CHAPTER 161: HIS WARNING

Outside, at the entrance of the palace, Serena stepped forward, her eyes soft, her voice low. "Do you not miss me, Lumina?" she asked.... Well the ecsiok have been made and everyone going back to their chambers.

Lumina tilted her head slightly, finding the direction of Serena’s voice. Her lips curved into a faint smile. "Of course I missed you. I have not had anyone to fight for me when people cross the line."

Serena’s hand trembled as she reached out and clasped Lumina’s fingers. "I missed you too," she said, her voice dropping lower. "I just needed to clear my head. When I found out I was pregnant, everything became... too much."

Lumina’s chest tightened. There was a softness, almost regret, hidden in Serena’s tone. It stirred something complicated in her heart.

"I still do not understand why the two of you are on such good terms," Ashen’s voice cut in, his tone neutral but sharp enough to remind Lumina that he stood just behind her.

"Stop being rude," Lumina murmured, her fingers tightening gently around Serena’s. "She is not like your brother. I can feel it. She is a good girl."

Ashen’s eyes flicked between them, but he said nothing. He only rolled his eyes slightly.

From the far end of the courtyard one of the king aides voice called out. "My Lord, the King awaits!"

Ashen sighed. His gaze softened as he glanced at his wife. "Stay close to Serena. I trust her to look after you."

Serena squeezed Lumina’s hand. "Let us visit the Royal Physician’s chambers before anything else," she whispered. "He need speak with his father, and it might be good for you to rest."

Lumina smiled faintly. Without argument she allowed Serena to guide her down the hall.

The two princes walked together back into the palace. Adam walked slightly ahead, his posture stiff with unspoken irritation.

When they entered the dining room, Ashen paused. Their parents were there already both the King and Queen seated at the long table. The rich scent of roasted meats and spiced wine drifted through the air.

Ashen inclined his head politely. "Your Highness, you summoned me?" His voice was calm but faintly guarded.

The King smiled back. "It has been some time since we shared a meal as a family. Your wives may not be in the mood for a feast, so I thought we might at least sit together. Your sister is absent since she is still under punishment."

Ashen bowed slightly. "Your Highness, it is an honor to be called here. But I am sorry I must decline. I do not feel comfortable dining here without my wife. We always eat together. It is not so easy for me to break that."

The King’s brow furrowed. "Are you turning down my request?"

"I am not," Ashen replied carefully. "I simply... do not feel at ease without her."

The King’s tone hardened at this, hisonialways happy when he is called to the palace but not anymore and he is getting worried.

"Then I command you as your King to sit. It has been a long time since you shared a table with us. You will do so now."

Ashen’s fingers twitched at his side. He wanted to speak his mind. He wanted to say that for years they had ignored him until his marriage brought him into their sight. But he forced the words down. He met the Queen’s gaze briefly and saw something flicker there before she looked away.

With a controlled breath he sat down, his back straight. The long table stretched between them like a battlefield.

The King nodded to the servants, and platters of food were brought outsteamed fish, bread, bowls of spiced rice, honeyed fruit, and tea poured into carved cups.

The King’s voice softened. "Tell me, son. How are you finding your position? Do you enjoy it so far?"

Ashen gave a small smile, though it did not reach his eyes. "I am grateful for the opportunity, Your Highness. I am always pleased to show my worth."

"And what of Cyres?" the King asked.

Ashen’s smile thinned. "That is under investigation. It is becoming clear that he was responsible. I am only deciding what punishment suits him. After all, he is the Crown Prince’s man. I would prefer not to have him executed outright."

Adam’s hands clenched under the table,. Ashen caught the flicker of anger on his brother’s face and allowed himself the faintest smirk.

The King spread his hands. "The matter is in your control. Do as you see fit."

The meal continued in tense silence. Finally, Ashen set down his cup. "Your Highness," he said softly, "I have a request."The King raised an eyebrow.

"Speak."

Ashen pointed to few dishes. "If it pleases you, I would like to take these with me."

Queen Sephorabblinked, startled. "Are you not allergic to that broth?"

Ashen paused. It had been years since anyone had mentioned that detail. He looked up, meeting his mother’s eyes, a flicker of surprise crossing his usually unreadable face.

"I am," he said slowly. "But my wife loves it, so I am taking it to her." Queen Sephora was a bit annoyed but didn’t say anymore word.

The King smiled faintly. "Then it shall be sent to your chambers," he said without hesitation.

When the meal ended, Ashen rose, ready to return to his office. But at the palce door Adam’s voice called after him.

"Little brat." he called out and Ashen turned slightly, his expression cool.

Adam strode toward him slowly, "The King shows you a little care, and mother remembers your allergies, and suddenly you think you have a place here? You are nothing."

Ashen’s smile was faint, but his eyes glinted like cold steel. "I am surprised you care so much about how I am treated. Are you jealous, brother, that the King is finally noticing my worth?"

Adam’s hands curled into fists. He took two fast steps forward, stopping just short of Ashen’s face.

"You should not play this game with me," Adam hissed. "I am still your older brother. I have been in this game far longer than you. Do not forget what happened to the last prince who tried to rise."