora… Just let me process everything first,” Apollo almost begged. Katelina couldn’t help but smile at the banter between Lady Cora and Apollo.

“It’s a pity that she doesn’t remember me. We had a great time in that short period we spent together, visiting markets, eating together, having fun talks…” Apollo commented with a shrug.

“Ah goodness, you and your blabbermouth,” Cora mumbled, looking at Apollo with a mixture of exasperation and affection. She turned to Katelina and muttered, “Please forgive this Duke, Your Majesty.”

Katelina chuckled and said, “It’s fine, Lady Cora. I’m glad to have met Duke Apollo again, and I’m sure we’ll share wonderful times together in the future.”

“Yes, of course, Your Majesty! Especially now that your relationship with our king is out in the open! I’m so happy for Ezekiel. That man suffered so much when you suddenly disappeared,” Apollo commented, quickly pursing his lips when Cora elbowed him.

Katelina turned and watched Aurum and Onyx playing together. It was true that Aurum was a lot bigger now, but in no time, Onyx and the rest would grow very fast as well.

“We lost five dragon eggs, and we fear Aurum can be easily stolen as well unless we form the dragon bond between the two of you,” Katelina pointed out. It was fortunate that Onyx, Jade, and Ember were already bonded with their chosen dragon riders, so Devon’s followers did not manage to steal them. However, that wouldn’t be the case for Aurum, who wanted to stick with Cora as its dragon rider.

“I am already ready, Your Majesty. You can start performing the spell to form the dragon bond between me and Aurum,” Cora informed. Katelina turned back to Cora, who gave her a reassuring nod.

“Are you sure, Lady Cora? Because if there’s still any hesitation in your heart, you’ll feel pain, and the dragon bond won’t be successful. If that happens, it may take a while before I can try to perform the spell again. Time is crucial right now, especially with Devon’s followers lurking around, waiting for an opportunity to get more dragons from us,” Katelina remarked.

“She’s definitely ready, like how she’s so ready to marry me!” Apollo suddenly burst out. Cora hit him on the arm and scolded, “Why do you always interrupt? It’s not you she’s talking about!”

Apollo scratched his head and said with an awkward smile, “I’m just trying to lighten the mood because of the tension…” Then he smiled and kissed Cora on her cheek.

“Stop acting improperly in front of our Queen!” Cora scolded, her face red. “But Ezekiel is doing the same to her, even when we’re around,” Apollo scoffed. This time, it was Katelina’s face that turned crimson red. Despite having no recollection of it, knowing Ezekiel now, there was a high possibility that what Apollo said was true.

Katelina cleared her throat, trying to regain composure. “Let’s then proceed, Lady Cora,” she said, focusing on the task at hand. She motioned for Cora to stand beside Aurum.

Katelina began to chant the ancient spell, her voice steady and clear. As the words filled the air, a shimmering light enveloped Aurum and Cora. The dragon let out a soft growl, its eyes locking with Cora’s. She felt a warm sensation spreading from her heart, reaching out towards Aurum.

The bond was forming, and Katelina could sense the connection strengthening. She continued chanting, the light growing brighter. Cora closed her eyes, focusing on the warmth and the bond she was forming with Aurum. She felt a sense of peace and strength, knowing this bond would protect them both.

Finally, the light subsided, and the spell was complete. Aurum let out a roar, signaling the successful formation of the bond. Cora opened her eyes, feeling a new sense of unity with Aurum.

[Cora, can you hear me now?] Aurum’s voice echoed in Cora’s mind. Her eyes widened in surprise and delight as she looked at the golden dragon.

“Yes, I can finally hear you, Aurum! We can finally communicate with each other!” Cora exclaimed, her voice filled with joy.

Katelina watched the interaction with a satisfied smile. The successful bonding meant that Aurum was now safe with its chosen dragon rider. She wouldn’t have to worry about Aurum being snatched by Devon’s followers.

Apollo, who had been watching in silence had a mixture of awe and pride in his eyes while staring at Cora. “Well done, Cora. I knew you could do it,” he said, giving her a playful nudge. “And now, you can focus on our future together.”

Cora rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile. “One thing at a time, Apollo,” she teased.