CHAPTER 82: MEETING HER PARENT

Ashen’s gaze shifted to Rhynera as she appeared, her presence demanding attention. One could tell he was already irritated seeing her.

"What honor do I owe to have the Crown Princess herself standing before me?"

Lumina, sensing her sister nearby, gently tugged at Ashen’s sleeve and gestured for him to lower her to the ground.

"Sister... is something wrong?" she asked innocently with a knowing smile.

Rhynera folded her arms, her voice harsh.

"You should be serving tea to the Queen at this hour. Is this how you behave? Ignoring duty? Have you already forgotten everything our father taught us?"

Lumina tilted her head and smirked faintly, though her blind eyes softened her expression.

"The last time I checked, I am not the Crown Princess. I am simply the wife of the last prince. And I do not think my husband is complaining about me not serving the Queen her tea." Her words stung, and Rhynera’s lips pressed together in irritation.

"You..." she began hotly, but Ashen moved at once, stepping between them. His dark eyes fixed on Rhynera.

"Please," he let out calmly. "My lady has done nothing wrong. There is no need to use such a tone with her."

Rhynera froze at this, had not intended to scold her sister so harshly, only to remind her.

Yet Ashen’s is defending her already. Her heart tightened with a jealousy she could not jealousy

If only Adam would speak for her that way, if only he could look at her that way. The thought burned inside her, leaving her bitter and restless.

"Fine then," she let out masking her envy with a forced smile. "Since you are so free, why not accompany me to greet our parents? Mother and Father are leaving this evening. It would be unfilial not to bid them farewell."

Lumina’s brows furrowed, she knew very well that whether she went or not, their parents would barely notice her presence. But Ashen leaned closer, his warm breath brushing her ear.

"Allow me to take you there," he said gently, before she could protest, he swept her up in his arms once again.

Rhynera’s jaw clenched so tightly she nearly lost control.

"Prince Ashen," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. "Don’t you think you are spoiling your princess far too much?"

Ashen’s gaze rose to meet hers, his stare was piercing, and even through her veil she felt the weight of it.

"If I do not spoil my wife," he replied softly, "then who else should I spoil?"

Lumina’s cheeks warmed, her hands curling against his chest, while Rhynera felt both humiliated and strangely defeated.

She turned quickly to hide her expression and strode toward their parents’ guest chambers.

Ashen carried Lumina close behind her, ignoring the whispers of the maids who marveled at his gentleness.

"Look how he holds her."

"He treats her like a treasure."

"Who would have thought the last prince could be so tender?"

The words pricked at Rhynera’s ears, deepening her anger. She had always thought Lumina would be the one to suffer, be unwanted, and discarded by everyone.

But fate had twisted cruelly, Lumina had found a husband who pampered her endlessly, while Rhynera was shackled to a man who hardly looked at her.

"Mother! Father!" Rhynera called, rushing forward into the chamber. King Ryker and Queen Mireya sat side by side, engaged in conversation. She hurried toward them, eager to fall into their embrace.

But before she could reach them, a sudden wave of power struck her down. It was sharp, like an invisible force pressing against her chest. She gasped as her knees slammed onto the cold floor.

"Ah!" She cried out.

Queen Mireya was startled by King Ryker’s action and wanted to stand up but King Ryker caught her wrist and forced her to remain seated.

His eyes burned with rage as he glared at Rhynera, who struggled on the ground.

Lumina felt the change at once, the sound of her sister collapsing. Her arms loosened around Ashen’s neck.

"Drop me," she whispered urgently. "I must show courtesy."

Ashen’s lips curved in annoyance, but he obeyed only halfway, carrying her forward until they stood directly before King Ryker and Queen Mireya.

Then his voice rang out, "The last prince of Drakonia and his wife have come to show respect."

Only then did he set Lumina gently upon her feet and she quickly bowed before her parents.

"Father. Mother," she said respectfully.

King Ryker’s lips curled faintly.

"See?" his voice boomed as he pointed to Lumina.

"She knows the proper things to do at the right time,"

"Father!" Rhynera’s voice cracked as she raised her head. "You are leaving this evening. Can I not forget courtesy just for today and act as your daughter?" Ryker’s jaw tightened as he smacked his forehead in frustration.

"Have you not been in this realm long enough? Why do you not learn? Has your sister not faced the same struggles, yet she stands with composure before us? Why must you behave like a lost bird every time?" He yelled at her.

Rhynera felt hurt at this, she bit her lip, blinking back tears. She only wanted to crave love from her parents but now her dad is also punishing her.

Lumina turned her head slightly toward the sound of her father’s voice.

"Father, please... forgive my sister. It has been difficult for her to adapt. She only wished to seek comfort from her parents, not to insult the dignity of the King and Queen."

Ryker’s stern features softened slightly, while Ashen’s lips curved with pride.

He guided Lumina carefully to her seat, his hand steady on her shoulder. King Ryker watched closely, his eyes narrowing.

This was not the idle, useless prince he had heard of. This man carries himself with dignity and the aura emitting from him.

He also can’t deny his striking resemblance to King Adem way more than Adam.

"Prince Ashen," Queen Mireya finally spoke, as her eyes landed on Lumina.

"I hope my blind daughter has not been troubling you too much."

"Mireya," Ryker hissed, glaring at her for the cruel word she used.

But Ashen’s expression did not falter as his hand found Lumina’s.

"Your choice of words is unkind, Your Majesty. She has never been a burden to me." His voice lowered, every syllable steady as stone.

"I will say this for the first and the last time. If you call her blind before me again, I will not take it lightly."

The chamber fell silent at once. Even Ryker looked taken aback at the boldness of the last prince.

Queen Mireya’s face hardened. She opened her mouth to retort, but before she could speak, the heavy doors of the chamber slammed open.

The Crown Prince Adam walked inside.