CHAPTER 106: DIALOGUE WITH KING ADEN

Lumina made her way to the royal physician’s chambers, with the recent rumors following her every step.

The story of Aurelia’s punishment had spread through the palace like wildfire, and while part of her felt proud that the King had finally acted, there was no comfort in knowing Ashen had been dragged into the fallout.

It unsettled her that her husband had suffered for something she had done, and even worse that they were being forced to keep silent about it.

The thought that such a thing had been happening right under the King’s nose gnawed at her.

His favored son continued to shine while Ashen had been pushed into the shadows for so long that he had learned to stay there.

With Stella’s help, Lumina lowered herself carefully into the cushioned chair waiting for her.

"My lady," Stella called, adjusting the hem of Lumina’s gown. "My lord has asked me to stay outside today. If you need anything, one word and I will be here."

Lumina sighed and nodded, her fingers tightening slightly around the arm of the chair.

The sound of footsteps broke the silence and Serena appeared, graceful as ever, before taking a seat beside Lumina.

"How was your night?" Serena asked gently, a trace of worry threading through her voice.

Lumina was sure she already knew something about her relationship with Adam that was no secret from her.

"I don’t think I should tell you," Lumina murmured, her lips twisting into a faint, guarded smile.

Serena only smiled back knowingly. "Then perhaps you should find a way to get the Queen off his back. After all, he did the same for you."

Lumina turned her head at that, her sightless eyes narrowing slightly in thought.

"You love Adam," she stated flatly. "It’s strange that I still know so little about you," she added.

Serena smirked at the mention of Adam’s name, her eyes glinting. "Yes, I do. But I don’t like his mother either. Do you think we could..."

Lumina lifted her hand to stop her before she could finish.

She did not trust Serena fully. Whatever affection Serena held for Adam could just as easily become a weapon if things shifted in the future.

Lumina could not forget that Serena was still Adam’s lover, and that alone kept her guard up.

Lord Drex entered, and the chatter of the gathered apprentices fell into silence.

"Today," he began, "we study poisons. The silent killers of realms, the destroyers of kings and beggars alike. You must know them well not only to use but to defend against them."

Lumina sat up hearing this. The sound of liquid being poured and jars being uncorked filled the air as Drex displayed various vials and powders on the table before them.

"This," he said, lifting a vial of pale green fluid, "is snake lily extract. It is a slow, deadly poison. It paralyzes the heart muscle within three days if untreated."

Murmur rose among the students. Serena leaned close to Lumina, whispering. "Do you want me to write notes for you?"

Lumina nodded once, her fingers tightening on her lap. "Yes... since I can’t tell the smell," she whispered back.

Lord Drex continued, describing several ones while Lumina noted each in her head.

With the thought of finding the antidote to the one she has already in her body.

The lesson ended with no drama for the day and Serena gathered the scrolls and guided Lumina toward the exit, where she met Stella who was still waiting.

Juet then two of the king’s aides stepped into their path.

"Princess Lumina," one called respectfully, bowing. "His Highness requests your presence in the palace immediately."

Lumina’s brows are knitted as she asks. "Now?"

"Yes, my lady. It is urgent."

She nodded once, bidding her goodbye to Serena.

Finally, Stella and Lumina got to the King’s total chamber and Stella stood outside the main hall, bowing deeply.

"The king is waiting inside," One of the aides told her.

Lumina entered and knelt before King Aden. The sound of parchment being set aside reached her ears before his deep voice followed.

"How was your lesson today?" the king asked.

"It was fine, Your Highness," she replied quietly.

"And..." his voice grew more serious, "how was the incident yesterday? Has it harmed you in any way?"

Lumina shook her head. "No, Your Highness. I am doing okay and I am so happy I am attending this lesson."

A slow sigh escaped the king. "I must apologize for my daughter’s actions. She has acted rashly and hurt you."

"There is no need to apologize, it is in the past."

Kind Aden did not look convinced. Instead, his tone shifted. "I have signed a decree to protect you. It is the first thing my son has ever asked of me, and it is bound in blood."

Lumina’s brows furrowed. "Bound in blood? What does that mean?"

The king hesitated. "I am sorry, but I cannot tell you. Ashen asked me not to."

A small frown touched her lips. "He asked you to hide something from me."

He chuckled softly, trying to shift the mood. "It is for your own good. My son wants to protect you so much that he argued with me this morning for not doing enough."

A small smile spread across Lumina’s face. King Aden’s tone grew solemn.

"This decree gives you rights within this palace. So no one, even those of higher rank may harm you or treat you unjustly without consequence. You may refuse anything that threatens your dignity."

Lumina tilted her head. "Even the queen?"

The king froze at her question. "The queen?"

"Yes," Lumina answered. "She nearly destroyed my dignity once, and I was nearly defiled under her watch. I cannot simply forget that."

King Aden gritted his teeth as he asked, "Do you hate her for what she has done?"

"I don’t hate," Lumina said calmly but firmly. "But I remember what happened, and it was wrong." The king looked at her seriously. "You are very brave to speak like that."

"I am just telling the truth," Lumina replied. "And there’s something else, I have just found out that Lady Freya used forbidden magic and now she has been released."

The king’s eyes widened. "What kind of magic?"

"Magic that controls people’s minds," Lumina explained.

The king’s voice became stern. "That’s a serious offense. Who would dare do such a thing in my kingdom?"

Lumina hesitated, then shook her head. "If she really used that magic, she will face the consequences in the future. That’s how magic works, right? The power will turn against her.

King Aden studied her for a long moment, then slowly nodded. "You are wise. I will have her watched and isolated from the queen’s household until we are certain. You have done well to bring this to me."

Lumina bowed her head slightly. "Thank you, Your Highness."

When the conversation ended, Lumina rose to leave but paused near the doorway.

"Your Highness," she asked suddenly, "Are you drinking tea right now?"

The king blinked, surprised. "No. I was reviewing scrolls when you came in."

Lumina turned her head slightly, sniffing the air. A faint frown creased her face. She walked a few steps closer to the incense burner in the corner.

"What kind of incense do you use?" she asked quietly.

The king glanced at it. "Ah, that? A gift from the Sylvan Realm. It’s helpful for longevity."

Lumina’s lips curved in a grim smile. "If you value your life, stop burning it. Such incense weakens the heart over time. Do not let a gift become your poison."

With that, she turned and walked out, leaving the king staring after her in shocked silence.