The Crown's Fire - Chapter 272

Chapter 272: The Same Reputation
Merlot staggered into his quarters, his body wracked with a surge of intense pain. The bloodthread was crawling through his veins, causing them to bulge ominously. Each throb felt like a dagger twisting inside him.

‘You can’t fight me back!’ Devon’s voice echoed menacingly in his mind. The demon’s presence was becoming more insistent, pressing against Merlot’s consciousness with increasing strength.

This was a dire situation. Devon’s influence was growing stronger, and Merlot could feel the demon’s attempt to breach his defenses during the ceremony. Devon had even tried to reach out to the queen through telepathy, though Merlot had managed to block it—barely.

“Damn you! You’re jeopardizing my plans!” Merlot roared, his voice a mix of anger and agony. “Do you realize that the king will end you in a snap the moment he finds out I’m hosting you in my body?” His growl was punctuated by spasms of pain that made him writhe uncontrollably.

Sweat poured down his face as though he were being seared alive. The pain was overwhelming, almost unbearable.

“Hah! There’s no use in resisting,” Devon taunted, his voice dripping with confidence. “I will prevail over you, no matter what.”

‘That can’t be,’ Merlot grunted through gritted teeth. It was supposed to be just Devon’s bloodthread—how could it have such a powerful hold? His eyes widened in realization, and he whispered with growing dread, “That bitch Marla!”

Merlot was certain that Marla was behind the recent turmoil. The sorceress had escaped, and although he had been tracking her, she was incredibly skilled at hiding.

He lost track of time as he fought Devon in his subconscious mind, determined not to let the demon take control of his body. The struggle was exhausting, but Merlot remained focused. He used meditation to center himself and strengthen his resolve.

Devon was undeniably powerful, but Merlot was a formidable being in his own right. He refused to let the demon overpower him. With every ounce of his will, he battled to maintain control and prevent Devon from seizing dominance.

*****

Meanwhile, Ezekiel noticed that four men had left to change their clothes: Minister Arlan, Minister Greg, Marquiss Clay, and Marquiss Hebron.

He cursed under his breath, realizing the gravity of the situation. These men were known for their neutrality. They neither pledged strong loyalty to the royal family nor openly opposed them. Their families held significant influence in the kingdom and enjoyed considerable public support, making them a dangerous wild card.

When the men returned, only one was still missing.

[Can Levi sense the ominous presence again?] Ezekiel asked Katelina through their bond.

[No, he can’t. He said there’s nothing now.]

Ezekiel quickly relayed a command to Onyx: [Tell Snow to inform Cora to locate Marquiss Clay immediately!]

Meanwhile, as soon as Cora received the king’s instruction through Snow, she quickly sprang into action. She hooked her arm around Apollo’s and pulled him close. It was the perfect cover to avoid drawing suspicion. She couldn’t help but notice the envious glares from several women in the room, and she relished the moment.

Even though she was on duty, she hadn’t missed how many women had tried to flirt with Apollo, vying for his attention. Despite Apollo’s polite but firm rejections, the sight had always irritated her.

“Shall we take a stroll in the garden for some privacy, Milady?” Apollo suggested, ensuring his words were loud enough for others to hear.

“I would love that, Milord!” Cora replied enthusiastically. Although it was merely an act, she took immense pleasure in the implied message it sent to any woman eyeing Apollo: the Duke was no longer available and was already claimed by Commander Cora!

As soon as they were outside the grand hall, Cora and Apollo quickly rushed to find Marquiss Clay. The man was King Ezekiel and Apollo’s cousin, from their Uncle Samuel, who was King Stephan’s half-brother.

“Do you think he’s the one we’re looking for?” Apollo questioned.

“I guess we’ll find out,” Cora replied.

They hurried through the corridors, heading towards Marquis Clay’s assigned quarter. As they neared his chamber, Cora suddenly stopped, her instincts kicking in.

“Wait,” she whispered, holding up a hand to halt Apollo.

They peered around the corner and saw Marquiss Clay in a darkened alcove, locked in a passionate embrace with some woman. They were kissing, completely oblivious to their surroundings.

Cora’s eyes narrowed. “What the hell is she doing here?” she muttered under her breath.

Apollo’s expression mirrored her confusion. “This complicates things.”

“Indeed,” Cora agreed. “We need to handle this carefully.”

They watched for a moment, considering their next move. Cora motioned for Apollo to stay quiet and close. They needed to catch Marquiss Clay off guard, but the woman’s presence added an unexpected layer of difficulty.

Slowly, they approached, staying in the shadows until they were right behind the couple. Cora signaled to Apollo, and with a swift motion, they stepped out.

“Marquiss Clay,” Cora said sharply, her voice cutting through the darkness.

Both Clay and the woman jumped, breaking apart with guilty expressions.

“Lady Cora? What is the meaning of this?” Clay demanded, trying to regain his composure.

“The king has been looking for you,” Apollo said calmly. “We need to speak with you immediately.”

Apollo clicked his tongue and added, “Goodness, I can’t believe you’re making out like this with a woman in the open!”

Lady Floria glanced nervously between them. “I was just…”

“Look how you’ve scared her!” Clay complained, pulling Lady Floria closer to him.

“You two? Are you in a relationship? Aren’t you already engaged to Lady Myra?” Apollo grunted.

Clay rolled his eyes and hissed, “And since when did you stick your nose in my business?”

“I will go first, Milady, Milords. Please excuse me,” Floria interrupted and quickly fled the scene.

Cora frowned as she watched the woman head back toward the grand hall. Lady Floria was known for her ladylike demeanor and her recent success in topping the mage healer exams.

“How dare you two interrupt me! I was close to taking her!” Clay continued to grumble as he turned back to them and quickly followed Floria.

“He doesn’t seem like the one we’re looking for. This half-cousin of mine looks more like an incubus demon to me!” Apollo snorted, crossing his arms.