Chapter 219: To Sow Discord
At the Kingdom of Ebodia
The announcement of King Ezekiel’s upcoming wedding to the Queen Regent of Zion, following the conclusion of the Global Summit, sent shockwaves through the entire kingdom.
Opinions on the impending ceremony varied widely: some were thrilled at the prospect, eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Queen Regent and curious about the woman who had captured the attention of their typically reserved king. However, there were also those who were devastated by the news, like Minister Greta, whose teeth clenched in frustration upon hearing it.
’It simply can’t be!’ she seethed inwardly. With haste, she excused herself from the court meeting and made her way swiftly to her private chambers in the Jade Palace.
She tried to calm her breathing as she rested her back on the back of the door. She clutched her chest and tears started pouring down her eyes. Ezekiel was her first love, and letting go was proving to be incredibly difficult.
Greta was fourteen when she first met Ezekiel, and the memory was as vivid as if it had happened yesterday. It was a bright summer day during her father’s visit to the palace and she tagged along. Young Greta, curious and adventurous, had wandered away from the main hall, finding herself in a secluded part of the training grounds.
There, she saw him. Ezekiel, already tall and handsome even at a young age, was practicing swordsmanship with his instructor. His movements were precise and graceful, a blend of strength and elegance that mesmerized her. She watched in awe, hidden behind a hedge, as he effortlessly parried and struck, the sunlight glinting off his blade.
During a break, Ezekiel noticed her peeking from her hiding spot. Instead of being annoyed, he smiled warmly and approached her. "You like watching sword fights?" he asked, his voice kind and inviting. Greta blushed, nodding shyly. He handed her his wooden practice sword and spent the next hour teaching her basic moves, his patience and encouragement making her feel special and important.
From that day on, Greta’s admiration for Ezekiel blossomed into something deeper. She began attending every public event just to catch a glimpse of him, her heart fluttering each time their eyes met. He was not only her prince but her hero, embodying the qualities she had always dreamed of bravery, kindness, and gentle strength.