CHAPTER 80: FIRST MORNING AS A COUPLE

"Warmth."

That was the first thing Lumina felt the moment she woke from her deep slumber.

Not only the gentle heat of the blankets draped loosely over her, but Ashen’s hand and arm curled securely around her waist.

Behind her, the quiet rhythm of breath is deep, even, and peaceful.

Her lips curved faintly before she even thought about it. That faint smoky scent that always clung to him, the way his presence seemed to fill the space around her without a single word.

She shifted slightly, her fingers brushing over the smooth sheets.

Last night, she had fallen asleep while resting her head on his shoulder. She can’t seem to explain the peaceful feeling she always had whenever she was that close to him

Ashen stirred behind her, and his hand at her waist tightened, pulling her closer.

His breath brushed the curve of her neck, warm sending a flutter through her chest.

"You are awake," his voice came, low and still rough from sleep.

"Yes," she whispered, a hint of shyness in her tone as she tried gently freeing his hand from her waist but failed terribly.

Slowly, he slid his hand from her waist to her shoulder, turning her with care until she faced him. She could feel the heat coming from him, the slight shift of the mattress as he leaned closer.

"You are too close," she murmured, though a faint smile betrayed her.

"Well, you didn’t mind when you were asleep," he teased softly. "Trying to push me away now?"

"Ashen..."

He exhaled slowly, his thumb brushing along the curve of her chin.

"It’s our first day together as husband and wife."

Her fingers lifted, hesitating before finding the line of his chest, the steady heartbeat beneath the fabric.

He didn’t stop her and leaned closer, his own hand cupping her face as though it was the most natural thing in the world.

"How do you feel now that we..." She trailed off, her words fading.

He only smiled, diverting her from finishing. "I was thinking," he said, his voice softer than she had ever heard, "This is our first day as a couple. Don’t you think I should try to appease you?"

Her head tilted slightly, and she couldn’t help the small thought that it was rare, and deeply precious, to have someone so concerned about her happiness.

"And how do you plan to do that?"

His low chuckle vibrated beneath her palm. "That’s for me to decide. You only have to let me take care of you."

"Hmmm... let’s see if you can manage to satisfy me," she replied.

Ashen’s thumb brushed her cheekbone, and he bent until his forehead rested lightly against hers.

For a while, neither of them moved. When he finally moved, it was only to lift her hand to his lips, pressing a slow kiss to her knuckles.

"Get dressed. I will be waiting." The moment he let go, she could swear she missed the absence of his warmth.

"Get ready.." he murmured and placed another kiss on her forehead before walking out.

Just then, Stella walked in.

"My lady... so, you are finally a wife?" she called, laughter already bubbling in her tone. "How was your night?"

Lumina sighed softly as Stella helped her sit. "It feels... good, to let go of hatred in the heart, if only for a moment."

The smile on Stella’s face faltered as she understood her meaning.

"I am becoming used to him," Lumina murmured, "and that isn’t supposed to be me."

Stella placed a finger gently against her lips. "Enjoy the moment for now. All you need to do is rise with him before you think of anything else."

A faint smile touched Lumina’s lips. "I will do just that, Stella."

"Now, my lady, he has asked you to get ready. He wants to take you out."

Lumina nodded, and Stella guided her into the spring room to bathe and dress.

*******

Finally, the couple walked outside their chambers after they had finished their breakfast, Lumina won’t stop dreaming of how delicious the breakfast was.

It was like a morning feast as their first time they are having breakfast. She loves the fact that Ashen is fair and respects her, also finding every means possible to make her happy.

The air outside was warm with the touch of early sunlight, carrying the faint scent of blooming lilies.

Ashen was waiting for her in the courtyard, his voice soft but sure as he greeted her. She felt the pressure of his hand on her back as he guided her forward.

They walked through a winding path she did not know, the air shifting from the open sun to the cooler shade of overhanging branches.

"Where are we?" she asked, enjoying the fresh air.

"In one of the old palace gardens," he murmured. "It hasn’t been opened to anyone in years... until today."

"Really? How did you get it open?" she asked, having that curiosity piqued on her.

"Hey... I am Ashen... I go wherever I want without permission." At the thought of this, she recalled what had transpired the last time she left the realm.

"How is your search going?" she blurted out before she could control her mouth and he snickered.

"I get to find out now my queen, that I have no information on how to find that person you want to get... no description." Lumina took a deep breath.

"I also don’t know... I was told that just by his closeness with him then I would be able to see.." Ashen tilted his head confused.

"He is a he... and you need to be close to him?" he asked and Lumina sighed.

"Yeah... I have.." she stopped, recalling how leaving the realm is like a taboo and she doesn’t want him to start getting suspicious of her.

He sees her as just an ordinary blind girl she doesn’t want him knowing more than that, so she just shuts her lips.

"He would be found outside of the realm... and aside from that I know nothing." Ashen stopped on the track.

"Outside the realm? How did you want me to leave the realm and how to know he is the one?"

"Maybe you can guide me out of the realm," she suggested and he just scoffed.

"Hmm..."

"Hey! You now work in the royal palace which means..." Ashen placed his finger on her lips, "Let’s just enjoy today without any argument." Lumina snorted and he smiled in return.

The scent of the beautiful garden wafted into her nostrils, "Wow... this garden is surely going to be beautiful.."

Ashen smiled and then pulled her wrist, his fingers brushed against the soft petals and the fragrance that rose from them was unlike anything she had known.

She could hear the trickle of water nearby, and the faint splash of something moving within it.

"Hey... take me to that sound I want to feel it," she suggested and he only smiled in turn

Ashen guided her hand to the edge of a fountain. "It’s a dragon, carved in stone," he said, describing the curling tail and open wings, the way water spilled from its mouth into the basin below.

"Close your eyes," he whispered, then chuckled when she tilted her head in mild amusement. "Yes, I know they are already closed... but this time, I want you to listen."

Not bothering to argue with him, she stood still and did what he wanted.

The garden sang the faint rustle of leaves like silk against stone, the distant chirp of a bird, the sound of water folding over itself in endless movement making a bright smile appear on her face. He took her hand again.

"There’s more," he stated as they followed the sound of water until the air grew cooler, and she realised they were near a lake.

Ashen helped her step into a boat, and the wood warmed under her fingertips.

When they began to move, she felt the gentle sway, the water lapping softly against the sides.

She trailed her fingers on the surface, gasping faintly when something brushed past smooth and quick like a darting fish.

"What does it look like?" she asked.

"The water is so clear you can see to the bottom. Tiny fish swim beneath us. The willows bend to touch the surface. And the sky..." He paused. "It looks like it’s smiling for you," he said while staring at her.

She smiled, and without thinking, leaned toward him, resting her head against his shoulder as the boat moved toward the heart of the lake.