The Crown's Fire - Chapter 270

Chapter 270: Getting Away
Ezekiel suddenly quickly moved out of the bed.

“What’s wrong?” Katelina asked, noticing him hurriedly putting his trousers back on.

“I have to go back to the celebration. Asura and Cora are on their way here to accompany you,” Ezekiel said with a reassuring smile.

“Kiel,” she called, giving him a look that demanded more details.

“Remember Levi’s vision about the rider of the black dragon? He felt the same ominous presence at the party,” he explained. “I’ll look into it and be back soon.”

Katelina was lost for words. She opened and closed her mouth, but no sound came out. As soon as Asura knocked, Ezekiel kissed her forehead and quickly left.

Her face reddened when Asura entered with a teasing smile. Realizing she was still naked, Katelina quickly covered herself with the sheet.

Asura chuckled. “Hmm, His Majesty can’t get enough of you,” she said, adding, “Let me prepare you a warm bath.”

Asura walked to the chest to get her a nightgown, but Katelina firmly said, “Get me a gown I can wear to the party. I will return and join the celebration.”

It was time for her to muster her courage and overcome her past. She wanted to help Ezekiel in this hunt. She had already remembered her power. Though she might have lost the ability to see through the past and future, she was not weak. She had the powerful blood of a dragonrider flowing through her veins, which she could put to great use, along with her abilities in magic and spellcasting.

“Are you sure about this? Just a while ago…” Asura murmured.

Katelina stood up and walked to the bath, reassuring her. “I feel much better now, Asura. I remember everything… And the old me is back.”

“Really! Wow, that’s great then!” Asura beamed, quickly preparing her to return to the celebration. Katelina wore another gown, a simpler version of her wedding dress but with similar colors and a touch of dragon scales design.

[Kiel, I’m on my way back to the celebration,] she informed him while walking with Asura and Cora, who were outside her door handling the security of their bedchamber.

[What?! Are you sure about this, Kate?] Ezekiel replied, his concern palpable.

She chuckled through the bond and muttered, [I’m fine, Kiel. I want to help. I told you, all my memories are back. Also, that journal of mine… I need to find it.] She had written everything in that journal.

[Oh, about the journal. I need to tell you something,] Ezekiel began, briefing Katelina on what had transpired. She halted in her steps, prompting Asura and Cora to stop as well.

“What’s wrong, Your Majesty?” Cora asked, quickly scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger.

[Kiel, that journal contains sacred information. If it falls into the wrong hands, it could be disastrous,] she told him through the bond.

[Apollo and Cora are in charge of finding it. Apollo is skilled; he’ll get to the bottom of this and retrieve the journal,] Ezekiel reassured her.

“Your Majesty?” Cora called again. Katelina shook herself out of her thoughts.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Let’s continue. I was just discussing something with Kiel through the bond,” she explained.

“Why can’t us mere humans have something like mates and bonds? I’m envious. It must be nice talking directly with each other through that connection even when apart!” Asura beamed.

Katelina chuckled and jested, “Why not ask Kasper to mark you? Who knows? He may be capable of it. After all, we still don’t know what his kind truly is.”

“Right! That’s a good idea, Your Majesty!” Asura hummed.

They soon arrived at the doors of the grand hall, and Cora informed the royal guards to announce the arrival of their Queen.

The royal guards nodded and promptly made the announcement, their voices echoing through the hall. “Her Majesty, Queen Katelina, has arrived!”

The hall fell silent for a moment as all eyes turned toward the entrance. Katelina took a deep breath, summoning her courage as the doors swung open. She stepped inside with Asura and Cora by her side, her posture regal and her gaze steady.

The guests, including many dignitaries and high-ranking officials, rose from their seats and bowed in respect.

As she walked down the aisle, she felt a surge of energy and confidence. The memories of her past intertwined with her present, giving her a sense of purpose and clarity. She was no longer the fragile woman haunted by her past; she was a queen, ready to face any challenge.

Ezekiel stood at the far end of the hall, his eyes never leaving her. She reached his side, and he took her hand, squeezing it gently.

“My Queen,” Ezekiel called lovingly. “You look outstanding,” he added, giving her a head-to-toe glance. Katelina’s cheeks burned, and Ezekiel chuckled before pulling her close so she faced the crowd alongside him.

Silence fell as she entered. She smiled warmly at everyone and said, “I apologize for the sudden interruption. Please, let us continue with the festivities.”

“Thank you for gracing us once again with your presence, Your Majesty!” Chancellor Javier announced, prompting everyone to bow politely and echo, “Thank you for gracing us with your presence, Your Majesty.”

“Please, all rise and continue with the festivities!” Ezekiel announced. The celebration resumed, with music and laughter filling the hall once more.

Katelina bit her inner cheek while she and Ezekiel remained outwardly composed, enjoying the festivities while discreetly coordinating through their dragons. She spotted Levi moving around the crowd with Master Kasper. To outsiders, it looked like they were merely playing. Although Levi had great abilities, he was still too young and inexperienced with his powers.

As Katelina and Ezekiel moved through the crowd, they were greeted by well-wishers and friends. Their smiles and laughter masked the seriousness of the situation as they worked to identify the source of the ominous energy Levi had sensed, without raising suspicion.

[This won’t be an easy task, Kiel. My brother is just new to this newfound ability,] Katelina commented, noticing how Levi’s shoulders shrugged every now and then. She knew her little brother well, and his behavior indicated he was struggling to locate the source of the ominous energy. He could sense it but was not yet adept at navigating his own power.

[I figured as much, so I had Cora contain the grand hall and compile a complete list of everyone inside,] Ezekiel replied.

Ezekiel maintained his regal demeanor, engaging in light conversation with the guests while keeping a close watch on the proceedings. [I’ve also stationed Elijah near the entrances. No one leaves or enters without our knowledge.]

Katelina agreed. [I’ll speak with Levi again. Perhaps we can find a way to fine-tune his senses.]

*****

Meanwhile, Floria noticed how her master was becoming anxious and uncomfortable during the party. Could it be that Devon was attacking him right now?

Her reflexes kicked in the moment her master stood up. The Queen had just returned, and the grand hall was lively again. Her master gave her a signal that she quickly understood as he sat at a table with three more men.

A while ago, she already noticed how tight the security had become since the King returned. Someone was also subtly taking note of everyone present in the grand hall. Her master was meticulous, and she sensed that he felt something was off. The signal he gave her meant that he must get out with the men he sat with.

Floria saw two servants with trays of drinks: one approaching her master’s table and the other heading towards her. She moved quickly, intercepting the servant near her just as he reached the table. She clumsily grabbed a glass of wine from one servant’s tray and then bumped into the other, causing the goblets with wine to spill onto her master and the three men at the table.

There was also a loud thud as she fell to the floor.

“I’m so sorry!” Floria exclaimed, scrambling to her feet and causing a scene.

Amidst the commotion, Floria’s master and the men whose clothes were stained swiftly made their way toward the exit to change.

*

Katelina witnessed the commotion caused by the servants accidentally spilling wine on some of the guests. Chancellor Javier quickly took charge, allowing her to move towards Levi. As she passed by Apollo, he gave her a reassuring nod. She finally reached her brother, who looked up at her with a determined but slightly strained expression.

[Onyx, tell Amber to ask Levi to describe the energy he’s sensing. Any details might help us narrow it down,] Katelina instructed her dragon while she led Levi to a nearby table and called for a servant to bring them some food.

Levi closed his eyes for a moment, concentrating. [Levi said it feels cold and dark, like a void. It’s ancient and malevolent, but hard to pinpoint. It’s like it’s moving around or hiding.]

Katelina placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “You’re doing great, Levi. Keep focusing. We’ll find it together,” she whispered with a smile.

“Sister… it’s slowly disappearing…” Levi murmured as beads of sweat appeared on his face.

“What do you mean, Levi?” Her eyes widened as she gasped, “He’s getting away.”

Immediately, she informed Ezekiel. [Levi is losing him! He’s probably getting away!]