The Crown's Fire - Chapter 289

Chapter 289: Already Have A Man
The pond… Katelina saw it clearly now, just as Levi had described. It was in Floria’s past.

“Your Majesty,” Floria called gently, bringing Katelina back to the present. Katelina blinked, still holding her hand as the vision lingered in her mind.

“Ah, just a thought that came to mind…” she commented with a smile, though her gaze remained fixed on Floria, her mind absorbed in the vivid details of the vision. This time, it wasn’t fragmented or blurry—it was clear as if she were reliving a part of Floria’s life.

“It would be lovely to visit your manor, Floria,” Katelina said, her voice casual but her mind racing. “The Moon Cake Festival is nearing, and southern Ebodia is known for hosting wonderful celebrations.”

Floria’s smile remained steady. “Of course, Your Majesty. I’ll make the necessary arrangements for your visit.”

Katelina released Floria’s hand, careful not to let her suspicions show. She needed more time, and more clarity.

For now, she kept the conversation light, discussing various topics with Floria, who answered eagerly, promoting the sights and culture of her region as if she truly were the original Floria. But Katelina sensed that the soul inhabiting this body, whoever it was, had full access to all of Floria’s memories.

It was unsettling—yet the pieces were starting to fall into place. Katelina soon dismissed Floria and remained alone in the garden, her mind swirling with thoughts. It seemed her clairvoyance was returning, the visions becoming clearer than ever.

“Your Majesty,” Asura’s voice interrupted her reverie. Katelina smiled and gestured for her to sit.

“Are you done with your training?” Katelina asked.

Asura shook her head with a light laugh. “I skipped out early. I won’t be attending for a while—I’m busy planning a small wedding ceremony.”

Katelina’s eyes widened, and she gasped in excitement. “Of course! You and Kasper should make it official with a proper wedding ceremony!”

Grabbing Asura’s hands, Katelina hummed excitedly. “I’m sorry I nearly forgot about it! Let me help prepare everything!”

Asura giggled. “Thank you, Your Majesty, but I won’t let you stress over it. It’s always been my dream to plan my own wedding.”

Katelina nodded, remembering their youth and Asura’s constant talk of becoming a bride. “Alright, but at least let me assist you. I wouldn’t miss this for the world!”

Asura smiled warmly and agreed. Katelina then glanced around to ensure their privacy before casting a spell to muffle their conversation.

“I need to tell you everything,” she began, her voice low. “We must prepare Master Kasper for the soul swapping ritual.”

Asura listened intently as Katelina explained their plan. “So, we need to get that lotus flower and retrieve Floria’s body,” Katelina concluded. “We must act swiftly. Once we restore Floria’s soul, we’ll be able to track down the real mastermind behind all this—the man in the mask who rides the black dragon under that evil spell.”

“I understand,” Asura replied, determination in her eyes. “I’ll go now and inform Kasper. And remember, don’t let your guard down around that woman—she’s dangerous.”

Katelina nodded in agreement, her resolve strengthening. “I won’t. We need to be ready for anything.”

*****

At Holmes Manor

It had been a while since Greta returned to their manor, having spent a significant amount of time at the royal palace since her appointment as Minister of Justice. She was surprised to receive a message from her parents asking her to come home for dinner. “I wonder what’s going on?” she muttered as she stepped inside.

But then her jaw dropped when she saw Marquess Hebron Lambert waiting in the living area.

“She’s finally here,” her mother hummed with delight. She turned to Marquess Hebron and added, “It’s been a while since Greta came home, and I’m glad she’s here while you’re here to discuss business with Fidel.”

“Lady Greta,” Lord Hebron greeted her with a polite bow and extended his hand. Greta accepted it, and he gently kissed the back of her hand. The wide smile on her mother’s face made Greta realize that this was no coincidence—her mother was clearly pushing her to consider marriage.

After the formalities, her mother turned to her father and said, “Go escort Marquess Hebron to the dining hall, dear.” Once the two men had left, Greta couldn’t hold back her frustration. “Mother, do you have to do this?”

“What? Lord Hebron is very suitable. What’s wrong with trying to match you with him? Just give him some time and talk to him. You might find he can capture your attention,” her mother insisted.

Greta pursed her lips, her thoughts immediately drifting to Elijah. Although they hadn’t fully defined their relationship, they had grown intimate in their own way. “Mother, I already have a man, so entertaining Lord Hebron is really unnecessary at this point,” she confessed.

“What? Who is this man? Why haven’t you mentioned him before, and since when?” her mother asked, her eyes wide with surprise.

Greta shrugged, mumbling, “That’s why I’m mentioning it now.”

Her mother squinted at her, clearly unconvinced. “Greta, last I checked, you were head over heels for Ezekiel, and now you’re telling me you have a man? Are you just saying this to keep me from inviting potential suitors?”

Greta felt the pressure mounting, torn between her feelings for Elijah and the expectations of her family. “I’m not trying to keep you from anything, Mother. I just want to be honest.”

“Why aren’t you telling me who this man is, then?” her mother pressed, her curiosity evident. Greta pursed her lips, knowing all too well how her mother would react. If she mentioned Elijah’s name, her mother would undoubtedly make a fuss. Greta wasn’t ready for that; she needed time to sort out her feelings about Elijah first.

“Look at you—you can’t even bring yourself to say his name,” her mother observed with a knowing look. “Just do as I say for now and have some tea with Lord Hebron after dinner!” she insisted, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Greta sighed and nodded, realizing she had no choice but to comply. As much as she wanted to clarify her feelings, her mother’s enthusiasm would complicate things even further.