The Crown's Fire - Chapter 267

Chapter 267: Dare
The tables were laden with the finest foods and wines, and the grand hall was filled with laughter, music, and dancing. This should be a happy day, but Katelina felt bad for feeling sick. She tried her best to maintain her composure because she didn’t want their guests to notice something was amiss.

[Kate, you’re feeling weary. What’s wrong?] Ezekiel asked through their bond, gently squeezing her hand.

[If you want, we can already sneak out so you can rest well,] Ezekiel suggested.

Katelina gulped and muttered, [But the celebration is just starting. What will they think if we leave?] She was feeling sick and a bit dizzy.

[It’s fine. They will just think their king couldn’t wait to have private time with his queen,] Ezekiel hummed before standing up and offering her his hand.

“Shall we?” he asked with a wink. Katelina accepted it and let Ezekiel help her up. She gasped when he suddenly carried her in his arms in a bridal style.

“Please, all enjoy the festivities through the night. I will go ahead first with my queen,” he announced simply. Everyone bowed their heads to them and cheered their congratulations as they walked out the door.

He headed straight to their bedchamber, and Katelina buried her face in his chest. “I’m sorry,” she murmured. She felt she had ruined their wedding ceremony, first while walking down the aisle and now the after-party.

“It’s fine, Kate. My parents will handle the evening, so you don’t need to worry. Besides, my men will know what to do,” Ezekiel replied, kissing her head.

“I… I feel his presence in the crowd, Kiel. I don’t know if it’s just my hallucination or trauma, but it felt like he’s watching me,” she whispered.

Ezekiel’s face darkened. “Don’t worry, I will personally look into it,” he murmured as he gently put her down.

Katelina muttered, “I can’t breathe from my dress.” She moved to undress herself, but it was difficult. “I’ll help you,” Ezekiel offered, and she let him undress her wedding gown until she was left in her light chemise.

She felt her husband’s burning gaze on her. She wanted to cater to his needs but was scared to offend him at the same time. Her body stiffened when she suddenly felt Ezekiel hug her from behind, peppering her bare shoulders with gentle kisses.

Then he suddenly stopped, carried her, and gently placed her on the bed. Katelina released a sigh as she watched him undress, leaving only his trousers behind before he joined her and cuddled her.

“Do you want me to call for Elen?” Ezekiel murmured.

Katelina shook her head and simply rested her head on his bare chest. “Just stay with me like this. I just need to calm down a bit. Maybe later we can return and join the celebration?”

“It’s fine. We can stay here and ask the servants to bring us some food once you get hungry.”

“I’m still full,” she commented with a sigh. She could feel Ezekiel’s emotions and knew he was trying his best to control and suppress his desire for her.

“Kiel, I want to make love to you, but I’m not confident,” she directly told him.

He chuckled and suggested, “Hmm, do you want to play a game?”

“What kind of game?” Katelina asked, intrigued.

“Let’s play ‘Questions and Dares,'” he replied. “We’ll take turns asking each other questions or giving dares.”

Katelina giggled. “Alright, that sounds fun. You start.”

Ezekiel smiled and thought for a moment. “Okay, question or dare?”

“Question,” Katelina answered.

“What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but never had the courage to?” he asked.

Katelina blushed and thought for a moment. “I’ve always wanted to climb a tree,” she admitted shyly. She had never tried it before since she had a fear of heights, but maybe now she could do it.

Ezekiel laughed softly. “Do you want to do it now? We can climb a tree together.”

“I don’t want to. I feel too lazy to move an inch. Besides, it’s too comfortable with you. It’s so warm,” she said with a smile, nudging her cheek more into his bare chest.

“It’s your turn now. Question or dare?” Katelina asked him.

“Dare,” Ezekiel replied without hesitation.

There was a brief pause before Katelina answered. She wanted to try but was hesitating. Yet, how could she know if she was improving if she wouldn’t try…

“I dare you to kiss me… but only on places where my skin is exposed right now,” she murmured, her cheeks turning pink.

“But Kate, will you be alright?” Ezekiel worriedly asked.

“I’m not sure, Kiel, but I want to try,” Katelina hummed.

Ezekiel moved to look her in the eyes. She could see how his eyes burned with desire. He leaned in and kissed her forehead, her cheeks, her lips, and then moved to her neck, her collarbone, and finally her hands.

He paused, and she could see the hesitation in his eyes. “I will stop the moment I feel you getting nervous.”

Katelina nodded, giving him permission, and he leaned in to kiss her deeply. His hands gently explored her body, tracing delicate patterns on her skin. As he continued, Katelina felt a wave of warmth and reassurance wash over her, dissolving her initial nervousness.

His touch was both familiar and electrifying, awakening sensations only he could evoke. “Kiel,” she called out his name breathlessly as he removed the last piece of clothing, leaving her completely bare before him. She shivered, not from cold but from the anticipation of his touch.

Ezekiel’s lips were gentle as they trailed down her neck, lingering on her collarbone before moving to her chest. He licked and suckled her skin, his mouth hot and insistent. His hands caressed her mounds, kneading them softly, and she responded instinctively, her back arching off the bed as she moaned softly.

Every touch, every kiss, was filled with love and desire. His fingers traced a path down her sides, eliciting shivers and gasps. He was attentive to her every reaction, adjusting his touch to maximize her pleasure while ensuring she remained comfortable and at ease.

“I love you, Kate,” Ezekiel murmured against her skin, his voice husky with emotion.