CHAPTER 160: THE FINAL DECISION

Ashen lay awake, his arm curled protectively around his wife. The faint light of morning spilled through the carved windows, brushing across the silken sheets.

He had returned only a few hours ago, weary from his secret meeting, yet he had not found true rest. His eyes had remained open while Lumina slept peacefully against him, her breathing soft and even.

He studied her face as though memorizing every detail of the curve of her lips.

She was blind, yet there was a beauty in her that outshone all the jewels of Drakonia.

His hand brushed lightly over her arm, checking her pulse. The poison still lingered within her blood, though its marks did not show as easily because of the power she carried but he was pretty sure it would be working underneath.

He could not guess the full strength that lay within her, but he had already chosen to trust her completely. She was the only one who had stood by his side without fear or judgment. That trust was enough for him.

After a while, she stirred, shifting against him. Slowly her eyes fluttered open, though they could not see him.

A smile spread across her lips as though she had sensed his gaze all along. Ashen’s chest constricted, warmth flooding through him.

"You are awake," he whispered, his voice low.

She reached toward him, her hand finding his chest, her fingers lingering there as though searching for his heartbeat.

Ashen lowered his head and pressed kisses to her forehead, her nose, and finally her lips.

She inhaled as if drawing his scent deep into her soul, and he could not help the quiet pride that rose within him. To be her husband, to be the man she trusted was enough to make him proud.

A knock sounded at the door. Ashen straightened, his expression shifting back to its usual guarded calm. A voice came from outside. "My Lord, the King summons you both to the palace this morning."

Ashen kissed his wife’s temple before answering. "We will come."

Just then the door opened, and Stella entered. Her presence was gentle, her smile bright despite the faint weariness in her face.

"Stella," Ashen greeted her, "How is your health?" he asked and she bowed.

"I am getting better my lord.." he said, standing up now patting her shoulder lightly before he rose from the bed. "Take care of yourself."

He glanced once more at Lumina, before he left.

Stella hurried to Lumina’s side, her voice warm. "My lady, you look so radiant this morning."

Lumina tilted her head slightly, her sightless eyes turning toward her friend. "And you, Stella... tell me truthfully. How are you? Are you healing well? Sleeping? You sound tired."

Stella laughed softly, but there was a nervous edge to it. "I am managing, my lady. Truly, there is nothing to worry about."

"Do not lie to me," Lumina said gently, reaching for her hand. "I can feel your strength slipping each time I touch you. The poison is still within you, isn’t it?"

For a moment Stella was silent. Then she squeezed Lumina’s fingers and tried to smile again. "Even if it lingers, I will not let it take me. You have already done so much, my lady. Please, do not carry my burden as well."

Lumina’s lips pressed into a thin line. "You are not a burden. I will find the antidote for you, Trust me."

Stella’s eyes shimmered, though she forced her tears away. "You are the best lady I have ever served. Truly, I am lucky." She leaned forward and embraced Lumina tightly, hiding her weakness in that brief hug.

"Well... regarding that I am the only Lady you have ever served so how come you get a favorite?" Stella broke into laughter as she embraced her rightly now.

They discussed more as Stella helped her dress. Lumina told her of the festival the night before, of how Rhynera had lost face, and Stella laughed with delight. "Ah, I wish I had seen the look on her face! At least there is some justice in this world."

But as they finished, Stella swayed slightly. Lumina noticed at once, concern flashing across her features. Yet Stella straightened, forcing a smile. "I am fine, my lady. Let us not keep the King waiting."

Lumina told her to stay back as she left with Ashen.

When they arrived at the palace, the great hall was already heavy with tension. Serena and Adam stood near the front, both dressed in fine garments.

The Queen sat stiffly beside the King, her expression dark with anger. Rhynera lingered at the side, her lips pressed into a thin line.

Lumina and Ashen bowed respectfully. "Your Highness. Your Grace."

But Queen Sephora’s voice cut him off before the King could reply. "Why are they both summoned here? This is a family matter. It should not concern the last prince and his blind wife."

The King’s eyes narrowed. His voice rose, deep and commanding. "Sephora, you will not question my authority. They are part of this family whether you like it or not. They will stand here and hear the matter settled."

The hall grew still. Even Adam lowered his head at the King’s tone.

The King continued, his words heavy. "I have given love to every child of mine, even to the princesses. Yet look at what has become of my house. Scandals, disobedience, betrayal. Ashen has been called weak all his life, yet he treats his wife with honor. What of my crown prince? He sneaks behind doors, takes another to his bed, and now brings shame to the royal name."

Adam’s face flushed with humiliation. Serena shifted uncomfortably, but her hand rested protectively on her stomach.

The Queen tried again, her voice trembling with fury. "This is not right. Are you truly going to reward this woman, this..."

"Enough!" the King thundered. "If you cannot stand with me, then excuse yourself from this hall."

Silence followed and no one dared to breathe too loudly.

At last, the King turned to Serena’s father, Lord Drex, who stood respectfully at the side.

"We will settle this here. Your daughter is carrying the crown prince’s child. According to the law of our realm, the first heir cannot be denied legitimacy. She will become a concubine, and her child will be recognized."

Adam’s jaw tightened, and Rhynera’s eyes widened with outrage. The Queen looked as though she might faint. But none could argue against the King’s word.

At that moment, the King finally gave the order.. "Serena will become the concubine of the crown prince.. And that is final."

Rhynera could not endure it. Her hands clenched at her sides, her chest rising with anger, without uttering a word she left.