The Crown's Seduction
Chapter 154: Her Search

Chapter 154: Her Search

A few hours later...

Mineah felt so utterly drained that she almost slumped her body onto the bed as soon as she teleported back with the help of Wizard Lurio. She turned around, finding herself gazing at her husband’s serene sleeping face and all exhaustion seemed to wash away in that moment.

She chuckled softly and hummed, "Look at you, smiling so gorgeously." Unable to resist, Mineah leaned in and gave her husband a quick peck on his lips before hurriedly changing into a nightgown. She then slid under the covers, nuzzling her body against Nikolai’s naked form.

Knowing that the spell would lose its effect before dawn broke, Mineah sighed deeply as her mind lingered on Tarah’s words.

’He’s struggling now, but I saw Ezekiel succeed with your help. We, humans, are made up of body, soul, and spirit and they all interact with each other. But Ezekiel’s spirit was expelled when he shifted into Vulcan’s form. Right now, it’s still Ezekiel’s body, but Vulcan’s soul is trying to take charge but hasn’t because Ezekiel’s soul is fighting hard to keep Vulcan from fully taking over. He just needs more time, so please make sure he won’t be harmed during these crucial days. You need to find Ezekiel’s spirit which is lost and help him return to his body. Ezekiel needs his spirit to shift back into his human form.’

She would have to search for Ezekiel’s spirit, and only someone with angel blood connected to him through blood ties can locate his spirit. She closed her eyes, preparing herself for another long day and night of searching– this time for Ezekiel’s spirit.

She buried her face into Nikolai’s neck and whispered, "I love you, Lai. I’m sorry that I still need to hide certain things from you." She wanted to be completely open with Nikolai, but hesitated, knowing about the painful past he had with his father’s death, whom Nikolai dearly loved.

Mineah closed her eyes, allowing exhaustion to take over, and drifted into a deep slumber.

**

The next morning, Mineah woke up to an empty bed.

"Did I sleep too much? Why didn’t he wake me up?" she murmured with a frown.

Clicking her tongue, Mineah quickly got up from the bed to fix herself up for the long day ahead. She wore her battle outfit, designed similarly to their royal mages’ attire, but more enhanced befitting her status as the new Queen of Valcrez. She fixed her long hair into a bun and wore her crown for battle.

Seeing the food ready on the table, she just had a quick bite and then walked out of the tent. The soldiers greeted her with respect.

"Where is His Majesty?" she inquired.

"In the planning tent, milady, with the officials," the soldiers informed. Mineah simply nodded and went to look for her mother instead.

Her mother, along with Wizard Lurio, was fully equipped for battle. It was a mere precaution but a necessary one, as they might end up facing enemies during their search for Ezekiel.

"Ready?" her mother asked and Mineah nodded. She turned to the tent where Nikolai was and saw him walk towards her.

He wore a smile as he approached them. "Looks like you’re all geared up. How about breakfast?" he asked.

"Done," she answered.

"Come on then, let’s begin with the search for your brother. Time is of the essence," Nikolai said.

Nikolai led her to her horse and helped her mount it. Mineah was surprised when Nikolai also climbed behind her.

"We’re sharing a horse?" she voiced out with a raised brow. It’s not that she didn’t want to, she just felt a tad shy, considering they were in the presence of her mother.

"You don’t want to? Will you have trouble tracking your brother?" Nikolai suddenly asked, making Mineah’s heart race.

For some reason, him raising an eyebrow and looking at her suspiciously was nerve-wracking.

’Does he still think I’m hiding something about Ezekiel?’ she wondered. While he was not wrong to think that way, she didn’t want Nikolai to be suspicious of her. Besides, it’s not like he would hinder her search for Ezekiel’s spirit so riding on one horse with him should be fine.

"No, it’s not that... Umm, I feel a bit embarrassed since... We’re together with my mother and others and uhm... I’mmm," she struggled to explain.

Nikolai chuckled and whispered in her ear, "I find this very comfortable. Also, I want to protect you well and the best way to do it is to stick to you like glue."

Mineah’s face reddened, and she couldn’t help but feel a mix of embarrassment and excitement. She caught her mother’s teasing smile and averted her gaze with a pout.

"Mine, don’t hesitate to take as much energy as you need," Nikolai commented.

"Thank you so much, Lai," Mineah answered. She had initially thought last night would be the last time she used Nikolai’s energy, but the circumstances didn’t permit it. With her mother torn, she firmly decided to continue relying on Nikolai’s energy until she found Ezekiel’s wandering spirit.

[Mine, last night I felt something strange happen. After we made love on the bed, did I pass out by any chance? I woke up this morning to find myself cuddling you when the last thing I remember is sitting on the edge of the bed with you on top of me] Nikolai communicated through their bond.

Mineah’s face paled, but she quickly responded, [Yes, you passed out Lai. I’m sorry; the incense lamps contained some spells that can make others sleep. But they are not harmful to your body, Lai. I didn’t bother to mention it to you thinking you needed enough rest last night. I’ll be careful next time and will only use those incense when you’re not with me.]

[I see. I don’t like passing out on you like that, Mine so please refrain from using it when you’re with me.] Nikolai firmly answered.

This was the alibi she had thought of and she hoped he would believe it. She couldn’t reveal her true reasons to him yet.