CHAPTER 47: THE PUNISHMENT

The morning light spilled into the chamber like a gentle tide, brushing across the silken drapes and soft rugs.

The scent of fresh lilies drifted in through the open balcony doors, carried on a faint breeze.

Lumina stirred beneath the warm covers, her fingers curling against the sheets as the heaviness of sleep slowly lifted from her.

For the first time in weeks, her dreams had not been shadowed by fear.

Her mind wandered back to last night. How Ashen had been patient with her. His voice had been low but steady, guiding her hands over parchment and ink, teaching her the correct way to shape the ancient runes.

She had felt his presence at her side like a quiet shield. When she made mistakes, he did not sigh or scold her.

"You are smiling," came a teasing voice from the doorway.

Lumina tilted her head in the direction of the sound. "And?" she asked softly.

Stella stepped into the room carrying a basin of scented water. "And it’s not just any smile. That’s the kind of smile a girl wears when she’s either in love... or she’s thinking of something she shouldn’t be."

Lumina let out a breath of amusement and shook her head. "You imagine too much."

"I imagine just enough," Stella replied, setting the basin down and crossing her arms. "Do you know, the prince almost missed his council meeting this morning?"

Lumina’s brows are knitted. "Why?"

"Because," Stella said with a grin, "he refused to let anyone wake you. Tell us you needed your rest. Can you believe it? Prince Ashen protects your sleep like it were a royal treasure."

Lumina sat up in surprise. "But... I am already late, aren’t I?"

"Not by much," Stella said, gently pushing her back down. "Now stop worrying and let me get you ready."

The morning routine was unhurried. Stella washed her face with the warm, rose-scented water, combed through her long hair until it fell smooth over her shoulders, and dressed herself in a soft lavender gown that brushed her ankles when she stood. The fabric was light, perfect for the early spring air.

"You seem... different today," Stella observed as she tied the sash at Lumina’s waist. "Happier."

Lumina only smiled faintly and said nothing.

"Do you want breakfast?" Stella asked.

"No. I am not hungry," Lumina replied.

Stella made a face. "You sure you will be strong enough to hold on in class?"

"I will be fine." She answered with a small smile.

After she was done dressing they both left for classes, not after leaving some rules for the maids around.

When they reached the classroom entrance, Lumina took a steadying breath and stepped inside.

The moment her foot crossed the threshold, something above her cracked.

A rush of cold, slimy liquid poured down from a hidden ledge, drenching her hair, her gown, her skin.

The stench hit her instantly rotten eggs, spoiled milk, and something sharp, like crushed herbs gone sour. Gasps and laughter exploded around the room.

Stella gasped in shock staring at her lady who is now dripping in this, Lumina felt like throwing up just at the smell of it.

"Oh, look at her!"

"Blind and now filthy!"

"Never try to act like the best in front of us!"

Her cheeks burned and she could feel the foul liquid dripping down her face and neck, soaking the lavender gown Stella had so carefully tied.

Rhynera’s voice rose above the others. "Lumina!" she called out in pity after getting satisfied with what Mia had done.

Mia gave her the look of victory and she managed to keep her smile now rushing forward with fake concern.

"Are you alright?" Lumina stepped back. "Don’t touch me."

"Hey... I am sorry I want to expect them to do this, let’s get you changed." Rhyeneranoreseed glanced at Mia.

Mia, understanding her lady, also rushed forward. "My lady is only showing care about you, why are you acting too cold with her?"

This got Lumina pissed and in nuance, she smacked Mia across her face, "Don’t you dare butt into this!" Lumina warned and this time Rhynera grabbed Mia.

"Hey... sister she was just worried.." Rhynera let out and everyone around scoffed.

"Let her be! Crown Princess, she doesn’t need your help." One of the ladies let out.

"Don’t speak that way about my lady! You all had caused this in the first place." Stella cried out about helping Lumina out but then Rhynera pushed Mia out of the way.

"Sister, I can clean up your dress.." Before she could finish her statement Lumina angrily shifted back.

Rhyenera’s heel caught on the edge of a display stand. It wobbled then toppled. A scroll slid off, landing directly against a lit lantern.

The paper ignited in a flash of orange and a scream filled the room. Students scattered back from the sudden flare of heat.

The door burst open and Lady Freya swept in, her steps sharp against the floor. Aurelia followed, her face pale.

The guards rushed in helping to quench the fire and when they were done.

Lady Freya’s eyes locked on the burning scroll, then on Lumina:

Her voice was cold. "Do you know what you have done? That was a gift from Her Highness herself, it had been kept for centuries!"

Before Lumina could speak, Rhynera fell to the floor, clutching her wrist with a cry. "I am sorry Lady Freya, I didn’t mean to cause I had mistakenly slipped." Rhynera cried out.

"No! She had pushed her! We all saw it!" another voice echoed and Mia smirked now moving to her lady to help her up.

"She destroyed the scroll! Punish her Lady Freya!"

"Poor Princess Rhynera!"

Lady Freya turned to Lumina, her eyes narrowed.

"For your reckless actions and for attacking the future Crown Princess of Drakonia, you will be punished. From this day forward, you will not enter this hall until your service is done. You will work in the west wing scullery, with no servants to assist you. You will also receive ten lashes on the cane every day."

"She’s blind!" Stella’s voice rang with fear.

"She... how could she purposely push the Crown princess?" Lady Freya glared at Stella.

"She has hands, doesn’t she?" Lady Freya’s reply was sharp. "Then she will use them."

"But that is unfair! The Crown.."

"Are you going to take her punishment instead?" Lady Freya asked, before Stella could soak Lumina grabbed her shaking her head.

"I will take the punishment," Lumina announced as she stood in the center of the room, the stench of the foul liquid clinging to her skin, her ruined gown heavy with it. Laughter still rang faintly in her ears.

"Go receive your punishment now!" Lady Freya’s voice echoed.