CHAPTER 40: THE KISS

The first rays of dawn, like liquid gold, spilled into the chamber, caressing the form of Ashen as he stood before the mirror.

The royal threads of House Drakonis, draped over his shoulders, are his first official entry into the royal palace so he needs to be in nice attire.

Ero was helping him secure the last silver clasp on his belt when the heavy door groaned open.

A hush fell over the room as both eyes turned to the entrance in shock.

Lumina stood there with a small smile, "Hey... Stella said you might still be in the room." Both lads were too stunned to speak.

Lumina stood in her deep violet gown flowing over the stone floor like a river of twilight.

"Ashen.." she called again since no one had spoken between them to confirm they were there.

Ashen, caught off guard, instinctively reached for his outer robe, a blush creeping up his neck.

Ero’s face mirrored his surprise, a flush of embarrassment coloring his cheeks as he quickly clasped his belt.

"Hey, I am dressing.." Ashen finally said and Lumina snickered at this.

"I am blind," she reminded him, her voice a melodious echo in the stillness. With steady, unwavering steps, she moved towards Ashen.

Ashen narrowed his gaze at her. "Still, you could knock," he muttered, tugging his robe tightly around him.

"Ero," Lumina said softly, not waiting for Ashen to give the order. "Would you mind giving us the room?"

Ero blinked, but nodded quickly and bowed, glancing between them before quietly slipping out, shutting the door behind him.

Now alone, Lumina reached into the folds of her garnet-colored sash and pulled out a small bundle of cloth.

It was neatly wrapped, with golden thread and a delicate silver charm pinned to its edge. Ashen’s brows rose in confusion as she extended it to him.

He took it gently, unfolding it to reveal a finely woven inner garment soft to the touch, lined with protective runes embroidered into its seams.

"Wear this underneath your robes," she murmured. "You are walking into the palace today. Your mother won’t be happy, and I am certain the crown prince will be far from pleased. You will be surrounded by enemies with bright smiles. So you will need more than wit and charm to survive."

Ashen stared at the garment for a moment, touched. No one had ever given him something like this before.

"How did you get this?" he asked surprised and Lumina snorted.

"You can return it if you don’t want it." She said, stretching her hand and Ashen looked up at her, a slow smile forming on his lips.

"So you care about me after all," he teased, stepping closer.

Lumina gasped when he suddenly pulled her close. "Hey..." she mumbled, clearly flustered, her hands splayed on his now-covered chest.

"Let me go." But he only grinned, leaning in, his voice barely above a whisper. "You can’t hide it anymore."

"I am not doing this because I care," she said quickly, trying to regain control. "I need the man who will help me find the cure for my blindness alive and well. That’s all."

Ashen tilted his head mockingly. "Mm... Of course.... Nothing to do with the way you are blushing right now?"

"I am not...!" she began, but he had already caught her hands in his again, guiding them to rest against his chest.

"Why run away?" he asked, his voice dipping low, "You will be my wife soon enough."

She stood frozen, a sharp gasp escaping her lips, betraying the calm facade she wore. Her mouth hung open in silent shock, and he stepped closer, his voice a low whisper mere inches from her ear. "You are not as indifferent as you pretend to be."

"Stop pulling me toward you like that," she managed, breathless, and tried to push him again, but he didn’t budge.

He chuckled softly. "You are so easy to tease."

"You are going to be late," she mumbled, turning away in a rush, her cheeks visibly flushed. But she misjudged her direction, heading straight for the wall instead of the door.

Ashen reached for her, pulling her back into his arms with a soft "Hey... careful. You will hurt yourself."

She nodded quickly, too embarrassed to speak, her face burning. He guided her gently to the door, where Stella was already waiting. Lumina didn’t look back.

Stella, noticing her lady’s unusually flushed face, raised a brow as she helped her to her chamber.

Once inside, Lumina collapsed into the nearest chair with a loud exhale, her thoughts racing. Her heartbeat was far too loud in her ears.

She began pacing, biting her lip, and muttering to herself. "Calm down. It’s nothing. Just a man. Just Ashen. Nothing... nothing serious..."

"My lady, are you alright?" Stella asked, still watching her with concern.

"Bring me my scroll and help me get ready for class," Lumina said quickly, trying to appear normal, but her voice cracked slightly.

"Alright, my lady." Stella let out walking out of the room to go help her get her scroll.

Moments later, the door creaked open again. She sighed. "Stella? Can you see if my face is red?" But there was no answer.

She tilted her head, frowning slightly. "Stella?" she called again.

She moved forward, hand outstretched, reaching to touch the face of the person in front of her.

Her fingers brushed skin warm, masculine and her breath caught.

His hand suddenly circled her waist, pulling her sharply forward. She gasped, alarmed.

"Ashen!" she squeaked, stepping back quickly, but he only followed, step for step.

"What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be on your way to the palace?" she whispered.

He didn’t answer her, Instead, his gaze dropped to her lips. His eyes lingered there, and for a moment, the room held its breath.

"Wh... what are you doing?" she asked, her heart thumping so fast.

Then, without a word of warning, he locked his lips with hers.

At first, his lips touched hers gently, as if he were testing the feeling. He didn’t rush. His mouth pressed lightly against hers, soft and careful, like he was trying to understand her through the kiss.

"Hey!" Lumina gasped but his grip was strong, stopping her from pushing him away.

Then his hand came up and rested against the side of her face. His thumb brushed her cheek, and the kiss grew deeper. His lips moved more firmly against hers slow and passionate. He kissed her like he had wanted to do it for a long time but had been waiting for the right moment.

She was shocked, completely unprepared, but her body reacted on its own. Her breath caught in her throat. Her hands tightened into her skirt, holding on to something as her heart pounded in her chest.

The tiredness she had felt just a moment ago disappeared. All she could feel was the warmth of his lips and the way he was holding her like she was something fragile, yet important.

When he finally pulled away, her lips were still tingling. Her chest rose and fell as she tried to breathe normally again. She couldn’t speak or think of a word.

All she could do was stand there, stunned, wondering how a single kiss could make her feel like the ground had shifted beneath her feet.

Ashen leaned closer, his voice no louder than a whisper.

"Don’t ever mistake me for someone ordinary again." Then he turned and walked out, not waiting for her reply.

She stood frozen, lips parted, stunned and speechless. Her mind replayed the kiss over and over again. Her skin still hummed from the feel of his touch.

Outside, Ero was already waiting at the far end of the corridor, arms folded. But when he saw Ashen walk out he could tell there was something different about him. The prince’s eyes were clear, his steps unhurried, his energy sharper.

Then Ashen spoke, calmly, "She has a shield on her now. No one should be able to bully her again without getting burned." Ero blinked, confused. Then his eyes widened.

Ashen had distracted Lumina with the kiss and placed a shield on her without her knowledge.

"My lord... that was your shield. The one gifted to you by the High Priest himself. That was..."

Ashen’s gaze flicked to him, sharp as a blade. Ero’s words died in his throat.

"She needs it more than I do," he replied, making Ero speechless.

Ashen’s fingers moved to his chest, brushing lightly over the soft fabric beneath his dark outer coat.

"She brought me something for protection too, let’s consider it even," he said softly, almost to himself.

For a moment, his face softened and Ero was more than lost. Not many had ever given him anything without expecting something in return. Even his mother hardly gave him gifts nor ever tried to protect him.

And for the first time in a long while, a small smile touched the corner of Ashen’s lips.