The Crown's Fire - Chapter 246

Chapter 246: Your Strength
The next morning, Katelina woke up to find Ezekiel still holding her in his arms. She gazed at his face and leaned in for a quick peck on his lips, but Ezekiel, now awake, pulled her back for a passionate kiss.

Katelina’s body suddenly froze as she saw Devon’s face instead of Ezekiel’s. She pushed him away with all her might, her eyes widening as she realized it was Ezekiel.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry…” she weakly gasped, crawling towards him.

“I’m fine, Kate… I…” he said, looking deeply concerned.

“I saw his face and thought he was the one kissing me,” she explained, her lips and hands trembling as she unknowingly touched her lips.

“I…” she stammered, unsure of what to say.

Ezekiel took a deep breath and smiled at her. “It’s fine, Kate. I understand what you’re going through as your lost memories seem to be slowly returning. I’m here for you, and we’ll get through this together…” he reassured her, gently squeezing her hands.

Katelina didn’t know what to do. She could feel Ezekiel’s hurt through their bond, but she couldn’t control the sudden appearance of Devon’s face in her mind. She needed time.

“I’ll go get a healer and our breakfast,” Ezekiel said as he got up to leave the tent. Katelina bit her lower lip. She didn’t want their relationship to suffer because of the horrendous memories returning to her.

Ezekiel returned with a royal healer from Ebodia named Elen.

[Kate, you can trust Elen. She’s very good at helping people who have experienced trauma. Please cooperate with her. She’s here to help you.] Ezekiel explained to her through their bond, and Katelina understood.

She needed this to ensure she wouldn’t end up hurting Ezekiel again, thinking he was Devon. She wanted to overcome this as soon as possible.

[I need to take care of some things outside. I’ll be back soon. I love you,] Ezekiel informed her. She looked at him and nodded.

Ezekiel left the tent while Katelina and Elen had breakfast together. Elen began discussing the treatments and sessions they would have. Katelina felt sad that she and Ezekiel parted ways like this… He would always kiss her whenever he left the tent, but now he had gone with just a message through their bond.

After breakfast, Elen started their session.

“Your Majesty, you can tell me everything about the memories that are haunting you. The memories that have come back to you in detail. We need to do this for you to overcome them. I know it will be hard at first, but please don’t shy away or feel embarrassed. I’m here to help you confront and fight the remaining fear, confusion, and anger inside your heart,” Elen explained.

Katelina bit her lower lip as she listened to Elen, understanding the importance of the process ahead.

As they finished their first session, Katelina asked, “How long do you think it will take for me to overcome this? I don’t want to see his face in my head whenever I’m with Ezekiel,” she voiced out, her frustration evident.

Elen smiled gently. “I understand, Your Majesty. Healing from trauma takes time, and it’s different for everyone. The process may be quicker as more memories of your time with King Ezekiel come back. For now, we’ll continue with our sessions daily. Each step forward is progress.”

Katelina sighed. “I’m confused… From what Cora and Ezekiel told me, it seems like I managed to have a good and healthy relationship with Ezekiel while posing as Devon’s spy before. Ezekiel told me that we kissed and…” She trailed off, her face reddening.

Elen nodded, understanding. “And your trauma or bad experiences didn’t surface then?”

Katelina nodded. “So why am I having this reaction now, when the past memories are coming back?”

Elen took a deep breath. “It’s because, during that time, King Ezekiel was your strength. He became your comfort zone and security. When Devon was alive, your mind was likely in survival mode, focusing on immediate threats. Now that Devon is gone, your mind has the space to process and release the trauma. Often, our worst memories resurface when we feel the safest and most loved. Your brain is trying to make sense of everything.”

Katelina looked down, absorbing Elen’s words. “So, you’re saying it’s because I feel safe now?”

“Yes, exactly. Your mind is allowing you to process what happened because you have the support and safety you need with King Ezekiel. It’s a painful process, but it’s a necessary step toward healing. You are not alone in this. King Ezekiel and I are here to support you every step of the way,” Elen reassured her.

Katelina nodded, a bit more resolved. “I’ll do my best. I just want to be normal again, for Ezekiel and for myself.”

Elen smiled warmly. “And you will, Your Majesty. Healing is a journey, and you’re already on the right path. We’ll take it one day at a time.”

“Thank you,” Katelina said, offering a small smile as Elen left the tent. Moments later, Asura entered and approached her at the table. “How are you feeling, Your Majesty?” she asked, her eyes full of concern.

“Not good, Asura. This morning, I pushed Ezekiel away when he kissed me. I could see how hurt he was, and I feel terrible about it,” Katelina admitted, her voice trembling.

Asura pulled her into a comforting hug. “You can overcome this again, Your Majesty, just like you did before. You’re the strongest and bravest woman I’ve ever met.”

Katelina chuckled weakly. “You’re only saying that because we’re friends.”

“Of course not! I’m saying it because I know it’s true. I’ve seen your strength and how you handle everything. You’re doing so well, and you-” Asura’s voice broke as she started to sob. “And I’m sure your parents are so proud of you right now, Your Majesty! Just like I am, and the rest of our people are proud of you!”

Katelina hugged her friend tighter, tears welling up in her own eyes.