CHAPTER 21: PROTECTING HER

Everyone sat down as King Aden took his seat. Rhynera expected Prince Adam to pull out her chair, but he ignored her and took his seat. A guard stepped in to help her instead. Rhynera’s body ached, but she didn’t complain, trying to please the king and queen.

"Welcome, Crown Princess," Queen Sephora said with a warm smile. "You look lovely, just like a true princess of Deakonia."

Rhynera forced a smile, glancing at Prince Adam, who refused to meet her gaze. "Thank you, Your Majesty. It’s all thanks to Prince Adam’s... efforts," she said, trying to hide her discomfort.

The queen beamed, patting Prince Adam’s hand. "Isn’t he just wonderful?"

Ashen and Lumina approached their seats, but something was off. For the first time in years, a space had been left between them and the others. Ashen hesitated, taken aback.

Just then, Aurelia’s voice cut through the air.

"Already causing your little scene..." Ashen glanced her way and just sighed then glanced back at Lumina whom he was still helping to walk toward their seat.

But she still wasn’t done, "Let’s hope she can be of actual use to you in the future," Princess Aurelia muttered under her breath, her voice low enough to be ignored but sharp enough to wound.

Ashen still didn’t answer, Instead, he walked with Lumina toward the high table, head slightly bowed in courtesy as they stopped before King Aden.

"Good morning, Your Highness," Ashen mumbled, barely glancing at the King before turning his attention toward the Queen.

She didn’t speak. Her gaze held no warmth. Together, Ashen and Lumina bowed.

Lumina moved with quiet grace, her blindness never once disturbing her poise.

Ashen gently helped her into the chair left for her. Stella wanted to assist, but he waved her off and pushed the chair in himself.

Rhynera felt a bit bad seeing Stella was still with Lumin as but Mia was taken away from her.

Lumina tilted her head and smiled. "Thank you," she said softly.

Ashen rolled his eyes, feigning annoyance, but he still pulled out his chair and sat beside her.

Across the table, Rhynera’s hands clenched tightly around her skirt. Her heart burned even more.

She had worn the traditional Drakonis garments, endured the pain, yet there wasn’t a single sign of distress on Lumina’s face. It makes her wonder if Lumina didn’t go through the same process she had gone through though.

"Little brother," Prince Adam’s voice rose as he turned toward Ashen,

"Your wife still carries the scent of the Celestial Realm. Don’t you think you should do the right thing?"

This made all eyes turn their way, Lumina lifted her head slightly, her blind eyes staring in Adam’s direction.

Queen Sephora and King Aden looked on with interest. It was clear this wasn’t just a question. It was an accusation.

Ashen let out a calm breath, glancing at Lumina beside him.

"Well," he began with a slight smile, "I did help her cleanse most of it, but you all knew she came from the Celestial Realm..."

His voice lowered as he turned, locking eyes with Rhynera, the new bride of his older brother.

"They were not exiled. They committed no crime. So why force that pain on them?"

"Ashen!" Adam growled, rising a little in his seat.

But before he could say more, Aurelia placed her hand on his wrist.

"As much as I don’t always agree with him," she began, "I believe he is right this time, brother."

"Aurelia," Adam snapped.

"Come on," she said, lifting her chin. "If I had married into another realm, would you want me treated with cruelty just to prove a point?"

Adam’s jaw tightened. His fists curled against the table. But finally, he sighed.

"Fine."

Beside Aurelia, the Queen smiled. A rare, quiet smile was directed at her only daughter. Ashen noticed, well he never misses it since he always craves fit their love and care.

While the ache in Rhynra’s chest deepened. Ashen had stood up for Lumina, had shielded her, while Adam had offered her pain without hesitation. He hadn’t cared about the pin she went through.

"Good," King Aden said at last, his voice rising again to reclaim the room.

"Now that we have put that behind us... Let the feast begin."

His next words fell like a heavy echo across the marble floor.

"Today is the first feast to honor the Crown Prince and his future wife." Silence fell for a heartbeat then the music began.

The clinking of silverware faded as the ceremonial dish was brought into the hall, veiled in black silk embroidered with ancient red dragons.

The scent of an ancient red dragon was bitter, smoky, and spiced with something that did not belong to the mortal world.

A dish only consumed once, meant to test the strength of the bride and seal the first night of union between two realms. The tradition was old, and no one dared question it.

The dish was offered first to Rhynera, as expected. With a graceful rise, she stepped forward, lips parted in silent acceptance, her eyes glowing with nervous pride.

She lifted the ceremonial spoon, the room holding its breath, and took a bite.

Then came the twitch of her lips, the faint tremble in her throat.

The substance scorched her tongue like dragon fire bitter, dark, a pain that lingered. Rhynera’s hands clenched behind her gown as she swallowed, her eyes stinging, but she kept her smile.

Everyone began to praise her the moment she swallowed it.

"She did not cry..."

"Such strength."

"She’s worthy of Drakonis..."

And just like that, the ritual was declared a success. Applause rippled through the nobles like a wave washing over the long ceremonial table, and once more, the tray began to move this time toward the far end, where Ashen and Lumina sat, silent shadows among a sea of blazing stars.

The maid walked with careful steps, Lumina tilted her head ever so slightly, sensing they were coming her way, and her fingers brushed the edge of the table. She didn’t know what she would drink but she was already scared of taking it.

But just as the tray neared her, Ashen’s hand came down firmly, of course he had noticed Lumina’s hesitation.

His fingers pressed lightly but firmly against the edge of the table, halting the maid in her tracks.

"She will not take it."

A sharp breath drew across the hall. Gasps fluttered like startled birds among the guests.

Adam’s chair screeched back in outrage as he stood. "Insolence!" he barked out as his eyes narrowed, burning with fury.

"You dare shame this tradition? You speak for her as if she cannot speak for herself?"

"She is blind," he said calmly, though steel threaded through his voice. "Must she be burned too, just to satisfy your pride?"

And then the Queen’s voice came through, "This ritual is sacred. You will not defile it over some pitiful excuse."

Ashen turned his face toward her, his jaw firm, eyes unreadable, though his fingers had curled slightly into the tablecloth. "I will not let her be hurt."

The Queen’s eyes narrowed. "You forget yourself, Ashen. You are not the one meant to take it. Step aside and allow the ceremony to proceed."

But his gaze was no longer on her. It had shifted back to Lumina.

"No," he said softly. "She is my woman and I will protect her from anything that would bring her pain."

That silenced even the murmurs. All eyes turned to King Aden then, but the King only watched with a strange gleam in his gaze.

Just days ago, this very son had stood before him, confused, indifferent when told he would marry. But now he is defending the same woman like a man.

Then came the moment no one expected. "To keep this moment from ruin," Ashen said, his voice calm, "I will take it in her place."

Without hesitation, he reached for the spoon. The maid’s hands trembled slightly, but she did not stop him.

Ashen dipped the spoon into the dark, bitter brew and brought it to his lips.

The burn hit instantly, fire crawling up his throat and searing his mouth, but he did not make a sound. He blinked once and swallowed.

Lumina’s head turned toward him, her voice fragile. "Ashen...?"

But before she could say more, he leaned in. His hand brushed her cheek, warm despite the burn, and the other slid to her waist, steady and sure then he kissed her.

Her breath caught, stunned by the sudden warmth of his mouth against hers. She felt the pain he bore in silence, and the fire passed to her.

When he finally pulled back, the room held its breath. His voice was low, nearly a whisper, yet it carried.

"There. She has tasted it." His eyes swept the room. "I see no rule broken now."