CHAPTER 164: THE LEDGER

Lumina sat on the chair, grinding herbs in a small wooden bowl as two of the servants stood in front of her to make it easier for her.

The smell of crushed leaves filled the royal kitchen, and they could already taste the bitterness even before they tasted it.

She had read in one of her medical books that this mixture could help slow the poisoning in the body. It would not cure it, but at least it could calm the pain for a short time. So with the help of the other ladies in the chamber, they helped her get the herbs needed.

She missed her girl already she was always with her and these few days she could tell the difference that Stella wanted with her, and of all things she can’t bear to lose her.

The door opened, and Ero stepped inside. Lumina lifted her head at once but scrunched her face.

"Why isn’t Ashen with you?" she asked. Her voice carried worry.

Ero shook his head. "He said he will not be home early. He promised he would try his best to return before dawn."

Lumina pressed her lips together. She was not happy to hear this, but she understood. "He is working. I cannot stop him from that," she mumbled more to everyone’s ears than to herself.

Ero hesitated, then added, "And about Cyres... he has not been punished yet... My Lord said he would leave this in your hands and that you would be the one to punish him." She smirked at this wondering how Adam would be feeling right now.

Lumina’s heart sank. She stood slowly, and Ero reached to help her. "Take me to Stella, I need to make her take these herbs," she said. "She is suffering, and I must see her."

They went together to her chamber. Stella was lying on the bed, her body trembling. Her face had grown pale, and her skin burned with heat. The sight made Lumina’s eyes sting with tears. She hurried forward before Ero could guide her.

"Stella," she whispered, her hands shaking as she touched her maid’s wrist. "Please, tell me how you feel, you are beginning to scare me."

Stella tried to speak, but her voice was broken. "M... my lady," she breathed out weakly.

"You were better this morning," Lumina cried, her voice trembling. "Why has it grown worse?"

No answer came. Stella’s lips moved, but no sound followed. Lumina gripped her hand tighter. "I will save you. Please hold on for me."

Her chest ached with fear. She turned quickly toward Ero. "The herbs.." Ero quickly gave it to her.

"Stella please take this.." she let out and Stella tried to take it but her hands trembled.

Slowly Lumina dropped it and then she slowly picked up her girl, and with the help of Ero, she could crouch Stella on her arms.

She picked up the container as her five Stella mouths opened and then swallowed the entire herbs inside of her mouth.

Stella scrunched up her face trying to throw it out but she was quick to stop her, after some while Stella’s body went limp and then slowly Lumina laid her on the bed.

"Take me to my husband’s office. I must speak with him now," she ordered and Eto was stunned by the sudden decision.

Without a word, Ero took her hand and led her out. When she got to the outer chamber she stopped telling some ladies to make sure they check on Stella in her absence.

They crossed the palace halls until they reached Ashen Work Chambers. Ero gestured to stay outside and Lumina could go in.

When the door opened, Ashen looked up from his desk. His quill was still in his hand, and ink stained his fingers. Shock crossed his face when he saw Lumina.

"Lumina, why are you here at this hour?" he asked. "You should be resting."

She tried to smile, though her heart was heavy. "I missed you," she said softly. "Since you are busy here, I thought I could sit with you. We could at least be together."

Ashen’s stern face softened, and he stood up helping her sit on the chair near his desk. He brushed his hand over hers before returning to his papers.

For a while, the room was filled only with the sound of his pen scratching across parchment. Lumina sat quietly, listening. But her thoughts were far from still.

Her fingers brushed the edge of the table. "Ashen," she called.

"May I see the tax ledger? Perhaps I could go through it while you work."

Ashen looked at her, hesitated, then gave a small nod. "Be careful. It is heavy." He slid the large leather book across the table to her. "Do not make too much noise. I must finish this tonight please."

Lumina took the ledger in her lap. The leather felt rough under her hands, and the pages smelled faintly of ink and wax.

After a time, she closed the ledger gently and placed it back on the table for Ashen eyes to see.

"I am done." she let out and Ashen’s brow raised as he placed the ledger back closer to him.

Ashen was still busy with his work and barely noticed. This was her chance to take it back.. She knows the touch and smell so it would be easier for her now.

Well... crazily Lumina had made the book two the moment she collected it from Ashen, of course, she had a series of powers but was kept safe from her enemy hassle so she wouldn’t be recognized.

She slowly moved her shawl from her shoulders and let it fall across her lap. Slid the ledger under the cloth, into a deep pocket she had sewn into the lining of her cloak long ago.

She pretended to fall asleep like she had returned the ledger. Ashen finally lifted his head from his work seeing how sleepy she was.

"Ero," he called. At once, Ero stepped inside. "My lord?" Ero was shocked at how Ashen knew he came.

"Take her home. I will not finish tonight. She should rest, and I will return before dawn."

Lumina stood quietly without argument after all she had come to her for a reason as Ero guided her out. Ashen gave her a soft look, thinking she was only tired, and returned to his ledgers.

While for Lumina she had taken a step toward the antidote that would save Stella.