The Crown's Fire - Chapter 92

Chapter 92: Someone In My Heart
Tarah parted her lips, eager to speak but unable to find the right words. Deep inside, it felt like a dream come true for her. As a woman, she also yearned for a fairytale-like relationship, dreaming of building a family with her brother Levi by her side. She had envisioned that idyllic life with Ezekiel.

She had harbored feelings for the prince long before meeting him in person, nurturing them in her heart for years. Prince Ezekiel had been her solace, alongside Levi, who provided her with strength and purpose. Despite enduring hardship under Devon’s reign, Prince Ezekiel became her beacon of hope as she meticulously crafted and executed her plan.

Ezekiel reached into his pocket and gently placed a ring, resembling a family heirloom, into her palm. “There’s no rush, Tarah. I’m willing to wait for your decision,” he murmured with a smile, leaving her still speechless.

“I understand if you need your space now. Allow me to escort you to another room,” he suggested, taking her hand and guiding her to a room with a shared balcony.

“I’ll leave you alone for now. I apologize if I caught you off guard, but given our circumstances, I see no reason to delay expressing my true feelings for you,” Ezekiel explained softly. Then, he pressed his lips to her forehead and whispered, “Good night, Tarah.”

Left to her own thoughts, Tarah gazed at the exquisite cushion-cut vivid pink diamond ring adorning her hand. The ring exuded elegance, set in a combination of rose and white gold, adorned with colorless trapeze-cut diamonds and delicate light pink brilliant-cut diamonds.

“They’re stunning,” she whispered, slowly sliding the ring onto her fingers. Unbeknownst to her, tears welled in her eyes as she helplessly sank onto the bed. Soon, quiet sobs escaped her, her emotions overwhelming her in the solitude of the room.

Tarah longed to confide in Ezekiel and reveal everything, but the thought of jeopardizing her brother’s safety weighed heavily on her. Moreover, she dreaded the impending punishment for her unconventional actions, such as merging the dragon spirit with Ezekiel’s own spirit, which went against the established norm.

.

Curling up on her bed, Tarah sobbed quietly, finding solace in the release of her emotions, eventually drifting into a fitful sleep.

***

As morning broke, Tarah awoke early, her resolve firm. Removing the ring from her finger, she carefully stowed it away inside her magical pouch. Despite her yearning to wear it, she knew it wasn’t the right choice. Returning the ring to Ezekiel seemed appropriate, yet a part of her clung to the idea of keeping it, a lasting reminder of him for when they inevitably went their separate ways.

She asked the servant outside for a warm bath and then she quickly prepared herself for another travel to the Capital City.

“My Lady, are you ready to join the royal family for breakfast?” Cora inquired, catching sight of Tarah’s completion of her preparations as she entered.

Tarah nodded with a smile as she approached Cora, and the two of them walked towards the door to leave.

Both Tarah and Cora were taken aback when they noticed Ezekiel standing outside the door. “Your Highness,” they greeted in unison, bowing respectfully.

Tarah nervously bit her inner cheek as she noticed Ezekiel’s gaze fixating on her hands, his brows slightly furrowed and lips pressed together in a stoic expression.

Turning his attention to Cora, Ezekiel spoke, “You can go ahead, Cora. I will walk Tarah to the dining area.”

Cora nodded curtly and swiftly departed. Ezekiel then gestured for Tarah to follow. “Let’s go,” he said quietly as they began walking side by side. “I’ll postpone your formal ceremony as the kingdom’s seer until you give me your final decision,” he stated.

Tarah whispered, “I need more time.”

“I understand. I don’t want to pressure you either, so don’t worry too much about it,” Ezekiel replied plainly. Tarah sensed the weight in his words, noticing his serious tone and clasped hands behind his back.

Waiting could be frustrating, Tarah thought, and she knew it all too well. She didn’t want to give him an answer he didn’t deserve. Despite everything, she wanted to be honest with him, at least regarding her true feelings for him. However, she didn’t have the courage yet to say it. She truly needed more time to gather enough courage.

Breakfast was rather silent, with King Stephan doing most of the talking. “Son, your mother has already begun compiling a list for the selection of your wife. You know this tradition follows immediately after your ascension,” he addressed Ezekiel.

Tarah felt her body freeze at the mention of the topic. A tense silence settled in the air, and she couldn’t help but notice Queen Dana’s gaze shifting between her and Ezekiel.

‘Is she aware?’ Tarah wondered anxiously.

“I’m not pressuring you or anything, just reminding you to prepare in advance for how you’ll handle everything. I understand you don’t want to marry unless you have feelings for the woman, so your mother and I have made some revisions to this tradition. The selected maidens of your choice will have a hundred extra days after the coronation for you to get to know them better and make your decission,” Stephan explained.

“There’s no need for that, Father. I will simply dismiss everyone after the coronation,” Ezekiel commented nonchalantly.

“But how will you choose a prospective wife then?” Stephan asked, frowning.

“I already have one, Father, so there’s no need for this selection,” Ezekiel stated firmly, causing Tarah’s face to pale. “For the sake of formality and while you’re still on the throne, let the inner court members indulge themselves in this so they won’t bother you. After I am coronated, I will handle them directly from my end,” Ezekiel continued.

“Wait, son, what are you saying? Are you implying that you already have a woman you hold dear in your heart? Who is she?” King Stephan questioned, his eyes fixed on Ezekiel with parted lips.

“I do already have someone in my heart, Father, and she’s right in front of you,” Ezekiel declared proudly.

Tarah wished the ground would swallow her whole as Queen Dana and King Stephan’s eyes landed on her, their jaws dropping in astonishment.