The Crown's Fire

Ezekiel halted in his trance and turned back to approach Cora. "Announce my presence to Queen Regent now and tell her that I want to have dinner with her inside her carriage." Cora blinked rapidly and responded, "I will do, Your Majesty." She curtly bowed and began to walk past him, but Ezekiel added, "Also, get Aurum back and let it stay with you throughout the journey."

She turned to look at him, starting to protest, "Your Majesty, I—"

Before she could continue, Ezekiel cut her off, "That one bargained a deal with me. Bear with it for now until the Global Summit ends. If you truly think you can’t handle the responsibility, then I will personally get it back from you, Cora."

She shrugged and replied in a low tone, "I will do as you say, Your Majesty." Ezekiel watched as Cora approached Katelina’s convoy, patiently waiting in the same spot.

Soon, Cora returned and said, "Please follow me, Your Majesty." With a knowing smile, she added, "The Queen Regent was quite surprised, but she gladly accepted your presence for dinner inside her private... carriage."

Instantly, Ezekiel’s face lit up, and he quickly gestured for Cora to walk faster toward Katelina’s carriage, as if it were his first time there.

Inside, Katelina greeted him with a curt nod. "Your Majesty."

There was already food on the small table, and he sat opposite her. "Let’s have dinner first. I have something important to discuss with you later," Ezekiel hummed. Ignoring Katelina’s intent gaze, he started cutting the roasted meat and put some on her plate, including the side dish and mashed potatoes.