The Crown's Fire - Chapter 94

Chapter 94: Rumors
This time, Ezekiel didn’t ride inside the carriage with Tarah. Instead, he let Cora accompany her, while he rode his horse at the front alongside his men.

Releasing a heavy sigh, Ezekiel focused on the road ahead as they entered the Capital City. As usual, every Ebodian greeted their banner with respect, bowing down as their convoy passed by. Petals were thrown and scattered on the roads, and everyone cheered loudly and hailed him, the crown prince, for their victory over the Helion forces.

“I wonder how they would react once they found out about the dragon inside of me,” Ezekiel thought. Eventually, things would also come to light about the dragon spirit within him, and it was just a matter of time. He only needed to make precise plans on how to reveal this fact so that his people would come to accept it.

“Long live the King and Queen!”

“Long live the Crown Prince!!!”

The cheered continued and despite this, Ezekiel’s mind drifted over Tarah. He truly didn’t want to rush her or be too forward, but he also didn’t see the point in hiding his feelings for her, especially in front of his own family, whom he trusted the most. What he felt for her was not a mistake he should be sorry for. His only concern was that he hoped Tarah would give him an answer soon before things got more complicated.

Unknowingly, a smile crept onto his face. Truly, having Vulcan’s power had a great advantage for him, especially when his senses became stronger and more distinct.

He was confident that Tarah felt the same way for him too. The attraction was mutual. He could see it in her eyes and feel how her heartbeat synced perfectly with his whenever they were together.

Now, the only thing he was worried about was what Tarah’s final choice would be. If only Vulcan had the power to read minds as well, then that would have been perfect!

Ezekiel took a deep breath and subconsciously checked his palm. Then he made a fist, feeling the dragon’s power coursing inside him. He could hear whispers nearby and see more clearly than before. He had practically developed every sharp sense a dragon should have.

He could even channel Vulcan’s power, even in his human form. Last night, he had tried materializing Vulcan’s power within his human form, and so far, he had successfully released red flames, blue flames, and even some lava.

It was honestly fascinating. But Ezekiel knew well that he had to learn the proper way to facilitate and use it. He must approach it with caution since he knew little about it.

Soon, they entered the castle walls and fortress of Ebodia, and right then, all the council and official members of the inner court were already outside Rose Palace, where his father, as the current king, resided and conducted his affairs. Obviously, everyone was there to greet and welcome them.

“Your Majesties, Your Highness. Welcome back,” the Ministers together with the rest of the officials greeted Ezekiel and his parents in chorus with a curt bow.

“Chancellor Javier,” Ezekiel smiled at the older man, who immediately approached them with a bow. He was Elijah’s father and a very close friend of their family.

“How have you been, Your Highness?” the Chancellor asked.

“I am doing well. Elijah is not with us since I assigned him a task, but I’m sure he’ll be back before dawn,” Ezekiel informed him, and the Chancellor simply nodded in understanding.

“Your Majesty, where is she? Our new fated Seer?” Minister Lambert directly asked his father as everyone eyed their convoy. His father looked at him, and Ezekiel stepped up to address the issue.

“Seer Tarah needs extra protection. Although the Helion forces retreated, that doesn’t mean we must let our guard down. So, I’ve decided she will stay at Jade Palace for now under my protection. Although she has ascended, we’ll still have to wait for her final decision on whether she will formally accept the position as Ebodia’s fated Seer,” he informed with a straight face.

“What? What is going on, Your Highness?” Minister Lambert burst out. “Everyone is anticipating to meet her.”

Ezekiel simply smiled at Minister Lambert, who was of the same age as his father. Lambert handled the Ministry of Rites, which pertained to cultures, rituals, diplomacy, and more involving the scholars of their kingdoms. Ezekiel could understand the minister’s sentiment, as he was the one supposed to handle the formal ceremony for Tarah.

“Minister Lambert,” his father called. The latter turned to face his father, who had a reassuring smile as he continued, “I’ve decided that we should first focus on the coronation of my son, Ezekiel, and then the rest will follow. The ascending of the new Seer is a sign that he too should ascend the throne by now. He’ll handle affairs of the new Seer’s ceremony soon after that.”

There were murmurs, and Ezekiel could perfectly hear them all, thanks to Vulcan’s great sense of hearing. It seemed he had even better senses now than werewolves!

“We heard some interesting rumors though,” Duke Apollo broke the murmurs with his mischievous grin. He was Ezekiel’s cousin, the eldest son of his Aunt Stella, who was his father’s only sibling.

“We’re not interested in hearing rumors right now, Apollo.” his father remarked with a frown.

“If you’ll excuse us for now, gentlemen. We have a long journey, so let everyone rest. Tomorrow, we’ll proceed to discuss the rest of the important matters,” his father added.

Ezekiel shook his head at his cousin, who simply shrugged his shoulders amusingly. As he silently mouthed, “Let’s grab a drink later!”

He simply nodded before following his parents in walking inside the palace. Once they were inside and away from others, his mother turned around and said, “Follow me, I need to speak to you about an important matter. You must know the details about it before I completely lose it from my memory.”