The Crown's Fire - Chapter 268

Chapter 268: Eerie Feeling
At the banquet, everyone was enjoying the warmth and hospitality of the royal family. Ezekiel’s men, especially Apollo and Elijah, knew exactly how to handle the situation, particularly with Apollo’s natural gift for conversation.

“His Majesty is always like that, even during the Global Summit. He’s so clingy with our Queen. I guess he couldn’t wait any longer to spend private time with her, especially with how beautiful our Queen is,” Apollo said enthusiastically, addressing the elders who seemed displeased with the abrupt departure of the king and queen.

“Still, they should have stayed a bit longer to enjoy the presentations prepared for them,” Minister Lambert commented with a frown. As the Minister of Rites, Apollo understood the older man’s sentiments. Lambert had invested significant effort into planning the celebration, even being strict with the performers to ensure the king and queen would enjoy the show.

Apollo leaned closer to Lambert and said, “I understand your concern, Minister. The king and queen appreciate all the effort that has gone into this event. However, given everything they’ve been through recently, a little private time is understandable. We can make sure they get a detailed account of the performances, and I’m sure they’ll express their gratitude personally later.”

Elijah chimed in, “Indeed, Minister. And besides, the rest of the guests are having a wonderful time. The festivities will be talked about for years to come, thanks to your meticulous planning.”

Lambert’s frown softened slightly as he nodded, accepting their reassurances. “I suppose you’re right. The celebration is for everyone, after all.”

The banquet continued with laughter, music, and dancing, the festive atmosphere undimmed by the royal couple’s early departure. Apollo and Elijah kept the spirits high, ensuring the evening was a memorable one for all the guests.

Meanwhile, Cora, King Stephan, and Queen Dana made sure that all the delegates from Zion were well entertained. The atmosphere was lively, with conversations and laughter filling the grand hall.

Levi, clearly enjoying the evening, watched the performances with enthusiasm. His eyes lit up when he noticed the dance floor starting to fill with guests. Cora, noticing his interest, approached him with a warm smile.

“Do you want to dance, Levi?” Cora asked, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

Levi’s face brightened at the invitation, and he nodded eagerly. “Yes, I’d love to!”

“Come then and dance with me!” Cora offered, extending her hand towards him.

Levi took her hand with a smile, and Cora led him gracefully onto the dance floor.

Levi was clearly enjoying himself, his laughter ringing out as Cora twirled him around. However, his expression suddenly shifted to one of concern. “Lady Cora, let’s rest now,” he said abruptly, his tone serious.

Cora noticed the change immediately and guided him back to their table. Levi’s face had lost its color, and beads of sweat began to form on his forehead. His eyes darted around the room as if searching for something.

“I can’t communicate with you directly right now,” Levi said urgently, “but I’ll relay the information to my dragon Amber, who will then pass it on to Aurum. Aurum will inform you.”

Cora’s concern deepened as she realized the gravity of the situation. She understood the importance of maintaining discretion to avoid causing a disturbance at the party. With a nod, she signaled her agreement.

Their dragons were safely settled in a secure chamber under Lurio’s watchful eyes, ensuring their protection while they enjoyed their own feast.

Soon, Aurum’s voice came through the bond, [Levi is not feeling well. He senses danger lurking around. The same eerie feeling is back, the one he had when he saw that man in the black cloak. He’s struggling to explain, but he’s certain that presence is here now.]

[Ask him if he remembers anything about that man that could help us identify him,] Cora responded urgently.

Aurum relayed the message to Levi. After a tense moment, Levi’s thoughts came through, [I remember the man had an unusual aura, something unsettling that I can’t quite describe. His cloak seemed to shimmer oddly, almost like it was shifting colors. His eyes… they were piercing, and his presence was cold, almost as if he was radiating darkness.]

Cora inwardly cursed. Whoever that man was, he had likely blended in among them for a long time already. The possibilities were unsettling—he could be a servant, a soldier, or even a court official.

The situation was further complicated by the fact that only Queen Mineah could detect such dark energies with certainty, but the Queen had retired early, unable to complete the wedding ceremony due to her own illness.

Cora felt the weight of the responsibility on her shoulders. She needed to find a way to address the danger without causing panic or disrupting the celebration.

“Levi, stay here. I’ll get Lady Asura to help you,” Cora said, and Levi nodded.

He watched as Cora walked over to Asura with a calm smile. Levi felt a growing sense of unease.

His recent visions had left him troubled. He had seen Asura covered in his own blood and it was a disturbing and frightening image. But he had also seen her happy and pregnant, which seemed peaceful in contrast.

The conflicting visions made it hard for him to understand what would happen next or how to prevent the worst from coming true.

[Amber, can you relay what you told Aurum to Onyx? But instead of relaying the message to my sister, tell Onyx to inform my brother-in-law instead?] Levi asked through their bond.

[Alright, I’ll do that. I can feel your distress,] Amber murmured, making Levi smile.

[I’m just worried,] Levi told his dragon.

Asura sat down beside him, noticing his unease. “Hmm, what’s going on?” she asked.

[Ah, this Snow is so lazy and always sleeping. I tried waking her up, but she simply doesn’t!] Amber complained through the bond, and somehow that lightened Levi’s mood.

“Lady Asura, we should not talk about it around here. I told Amber to relay to the other dragons, but Snow is sleeping,” Levi commented with a smile.

Asura’s face twitched as she hummed, “My dragon has an attitude when it comes to her sleep. Snow hates it when she’s disturbed.” Then Asura smiled and said, “Come, let’s get something to eat.”

Levi smiled and nodded, vowing silently to do everything he could to ensure Lady Asura wouldn’t get hurt. He would find out more about the ominous vision and prevent it no matter what.