The Crown's Fire - Chapter 64

Chapter 64: Precious Possession (unedited)
Tarah was void of expression as she numbly went through the routine of cleaning and composing herself after Devon’s mistreatment. Using her mana, she quickly healed the bruises and wounds inflicted by Devon, ensuring no traces remained on her body.

She managed to convince Devon to delay the process, believing her assurance that they must not hurry while Ezekiel remained unconscious. It wasn’t a lie; she genuinely believed that if Devon touched Ezekiel while he was in this state, there would be a high chance he wouldn’t be able to extract the dragon’s spirit. Two souls were currently in conflict, and one needed to prevail for the authority of the dragon’s spirit to be established, enhancing the dragon’s power.

After composing herself, she hurried to meet her brother in his confinement tower.

“Your Grace,” Asura greeted her politely. “I already put Levi to sleep,” she explained, noticing Tarah’s immediate concern for her brother, who was now resting on his bed.

As she always did, Tarah immediately touched Asura to see through her memories. “Levi,” she murmured with a trembling hand, tears streaming down her cheeks.

“If I hadn’t arrived in time…” she gasped between sobs. Asura pulled her into a hug, offering comfort.

“It’s alright, you saved him in time. I’m sorry that I’m of no help in times like this,” Asura reassured her. Their connection was unique—they were friends, but their bond lacked any obligations to each other, as both prioritized themselves and what was important to them.

Tarah gently pushed Asura away and quickly wiped her tears. Then, she held Asura’s hand firmly and murmured, “It’s alright that you can’t keep my secrets, but please, what you found out about Levi must stay hidden. I don’t want his life to be in more danger once anyone finds out about his gift.”

Asura released a long sigh and said, “I understand. I am sorry if I have disappointed you before. But I give you my word that I will keep Levi’s ability a secret until the end.”

“Thank you, Asura. I won’t take long because I need to go back soon. Please look after Levi while I’m away,” Tarah informed. Asura nodded, and Tarah walked towards her brother to kiss him on the cheek.

“You’ve been so brave, Levi, and I’m so proud of you,” she hummed as she gently caressed her brother’s cheek. She stayed for a moment, lovingly staring at him, before leaning in to kiss him again. Turning to Asura, she said, “I must head back now.”

Asura simply nodded, and Tarah walked straight to the throne hall where Devon was. He was discussing private matters with Sibil. She could feel Marla’s sharp gaze, but Tarah kept a blank expression.

Without blinking, she stared at Devon with a clenched jaw. She curtly bowed before him and said, “Sire, I must return this instant. I must monitor the Prince’s condition.”

Tarah saw Devon’s hand extending to her to help her back on her feet. She took it, but to her frustration, like her past attempts, she still couldn’t use her ability to see his past. It seemed that fallen angels, demons, and their full-blooded offsprings were immune to her ability to see through their pasts. It was a shame, as she wanted to know what Devon was planning while she was away.

“I’ll send you back now, but you must always remember that I hate waiting too long,” Devon remarked. Tarah understood what he meant all too well—his obsession with her presence around him was clear.

She turned to Marla with narrowed eyes and grunted, “Sire, you told me that I will soon be your queen… Can I exercise my authority now as your future Queen who will soon stay by your side until you see me fit to?”

Devon’s eyebrows raised in surprise, but he replied, “Why not.”

Tarah then walked towards Marla. “What?! What do you need?!” The woman questioned with a dark face. Tarah remained silent, her glare piercing through Marla. Without a word, she delivered a sharp slap across Marla’s face, the sound echoing in the hall.

“Are you nuts?!!!” Marla barked, her eyes red as she touched her reddened cheek. She raised her arm to retaliate, but Tarah was quick to grab and hold her wrist firmly.

Unable to read through Devon’s past, Tarah turned to Marla, a sorceress whose memories were an open book. She didn’t waste time using her ability to read through the woman’s memories.

“Let go!!!” Marla barked, but Tarah didn’t budge. As the memories played in her head, Tarah threatened, “Touch my brother again, and you will not only receive a slap from me, but you will face dire consequences. No one should be allowed to touch my brother except for My King!!!”

She felt sick addressing Devon as her king, but she had to maintain her act convincingly to keep Levi safe. Otherwise, her brother would once again be in danger.

Marla’s face paled but Tarah remained holding the woman’s wrist because she was not yet done looking through her memories. She wanted to find out more so she could prepare ahead.

“That is enough, you’ve made your point,” Devon’s voice snapped Tarah out of her trance. She immediately released Asura’s wrist.

“You’re still not the queen, but you’re acting arrogant already!” Marla gritted her teeth.

Tarah only gave her a taunting smirk and then she turned to look straight into Devon’s eyes. “My King is so eager to make me his queen, so I will be very disappointed if His Lord breaks his word after everything I’ve been through,” she remarked with a wry smile and straight face.

Devon chuckled with satisfaction, observing Tarah’s reaction. He approached her, his hand reaching for her neck, his touch gentle yet firm. She felt his grip tighten slightly as he spoke, his words filled with possessiveness.

“As I said, you are my precious possession, so there’s no way I won’t keep you by my side. Do as I say, and don’t disappoint me, because I would rather have you and your brother killed than see you slip away from my grasp.”