The Crown's Fire - Chapter 277

Chapter 277: Great News
Katelina snuggled closer to Ezekiel, savoring the warmth of his body and the feeling of his arms around her.

“I love you,” she said softly, her eyelids growing heavier with each passing second. She had a smile on her face because she was able to express her feelings for him more confidently now, not just in actions but in words. She was so grateful that, in the end, Ezekiel didn’t stop looking for her despite how she forgot to find her way back to him.

“I love you too,” Ezekiel replied, his voice a soothing balm to her weary soul. As they lay there, entwined in each other’s embrace, Katelina felt a sense of peace and contentment she hadn’t experienced in a long time. The worries and fears of the past seemed distant, overshadowed by the love and passion they shared. She drifted off to sleep, her heart full and her body completely spent.

Ezekiel watched her as she slept, a soft smile playing on his lips. He gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, his heart swelling with love and pride. He knew they had challenges ahead, but in that moment, everything felt right. With a final kiss on her forehead, he closed his eyes, allowing himself to rest beside the woman he loved more than anything in the world.

It was dawn when Katelina stirred in the bed because she felt something weird. She was nauseous and felt like her stomach had turned upside down, so she got up and rushed to the wash area and threw up continuously.

Waking up with that sudden movement and Katelina’s emotions swirling through the bond, Ezekiel was quick to get by her side. “What’s wrong?” he asked as he gently rubbed her back.

“I’ll get a healer,” he quickly instructed the guard outside and hurried back to Katelina. When he returned, she was already feeling a bit better. Ezekiel helped her clean up and get dressed and then carried her back to her bed.

“My stomach is churning,” she muttered as she tried to get up, but Ezekiel stopped her and said, “I’ll get the basin. Vomit in there and stay on the bed.”

As she vomited, Ezekiel was busy tidying up her hair into a bun.

Katelina chuckled and said, “I didn’t know you could arrange hair like this,” she teased him.

“Hah, I have two sisters, Kate. Even though they have servants, they still find time to seek me out and ask me to help them with things just to bug me,” Ezekiel replied with a grin.

“Your sisters are so lovely,” Katelina praised.

“And you’re the loveliest,” Ezekiel hummed lovingly as he kissed her cheek.

“It’s gross,” she commented. Ezekiel chuckled and took away the basin, then got a wet towel and wiped her lips with it. He handed her a cup of water, which Katelina drank.

“Feeling better?” he asked worriedly. She nodded, though she was still a bit dizzy.

A knock on the door interrupted them, and Elen entered. “Your Majesty, you called for me?”

“Yes, please attend to Katelina. She’s been vomiting,” Ezekiel explained, worry etched on his face.

Elen nodded and approached Katelina, performing a thorough examination. Katelina gulped, feeling inexplicably nervous. Elen asked her some questions about her period, and she realized she was already a week late.

Her heart pounded as she waited patiently, trying to remind herself not to expect anything despite the common signs she was experiencing. She didn’t want to feel disappointed again if Elen said she wasn’t pregnant.

After a few moments, Elen smiled gently. “Your Majesty, it seems congratulations are in order. Her Majesty is expecting.”

Katelina and Ezekiel turned to each other, eyes wide with disbelief and joy. “Are you sure?” Katelina whispered, her hand instinctively moving to her abdomen. Ezekiel had his suspicion about it before but both of them were quite disappointed when Elen said that it was too early to tell. But now, was she hearing Elen say she was pregnant?

“Yes, I’m certain this time,” Elen confirmed. “The symptoms and my examination point to it. You’re going to have a child.”

Ezekiel’s face broke into a wide smile, and he pulled Katelina into a gentle embrace. “We’re going to be parents,” he murmured against her hair, his voice thick with emotion. She could feel his overflowing emotions through their bond and Ezekiel surely felt hers.

Katelina felt tears of happiness welling up in her eyes. “I can’t believe it,” she said, her voice trembling with joy. She was truly pregnant.

Elen excused herself, leaving the couple to their joyous moment. Ezekiel cupped Katelina’s face, his eyes shining with love and excitement. “Thank you,” he whispered. “Thank you for this gift.”

Katelina leaned into his touch, her heart overflowing with happiness. “We did this together,” she replied softly. “I love you, Ezekiel.”

“I love you too, Katelina. More than words can say,” Ezekiel responded, kissing her tenderly.

Ezekiel dismissed Elen and excitedly beamed, “We should announce this great news!”

Katelina’s face reddened as she replied, “But we just got married yesterday.” She suddenly felt embarrassed. What would people think of her? What if they spread negative rumors, like her being pregnant before marrying Ezekiel? What if they said she got pregnant from another man?

Her eyes widened as her face paled, clouded with worry.

Ezekiel chuckled. “Don’t worry, Kate. Our people already know that I marked you several weeks ago. I made sure they understood the significance of the twin flame and the flamebond. They know well that we had to mate to complete the flamebond.”

Katelina’s blush deepened. “What do you mean? Like they know we’re already making a baby while we’re at the Global Summit?”

“Aren’t we?” Ezekiel teased, making her blush more.

“You mean you let the people know about it?” she burst out, still in disbelief.

“Yes, I tasked my men to do it so they are aware that we’ve been mating while at the Global Summit. The whole kingdom knows already that we also shared a tent… I made sure it spread like wildfire while we were there.”

Katelina’s lips parted. She was at a loss for words, amazed at how quickly Ezekiel moved to their advantage.

“You must be starving. Let’s eat breakfast first, and then you can join me in the throne hall,” Ezekiel suggested with a grin.

She nodded, a smile playing on her lips. He peppered her cheek with kisses and reassured her, “You don’t have to worry about silly things. Besides, my people will think twice before spreading baseless rumors now. After all, those responsible for the previous negative rumors about you are still in the dungeon awaiting my punishment.”

“What do you plan to do to them?” Katelina asked curiously.

“Cut their tongues out!” Ezekiel replied.

Katelina gulped. “Isn’t that a bit too much?” she murmured.

“No, that’s just enough so they understand how a baseless rumor can destroy someone’s life,” Ezekiel said grimly.

Katelina bit her lip and said, “How about I handle it, Kiel, since I’m the one involved?”

“If you wish to, then I’m good with whatever my queen wants!” Ezekiel said with a smile. Soon the servants entered and prepared their breakfast on the table.

They shared a quiet, intimate breakfast in their chambers, filled with soft laughter and tender glances. The joy of their news made everything taste sweeter, and the room seemed brighter with their happiness.

After breakfast, Ezekiel let Katelina have some rest. They sat beside each other, watching the sunrise on the balcony.

“Today, let’s first announce this wonderful news to my parents,” Ezekiel hummed, and Katelina agreed. She wanted to tell Levi too. “I’m sure Levi will be delighted to know that his vision came true. I am pregnant!”

After some time, it was Katelina who urged Ezekiel that they should get ready for the day. After all, a lot of work was still waiting for them, not to mention the danger that still lurked around.

Once they were prepared, they walked together to the Rose Palace so Katelina could give a formal bow and greetings to her in-laws.

“Father, Mother… Katelina and I have great news to share,” Ezekiel began as soon as they were all seated at one table. Queen Mother Dana asked to serve them some tea, but Katelina requested some fresh orange juice instead.

“Katelina is pregnant!” Ezekiel burst out next. Katelina suppressed her laughter, seeing how Ezekiel couldn’t contain himself in sharing the good news. She wondered if Ezekiel would also announce it first once they were inside the throne hall.

“That’s wonderful news! Congratulations, dear!” Queen Mother Dana hugged her, and King Father Stephan hugged Ezekiel as well. “Oh, you’re doing great, son!”

Queen Mother Dana took Katelina’s hands in hers. “We are so happy for you both. This child will bring so much joy to our family.”

King Stephan added, “Indeed. You both have our full support.”

Ezekiel beamed with pride, holding Katelina’s hand tightly. “Thank you, Father, Mother. Your support means everything to us.”

The room was filled with joy and congratulations. Katelina felt overwhelmed by the warm reception and couldn’t help but imagine how her parents would have reacted to the news. She was certain they would be just as happy if they were here with her. The thought brought a bittersweet smile to her face, knowing they were watching over her from heaven.