CHAPTER 105: HIS FAVORITE

The next morning, the chamber was still and quiet. Ashen lay deep in sleep, his grip so tight around Lumina’s hand as if she would run away before he woke up

Lumina stirred, turning slightly, trying to free herself without waking him. She tugged once, twice, but his hold remained stubborn. Her

Her lips pressed together in a faint pout of frustration as she carefully pried at his fingers.

The door creaked softly. Stella slipped inside, carrying fresh water and clothes, only to pause at the sight before her. A slow grin curved on her lips as she caught Lumina’s struggle.

"My lady," she whispered, amused, "if you keep tugging like that, he may wake and think you are trying to escape him."

Lumina’s cheeks warmed. She gave one last gentle pull until at last his hand loosened just enough for her to slip free.

She stood quickly, smoothing her gown, as if that would hide what Stella had already seen.

"Mm... so shy," Stella teased, covering her smile with her hand. "I never thought I would see you trapped by anyone, let alone by your husband’s hand."

Lumina tilted her head toward Stella, her expression calm though her ears betrayed her with their faint flush.

"Enough. Help me prepare. I need to leave early."

"As you command, my lady," Stella replied, still grinning as she set the basin down. "But don’t think I will forget the sight. You should have seen yourself blushing, like a maiden caught sneaking from her lover’s bed."

Lumina pursed her lips, choosing silence over argument, though inside her heart gave a restless thrum.

She allowed Stella to guide her back to her chamber, each step filled with the quiet awareness of Ashen’s lingering warmth still clinging to her hand.

*****

Lumina walked with Stella at her side, her fingers brushing along the wall to steady her steps as she moved toward the kitchen.

The palace corridors were already alive with servants hurrying to their duties, each bowing quickly as she passed.

For once, she did not allow herself to shrink behind quiet steps. Today, she wanted to do something for him.

When she entered the kitchen, the maids and cooks froze mid-motion. Their eyes darted to one another, uncertain, until she lifted her chin.

"I want Ashen’s breakfast prepared," Lumina ordered softly, her voice carrying the subtle authority that made the servants instantly obey.

The head chef nodded quickly, already gathering his assistants. Lumina hesitated, her hands folding neatly together.

She wanted to surprise Ashen, to make certain the meal carried his favorites, but the truth struck her she recalled she did not know what he liked.

She pressed her lips together, thinking, then finally began in a tentative tone. "Prepare... perhaps some roasted venison? And... no, perhaps not. Or... spiced broth?"

Her uncertainty drew funny glances from the staff, though none dared speak. She frowned faintly, her eyes tilting as if the silence mocked her.

Just as her mind tangled in confusion, a deep voice cut through the air, smooth and commanding.

"Steamed pheasant, and goat’s milk is warmed, not boiled. You can also add for other days fruit pomegranate and figs. In case my lady doesn’t recall it.

Lumina’s head turned sharply toward the sound, her lips parting. The kitchen staff quickly dropped their gazes, bowing lower as Ashen himself stepped in, his long white hair unbound, his presence filling the room like shadow and fire.

She swallowed hard. "Why... why are you awake?"

Warmth brushed against her back before she felt his arms circle her waist.

Ashen pulled her gently into his chest, his chin resting near her temple as though it was the most natural thing in the world.

The staff froze, eyes averted, every movement awkward as they tried to pretend they had seen nothing. No one dared breathe too loudly.

"I opened my eyes the moment you slipped out," Ashen murmured, his voice low and steady against her ear.

Her heart skipped as she stood rigid, his embrace both comforting and disarming. "You should still be resting... I shouldn’t have woken you up," she murmured now filled with regret.

"I cannot," he said simply. "The king will grow suspicious if I don’t attend to the pace court this morning." Lumina sighed defeated recalling they didn’t want the king to be aware of what had happened the previous night.

"How is your wound?" he smirked against her lip as he placed a kiss there. Everyone around couldn’t bear to watch more of this couple, it was like they didn’t even know they were all present in the kitchen.

"I told you I would be healed by morning." Lumina scrunches up her face and hits his chest.

"Hey!" he let out coughing.

"You said you were okay.." She protested, and Ashen crackled.

"Yeah... but you hitting me there still hurts." Lumina swallowed no snails on her face as she was trying her best to be sure he was doing fine.

"But if you wish to care for me, then remember this..." his lips brushed her hair as he repeated the list softly,

"steamed pheasant, honeyed bread, goat’s milk, pomegranate, figs. Never forget, those are my favorites. I love wine also... I don’t have a specific one as long as it’s wine. I will enjoy it."

Lumina’s lips trembled into a faint frown. "And breakfast today?"

"I won’t be taking any."

She turned slightly within his hold, her brow knitting. "What? You have duties, yes, but you cannot..."

"I will manage," he interrupted, his tone calm yet final. "Promise me you will not worry. You should eat, not me."

Still, her face scrunched up in frustration, and Ashen’s lips quivered faintly, almost amused.

"Do not look at me like that," he murmured. "I will eat tonight. That is enough."

Before she could argue, footsteps approached. A guard bowed low, his voice steady though his eyes flicked nervously to Lumina.

"Your Highness, the council requests your presence in the palace court at once."

Ashen exhaled slowly, as he turned his gaze to Lumina, studying how her mood had turned sour.

He lowered his head and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"I will be back in the evening, have a lively day," he said softly, then released her and strode away.

For a moment, the kitchen remained frozen, until Lumina exhaled a heavy sigh. She straightened her posture, masking the twist in her chest, and turned back to the chef.

"Then... prepare his favorites for this evening," she instructed, her tone leaving no room for question. "He will eat tonight."