The Crown's Seduction
Chapter 178: Dahlia Is Alive

Chapter 178: Dahlia Is Alive

"Why did you come back?" Mineah questioned Tarah as she sat with the Seer on the table to have some tea alone after her mother left to see Wizard Lurio. She was refering to the time that she saw her return from the teleportation portal. Tarah had already been safely transported back to the encampment with Ezekiel back then, so she was baffled when she saw the woman returning right where she last saw her.

"It was bound to happen. I saw it in my vision," Tarah explained. "I needed to come back and show Zoran what really happened... That way, he’ll get distracted and not break the protective barrier you created for us. If I hadn’t come back, you would’ve become a captive in Helion."

Mineah could only accept that as the truth as she nodded. That was how seers worked for their kingdom’s advantage for millennia, after all. Because of their gift of sight, Ebodia could always plan ahead and prevent certain disasters from happening.

She nodded in understanding as she slowly sipped on her tea. She then looked at Tarah closely and stated, "I’m sure you’re also aware of the power I hold in my eyes?"

"What you saw through Zoran’s thoughts is bugging you, yes? Unfortunately, you read it all right. Dahlia is alive," Tarah sincerely responded. "Do you wish to see what happened when she died? I can show you since I manage to get a hold of some of Zoran’s memories while I was holding onto him."

"You know, this is the first time I heard of a destined seer in our Kingdom to also have the gift to see through someone’s past," Mineah couldn’t help but point out. She was well versed in the history of their kingdom, and so far all the seers they’ve had only held the power to see the future.

"I do believe I’m the first in the history of Ebodia," Tarah confirmed with a blush.

"We’re fortunate to have you by our side then, Tarah," Mineah genuinely remarked. "I’m grateful to have you with us."

Mineah then flashed Tarah a smile, but despite it, a part of her couldn’t help but pity the seer’s situation. Like Seer Beirut, she was bound to not have a family of her own since she must remain pure. In some ways, her gift could also be interpreted as some kind of curse as well. If Tarah would ever lose her virginity, she would lose the gift that made her valuable in the first place.

Well, that sounded more generous compared to her own curse where the man that would take her would lose his life... And yet Nikolai managed to break that curse without much effort... Actually, he made much effort for her in other ways...

Mineah’s face turned crimson red in embarrassment. She quickly shook her head, erasing the unnecessary thoughts inside her head in favor of focusing on what was in front of her. Right now, there were more important matters to think about, especially regarding Dahlia’s case.

"Also, before I forget, yes," Mineah steered the conversation back on track as she answered Tarah’s earlier offer. "Please show me what happened to Dahlia."

With a nod, the latter opened her palms for her to hold. Seeing what she had to do, Mineah rested her hands above Tarah’s palms, and right then and there Mineah’s eyes widened as the seer began navigating the memories she took from Zoran.

Moments passed, and as soon as they were done, Mineah’s eyes quickly darted toward a particular direction.

"Are you alright?" Tarah asked her, but she didn’t respond as she remained transfixed at what she was looking at.

It wasn’t until she saw Tarah waving her hand before her that she snapped herself out of her stupor. Taking a deep breath, Mineah let out a loud sigh as she mulled over what she just learned. Dahlia was alive, and Zoran was indeed hiding her from them. She should tell Nikolai about this, right? That was the right thing to do, but for some reason, she felt uneasy just thinking about doing it.

"I have to tell Nikolai about this," Mineah murmured in the end.

It was simply the right thing to do. She trusted Nikolai’s feelings for her. Surely it wouldn’t waver even if he found out about Dahlia being alive.

With her mind made up, Mineah stood up to leave with Tarah walking her outside the tent.

"I shall inform you about things as soon as I receive a vision or a message regarding your curse," Tarah smiled.

"Thank you, Tarah," Mineah replied with a smile before promptly walking out to see her husband. Only, to her surprise, he wasn’t inside the tent to greet her.

[Lai, where are you?] she asked through their bond as she walked outside the tent.

She flinched when she suddenly felt his familiar arms hugging her from behind.

"We’re outside!" she reminded him. Her eyes went wide as she saw some soldier staring at them.

Nikolai chuckled and then whispered into her ear, "Brace yourself..."

Without further warning, Mineah felt a familiar dizziness as she floated inside his sphere. Soon, she felt his arms around her again as her feet gently touched the ground. Looking around, her lips parted as she took in the sight before her.

In front of them, there was a cave with beautiful lights glowing inside it. Further inside, there was a clear cave spring just waiting for them to use it. She had heard about these glowing insects, and she knew that they weren’t harmful. In fact, the light they emitted from above the cave walls was just so pretty that she couldn’t help but gasp.

"One of my soldiers told me about this place that wasn’t too far away from our encampment while we were searching for Ezekiel," Nikolai casually remarked. "I thought seeing this might lift up your spirits after everything you’ve been through. The water is refreshing, and don’t worry, no one will disturb you here so you can take your time dipping in the spring."

Mineah blinked as she took in the sights before her. This was amazing. She didn’t think-

"By the way, why were you looking for me?"

She flinched at Nikolai’s sudden question. She had almost forgotten about Dahlia and what she had to do.

Mineah bit her inner cheek as she turned to look into Nikolai’s eyes. It was times like these when she wished she could also read Nikolai’s thoughts. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. His lips were stretched wide, and she found herself stepping back because of that devious look on his face.

"Later... Tell me what it is later if it’s not that important, Mine," he chuckled. "Come. Let me bathe you first."

Mineah was about to protest when she suddenly felt the cold air against her bare skin. Looking at her body, her eyes widened upon seeing how she was already naked.

"You!"

She was about to voice out her complaints, but Nikolai was quick to carry her in his arms. The next thing she knew, they were already in the water, and there was no more escaping just what she got herself into.

Then again, what she was about to say was indeed important. She didn’t want to add the weight of this information to the burden she was already carrying. Besides, Nikolai should know about this.

With Nikolai still holding her in his arms, Mineah straightforwardly said, "Dahlia is alive."

Immediately, his hold on her loosened, and she quickly moved out from his hold so that she could stand on her own feet under the water.

"What are you saying, Mine?"

Mineah let out a heavy sigh as she reiterated. "I read Zoran’s thoughts. Dahlia is alive," she explained. "If you want to see it for yourself, then go to Tarah. She can let you see what she saw in Zoran’s past about Dahlia."