The Crown's Fire - Chapter 99

Chapter 99: Friends
It had been a while since Tarah had enjoyed such a peaceful sleep. Her bedchamber was spacious and inviting, the bed so comforting that she found it difficult to rise from its embrace.

“Milady? Are you awake?” she heard Cora’s voice, prompting Tarah to open her eyes and turn towards the door.

“Come in, Cora. Good morning,” she greeted with a wide smile as she sat up in bed.

“I’m glad you slept well on your first night here at Jade Palace,” Cora remarked. “Today, Prince Ezekiel has important matters to attend to, but he has entrusted me to accompany you and ensure you’re never alone. If you’d like, we can take a stroll later to explore the entire area of Ebodia Fortress.”

Tarah nodded excitedly. She would love that. She had heard that Ebodia Fortress boasted a total of four palaces, all within walking distance of each other. Last night, she caught a glimpse of Roswe Palace, and now she found herself in Jade Palace. She couldn’t wait to see the other two palaces and explore the other establishments within the fortress.

After quickly preparing herself for the day, Tarah joined Cora for breakfast.

“Do you know Duke Apollo well?” Tarah asked curiously as they ate.

“He’s quite popular among women. He’s the complete opposite of Prince Ezekiel. While the prince is aloof, Duke Apollo is bubbly and approachable. I was born in the south under their family’s duchy, so I suppose it’s safe to say that I know him well,” Cora casually commented.

“But why did the two of you barely talk last night?” Tarah wondered. Cora simply shrugged.

Then, her eyes narrowed as she asked, “You’re being suspicious, milady. Don’t tell me you saw a vision with me and that bastard?”

“Bastard?! Who’s the bastard?”

Both Tarah and Cora froze upon hearing the familiar voice of Duke Apollo.

“Good morning, ladies,” the duke greeted warmly as he comfortably sat beside Cora. He called for the servants nearby and requested breakfast.

“I guess everyone’s back to their busy schedules. Mind if I join you ladies for breakfast instead?” Apollo commented with a wink.

Tarah smiled. “It would be our honor, Duke Apollo.”

“Thank you, Lady Tarah. And forgive me if I address you as Lady Tarah instead of Seer Tarah or Your Grace. I have a feeling you won’t be becoming an official Seer of our kingdom,” Apollo joked, causing Tarah to blush deeply.

“I’ll be staying here in the capital for a while longer to observe how things unfold. I’m dying of curiosity,” he added.

“Tsk, everyone is so busy with their duties, and here you are slacking,” Cora muttered, just loud enough for them to hear. Tarah stifled a laugh as the two began bickering. Now she understood why they hadn’t talked much last night; their banter would have been inappropriate in front of the King, Queen, and their guest, Princess Ezme.

.

Duke Apollo was a straightforward guy who truly talked a lot. Tarah wondered if he was naturally like that or if he just felt comfortable enough around her to tease her as if they had known each other for a long time. He seemed sharp, being able to easily read the situation between her and Ezekiel.

“Stop teasing Lady Tarah; not everyone can stand your blabber mouth,” Cora complained.

“Why are you complaining when Lady Tarah herself isn’t?” Apollo chortled. Then, he turned to Tarah and said, “Consider me your new friend, Lady Tarah. I have a feeling you’ll be joining the Ward Family soon, so feel at ease with me. I usually tease friends and family like this.”

Tarah simply smiled at the man. It still fascinated her how the two conversed so casually. She couldn’t help but comment, “You two seem very close with each other.”

“We’re not!” the two replied in chorus, making Tarah chuckle.

When was the last time she had laughed so freely? Amidst the burdens she carried, she had almost forgotten the simple joy of laughter. As she looked around, she couldn’t help but imagine how wonderful it would be if she and Levi could live in this kingdom surrounded by warm people like Ezekiel’s family and friends.

But such a dream seemed impossible now, given everything that was about to happen. Sadly, she couldn’t see herself included in Ezekiel’s future. So she would cherish these fleeting moments of happiness, engraving them in her heart and memory forever.

“I’m curious, how do you see those foresights? Perhaps… Do you somehow see what my future will be like?” Apollo suddenly asked, interrupting Tarah’s thoughts.

Tarah offered him a kind smile and said, “They come in dreams when I sleep, but most often they just appear before my eyes in visions randomly.”

“Did you have a vision when you met me?” he pondered curiously. Tarah shook her head, uncertain whether to reveal more. She glanced at Cora, who seemed to understand her hesitation, as she quickly interjected, “Stop pressing Lady Tarah on this matter. Do you want me to tell His Highness how you keep pestering her?”

Apollo crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes at Tarah with a suspicious look. “Milady, I can sense that you’re keeping something from me. I have very sharp senses, and my hunches never go wrong. Why do I have a feeling that you’ve seen me in one of your visions, but you’re just not telling me?” Apollo pointed out with a pout.

“Hmm, I see a good future heading your way, Duke Apollo. So worry not. There are just some details I can’t disclose,” Tarah meekly replied.

“This is so unfair, but I guess I’ll just keep in mind that it’s a good future,” he grinned.

“So, ladies, tell me… Do you have any plans for the day? I’m actually free to escort you two anywhere you want to go. It would be too boring to stay here all day doing nothing, don’t you agree?” Apollo offered.

“Can I also tag along?!”

The three of them turned and saw Princess Ezme approaching with an awkward smile.