CHAPTER 36: FIGHT BACK

Ashen sat beside Lumina in silence, his jaw tense and fingers locked tightly together.

He had been awaiting the news of his mum’s healing at the same time his mind wrestled with doubt.

Though he trusted Lumina had helped with the healing, part of him still did not fully trust the process, nor the timing of her sudden recovery.

He wasn’t ready to ask Lumina the questions burning inside him questions that lingered around the poison.

But right now, more than anything, he just wanted his mother to be alright. She had never shown him affection, never smiled at him like she smiled at Adam or Aurelia. Still, she was his birth mother. The ache for her approval had never truly left him.

Beside him, Lumina sat quietly, reading her scroll as if untouched by the storm outside and within.

Her fingers trailed each line and her bruised cheek had begun to swell again, but she bore it without complaint.

Then, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from the hallway. Ashen’s head snapped up, his instincts kicking in as he rose sharply from his seat. The chamber doors flew open and Ero rushed inside, his face flushed but smiling.

"What is it?" Ashen asked quickly.

Ero bowed slightly, eyes bright. "The Queen is awake and she’s doing well."

Ashen let out a deep breath, his shoulders finally easing. Relief swept over him, not only because Lumina was safe from further suspicion, but because he would not lose his mother.

"Thank goodness," he muttered, glancing down at Lumina.

She looked up at him, her soft voice breaking the silence. "Thank you... for trusting me."

She stood slowly and turned to Stella. "Please... get me something cold for my face."

Only then did Ashen remember the bruise she had tried to hide all morning.

"What happened... in your class?" he asked, concerned in his voice.

Before Lumina could answer, Stella spoke up, her voice sharp with restrained anger.

"My Lord... she was mocked and hurt. Those girls couldn’t bear that she always wins the highest marks, and now that she wears the crown princess’s face, they hate her more."

Ashen clenched his fists, jaw twitching. He had remained silent for too long.

Just then, the chamber doors burst open again. All heads turned toward the door to see the intruder.

Rhynera strode in with her maids trailing behind her like shadows. Her gown sparkled, her chin lifted high with pride.

Stella and Ero bowed immediately while Lumina stood with quiet poise, she knew it was her sister the moment she heard the footsteps. Ashen rose too, though there was no warmth in his eyes.

"What is the meaning of this?" Ashen asked coldly. "How dare you barge into my chambers without permission?"

Rhynera’s lips curled into a smirk.

"The last time I checked, you are only the last prince of Drakonis. You ought to show me respect."

Ashen scoffed. "And the last time I checked, you are yet to be crowned. So what gives you the right to act like a crown princess?"

A soft chuckle escaped Lumina’s lips. She hadn’t expected him to defend her.

For days, Ashen had watched her with quiet concern, yet now, in front of everyone, he was standing beside her.

Rhynera’s eyes darkened seeing how someone was staring at Lumina.

"Watch your tongue," she warned, turning to Lumina. "And are you enjoying this? Are you enjoying stealing what belongs to me?"

"Mind your words," Ashen said sharply. "That’s My Lady you’re speaking to."

"You little..."

Before anyone could move, Rhynera stepped forward and struck Lumina across the face.

The sound of the slap echoed through the room like thunder.

Everyone froze.

Ashen’s hands twitched at his sides, rage filling his eyes. He took a step forward, but Lumina raised her hand to stop him.

Her fingers pressed lightly to her cheek, and for a moment, she didn’t speak.

"What was that for?" she asked, her voice trembling.

"For poisoning the Queen," Rhynera hissed. "Do you think saving her now would make you look like a hero? You just want to take my place! You have always been a snake!"

Ashen stepped in front of Lumina, his eyes dark and dangerous.

"You will mind your mouth," he growled. "She saved the Queen, and your life along with hers."

Rhynera laughed bitterly. "Exactly. She saved the Queen too easily. That means she knew what the poison was. How does she know such a thing unless she had a hand in it?"

"That’s a serious accusation," Lumina said quietly, her hand still at her cheek. "Do you have proof?"

Rhynera faltered, but pride held her upright. "I don’t know how you did it, but I know you did! I lived with you for ten years. I know how cunning you are!"

Lumina let out a soft laugh, a dangerous, heavy laugh that made Rhynera take a step back.

Then, in one swift movement, Lumina raised her hand and slapped Rhynera hard across the face, leaving Rhynera maiden shocked.

Ero and Ashen were also stunned by her comeback, she had thought she would let it go.

Ashen simply watched, his chest filled with pride.

Lumina stepped closer to Rhynera, her voice steady and cold. "I am still your older sister and the next time you strike me without cause, I won’t be so gentle." Rhynera clutched her cheek, stunned.

"I saved your life, and this is how you repay me? Accusing me of poisoning the Queen? I warned you not to play with fire, but you keep running into it." Rhynera shook her head at the accusation.

"I... I wasn’t the one who poisoned her..." Rhynera stammered.

"Was I?" Lumina asked. Rhynera couldn’t answer but just stared at her speechless.

Lumina leaned in, her voice a whisper, but it sent chills down Rhynera’s spine. "Make sure this is the last time you enter my chambers without invitation... or the punishment next time will be greater than a mere slap."

Rhynera’s eyes widened. Her hands trembled slightly, and she tried to step back. But Lumina’s fingers held her wrist in place.

"This is for the strike you sent to me the very day your marriage arrangement was concluded in the Celestial Realm. Trust me... try me again, and I will strip you of every title you cling to." Rhynera’s knees gave way slightly as Lumina shoved her gently aside.

"Yo.. You... It’s revenge?" Lumina smirked at this.

"Stella," Lumina said, turning without a second glance. "Kindly escort her out."

"Yes, My Lady," Stella said, stepping forward and guiding the stunned princess and her maids toward the door.

Ashen stood frozen for a moment, then looked at Lumina with a strange softness in his eyes.

For the first time, he didn’t see her as a burden but a strength he had always craved for.