The Crown's Fire - Chapter 283

Chapter 283: The Right Man (Ezme & Atlas)
Night had fallen, but Atlas remained by Ezme’s side. Their bond was undeniable, and the king generously granted Atlas some time off after he explained that Ezme was undergoing heat.

They had just finished another intense lovemaking session and were now entwined in a warm bath. Atlas gently stroked Ezme’s back, his fingers moving in soothing circles as he asked, “Tell me, what happened? Master Kasper mentioned that there’s a story behind why you can’t control your vampire venom.”

Ezme sighed, her head resting against the edge of the tub as she relaxed in the warm water. “Hmm, when I was young, I had a close human friend,” she began, her voice soft and reflective. “She was a kind girl, around my age—about ten.”

Ezme sighed, leaning into Atlas’s touch as she began to recount the painful memory. “Her name was Eliza,” she started, her voice soft and filled with regret. “She was a servant’s daughter, but we were inseparable. We did everything together—played, learned, and confided in each other. She was more than a friend to me; she was like a sister.”

Ezme paused, her eyes distant as she recalled the fateful day that changed everything. “It was during one of our secret outings. We had sneaked out to the woods near the castle. We found this beautiful clearing with wildflowers, and we were laughing, picking flowers, when… it happened.”

She shuddered, her hand subconsciously gripping Atlas’s arm as she continued. “I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was starting to come into my vampiric abilities. My senses were heightened, and the hunger… it was there, lurking. But I didn’t understand it.”

Ezme’s voice trembled as she spoke. “Eliza pricked her finger on a thorn, and the scent of her blood… it was overwhelming. I tried to resist, but I couldn’t. I lost control. Before I knew it, I had bitten her.”

She choked on the words, her eyes filling with tears. “I didn’t mean to hurt her, but the venom… it was too strong. Eliza screamed, and I remember the look of terror in her eyes as I realized what I’d done. She fell to the ground, writhing in pain. The venom was killing her.”

Ezme’s shoulders shook as she buried her face in her hands. “I panicked. I didn’t know what to do. I tried to help her, but the damage was done. By the time the servants found us, it was too late. Eliza… she died in my arms, and it was all my fault.”

Atlas pulled her closer, his heart aching for her. “Ezme… it wasn’t your fault. You were just a child, and you didn’t know.”

“But it was my venom that killed her,” Ezme whispered, her voice barely audible. “Since that day, I’ve been terrified of losing control again. I’ve tried to suppress it, to lock it away, but… sometimes, it just overwhelms me.”

Atlas kissed the top of her head, holding her tightly. “You’ve been carrying this burden alone for so long. But you don’t have to anymore. I’m here with you, and we’ll get through this together.”

“I know it’s been a long time, but that experience left a deep trauma on me,” Ezme explained, her voice trembling. “Since then, I’ve been terrified of biting humans, especially those I care about and have grown to love. I’m just so afraid, Atlas. I don’t want to hurt anyone ever again.”

“You won’t,” Atlas promised, his voice firm. “We’ll find a way to help you control it, to make sure you never have to fear your venom again. I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

Ezme chuckled and jested, “It’s not like I’m planning to create scions with my venom, Atlas.”

But then Atlas said suddenly, “Actually, I want you to turn me into one of yours.”

Ezme frowned and turned to face him. “What did you say?!” she asked, unsure if she’d heard him correctly.

“You heard me right, Ezme,” Atlas confirmed. “I’ve been thinking about it a lot these past few days. The idea of growing old while you stay young is just unimaginable now. I feel like I’m going crazy thinking about not being by your side for eternity.”

He took a deep breath and continued, “I want to be with you for the rest of our lives. If becoming one of you means I can stay with you forever, then I’m willing to do that. I don’t know how you’ve done it, but I’ve fallen so deeply for you that I’m ready to break my principles just to be with you.”

Ezme couldn’t hold back her tears as they streamed down her face. She sobbed openly, hugging Atlas tightly.

Atlas chuckled softly and gently stroked her back. “Why are you crying?”

“Tears of joy!” Ezme sobbed, her voice muffled. “I’ve never understood what it meant to cry from such happiness until now. Oh, Atlas, I love you so much!”

“Wait,” Ezme said, gently pushing him away so she could look deeply into his eyes. “Why me? I mean, we could ask my brother Nikolai to turn you instead. I’m not confident in my abilities, so let’s consider having my brother or mother do it once you’re ready.”

Atlas shook his head with a smile. “But if they do it, they might have more control over me. I’d rather it be you. I wouldn’t mind being manipulated by my beautiful wife!” He added with a grin. “Don’t be afraid. I’m sure you can do it. We’ll seek Master Kasper’s guidance and have your brother, King Nikolai, on standby in case anything goes wrong.”

Ezme stared at Atlas in disbelief, still amazed at how far they had come. “You’ve changed so much! You used to hate being manipulated by me. I remember your annoyed and frustrated expressions!”

Atlas chuckled. “I guess that’s what love can do to a man. But I’m glad and content with how our love story is turning out.” He sealed his words with a passionate kiss, deepening their connection.

Ezme felt a profound sense of happiness as if she couldn’t ask for anything more at that moment. In her one hundred and forty-eight years, she had finally found the right man for her.