The Crown's Fire - Chapter 261

Chapter 261: A Part of Your Story
“Hmmm, it’s a bit early to confirm. Let’s wait another week,” the royal healer stated after checking on Katelina.

“I told you, it’s just my usual craving as winter approaches,” Katelina told Ezekiel with a smile, though she felt a bit disappointed that the healer couldn’t confirm if she was pregnant or not.

Ezekiel dismissed the healer, and Katelina stood up and pulled him outside. “Let’s have dinner with Levi. I’m starving,” she commented, trying to change the topic. Ezekiel simply pulled her closer, kissed the side of her head as they walked.

“What matters is your health. Later, I’ll let you go with me to look for the dragon fruit,” he comforted with a smile. Katelina nodded, hugging his waist. They entered Levi’s tent, where their dinner was already prepared.

Everyone was present: Asura, Kasper, and Cora. Their dragons were feasting at another table. Luis had already left with Jade back to Zion using Lurio’s teleportation spell. But he would return again tomorrow late in the afternoon for their continuous training.

Katelina was surprised to see so much food and commented, “Are we having a small feast?”

Levi giggled and said, “Have a seat, sister and brother-in-law. Yes, we’re having a small feast to celebrate!”

Asura chuckled. “This boy is killing me with suspense. I wonder what he’s going to tell us.”

Levi only giggled more and said, “Let’s eat first. I’m truly starving.”

Katelina chortled. “Right, let’s eat now since I’m also hungry.”

They ate heartily and casually exchanged conversation. “Do you know where we can find a dragon fruit?” Ezekiel asked Kasper.

“Hmm, it’s winter here, but it should be summer right now at Antlia Continent. Dragon fruit should be available in their market,” Kasper replied, and Ezekiel nodded.

“Can you teleport us there with Kate? Is it a safe place?” Ezekiel questioned. He had heard about this continent but had never actually been there. The last he heard, it was a very secluded place and a vast island to the south.

“Antlia Continent is relatively safe,” Kasper replied thoughtfully. “It’s known for its tranquil landscapes and friendly inhabitants. I can teleport you both there, and it shouldn’t be a problem finding the dragon fruit in their market.”

“Perfect,” Ezekiel said, his gaze softening as he looked at Katelina. “We’ll go tomorrow then. Thank you, Kasper.”

Katelina smiled, feeling a mix of excitement and relief. “I’ve always wanted to visit Antlia. This will be a nice little adventure for us.”

Levi’s eyes sparkled with excitement as he watched his sister and brother-in-law. “I wish I could come with you,” he said wistfully.

Katelina chuckled and ruffled his hair. “Maybe next time, little brother. You have your own training to focus on.”

Levi nodded, understanding but still a bit disappointed. “Alright, but you have to bring back some stories and maybe a souvenir!”

Ezekiel laughed. “Deal, Levi. We’ll make sure to bring something special back for you.”

As the meal continued, the atmosphere remained light and cheerful. Eventually, the plates were cleared, and Levi stood up, looking around the room with a serious expression.

“I have an important announcement,” Levi said, drawing everyone’s attention. “I’ve been keeping it in for a while now, but it’s all good news!”

All eyes turned to Levi, who had a wide smile plastered on his cute and adorable face. “The last two days, I had these visions in a row. A vision of my sister, Lady Asura, and Lady Cora.”

The three women parted their lips, waiting for Levi to continue, his words dragging intentionally.

“Well? What is it?” Kasper finally broke the suspense.

“In my vision, they have babies inside their stomachs!!!” Levi burst out, causing Katelina’s lips to part in shock while Cora and Asura’s jaws dropped.

“You mean all three of them are getting pregnant at the same time?!” Kasper managed to find his voice to ask.

Levi brushed his chin and looked upward as if thinking carefully. “Hmm, maybe it’s my sister first since her stomach was the biggest, then followed by Lady Asura, and Lady Cora had the smallest bump,” he unknowingly voiced out.

Katelina didn’t know how to react, but then she said, “Nothing is certain in the future, so it’s best not to rely too heavily on visions and dreams. I’ve had many before, but since I can see the future, I’ve managed to change some events.”

“That’s true,” Asura pointed out with a shrug. “I remember how you mentioned a quick vision of Levi dying during Devon’s siege, but you changed that event by bargaining with Devon and letting him know about your ability to see the future, using it to his advantage in return for sparing Levi’s life.”

Katelina felt her heart sink when Levi’s shoulders dropped. She didn’t know what to say to lift the mood she had accidentally ruined. Desperate to fix things, she reached for Levi’s hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

“Levi,” she said softly, her voice filled with warmth, “your visions are a blessing, and we’re all grateful for the hope they bring.”

Levi’s eyes brightened a little, and he offered her a small smile. Ezekiel, sensing Katelina’s effort to restore the positive atmosphere, suddenly announced, “It’s still good news, Levi, and definitely something to celebrate. I will make sure that the vision you witnessed will happen! And I’m sure Kasper and Apollo will do the same!”

He stood up and raised his glass, looking at everyone. “Let’s all stay positive for this wonderful news Levi gave us!”

“Ah yes!” Kasper beamed as he raised his own glass. Then he quickly looked at her, Cora, and Asura as he reminded them, “Right, you three can’t drink, so raise your glasses with water! Only His Majesty and I are allowed to drink liquor from now on!”

Then his eyes particularly landed on Cora as he expressed, “Oh, I suddenly feel sad that Apollo isn’t here to celebrate with us.”

Cora’s face reddened, leaving her speechless. Meanwhile, Katelina turned to her husband, her eyes filled with adoration and love. She and Asura had briefly shown their doubts, almost ruining the good mood, but Ezekiel quickly helped her out and managed to lift everyone’s spirits again.

“To the bright future, Levi has seen for us! And to tour strength and unity which will make it all possible!” he declared, his voice strong and confident. Everyone followed suit, raising their glasses and echoing Ezekiel’s toast.

The lively conversation continued until everyone retired to their tents for the night. Katelina stayed behind with Levi, giving him a gentle kiss on his forehead. “Goodnight, Levi,” she whispered softly.

Levi hugged her tightly, his voice choked with emotion. “Goodnight, Sister. I… I’m so thankful for everything you’ve done for me. I promise I’ll grow up well, Sister. I’m sorry for all the trouble you’ve gone through to keep me safe.” His sobs were muffled against her shoulder as he clung to her.

Katelina’s eyes filled with tears as she comforted him, gently stroking his back. “You’re already doing so well, Levi. I’m sure our parents would be proud of the person you’re becoming.”

“And I’m sure they’re proud of you too, Sister,” Levi said between sobs. “I’m so grateful that you’re my sister. I couldn’t ask for more.”

Katelina’s heart swelled with a mix of emotions, overwhelmed with love and pride for her little brother.

“You’re my brave little brother, Levi,” she whispered softly, brushing his hair back gently. “I’ll always be here for you, no matter what.” She tucked him into bed, planting another kiss on his forehead. Levi nodded, his tears slowly subsiding as he nestled into his bed.

Wiping her tears away, Katelina stepped outside where Ezekiel was waiting for her. As Katelina joined him, she leaned into his embrace, finding solace in his warmth. He gently wiped away a tear from her cheek, his eyes full of understanding and support.

He held her close as they walked back to their tent, his embrace soothing and familiar, like a lullaby that always eased her into sleep. But tonight, Ezekiel broke the silence.

“Before, I didn’t press about your past when you were posing as Tarah because you didn’t want me to dig into it,” he began softly, his voice tinged with curiosity and concern. “But after what Asura said earlier, about you changing Levi’s fate and negotiating with Devon for his safety… I feel like I should know more about your past.”

He paused, gathering his thoughts, then continued earnestly, “I know the past is the past and it doesn’t define us, but I’m curious, Katelina. I want to hear about it from you, directly. If you’re comfortable, I want to be a part of your story, even the parts you’ve kept hidden.”

Katelina felt a wave of emotions stir within her at Ezekiel’s words. His genuine curiosity and desire to connect with her past touched her deeply. She paused for a moment, considering how much she had kept from him, not out of mistrust but to shield him from the darker chapters of her life.

“Ezekiel,” she began softly, her voice catching slightly with emotion. “I’ve kept things hidden because I didn’t want my past to overshadow our present. But you’re right. You deserve to know.” She took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her past lifting slightly with each word she chose to share.