The Crown's Fire - Chapter 298

Chapter 298: It’s Urgent
Katelina felt a wave of exhaustion wash over her as she sank back into the bed, her body still recovering from the immense strain of the ritual. She had used every ounce of energy to transfer the green dragon’s spirit into Apollo, and now she was feeling the aftereffects.

“How are you feeling?” Ezekiel asked softly, stepping into their bedchamber, a tray of dinner in his hands. His gaze softened when he saw her attempting to get up. “I cooked this myself. Don’t move. I’ll feed you here,” he added, setting the tray down beside her and gently guiding her back to the pillows.

She chuckled, settling back into the bed. “Our baby is fine, so don’t worry too much,” she reassured him, her hand resting on her flat stomach. She was a healer and a mage, and she knew her body better than anyone. She had already checked on their baby, her baby boy was healthy and strong.

Ezekiel’s face softened as he lovingly caressed her stomach. Although she was only two months pregnant, there was barely a noticeable bump yet. “You have to eat twice as much now,” he murmured, “since you need to nourish our baby. So, I prepared plenty.” He picked up a spoon and began feeding her.

Katelina smiled at his concern, her eyes twinkling. “Have you thought of a name?” she asked. “Maybe think of both a boy’s and a girl’s name?”

Ezekiel paused, considering it. “Hmm, if it’s a boy, I’ll name him Kiel, like how you call me,” he said with a smile, glancing at her. “If it’s a girl, we’ll name her Tarah… the name you used when you seduced me.”

Katelina chuckled, blushing slightly. She nodded in agreement, liking the idea of Kiel, as it also had letters of her real name, Katelina.

Ezekiel sighed, his mind turning to another matter. “It still fascinates me how Apollo managed to endure the green dragon’s spirit,” he muttered, his thoughts drifting back to the power the dragon now shared with his friend.

Katelina took a deep breath, her voice soft as she explained, “He has your mother’s blood in him.”

Ezekiel froze, his brow furrowing. “My mother’s?” he repeated, his voice filled with surprise.

Katelina nodded weakly, her gaze distant as she recalled the vision. “I saw it in his past. My gift of clairvoyance, it’s truly returned. When Apollo was young, his life was in danger. He had a deadly plague, one that no one could cure. But your mother… she snuck into his room and saved him without anyone knowing. Not even your father knew she did this. I saw her transfer some of her blood to Apollo. That was what saved him.”

Ezekiel’s eyes widened as he suddenly remembered. “Right, I remember that! I was seven when it happened. Apollo was always weak, and sickly, but after that miracle, he healed in a way that no one could explain. From that day on, he became strong. It’s incredible!”

Katelina smiled faintly, watching him process the revelation. “Your mother’s blood had a lasting effect on him. It’s part of why he could survive the green dragon’s spirit. It’s part of who he is now.”

Ezekiel leaned back, the weight of the past settling over him as he thought about the powerful bond between Apollo and his mother. It was a connection he hadn’t known existed, but it made sense, Apollo’s strength had always seemed miraculous.

“That’s why Apollo is able to hold the green dragon,” Ezekiel murmured, his voice filled with understanding. “He’s more connected to us than we thought.”

Katelina continued softly, her voice steady as she shared more insights. “Also, the green dragon is the simplest of its kind, deeply connected to nature. Its spirit isn’t just powerful… it’s pure, in a way. And its desire to save Apollo, that connection… it’s something strong and unshakable. The bond between them was what made this all possible. The dragon’s willingness to merge with him, to bond with Apollo in such a way, was essential to making the ritual succeed.”

Ezekiel nodded thoughtfully, absorbing her words. “So it wasn’t just Apollo’s strength that allowed him to endure the dragon’s spirit. The green dragon truly chose him, didn’t it? It wanted to be with him, to protect him.”

“Exactly,” Katelina said, a small smile forming as she looked at Ezekiel. “Apollo was always meant for something greater, and the dragon knew that. It wasn’t a mere coincidence that he was able to bear such a powerful spirit. It’s a bond built on destiny and sacrifice.”

“Anyway, things are going well,” Ezekiel said, his tone growing more serious. “Now that Marla is gone, I just hope we can finally track down the mastermind behind everything. We’re still hunting down the rest of Devon’s followers. I won’t stop until I’ve wiped them all out.”

Before Katelina could respond, there was a knock at the door. It was Mage Healer Ellen.

“Come in,” Ezekiel said, sensing that it was something important.

Ellen entered, bowing respectfully. “Your Majesties, it’s Mage Floria. She’s requesting an audience, and it’s urgent. She says it’s a matter of confidentiality.”

Ezekiel exchanged a glance with Katelina. “Floria? What could she want now?”

Katelina motioned for Ellen to let her in. “If it’s urgent, we’ll hear her out.”

Katelina, though curious, kept her expression neutral. “Let her into the secret chamber and wait there,” she said, her voice calm but firm. “If it’s urgent, we’ll hear her out.”

Ellen nodded and stepped aside to guide Floria to the secret chamber.

Katelina quickly moved out of bed, her movements purposeful. “We need to see her and find out what she wants, Ezekiel. Like I said before, the soul in Floria’s body isn’t the original one. The real Floria’s soul is trapped in the lotus flower. I can sense a connection between her and an enemy. We need to know everything. I’ll need to hold her hand to understand more.”

Ezekiel nodded, his expression serious. “Alright, I understand. Let’s go.”

He gently took her hand as they made their way to the secret chamber, which was protected by a powerful spell to ensure no one could spy on their conversation.

When they entered, they found Floria standing, her face pale and her usually composed demeanor, clearly shaken. She bowed respectfully before them.

“Your Majesties, I come with a matter of great importance,” Floria began, her voice tight with anxiety. “It’s about my Master Merlot… whom you all know as Minister Greg Elrod.”