CHAPTER 49: MORNING HAPPINESS

Lumina shifted slightly, her lashes fluttering open, though she saw nothing but a soft reflection of the light and shadow that made her feel warmth.

Her body, which had felt sore and heavy the previous night, now rested in comfort.

The pain was still there, but it was soft and now numb. She let out a slow breath, and the corners of her lips lifted into a faint smile.

The mattress beside her sank slightly, as if someone was sitting or lying there. A familiar scent filled her senses warmly.

"Ashen," she whispered, stunned.

Her heart began to beat a little faster, slow but strong. She reached out with her hand, moving carefully across the bed until her fingertips brushed against something warm.

She froze for a moment, hardly daring to breathe.

Her fingers traced the firm line of a jaw, then glided upward to the smooth curve of a cheek.

She found the shape of his brow and lingered there, smiling softly to herself.

The feel of him was like touching silk solid and yet tender. A small giggle escaped her lips, and she whispered in a voice full of happiness.

"You stayed..." she murmured under her breath.

His skin was a little cool from the night air, but it was real, solid, and close.

She hadn’t known how much she had been longing for someone to see her, to stay by her side, to make her feel safe.

Her thumb brushed just under his eye, but then she accidentally poked him.

Ashen let out a low groan, and his eyelashes trembled before his eyes slowly opened.

Lumina’s hand pulled back quickly, her face heating in embarrassment. She gasped softly, unsure if she should speak or simply hide under the blanket.

"I thought you were asleep!" she stammered, trying to pull her hand back, but Ashen caught it before she could.

His voice was low and teasing, "Were you trying to master my face again?"

She let out a breathless laugh, cheeks flushing deeper. "I was just... curious."

He guided her hand back to his cheek, letting her continue. "Hey.." she tried to kill back but he held it.

"I am going to be your husband and I won’t be happy when you mistake another man for me," Lumina smirked.

"If you say so..." His stillness allowed her fingers to explore again. A smile tugged at the corner of her lips. But then he paused.

Ashen’s eyes narrowed as his hand slid down to her wrist and turned it gently upward. A faint bruise marred her pale skin, faint but there.

"What’s this?" he asked sharply.

Lumina tried to pull away, shaking her head, "It’s nothing... I fell during class, that’s all."

"Lumina," he said, his tone edged in warning. "This doesn’t look like a fall." She turned her face away, unwilling to say more. "Please... don’t worry."

Ashen’s jaw ticked, but before he could speak again, a knock sounded on the door. It creaked open, and Stella entered with a flustered bow.

"My Lord," she said softly. "It’s time to prepare the Lady for breakfast. She should eat before heading to class."

Ashen didn’t argue. He stood slowly and nodded, though his eyes lingered on Lumina for a moment longer.

"She didn’t eat yesterday," he said in a tight voice. "Make sure she does today."

"I will," Stella promised, bowing again.

Ashen turned to leave, but not before brushing a hand lightly over Lumina’s hair. She tilted her head in surprise, touched by the silent gesture.

Once the door closed, Lumina turned to Stella. "He slept here, didn’t he?"

Stella smiled, walking over. "Yes. You refused to let go of his sleeve, and he just... stayed."

Lumina felt warmth bloom in her chest, and she smiled.

Stella helped her up. "You need to bathe and get ready. We don’t want to be late again."

The bath stung, but Lumina endured it in silence, gritting her teeth through the pain of sore limbs and tender skin.

Stella worked quickly, her hands gentle but firm. The bruises were worse under the water, but Lumina still managed.

Once she was dried and dressed, her hair braided and pinned neatly, Stella helped her stand.

As they stepped out into the hallway, Ashen was already waiting near the entrance, seated on the edge of the dining table with one leg lazily folded over the other. He stood the moment he heard them.

"I will take her," he said to Stella. Stella hesitated, but bowed. "Of course, my Lord."

Ashen walked beside Lumina, his hand never touching her directly but always just close enough for her to feel the warmth.

Maids scurried ahead, removing any obstacles from the floor, low footstools, carpets with frayed edges, anything that might trip her.

With every step, Lumina could sense his guidance. He didn’t say much, but whenever she wavered slightly or paused his hand would hover beside hers steady, patient.

She found herself smiling again, quietly encouraged by his presence.

Finally, they reached the dining hall. The moment Lumina stepped in, a quiet clatter sounded, chairs pulled back, and spoons paused mid-air.

The head steward stepped forward and bowed. "Welcome, my lady.."

They all waited as she slowly walked forward, Ashen just behind her, until she reached her seat, he gently helped her into it.

Stella approached with her tray, but Ashen raised a hand.

"She is eating herself today," he said, his voice low but final.

But before he could begin, Lumina pouted and lifted her hand toward him.

"My wrist still hurts," she said softly. "And I will need energy for scrolls. Please? I also need to get to class early."

Ashen arched her brow, she was playing her card well. Her soft voice and tilted head made it impossible to refuse. He sighed, picking up the spoon.

"You are lucky I am weak for you," he murmured, then fed her gently, bite by bite and as he did, Lumina smiled.

At least this would give her more strength for whatever punishment Lady Freya would give her today.