CHAPTER 204: HE KNOWS

Lumina who had been in the coven room all this while finally lifted her hand slightly and said, "Stella... I want to reach out to Prince Adam’s chambers."

Stella froze mid-step and turned to her mistress, her eyes wide. "My lady... why would you go to his chambers? You don’t even trust him. Are you going against my lord?"

Lumina shook her head gently. "No. I am not going against him. I haven’t seen Serena for a while, and I know she must be upset with me. I only wish to make things right between us."

Stella hesitated, clutching her hands together. "So you plan to tell the lord that you’re leaving? Or are we going behind his back?"

"Of course I will tell him," Lumina replied calmly. "But he’s occupied right now, and I won’t disturb him. It’s only a brief visit."

Stella sighed deeply, lowering her gaze. "Fine. But if anything happens, I will fully blame you."

They walked together down the dim corridor until they reached the door to Prince Adam’s chambers.

The guards at the entrance didn’t stop them. Instead, they stepped aside respectfully, their eyes flickering with unspoken curiosity.

They stepped inside and the whole chamber was so quiet, then one of the maids moved toward them and bowed.

She was about to talk until the familiar voice interrupted them

"Well... what brings my brother’s little wife to my chambers?"

Lumina and Stella turned in the direction of the voice only to meet him standing there with all pride and arrogance. Of course, his mother is awake and is now fully healed.

"I am not here for pleasantries," Lumina replied, straightening her posture. "I came because I wished to see Lady Serena."

Adam chuckled softly. "Ah, Serena. If you are asking about her, she’s been sent back to our father’s residence outside the palace walls."

Lumina frowned. "Why would that be?"

"She’s been having issues with her pregnancy lately," Adam said carelessly, pouring himself a drink.

"Her pregnancy is becoming complicated, and she needs proper care. I suppose I should be grateful that someone else is tending to her, though why I am explaining all this to you, I don’t know."

He began to walk toward her, each step echoing against the stone floor.

"Don’t come closer," Lumina warned quietly, "My husband knows I’m here. If anything happens, this will cause problems you don’t want."

"Problems I don’t want?" Adam repeated, amused. "You think I am afraid of him?"

Before she could move, his hand shot forward, gripping her arm. The sudden contact made her flinch. His touch was firm and her heartbeat raced.

"Crown Prince, show some respect!" Lumina cried, struggling to pull back.

But Adam didn’t let go. His eyes narrowed slightly as he studied her face. "Your body still reacts to the poison, doesn’t it?" he murmured. "I can see it in your veins. You are weaker than you pretend to be."

Stella moved quickly, stepping forward, but Lumina raised her free hand slightly to stop her. She didn’t want the situation to escalate.

Adam continued coldly, "I knew it was a good idea to poison you. You don’t always obey your husband, and always do your thing yourself. I needed to see how strong your bond really was i and how far he’d go to save you."

Lumina’s eyes began to glow faintly, the shimmer flickering through her irises. Adam only laughed, unbothered.

"Oh, don’t start glowing, enchantress. Let me give you some advice," he said, lowering his voice to a whisper. "Be careful how you use your power. Every trace of it can be tracked. If he, your precious Ashen, loses control because of it, he will be the one to die."

Lumina’s eyes widened seeing how he knew about her powers already.

He released her suddenly, stepping back as though nothing had happened. Then he reached into his robe and pulled out a small bottle of shimmering blue liquid.

"You saved my mother," he said simply, tossing it toward Stella, who caught it in surprise. "This antidote is for her. Consider it... repayment."

Lumina tilted her head slightly, suspicion curling through her mind. Nothing Adam did ever came without reason.

"What is this about?" she asked softly.

Adam’s smile deepened. "Oh, haven’t you heard? Your husband is being questioned as we speak for entering the Abyssal Lands without royal order."

The words struck her like a blade. "What? You said you wouldn’t tell!" Lumina gasped.

"Well! Life happened and everyone knew already."

Lumina only breathed out in frustration and before she could turn to leave, his hand shot out again, gripping her wrist. "He didn’t tell you, did he?" Adam said, leaning closer. "Of course not. He didn’t want you to worry. But you should know, little princess, disobedience of that scale could cost him his life."

Her hand trembled violently. "You... told the king."

Adam’s grin widened. "Let’s say I reminded Father of what kind of son he truly raised. Even if the rest of the court forgets what you are, I never will... also don’t forget, one word about your powers to the whole realm and you would be gone!"

Lumina was weak, she couldn’t help but keep wondering how he had found out about it.

He leaned in, his voice dropping to a hiss. "You may have fooled my brother, but I know the truth. You’re not just some blind, gentle princess.."

Lumina’s breath caught in her throat. "I don’t understand what you are saying?"

"We’ll allow you to elaborate more," Adam replied, almost tenderly. "I have always wanted you first. Long before my brother did. The moment I saw you, I knew what you were, what I wanted, I wanted to change my mind from Rhynera. But something suddenly wiped my memory and I am bringing you in here for my brother... isn’t that absurd?"

She stiffened, disbelief washing through her. "I still don’t understand what you are talking about:"

Adam reached forward, brushing his thumb near her chin. "You sure you didn’t use any kind of powers to make me do that?"

"I didn’t use any power!" Lumina’s voice rose, trembling with both fear and outrage.

He shushed her quietly, pressing a finger to her lips. "I have been keeping this secret for a long time. Don’t look so frightened, Lumina. I don’t intend to harm you. The only person I want to destroy is Ashen and you are getting in my way."

Lumina slapped his hand away, her chest heaving. "You are sick. I don’t know what game you are playing, but whatever it is, I want no part of it."

Adam turned his back on her, shoulders relaxed, voice low. "That’s your choice... But in his current punishment if you try to interfere this time.. You might lose your husband in the process. I won’t warn you again."

"Adam!" Lumina shouted after him, her voice echoing across the cold chamber.