The Crown's Seduction
Chapter 173: A Special Search Party for Him

Chapter 173: A Special Search Party for Him

After her sister Xenia’s wedding celebration, Mineah together with her mother, wizard Lurio, and Nikolai, all returned back to Ebodia’s encampment. Mineah didn’t think anything would happen between then and now, but it would seem that she had some time to relax for the time being.

"How are you feeling?" her mother asked her as soon as they both had their privacy afforded by being inside the latter’s tent. It was already dark out, but Nikolai’s presence was asked for by Princess Ezme before they launched another attack on the Helion troops spotted near the southeastern border of Ebodia.

"I’m feeling good, Mother. There’s nothing to worry about," Mineah reassured her before taking a short sip of the tea her mother had prepared. "I’m getting a hold of the powerful chaos inside of me, and it’s stable right now."

"That’s good to hear, Daughter. You must learn to control that chaos no matter what," her mother nodded in approval before letting out an apologetic sigh. "I’m sorry that it had to come like this, however..."

Mineah shrugged as she did her best to ignore the pitying look she was receiving. She always hated it whenever her parents would feel sorry because they were unable to do anything for her and her siblings. They knew they were trying their best as parents, but there were just certain things that were beyond their control and capabilities.

"Mother, you do know that you make me feel sad whenever you’re like that..." Mineah complained with a pout.

As if noting what was just said to her, her mother gave her a gentle smile as she then held her hand. "You did great, Daughter," she lovingly said. "Always remember that I’m very grateful and proud of you."

Mineah’s lips stretched wide as she snorted, "That’s what I preferred to hear, Mother. See how that lifted my spirits up? Please, I really don’t like you feeling sorry for us. As your daughter, I know how you and father are always doing your best for us all."

She took in another breath and added, "We’re family, and doing this for Brother Ezekiel is nothing. He and Sister Xenia would’ve done the same if I was the one in trouble."

Smiling, her mother cupped her face and lovingly hummed, "Ah... What did I do to deserve such great children? You’ve grown so well, my daughter."

"I had great parents guiding me," she answered with a wink. "That, and a wonderful and loving family is all."

Chuckling, her mother wiped some of the tears running down her cheek as she gave Mineah a proud and loving gaze.

"Thank you for growing up so well, Daughter. Right now, you should just focus on controlling the chaos inside of you. I’ll be the one to take care of your brother Ezekiel together with Wizard Lurio," her mother reassured her. "We’ll be assisting him in controlling Vulcan and his ability to shift. I’ll keep you updated on our progress."

Mineah shook her head in approval. "Although, I do hope he manages to get a hold of his ability to shift forms quickly. I feel that Lai is getting more suspicious of me with each passing day, and while I already told him more about my inner powers and curses, I still can’t tell him that I have angel blood," she pointed out with a sigh. "Doing so would tip him off that Ezekiel might be able to hold Vulcan’s power, and that can’t happen at least until Brother is good enough to shift off his own free will."

From there, the two of them shared a few more lighthearted conversations with one another. Then, after discussing a few important topics with her mother, Mineah bid her good night and went outside. She was well on her way back to her tent when she heard a familiar voice.

"Your Majesty..."

Mineah turned and gave Atlas a smile in greeting. She didn’t know why he seemed to be seeking her out, but then she remembered that Dani wasn’t back yet. He was probably getting worried.

"Atlas, I told you to call me Mineah just like old times..." she scolded him with a pout.

In response, the young commander gave her a timid smile while scratching his nape. "I suppose so, Yo- Mineah."

"Come. Let’s walk around while you tell me what it is that you wanted to say," she remarked with a chuckle as she started walking around the camp with him.

"Well, it’s about Dani. I can’t help but feel worried," Atlas admitted. "I’m sure my parents would be disheartened with the news of her engagement, but they’ll still support her in the end no matter what choice she ends up making anyway. I know that she’s no longer a child and that she’s grown up to decide for herself, and yet..."

Mineah stopped in her tracks. Turning to her side, she patted Atlas’s shoulder with a humorous wink. "Stop worrying too much about it. I’m sure that by now, they’re well on their way to the encampment," she reassured him.

"You’ll get the chance to meet the man she’s about to marry then. I’ll even let you take care of him however you want, Atlas. Who knows? Maybe even my brother Ezekiel could be present by the time you’re ready to skin Chancellor Abel alive... He’ll be eager to help you, I’m sure."

"What I would give to see that happen..." Atlas chuckled at the lighthearted joke. "Still, I do hope that we find Ezekiel soon. His Majesty, King Nikolai, had already arranged a special search party for him. It’s good to see how dedicated he is."

Mineah frowned at that news. She wasn’t aware of that at all. "He did?"

"Yes," he informed him. "They’re searching all up the mountains and the other hard-to-reach places in this forest since they’re the only areas that haven’t been searched yet."

"And he left already?" she asked, her heart starting to bang against her chest. She was just with Nikolai a while ago, so how come he didn’t tell her about it? He didn’t even let her ask to join the search in the first place.

"Yes," Atlas nodded. "He left with his Scions just a while ago."

Narrowing her eyes, Mineah quickly turned around and rushed towards wizard Lurio’s tent, ignoring Atlas’s calls behind her as she focused on contacting her husband.

[Lai,] She called for Nikolai through their bond.

[Yes, Mine?]

[How can you leave me behind like this?] she questioned as she stopped right before the entrance of Wizard Lurio’s tent.

[I thought you needed more rest and some more catching up with Mother, so I didn’t bother disturbing you. Besides, I’ll be quick and return as soon as I can,] Nikolai assuaged her. [I heard that they saw some smoke in a particular part of the mountains east of us, so I’ll go and check it out to see if it’s your brother. Just wait there, alright? I’ll bring your brother back to you.]

Their connection was then cut off, and Mineah didn’t even bother going inside the tent as she promptly called for Wizard Lurio from where she stood.

"Your Majesty," Lurio greeted her outside his tent.

"We have a problem..." Mineah whispered, almost as a gasp. She felt like she was losing air, and it was almost like she couldn’t breathe properly. "Nikolai is on his way to the mountain where Ezekiel is. I need to arrive there before him and teleport Ezekiel away. I mean... We’re not sure if he’s already able to shift into his human form yet..." She trailed off as she became engrossed in her thoughts. Then, with a desperate glint in her eyes, she asked "Will... Would it be safe if I started using the well of energy that newly awakened in me?"