The Crown's Fire - Chapter 265

Chapter 265: Soul Swapping
Ezekiel watched Katelina munch on the dragon fruit she had asked him to cut into pieces. “Are you sure that’s the only thing you want to eat? You’ve been eating the same thing since yesterday,” he commented.

“We’ll have a feast once we arrive in Ebodia, so let me just eat fruits for now,” Katelina muttered. It was dawn, and everyone was already preparing to be teleported to Ebodia. She and Ezekiel would leave first, along with Asura and the others that Kasper could accommodate with his teleportation spell. The rest would travel with Lurio’s portal.

After eating the last piece, Katelina smiled at Ezekiel and hummed, “I’m ready. Let’s go.”

Ezekiel shook his head and held Katelina’s hand. Together they proceeded to the portal Kasper had created, which would take them directly to Jade Palace.

It didn’t take long, and they arrived at Jade Palace, where everyone greeted them with a bow.

“Welcome back, Your Majesty!” they greeted Ezekiel first and then added, “Welcome to Ebodia, our Queen!”

Ezekiel was pleased, knowing his mother was behind the warm reception.

“Mother, Father…” Ezekiel smiled as he excitedly pulled Katelina to his parents and formally introduced her, “Please meet Katelina Grimaldi.”

Katelina politely bowed to the two elders, who looked so handsome and beautiful, much like Ezekiel and his siblings.

“It’s an honor to meet both of you, Your Majesties.”

“Oh, please call us Mother and Father from now on, just as Ezekiel does,” Queen Mother Dana quickly pulled her into a warm hug.

“It’s nice to see you again. I’m glad that you’re back safe and sound with us,” she whispered. Katelina felt a lump in her throat and, without realizing it, her arms moved to hug Ezekiel’s mother back. It felt so warm and good. She already remembered arriving at Ebodia and staying at Jade Palace, so by this time, she recalled her previous meeting with Ezekiel’s parents and how nice they were.

“This must be our little crown prince, and look at those mighty dragons!” King Stephan commented.

Queen Mother Dana released Katelina from the embrace and Katelina quickly signaled Levi to show his respect.

“Greetings to Queen Mother and King Father,” Levi said with a respectful bow.

“Welcome to our kingdom. Now, let us get you settled before the wedding ceremony begins. The sun will rise soon,” King Stephan said, extending his hand to Levi, who accepted it gratefully.

“Later, introduce me to your adorable dragons,” King Stephan added with a smile as he walked ahead.

Queen Mother Dana turned to Ezekiel and said, “Do what you need to do, and I’ll help Katelina get settled and ready for the ceremony.”

Ezekiel nodded and gave his mother a gentle peck on the forehead, whispering, “I’ll take care of a few things and see you as soon as I can.”

Katelina’s face flushed with embarrassment as she noticed the attention from the servants and prominent officers who had gathered to welcome them. She nodded at Ezekiel and, through their bond, scolded him, [Go now. All eyes are on me. It’s so embarrassing.]

Ezekiel chuckled, caressing her cheek as he replied, “I’m sorry, my Queen. I can’t help but show my affection and how much I love you, even in public. Go with Mother and get accustomed to everything.”

With a wink, he turned to Cora, Atlas, and Elijah. “Follow me. And Luis, join us as well.”

Meanwhile, Asura and Elen trailed behind Katelina as Queen Mother Dana led them inside the palace. “So, how much have you remembered so far? I hope you remember us by now,” Queen Mother Dana said softly, gently caressing Katelina’s hand.

“I do remember meeting both you and King Father,” Katelina replied timidly.

Dana’s face lit up with relief. “That’s wonderful to hear. I’m glad you’re starting to recall some positive memories. I hope you continue to remember more and create new, cherished moments with my son.”

Katelina could feel the genuine warmth in Dana’s words. Ezekiel had informed her that his family was aware of her current situation. Katelina had no objections, as Ezekiel had assured her that his family was supportive and understanding. He wanted them to be aware so they could properly offer their support and backing if needed in the future.

Queen Mother Dana called for the servants, who promptly arrived to escort Asura and Elen to their quarters near Katelina’s chamber. Once they were settled, Dana led Katelina to her private chamber.

“This is your private chamber, just as it was before. We’ve kept it clean and ready for you,” Queen Mother Dana said, guiding her inside. Katelina smiled, recognizing the room connected to Ezekiel’s. She noticed there was no bed, just as Ezekiel had preferred before, ensuring they always shared the same space.

“Let me leave you now so you can rest and prepare. A few chamberlains will come to assist you shortly,” Dana said, offering a warm smile.

“Thank you so much, Mother,” Katelina replied, grateful for the kindness.

Dana squeezed her hand lightly before leaving. “I’ll see you soon.”

Once alone, Katelina walked around the chamber, letting the familiarity wash over her. She opened the door to the adjacent bedroom and gasped. Her wedding dress, alongside Ezekiel’s attire, was displayed prominently.

Both outfits were a pristine white, adorned with metallic regal designs of dragon scales in black and gold. The royal seamstress had done an exceptional job, making them look every bit the Dragon King and Queen.

Katelina touched the intricate designs, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. She could hardly believe the moment had finally arrived. Her thoughts drifted to Ezekiel and the journey they had been on together. The dress and the surroundings made everything feel real and immediate, grounding her in the significance of the upcoming ceremony.

A soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. Asura with the chamberlains had arrived to help her prepare. Katelina took a deep breath, steeling herself for the day ahead.

*****

Meanwhile, Ezekiel was in a meeting with his advisors in the secret chambers when Apollo suddenly barged in.

“That servant Tessa stole the journal!” he announced urgently.

“Duke Apollo, you’re addressing our King,” Atlas reminded him firmly.

Apollo shrugged and mumbled, “Apologies, my king for the sudden intrusion, but as I said, the journal was taken by Tessa. However, my investigation has hit a dead end with her. It seems we’re dealing with a powerful enemy who’s skilled at staying hidden.”

“I need details,” Ezekiel demanded, his tone brooking no argument.

Apollo took a deep breath and began his explanation. “I investigated thoroughly here in Jade Palace. Only Cora and Tessa were allowed to enter Tarah’s room. I checked the logbook of servants’ entrances and exits, and Tessa’s imprints and presence were all over Katelina’s room the moment she left and went missing. She was the only one going in and out. I confirmed the imprints of her presence after examining Tessa’s dead body.”

Ezekiel’s expression darkened. “So, Tessa was the key. But if she’s dead and we’ve reached a dead end, it means someone else is pulling the strings. Someone powerful.”

Apollo nodded. “Exactly. Tessa was just a pawn. This enemy is clever and capable because Tessa’s body dried up so easily and had signs that clearly denote it underwent a soul swapping.”

The room fell silent as the gravity of the situation sank in. Elijah clapped his hands and remarked, “Wow, Duke Apollo is truly the best when it comes to investigating cases. You should accept His Majesty’s offer to be the head of the secret royal detectives. Imagine, everyone was examining Tessa’s body, but only you noticed the signs of soul swapping.”

Apollo gave a modest shrug. “I simply followed the evidence. Soul swapping leaves distinct traces if you know what to look for.”

Then, with a smug smile, he looked at Cora and boasted, “But then, I guess you’re right since not everyone can spot those traces. It requires a special skill like mine.”

“Alright, enough with the bragging. Continue with this investigation in secret, Apollo,” Ezekiel commanded.

“But Your Majesty, I’m not part of the—”

“Fine, if you don’t want to do it, then,” Ezekiel grunted. He turned to Cora and said, “Handle this and have Kasper continue where Apollo left off.”

“Wait… Your Majesty, I didn’t say I wouldn’t do it!” Apollo quickly interjected. “I’m just saying that I’m not an official part of the royal detectives and others may get offended by my probing,” Apollo mumbled.

“That’s why you’re the perfect person to do it, Apollo,” Ezekiel pointed out. “You always stick your nose into things, and the enemy will not take you seriously since no one knows your real abilities at all.”

Apollo didn’t want to involve himself much with political affairs. He had a reputation for being a nosybody who knew nothing, except for having a prominent title as a Duke and being part of the royal family. But Ezekiel knew his cousin well and Apollo was so much more than that, he simply didn’t want to involve himself with complicated things and he preferred his happy-go-lucky life.