CHAPTER 100: HER CLAPBACK

The chamber of the royal physicians smelled of dried herbs and burning incense.

Mortar and pestle ground softly in the hands of apprentices as Lord Drex moved between tables, explaining the properties of each plant laid before them.

Lumina sat with Serena beside her, listening carefully to every word, her hands resting lightly on the wood in front of her.

She could not see the herbs, but she remembered their scents as Lord Drex named them one by one.

"This is feverleaf," Lord Drex explained, his voice carrying across the hall.

"It’s bitter, used for lowering heat in the body. A careless hand can overdose and harm the patient instead of curing."

Lumina tilted her head, her milky-white eyes focused on the sound. She whispered to Serena,

"Please can you bring it closer to me." Serena obediently placed the leaf near her and for a weird reason she wondered why Lumin got so serious when it got to this plant.

Lumina lifted it gently, inhaling. "It smells earthy... with a sour edge," she murmured.

Lord Drex who had just passed her heard what she had said and paused.

"Very good, Princess Lumina. You are quick to learn. A healer’s senses must go beyond sight. Smell, touch, and intuition are often sharper guides than eyes because a small mistake can lead to death."

A murmur of agreement ran through everyone aside from Princess Aurelia.

Standing a few steps away, her arms folded, she wore a thin smile that never reached her eyes.

She leaned toward her table and muttered loud enough for others to hear.

"Of course she needs to smell well since her eyes won’t be able to tell."

Serena stiffened, and Lord Drex paused at Aurelia word.

"Princess Aurelia, is that a bit rude?" Serena asked in shock and Lumina touched her hand, calming her. "Ignore her," she whispered.

Everyone minded their business this time and the lesson continued.

Lord Drex walked slowly around the circle of apprentices, his hands clasped behind his back. On each table sat small clay bowls filled with powdered herbs.

"This," he announced, stopping near the center, "is ground moonroot. Its oil can heal wounds faster than anything else we have, but the powder is dangerous. It burns the skin if touched. Handle it with care while you identify it."

While Lord Drex moved to the other side of the room, Aurelia’s eyes caught the glint of the moonroot’s pale powder.

An idea stirred in her mind, curling her lips into a sly smile. She reached for her own bowl, then leaned casually toward Lumina.

"Princess," she said sweetly, her voice soft enough that only Lumina and Serena could hear.

"I am sorry for being rude earlier. Here, take my bowl. It might be easier for you to smell this one — the scent is stronger."

She gently slid her bowl closer to Lumina, switching it with the harmless powder that had been in front of her before anyone could notice.

Serena frowned. Something about Aurelia’s sudden politeness felt wrong. "Lumina, wait..."

But Lumina had already dipped her fingers into the powder.

At once, a stinging burn shot across her skin. She gasped softly, her hand jerking back.

The pain was immediate and hot, like a fresh cut rubbed with salt.

Serena caught her wrist, eyes going wide. "Your hand...it’s turning red!"

The sound drew everyone’s attention.

Lord Drex was there in moments, his gaze landing on Lumina’s bowl.

The moment he saw the pale dust, his expression hardened. "Moonroot powder," he said grimly.

"Who gave this to her?"

Before Lumina could speak, Aurelia stepped forward with a gasp. "She grabbed my bowl!" she said quickly.

"I told her not to touch it, but she never listens. Now she’s hurt herself and could have hurt the rest of us!"

The apprentice looked from Aurelia to Lumina, unsure whom to believe.

Lumina’s lips pressed together, but she didn’t lower her head. "I cannot even see the bowls, Aurelia. How could I have switched them myself?" The room fell silent.

Serena’s eyes held annoyance, she might be cunning but hate when the weak are being trampled upon.

"You pushed it toward her. I saw you." Aurelia’s mouth curled in mockery.

"Why would I waste my time on her? She doesn’t even belong here. Blind as she is, she should be sitting at home clinging to her weak husband instead of pretending to study with the rest of us."

The words hit like a slap. Several apprentices shifted uncomfortably.

Lumina’s face remained calm, but a faint, knowing smile touched her lips. She turned her sightless gaze toward Aurelia.

"The same weak husband who is your brother?" she asked quietly. "If he is weak, then what does that make you, his sister?"

The remark burnt through the air like a wildfire. A few apprentices failed to hide their laughter. Even Lord Drex’s stern mouth twitched.

Aurelia’s face burned scarlet. "How dare you..."

But Lumina didn’t move. "Now... allow me remind you princess Aurelia since you aren’t used to being in the court," Lumina leaned closer.

"That same ’weak husband’ is the one who judges law in this realm. If the king hears that someone insulted the wife of the Arbiter of law in the king’s court, do you think there will be no punishment?"

This time, the laughter could not be contained. Some of the apprentices covered their mouths, but their shoulders shook while Serena’s lips parted in astonishment.

No one had ever defended Ashen like that, not even Ashen himself.

Aurelia’s hands curled into fists. She spun as if to storm out. "I will not stay here and be mocked."

"Wait." Lumina’s soft voice is her mid-step.

Aurelia turned back slowly, fury flashing in her eyes. Lumina’s sly grin still plastered on her face continued.

"The lesson is not over. Shouldn’t a princess be an example for others? Or is your pride more important than learning?"

Serena smirked at this and Lord Drex stepped forward, instantly before anyone could talk.

"Princess Aurelia, you know the rules of this chamber. You will stay and learn, or you may leave now and never return."

The words struck Aurelia harder than any insult. Her fist clenched, she turned back and sat down stiffly, her pride bleeding so bad.

The lesson continued, though the air was a bit awkward. Serena leaned closer to Lumina and whispered,

"I have never seen anyone talk back to her like that. You were incredible."

Lumina only gave a faint smile, letting Serena hold her burned hand. "You are her friend m... shouldn’t you be with her to appease her?"

Lumina asked instead and Serena smirked, "I don’t deal with people worse than me." Lumina could only snicker at this.

From across the room, Lord Drex watched her having that look that held respect.