The Crown's Fire - Chapter 278

Chapter 278: Flash of the Past
After sharing the joyous moment with their family, Ezekiel and Katelina walked straight to the throne hall to announce the news to the court. As they walked in, the courtiers and guards fell silent, all eyes turning to them.

Ezekiel held Katelina’s hand firmly as they entered and took their seats. “Please all rise,” Ezekiel’s voice rang out with authority and joy. “Today, we have joyous news to share with you all. My queen, Katelina, and I are expecting our first child.”

A cheer erupted from the crowd. Katelina’s hand rested on her stomach, feeling the warmth and support of her husband beside her. The joy in the room was infectious, and she couldn’t help but smile brightly.

“Because of this great news, I’ve decided that we’ll continue the royal feast for a week,” Ezekiel announced.

“Your Majesty, we congratulate you on this great news and we are grateful for the week’s royal feast.” The officials cheered.

Katelina couldn’t help but blush knowing her husband was right. Everyone seemed well aware that she and Ezekiel was already making a baby during the Global Summit.

“Now, let’s proceed first with important matters at hand that needed urgent attention,” Ezekiel commented. Her husband was in a hurry since he wanted to personally accompany her to the market to buy some mangoes since she was craving for it.

Minister Greta suddenly stepped up first and informed, “Your Majesty the peoplewho are waiting for punishment for spreading negative rumors about the Queen are still in the dungeons awaiting punishments.”

“You’re right, Minister Greta. Please coordinate that matter with the Queen directly because I will now let her decide how those people get punished,” Ezekiel responded, his gaze turning to Katelina.

Katelina nodded, taking a deep breath as she prepared to address the matter. “Minister Greta, please meet me after this assembly. We will discuss the appropriate actions to take,” she said firmly.

The assembly proceeded with various matters of state, but the atmosphere was lighter, filled with the joy of the royal announcement. After the formal proceedings, Katelina and Ezekiel met with their closest advisors to discuss the week’s feast and other pressing issues.

Later, in a more private setting, Katelina met with Minister Greta to address the prisoners’ fate. “Thank you for bringing this to our attention, Minister,” Katelina began. “We must ensure that justice is served, but also that it is fair.”

Minister Greta nodded. “Of course, Your Majesty. What do you propose?”

Katelina considered for a moment. “I believe they should have a fair trial, where their actions are examined in the context of the situation. If they are found guilty, the punishment should fit the crime.”

“King Ezekiel wanted their tongues removed, but I feel like that would be too much…” Greta opened up. Indeed, it was an extreme measure, but Ezekiel was ruthless when it came to anything that could harm Katelina. It was why she had convinced him to let her handle these matters.

She sighed and said, “Maybe we can give lighter punishments depending on the severity of the offense. If they commit the same act three times, then we can proceed with Ezekiel’s way of punishment. For first-time offenders, perhaps we can have them serve the community as punishment for a period of time. We could assign them to clean and maintain specific areas in the capital city.”

Greta nodded thoughtfully. “That sounds fair, Your Majesty. It would allow them to contribute positively to society while also serving their sentence.”

Katelina smiled, relieved that they had found a more humane approach. “Thank you, Greta. Let’s implement this immediately and ensure that everyone understands the consequences of spreading harmful rumors.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I will see to it that the new policy is communicated and enforced,” Greta assured her. “Shall we arrange for the trials to begin tomorrow?” Greta suggested.

“Yes, that would be best,” Katelina affirmed. “Let’s ensure that everything is conducted with transparency and fairness.”

After discussing a few more things with Minister Greta, Katelina couldn’t help but notice how the woman was keenly staring at her.

“What is it, Minister? Why do I have a feeling that you’re sizing me up?” Katelina asked with a smile.

Minister Greta immediately bowed her head and said, “My apologies, Your Majesty. I’m just amazed at how you and His Majesty are a perfect match.”

“Hmm, thank you, Minister Greta,” Katelina hummed, blushing.

“Please don’t hesitate to ask for my assistance if you ever need anything,” Minister Greta offered, and Katelina thanked her.

After their meeting, Greta excused herself to leave. Soon after, Wizard Lurio entered together with two women.

“Your Majesty, this is Arch-Mage Bella and Mage Healer Floria,” Lurio introduced. The two women bowed and greeted, “Your Majesty.”

Ezekiel wanted tight security around her, especially when they were not together. He insisted on having a healer mage accompany her at all times, despite her protests. Katelina, having regained her memories, was a skilled healer and mage herself, but she understood his concern and accepted the extra protection.

“It’s nice to meet you, Lady Bella and Lady Floria,” Katelina smiled at the two women.

“Lady Floria is the one who topped the recent exam, and His Majesty wants us to give you the best among the new mage healers. She fits all the qualities His Majesty asked for,” Arch-Mage Bella informed.

“Your Majesty, it will be my honor to be of service,” Floria commented with a curt bow. Katelina smiled at the woman and then looked at Lurio and Lady Bella, saying, “Thank you for these arrangements.”

Katelina excused herself, and Floria followed her. Somehow, Katelina felt a bit off around Floria, though she couldn’t explain why. She walked to the palace gardens since Ezekiel was not yet done with his meetings. It had been a while, and she truly missed the Jade Palace. Unlike before, there were now a few more servants than before.

As they walked through the palace gardens, Floria struck up a conversation.

“Your Majesty, the gardens are truly breathtaking,” Floria began, glancing around at the vibrant flowers and meticulously trimmed hedges.

Katelina nodded, a gentle smile playing on her lips. “It’s very peaceful here. It’s a perfect place to think and relax.”

Floria smiled warmly. “Nature has a way of soothing the soul. I’ve always felt a strong connection to plants and herbs, which is part of what led me to become a healer. Did you study herbalism as well, Your Majesty?”

Katelina’s eyes brightened with interest. “Yes, I did. It’s fascinating how different plants can have such powerful healing properties. Do you have a favorite herb or remedy?”

Floria’s expression softened. “I’ve always been fond of lavender. It’s so versatile and has a calming effect. I used it often to help patients with anxiety or trouble sleeping. What about you, Your Majesty?”

“I love chamomile,” Katelina replied. “It’s gentle but effective. I used to make chamomile tea for my brother when he was younger to help him sleep.”

“If you ever need assistance with anything, whether it’s related to healing or anything else, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’m here to support you in any way I can.” Floria offered.

Katelina nodded. “I appreciate that, Floria. I’m sure we’ll have plenty of opportunities to work together.”

As they continued their walk, Floria shared more about her background and experiences as a healer. Katelina only shared limited details about herself because her gut feeling was telling her not to trust Floria fully.

They continued to wander through the lush palace gardens. As she moved among the flowers, Floria followed at a respectful distance. Katelina picked up a white rose and she accidentally got pricked. “Ouch!”

“Your Majesty!” Floria was quick to check on her small wound. The moment their skin made contact, a sudden vision flashed before her eyes.

She saw Floria, bound and gagged. The scene was filled with fear and desperation. Katelina gasped and quickly withdrew her hand, her heart pounding in her chest.

Your Majesty, are you alright?” Floria asked, concern etched on her face.

Katelina stared at her, trying to make sense of what she had just seen. ‘I… I thought I lost this ability,’ shemused, bewildered. She needed to be sure. Hesitantly, she reached out and touched Floria’s arm, but this time, nothing happened. No vision, no flash of the past.

Floria looked at her, a puzzled expression on her face. “Is everything alright, Your Majesty?”

Katelina forced a smile, her mind racing. “Yes, everything is fine. I’m just a bit tired, I suppose.”

Floria nodded, though Katelina could see the curiosity in her eyes. “If you need anything, please let me know, Your Majesty.”

“Of course,” Katelina replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her. As they continued their walk, Katelina couldn’t shake the unease that had settled over her. She resolved to keep a close eye on Floria, trusting her instincts that something was not quite right.

The vision she saw was of Floria being kidnapped. She could easily ask Floria about it to confirm her suspicions, but she didn’t. She couldn’t trust anyone right now, especially those she had just recently met. What if Floria was an enemy?