CHAPTER 92: HER NEW POSITION

Ashen stood in front of Lumina, hands folded on his chest as his eyes darted to Stella, who lingered too close, her hands clasped as though she might shield her lady from him.

"What is your problem? Why leave without notifying me?" He finally asked after the long silence.

Lumina shifted where she sat, her body straightening though her face remained calm.

She tilted her head ever so slightly toward his voice. "Don’t yell at me," she murmured beneath her breath, her tone more a warning than a plea.

Ashen’s lips parted, a retort on the edge of release, but instead his gaze flicked to Stella. "Leave," he ordered flatly.

Stella stiffened, her mouth opening as if to protest, but the anger in his eyes cut off her words before they could form.

Without another sound, she bowed her head and slipped from the chamber, the soft click of the door closing leaving Lumina and Ashen alone.

Lumina exhaled quietly, her fingers fidgeting against the folds of her gown. "Why don’t you get it?" He fired at her.

"The queen doesn’t like me because she doesn’t like you either. Why bother yourself with respect that will never be given?"

"Don’t speak to me in that manner," Lumina snapped back.

His sigh broke through the silence, heavy with frustration. "Fine... I am sorry." He dragged a hand through his hair, lowering his voice. "Now answer my question."

Lumina rolled her eyes faintly, though her lips betrayed her, curving into the smallest smile. "I only wanted to know if Freya is still with her," she said softly. "But I suppose I have my answer now."

Ashen blinked, caught off guard. "So about being a healer?"

"Well... explain more about that." Her pout was audible in her tone as she shifted, her hands spreading open as though to display her helplessness.

"I don’t want anyone trying to control you anymore. It’s becoming annoying, seeing the way they use you as their trap and bully you whenever they please."

Lumina took in a deep breath and then her arms spread wide, her lips softly pursed.

"What are you doing?" He asked, confused.

"Come here," she murmured gently, tilting her face upward.

For a moment, Ashen could only stare. "Ashen.." she called again.

Then he stepped closer to her and stepped into her waiting arms. Lumina embraced him tightly, her slender frame pressing against his chest as though she feared he might vanish if she let go.

A small smile tugged at Ashen’s lips before he could stop it. She burrowed her head against him, her face hidden against the curve of his chest. His arms slowly circled her in return, holding her close.

"Thank you," she whispered into his chest, her voice muffled but clear, "for always being so keen about my protection."

Her words stirred something inside him he had long forced into silence.

"No one can control you henceforth," he murmured, his hand tightening at her waist. "Only the king has that right."

Lumina tipped her head back toward his voice. Ashen’s heart stuttered at the sight of her upturned face.

"She is your mother," she said quietly. "I cannot always let you disobey her for my sake."

The words sank deep, striking a chord within him. ’His mother?’ The word sounds foreign to him

She always finds a way to punish him cruelly for far less than this, she hates him and she doesn’t hide it. He knew she would not hesitate to use Lumina against him.

Yet hearing his wife try to protect him from that fate twisted his chest.

If only she knew how badly he wished to shield her instead.

Ever since she had stepped into his chambers, she had become something he could not turn away from. He had thought he would only endure this marriage, nothing more, but she proved otherwise. She has become someone so important in his life and he would not allow anyone, not even his own blood to harm her.

He lowered himself suddenly, kneeling so their faces aligned. His hands reached out, gently cupping her cheeks, his thumb brushing aside a strand of hair that had fallen across her face.

"My lady," he called out softly. "That is between me and her. But if she ever goes too far with you, do not hold back. Do what you must. You are good at protecting yourself, I will take the punishment."

Lumina gave a small smile, her lips curving with playfulness. His own smile came without thinking.

He caught her hand before she could pull away, frowning at the sight of her palm. It was red and sore.

"See?" he said softly, lifting her hand toward her. "This is what I mean. You endure too much without saying anything."

This time she pouted and pushed her hands forward. "It hurts," she admitted in a low voice.

Ashen bent his head and blew gently across her palm. The heat of his breath eased the sting, and Lumina giggled at the strange tickling feeling. Her body leaned closer to him without thought until the door opened again.

"My lady," Stella’s voice called carefully as she stepped inside with a small bowl of ice wrapped in cloth. "I brought this for your hands."

Ashen shook his head, just like Stella had told him the other she doesn’t listen to anyone aside from Lumina.

Ashen took it from her at once and gestured for her to leave again.

Understanding her mistake she gave a playful smile and ran out. Ashen snorted and then pressed the cool compress carefully against Lumina’s palm. His movements were slow and gentle, as if afraid of hurting her more.

"Your girl only listens to you."

"Not all the time," Lumina replied and he scuffed.

"I wonder who she learnt that from." Lumina sneered and he snickered in return.

"I will leave for the palace soon," he said after a pause, lowering his voice.

Before he could move away, Lumina’s arms wrapped around him again. She held him without thinking, her cheeks turning hot at her boldness. To cover it, she rested her head against his shoulder, trying to act calm.

"Little wife," he teased, his lips brushing the top of her head. "Are you already missing me?"

She said nothing, only tightened her hold. Her mind drifted back to her aunt’s warning about poisons, antidotes, and the dangerous game she was still playing.

The door opened again, this time with Ero stepping in. He bowed quickly.

"My lord, the palace calls for you. They say you have been gone too long."

Ashen blinked, remembering too late that he had only asked for an hour’s break. His lips curved in faint annoyance. "Of course."

Lumina’s arms fell away slowly, and he stood. The warmth of his presence left too soon. She lifted her chin, hiding her true feelings.

"You should go," she said quietly. "I would not want you punished for staying with me."

Instead of answering with words, Ashen leaned down and pressed his lips against her forehead. "Stay safe," he whispered, then turned to leave.

Lumina raised her hand once he was gone and flexed her fingers. The pain was gone. Just as she had guessed, his touch had taken it away, numbing it as though it had never been there. Her heart tightened with wonder. Did he have a gift he himself did not yet know?

"My lady, the ice," Stella reminded softly.

Lumina only smiled, pressing her palm to her cheek. "I don’t need it. He already stopped the pain, my only problem is how to get the antidote."

"I think you should.."

Lumina raised her hands stopping Stella midway, "I will work with the royal physician soon... since my man already secured a job there for me."

Stella shook her head, though a small smile formed on her lips. She had served Lumina long enough to know her mistress rarely opened her heart.

But here, in the Drakonis realm, with Ashen near, she was beginning to see something new, her lady laughing, smiling, daring to trust.

And Stella could not be prouder.