CHAPTER 201: THE PALACE DISAGREEMENT

Lumina barely ate as she sat in the dining room, the food before her was freshly baked bread, warm fruit compote, and honeyed tea, which felt tasteless.

She keeps trying to hide her weakness but Ashen notices instantly.

He set his fork down gently, his stormy eyes fixed on her face.

"Are you sure you are feeling well?" he asked in a tone that was both tender and edgy with worry.

Lumina raised her head briefly, then lowered it again. "I am fine," she murmured, though her voice lacked conviction.

Ashen wasn’t convinced. The slight tremor in her hand as she lifted the teacup betrayed her unease. Before he could question her further, the large doors of the dining hall creaked open, and one of the king’s aides entered, bowing deeply.

"Prince Ashen," the aides let out, his eyes flickering briefly toward Lumina, "His Highness requests the presence of Princess Lumina in the throne room."

The room grew still and Lumina’s hand froze halfway to her lips. She snapped her head up, "The king wants to see me?" she asked, "For what reason?"

The aide hesitated. "I... I am not told, my princess... His Highness only asked that you come at once."

Ashen’s brows furrowed. He could sense Lumina’s unease deepening, though she tried to conceal it behind her composed demeanor.

He reached across the table and took her hand gently. "Whatever it is, we will face it together," he said, his voice steady and protective. "Come. Let’s not make assumptions before we hear him."

Lumina hesitated for a moment, then nodded. She rose from her seat slowly.

She didn’t speak another word as she turned toward the door, Ashen followed, calling softly after her, "My lady, at least wait for me."

She didn’t slow, only smiled faintly without looking back. Her strides were surer now, she no longer needed guidance or assistance as she once had. Ashen noticed the confidence in her steps, and for a fleeting moment, pride stirred in him.

He caught up quickly, his hand brushing hers. "You are getting used to walking these halls far too quickly," he teased, but she only gave a small, distracted smile.

When they arrived at the palace, the golden doors opened slowly, revealing the King seated upon his high throne.

Standing beside him was Adam, with his hands clasped behind his back and eyes sharp as a hawk’s.

Ashen and Lumina bowed politely before approaching.

"You summoned us, Your Highness," Ashen said.

King Aden exhaled, "Yes," he said at last, his voice deep but calm. "I have summoned you both because there is a matter that demands clarity." His gaze shifted from Ashen to Lumina.

"Specifically, from Lumina."

Lumina’s brows arched, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "I am listening, Your Highness."

The king leaned forward, his fingers drumming lightly against the armrest of his throne. "You have taken an interest in a position within this court and that is the one that hasn’t existed for centuries. The title of Coven Leader. I want to know how you came to learn of it, and more importantly, why you wish to revive it."

Ashen’s eyes narrowed slightly at the king’s tone, but Lumina’s lips curved slightly. She had expected this question.

"Well, Your Highness," she began softly, "when I arrived here, I studied much about your realm, its history, strengths, and its forgotten traditions. That position was one of them. I found it... curious. Once, it held great importance, yet it vanished as though it never existed." She tilted her head slightly. "So I thought, perhaps it could be revived. After all, sometimes the things forgotten by history are the ones most needed again."

The king’s eyes darkened. "It is not useless," he clarified, interrupting her.

"That position held too much power, some might say. It vanished because it had to."

Lumina’s smile didn’t fade. "Then tell me, Your Highness... if it wasn’t useless, why did your kingdom let it die in silence?" Her voice held no challenge, only curiosity but it unsettled the room all the same.

The king shifted in his seat, clearing his throat. "You seem to know more than you should, Princess."

"I only know what is written," she replied. King Aden stared at her for a long moment, then leaned back in his chair. "Tell me, child," he said slowly. "Whose daughter are you truly? I am talking about your mother."

Lumina met the king’s gaze. "I am the daughter of King Ryker of the Celestial Realm," she answered clearly. "My mother was but a maid in the Celestial court. You wouldn’t know her name."

As Lumina’s words settled in and King Aden leaned back, his eyes fixed on her, as if weighing every syllable she had spoken.

"You spoke of reviving the Coven," he said slowly. "But tell me, Princess, why do you think it would serve the realm now, when even history itself buried that title?"

Lumina’s gaze lifted, calm but resolute. "Because," she began softly.

"The Coven was once formed to sense such disturbances to shield this realm before disaster reached its gates. Without it, you are blind to what approaches.

Ashen hissed slowly at her choice of words as he glanced at her watching her with awe.

King Aden frowned, still tapping his fingers on the armrest. "You speak of danger, yet no one in this court has reported such... occurrences."

"That is because they cannot feel it," Lumina replied gently. "Your Highness, something older than war is getting closer and if the Coven remains disbanded, Drakonis will fall before the year’s end."

The king’s expression hardened as her words echoed through the chamber. Even Adam, standing nearby, seemed unsettled.

"So you claim this... position could prevent such things?" the King asked.

"Yes," Lumina said, her voice unwavering. "The Coven serves as both shield and compass. It detects corruption before it manifests, locates fractures in the veil between realms, and guides the rulers toward balance. If restored properly, it can sense when chaos begins to bleed through. It can save us from what is coming."

Ashen stepped closer, his hand brushing hers for just a second like warning her to watch her tone.

King Aden stared at her for a long moment, then rose slowly from his throne.

"If what you say is true," he said at last, "then I see no reason to delay. I owe you a debt already. If reviving the Coven ensures our peace, then..."

"Your Highness!"

Adam’s voice rang through the room, startling even Ashen. He took a step forward, his face pale with alarm. "You cannot make such a decision alone."

King Aden turned to him. "What do you mean I cannot? I am the king."

"With all due respect, Father," Adam said, "this is not a personal decree. It is a decision that will affect every realm bound under Drakonis. You must consult the council."

The king’s eyes narrowed. "You question me?"

"I question the wisdom of acting in haste," Adam replied.

"Power like this cannot be given without the realm’s consent. It has consequences."

Before the King could reply, the doors burst open, and a stream of nobles entered.

The realm’s High Chief Priest followed behind them also.

"Your Highness," one of the nobles spoke, his voice loud and accusing,

"We just heard rumors of your intent to revive the forbidden order. Is this true?"

The king stiffened. "Rumors travel faster than loyalty, it seems."

Another noble stepped forward. "Why would you make such a decision without council approval? You forget your oath, sire. You do not rule alone."

"Do you dare speak to me this way?" King Aden thundered.

"Because we must," the High Chief Priest replied. "Being king does not grant you dominion over fate itself. There are forces older than your crown that must be respected."

Lumina stood silent, she could feel the tension coiling like a storm about to break.

"Do you think me a fool?" the King roared. "You forget it was her... this very woman...who saved your queen’s life when your sacred rites failed!"

"And for that, we are grateful," the High Priest said solemnly, "but gratitude cannot blind us to danger. The revival of the Coven was prophesied only in times of chaos. If she leads it, she will bear the will of both light and shadow. And if she falters... she could bring the fall of Drakonis itself."

Ashen’s eyes darkened. "You speak as though she were the enemy."

"I speak as one who has seen prophecy fulfilled in blood," the High Priest snapped.

The nobles began murmuring among themselves some in support, others in fear.

"Is this truly about the realm," Ashen demanded, "or about your fear of losing control?"

A nobleman stepped forward. "Mind your tongue, Prince. You may be the King’s son, but you are not the heir. The crown belongs to Adam."

Ashen’s jaw tightened, his gaze flickering briefly toward his brother.

The King’s face darkened. "Enough!" he bellowed. "You forget yourselves! You speak treason in my court!"

But the murmurs only grew louder.

"Your Highness," the High Priest said, his voice rising above the noise.

"Listen before it is too late. The signs are already here. You revive this order now, and you awaken what slumbers beneath the realm."

A chill swept through the room. Even Lumina’s breath hitched faintly, for she too had felt that same dread whispering beneath her dreams.

The King hesitated, torn between faith and fury.

"Your Highness, if you proceed," Adam warned softly, "you risk more than rebellion. You risk the curse the priest speaks of."

Lumina’s voice broke the silence. "If I become the coven leader, I can help you call back the dragons." and everyone turned to her, all mute at once.