The Crown's Fire - Chapter 281

Chapter 281: Yes It’s Me… Your Master
Katelina craved something sour but couldn’t quite figure out what it was. She ended up spitting out the piece of green mango that Ezekiel had peeled and cut for her.

“Too sour,” she mumbled, pouting.

Ezekiel chuckled. “How about we walk around some more and see if any other fruit catches your eye?”

He stood up, and Katelina followed, their hands naturally finding each other’s as they strolled through the bustling market. The two of them were disguised, their faces covered like foreign merchants to blend in.

“By the way, can we look into Floria more? I don’t trust her,” Katelina said bluntly.

“What happened?” Ezekiel asked his tone immediately serious.

Katelina explained through the bond why she was suspicious, detailing the brief vision she’d had of Floria’s past, and how it came to her unexpectedly.

[Your ability to see the past is coming back?] Ezekiel asked through their mental link.

“I think so, but it’s not like before. It just happened randomly,” she replied with a sigh.

[Don’t worry, I’ll have someone investigate her… We can’t let our guard down, especially with the soul-swapping situation in Tessa’s case. I’ll replace Floria—]

“No! Don’t do that,” she interrupted quickly.

Ezekiel stopped walking and turned to look her directly in the eyes.

“I want to keep her close,” she explained.

“But that’s dangerous, especially now, in your condition. I won’t take that risk,” Ezekiel stated firmly, his expression darkening.

Katelina gulped, taken aback by how stern he looked.

“But I’m back… the old me is back. I’m confident I can take care of myself and our baby,” she reassured him.

“No, this isn’t up for discussion. My decision is final. I’ll remove her and not let that woman near you,” Ezekiel muttered.

Katelina frowned and stubbornly remarked, “If she’s truly an enemy and you remove her just like that, it’s like telling our enemies she’s a suspect. They’ll have time to prepare.”

She didn’t wait for Ezekiel’s response, instead walking ahead of him. She understood his worry, but she felt like he was treating her as if she couldn’t protect herself.

She was more than capable!

Ezekiel caught up to her, grabbing her hand and pulling her closer. “Let’s talk more about this once we get home,” he murmured, kissing her head.

In a fit of annoyance, Katelina started buying a lot of fruit at the market, making Ezekiel carry all of it. She knew she was being childish, but she couldn’t help herself.

“Aren’t you tired?” Ezekiel finally asked.

Katelina arched an eyebrow. “I’m not. I want to buy more.” She crossed her arms and challenged him, “Why? Are you tired of carrying them? You could always call your shadow knights to carry them for you.”

Ezekiel simply grinned, unaffected by her sulkiness. “This is nothing. I could still carry you on my back if you want, my love. I’m just worried you’re getting tired.”

His words made her blush, and Katelina quickly looked away, starting to walk again. She spotted some sugar-coated fruit on skewers and her eyes lit up. “That! I want that!” she exclaimed, her mood instantly lifting as she tugged Ezekiel toward the stall like an excited child.

Katelina’s cravings were instantly satisfied the moment she bit into the sugar-coated oranges and strawberries on skewers. The perfect balance of sour and sweet was exactly what she needed, and she savored every bite. Despite feeling her husband’s intense gaze on her, she tried to ignore him, though her face was beginning to blush.

Suddenly, Ezekiel’s voice echoed through their bond, [Look at you, eating like there’s no tomorrow. You’re making me salivate, and right now, I practically want to eat you alive!]

Katelina’s eyes widened in surprise as she turned to face him. Ezekiel looked serious, his eyes burning with desire that seemed to pierce right through her, making her both nervous and flustered.

She frowned and snorted, pouting, “I’ll make sure you get indigestion tonight!”

Ezekiel chuckled, unbothered by her grumpiness. He pulled her closer and planted a quick kiss on her nose. “I don’t mind… I’ll take whatever my wife gives me!”

*****

Meanwhile, Floria entered her Master’s hideout as soon as she had some free time.

“The Queen is pregnant, and you must do something to remove that unborn child. It’s a liability and must be eliminated,” Merlot immediately instructed her.

“I understand, Master. I’ll begin by feeding her the concoction,” Floria responded.

She frowned when her Master suddenly crouched and then collapsed onto the ground.

She quickly rushed to his side. “Master! What’s happening?”

“It’s nothing,” Merlot grunted, “just the damn demon trying to control me. He’s furious after finding out that the Queen is pregnant. He’s wreaking havoc inside me right now.”

Floria panicked as she saw her Master struggling with the demon’s bloodthread. “You’re not looking well, Master. Do you need me to do something? I’m getting scared seeing how you’re struggling,” she said anxiously.

Merlot gasped for air, sweat beading on his forehead. “Damn!” he cursed under his breath before he coughed up blood.

Floria’s heart raced as she watched Merlot’s condition worsen. She knelt beside him, desperately trying to offer support. “Master, please stay with me!” she pleaded, her voice trembling with fear.

Merlot’s eyes fluttered, his strength visibly fading. “Floria… I need you to be strong. The demon’s influence is overpowering me. You must—” His words were cut off as another violent spasm shook him.

Floria’s hands were frantic as she tried to help. She attempted to steady him, but his body was convulsing uncontrollably. “What should I do? Tell me how to help you!” she cried out, tears streaming down her face.

Merlot’s gaze, once fierce and commanding, had now dimmed. “The improved concoction… it needs to be administered,” he rasped. “But—” He broke off with a pained groan, his eyes rolling back as he lost consciousness. His breathing was shallow and labored.

Floria immediately searched for the improved concoction her Master had mentioned. She found the vial and hurried to Merlot’s side, ready to pour its contents into his mouth. But just as she was about to open the bottle, Merlot’s eyes snapped open, and he gripped her wrist, halting her movements.

“Master?” Floria asked, her brow furrowing in confusion.

Merlot smirked at her, a dark glint in his eyes. “Yes, it’s me… your Master.”

Floria froze, her heart pounding as she felt Merlot’s grip tighten around her wrist. His eyes, once clouded with pain and struggle, now gleamed with a menacing glint.

“Master?” Floria’s voice trembled with a mixture of confusion and concern. “What’s happening? You’re scaring me.”

Merlot’s smirk widened, a dark satisfaction in his expression. “You’re quite the devoted servant, Floria. But you should know by now, that not everything is as it seems.” His voice was dripping with a sinister edge.

Floria tried to pull her wrist away, but his grip was unyielding. She watched in shock as Merlot’s demeanor shifted from vulnerability to a dangerous calm. “Let me help you!” she insisted, her voice breaking.

“No need,” Merlot replied smoothly. “I’m perfectly fine now. The demon’s hold is slipping, but it seems I’ve also managed to gain a bit of control myself.” He released her wrist but maintained his intense gaze.

Floria’s eyes darted to the vial in her hand. “But the concoction—”

“Forget the concoction,” Merlot interrupted, his tone authoritative. “There are more pressing matters to attend to.”