CHAPTER 52: THE SUDDEN VISIT

Ashen gently laid Lumina down on the soft cushions of her bed. Her breathing was already deep and even, the delicate rise and fall of her chest speaking to the exhaustion that had overtaken her.

She had only rested her head on his shoulder for a short while after their talk, in the office.

Ashen couldn’t help being worried at how exhausted she sounded when she got back but had so badly wanted to tell her the news he had found out.

Only when she slept off on his shoulder did he finally think it was time to sleep, and again she didn’t take dinner before sleeping off.

He sighed and drew the covers over her gently. But as he tucked the blanket around her, a lock of her hair slipped to the side revealing her neck, and that’s when he saw it.

There was a dark, fresh bruise at the side of her neck and his eyes narrowed as he tried to check it well.

Then he recalled in the morning when he had seen a faint mark on her wrists. "I knew you didn’t fall on that hand but ignored it. Now this is becoming a bit much," he murmured.

He leaned down and slowly lifted the sleeve of her gown from her arms, truly there he met with more bruises.

His jaw clenched so tightly that it began to hurt him. These weren’t the kinds of marks one got from stumbles.

Footsteps behind him drew his attention. Stella stood near the chamber door frozen, but her hands trembled slightly as she folded them in front of her.

Ashen stood to his full height and turned to her. Stella swallowed hard as that gaze burned into her skin as he walked past her.

"Step outside," he said quietly, but there was anger in his voice. Stella bowed immediately and followed.

Once the door closed behind them, Ashen didn’t waste a second before speaking.

"If you lie to me," he said, his voice low and cold, "I will punish you myself."

Ero, who had just rounded the corner and heard those words, halted in surprise. He wasn’t used to hearing that level of threat from his master, now hearing him and directing it toward Stella made him confused.

"What’s been happening in her classes?" His eyes burned with fury as they bore into the soul of Stella.

Stella hesitated, lowering her gaze. "Nothing, my lord..."

Ashen scoffed, aware that it’s a lie. "Have you ever seen me punish anyone, Stella?"

Her eyes widened slightly at the reminder. Slowly, she fell to her knees.

"My lord..." Her voice trembled. "My lady made me swear not to tell you. She said she would punish me if I uttered a word to you."

Ashen’s fists clenched at his sides. "Who do you respect more, Stella?" he asked through gritted teeth. "Me... or her?"

Stella lifted her eyes to him, filled with fear. "I am sorry... but I fear my lady most."

Ero let out a dry, disbelieving laugh but was quickly silenced by Ashen’s glare.

"Is Princess Rhynera behind it?" he asked darkly, but Stella’s lips remained sealed.

"I won’t tell her you told me anything," he let out, his tone calmer now but no less harsh.

"I will find out more myself even if you don’t tell me...tell me the truth now, and I swear I will keep your name out of it."

Stella hesitated just for a breath. Then, as if a dam broke, the truth spilled from her lips after all she had wanted to let him know.

"She’s being hurt during class," she whispered. "Every day she would get bullied but two days ago... It went extreme and she had mistakenly pushed the crown princess and Lady Freya punished her." Ashen’s face went cold.

"She told me not to say anything," Stella continued, near tears now. "She said if you find out, you will ruin everything and you both can’t bear to lose favor from the king."

Ashen looked away for a moment, breathing hard. So that was it. Lumina had been suffering in silence... for him. Because she didn’t want him to fall, even if it meant bruises on her skin.

Just then one of the guards announced the arrival of Adam, and the chamber door opened.

All heads turned and down the corridor, there Adam in his robes approached them. Everyone bowed immediately before him except Ashen.

"To what do I owe this charming visit tonight?" Ashen asked, his voice laced with irritation.

His fists were still clenched, but he managed a tight smile.

Adam’s gaze flicked around with his usual arrogance. "How come I haven’t seen your little wife-to-be despite the announcement to give a proper greeting if you can’t?"

Ashen’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. "Would you like a seat and something to drink, then? Perhaps you’re thirsty from wandering into places where you aren’t invited." Ashen ignored his

Adam chuckled and took the seat that had been left for him. One of the servants stepped forward to pour tea for both princes.

"Again... where is your little sly bird?" Adam raised the question again and this time it pissed Ashwn off.

"She’s tired and resting already."

Adam’s brow arched. "So if the king himself came, would she not show the courtesy of waking to greet him?"

Ashen leaned forward slightly. "If the king came, she would but you are not the king. And if you want courtesy from my wife, you will get it through me."

Adam’s eyes darkened. "You are spoiling her, little brother. Even before she is officially yours."

"She is mine," Ashen said simply. "What do you expect me to do? Leave her to the wolves?"

From the side, Stella pressed her lips together to stop the smile rising. Finally, someone was standing up for her lady. She had longed to see Lumina protected like a true princess, like a cherished woman.

Ashen’s eyes never left Adam’s. "You have had your tea. If you are done checking on my wife, you may go."

Adam leaned back with a small smirk, but his jaw twitched. "Careful, Ashen. The closer you hold something, the easier it is to break."

Ashen’s reply was quite deadly. "Only if your hands ever get close enough."