CHAPTER 72: GETTING READY

Queen Mireya sat with her daughter, watching her get dressed for the great day. Her eyes softened with pride and satisfaction as she looked at Rhynera.

She had always dreamed of seeing her daughter become the Crown Princess of the Drakonia Realm, and now it was finally happening.

"My lady... You look exquisite," Mia said as she placed the final touch on her lady’s gown.

Rhynera studied her reflection in the tall golden mirror, her lips curling in quiet satisfaction.

Queen Mireya stepped closer, admiring her daughter’s pose and the way the gown draped perfectly from her shoulders to the floor.

At that moment, one of the palace maids entered quietly, walking straight toward Rhynera. She bowed respectfully before leaning close to whisper something in her ear.

"My lady... it has been done," the maid murmured. "Her maid is in tears." Rhynera’s lips curled into a sly grin.

Queen Mireya noticed the exchange and turned immediately toward the maid. "Leave us." Her voice was cold and Rhynere knew her mum had caught on.

The maid and Mia both bowed low before leaving the chamber, the door closing softly behind them.

"What did you do this time?" Queen Mireya asked, her eyes narrowing as she studied her daughter’s face.

"Nothing," Rhynera replied, admiring her look in the mirror.

"Prince Adam sent word that he cannot wait to see me as his wife." She spoke the lie without a flicker of hesitation.

But Queen Mireya was not fooled. She could read her daughter’s eyes. They sparkled with a satisfaction that came from something far more personal.

Since Rhynera was enjoying herself in Drakonis then there is no need to make her feel bad on her big day.

"Is it true that Drakonis is treating you well?" She asked again, after all that is what she is after.

"Of course, Mother," Rhynera said sweetly. "I have the queen on my side, and soon I will become crown princess."

"Are you sure?" Mireya’s voice was steady but probing.

"Yes, Mother. You must trust me this time. I promised I would be on my best behavior and make you proud." Queen Mireya sighed but smiled faintly.

"Lumina must not shine brighter than you here," she said at last, her tone dropping low.

"We will find a way to remove her from the court soon enough. But for now... let her enjoy the little time she has." Rhynera’s eyes widened slightly at her mother’s words.

"What?" she asked, curious.

Mireya stepped forward, placing a finger against her own lips. "Remember this.." she whispered, "The only daughter of the Celestial Realm is you, and no one else."

Rhynera smiled fully now, her eyes glimmering. "I love you, Mother."

"I love you too," Mireya replied, placing a gentle kiss on her daughter’s forehead.

"You just build your allies here, and watch me work from behind."

Rhynera nodded, "Thanks a lot mother! You are the best!" She giggled out and Mireya embraced her daughter both giggling excitedly unaware that King Ryker had been standing just beyond the door.

He had come to call for his daughters but had stopped when he overheard the conversation.

The words stung him, and with a quiet sigh, he decided to turn away and visit his other daughter instead.

He made his way to Lumina’s chambers, but paused again when he saw Stella and another palace servant walking up the hallway toward the door.

They carried a wide golden lacquered garment tray, the kind used in Drakonis only for noble wedding attire.

The tray was piled high with luxurious material, sparkling jewels, and expensive hair ornaments.

King Ryker’s eyes narrowed. He recognized the craftsmanship instantly.

The servant at his side was about to announce his presence when he got to Lumina’s chamber, but he lifted a hand to stop him. He knocked softly on the door instead.

Stella opened it almost at once. When she saw the king, she dropped to her knees immediately. "My king," she murmured.

Ryker walked past her into the chamber, his gaze sweeping over the room.

Several dresses, far finer than the one he had sent, were displayed on stands and across the bed. The jewels gleamed and glittered.

"This... is not the outfit I gave you, Lumina," he said, stunned, staring at them.

Lumina turned from where he sat and dipped her head in a bow. "Welcome, my king."

"Enough of courtesy," Ryker interrupted. "I am here as your father."

Lumina smiled faintly. "Father, I only discovered this morning that my ceremonial gown had been destroyed. I had to act quickly, so I improvised so as not to bring shame to you."

Ryker stepped closer, running his fingers along the embroidered fabric.

He knew at once this was one of the rarest textiles in Drakonis, a silk woven with gold thread from the far northern looms. It was worth more than most noble estates.

"How did you get this?" he asked, suspicion mingling with curiosity.

Lumina’s smile deepened just slightly.

"Prince Ashen obtained it for me. He thought it was his duty to prepare the ceremonial attire for his bride." She bowed again.

"I am sorry if this displeases you. I had intended to wear the one you gave me, since it was a gift from you, but..."

She gestured to the side, and the other maid stepped forward, carrying the shredded remains of the original gown.

The embroidery was torn, the pearls ripped from their threads. Even the jewels had been damaged beyond repair.

Ryker’s eyes widened. "What? How..."

"Oh, Father," Lumina said softly, "do not trouble yourself. I know she did not want to be outshone as crown princess. It is understandable."

Ryker’s jaw tightened. "You are sisters, no one should be seeking to harm the other."

Lumina stepped closer, guided by Stella’s hand, and reached toward him.

"Please, Father, I do not wish to speak ill of my sister. Let us forget this matter since it is resolved."

Ryker pulled his hand back. "I will deal with her. Do not continue to protect her foolishness." Without another word, he turned and strode from the room.

When the door closed, Lumina’s lips curved into a slow smirk. "Imagine being punished on your wedding day," she murmured.

Stella smiled faintly. "My lady, let us dress, it is almost time."