The Crown's Fire - Chapter 98

Chapter 98: Marry Her
Ezekiel’s lips were warm against hers, a sensation that enveloped her entirely. Though she had been kissed before, this one felt remarkably different. It was gentle, soft, and filled her with an indescribable sense of bliss. Inside her stomach, butterflies fluttered, yet the sensation wasn’t one of discomfort or fear. Instead, it was overwhelmingly pleasant, something she wished wouldn’t end so soon.

His kiss was gentle, his lips tenderly grazing over her lower and upper lips. Tarah felt her knees weaken, prompting her to instinctively wrap her arms around his neck for support. Yet, as the realization dawned that they were outside and visible to others, Tarah quickly pulled back. She didn’t want any rumors to circulate about Ezekiel that could tarnish his reputation.

“We’re outside, Your Highness,” she blurted out unintentionally, her eyes scanning their surroundings. Ezekiel appeared unfazed, chuckling softly as he pulled her closer, his arms securely wrapped around her waist. “Next time, I’ll make sure we’re not outside. How about we go inside now and continue where we left off?” he shamelessly suggested.

Tarah’s eyes widened as she blinked rapidly before him. He seemed unrecognizable from the serious and aloof prince she had first met. Leaning his forehead against hers, he reassured her, “Don’t worry, because no one will dare to come into this spot at this hour. It’s my private place, and only I can enter it, except for my personal servants who clean it daily in the morning.”

His arms around her felt so comforting, and Tarah simply basked in their embrace in silence, not making any move to push him away. “You kissed me back, so I take it as you rejecting to be the Seer of this kingdom,” Ezekiel pointed out. He leaned back slightly to get a proper look at her face as he added, “But I would like to hear how you feel for me in your own words…”

“I feel the same way for you, Your Highness. I…” A deep blush crept into her face, her heart thumping loudly in her chest. Ezekiel smiled at her, his gaze intense as he waited for her to continue. “I love you too,” Tarah bravely said, feeling a rush of relief and joy at expressing her feelings so openly.

With that, Ezekiel pulled her into a tight embrace, kissing her head and gently caressing her back. “Thank you,” he hummed, and at that moment, Tarah couldn’t help but bite her lip.

“Your Highness, can we keep our relationship secret until you’re crowned as king and until Vulcan’s soul is removed from your body?” Tarah whispered as she gently broke the hug. Ezekiel furrowed his brow as he asked, “Why?”

“I can’t explain my reasons, but please, can you trust me on this? No matter what happens, please always remember that my feelings for you are sincere and genuine,” Tarah whispered before leaning into him once more. Tears welled in her eyes, but she fought to suppress them.

Ezekiel cupped one side of her face, gently caressing her cheek with his thumb as he said, “You may have your reasons, so I won’t force you to open up to me. But I hope you’ll also trust me and tell me everything, so we can avoid any misunderstandings in the future, Tarah.”

She wanted to tell him everything, but the thought of her brother’s life being in danger made it difficult. Tarah simply nodded, offering him a half-smile.

******

Meanwhile, back at Rose Palace, King Stephan summoned Atlas to his private study after reading the formal letter of request from his son-in-law, Nikolai.

“Your Majesty,” Atlas greeted him with a respectful bow. Stephan gestured for him to take a seat opposite him.

“I believe you also received a letter from Nikolai regarding his sister, as it’s mentioned in the letter he sent to me,” Stephan remarked.

“I did, Your Majesty,” Atlas confirmed.

Stephan nodded and continued, “I called you here so we can discuss this matter privately. Nikolai is demanding that I take proper action, and he’s made an offer concerning Princess Ezme. Here, read…”

Handing the letter to Atlas, Stephan waited patiently for him to finish reading before commenting, “You’re like a son to me, Atlas, so like Ezekiel, the decision is yours. Whatever you choose to do, I’ll stand behind you. I trust you and know you well.”

He scrutinized Atlas closely, finding it difficult to discern his thoughts behind the stoic expression, much like his son, Ezekiel, in serious matters. The proposal from Nikolai suggested a marriage of convenience between Princess Ezme and their esteemed Constable, Atlas. Rumors had circulated about their close relationship, with reports even suggesting they were in a romantic relationship.

Atlas took a deep breath, his exhale heavy with resignation. “I accept the arranged marriage of convenience,” he stated, his expression unreadable.

Stephan furrowed his brow. “Are you sure? Nikolai isn’t forcing you to accept the proposal, Atlas. You can still reject it if that’s what you want.”

“I don’t see any reason not to accept the marriage of inconvenience, Your Majesty. I believe it’s a great opportunity that can further strengthen our alliance with Valcrez,” Atlas stated, his resolve evident.

Stephan’s expression darkened at Atlas’s words. It was the response he had feared and the reason he had been reluctant to broach the subject.

“Atlas, please, take more time to consider this decision. It’s important that you marry because it’s what your heart truly desires. You may feel that I’m not in a position to advise you, having arranged marriages for two of my daughters to secure alliances with powerful kingdoms. But Dana and I didn’t make those decisions lightly… Seer Beirut assured us that our daughters would lead fulfilling and contented lives with their spouses.” Stephan pointed out.

“I have made my decision, Your Majesty. I will take full responsibility for my actions. I am willing to marry Princess Ezme,” Atlas answered firmly. “Please don’t worry about me. Like you said, you know me well, Sire. I have genuine affection for Princess Ezme. While it may not be a deep love yet, I believe it’s enough for me to marry her. I trust that no other woman could handle me quite like Princess Ezme can,” he remarked with a touch of humor.