CHAPTER 83: I AM SORRY DAUGHTER

They all stood in respect except King Ryker and Queen Mireya, who remained seated. Rhynera forced a smile, though her heart was not in it. She knew many eyes were on her, waiting to see if her mask would break.

"I had come myself since my wife thought it would be best if she didn’t disturb me by visiting her parents." Rhynera snorted and went to her seat.

She had lost everything in her, she felt so hopeless that she couldn’t even explain her predicament to her parents. Seeing Adam now has nothing to do with her other than causing her pain, she knew he came down here to be sure she wasn’t saying anything.

He grabbed her hands and gave her a knowing look, even by touching she was feeling irritated but she did not dare to say a word.

King Ryker’s sharp gaze swept across the grand hall until it landed on Ashen.

Then he spoke up. "I am pleased to see both of my daughters now married to princes of the Drakonis Realm. I hope that they are treated as true princesses. Especially.." his eyes narrowed at Ashen.

Ashen did not look away and his voice was calm. "If your words are meant for me, then hear this. She has been the best partner a man could ever wish for."

He took Lumina’s hand and held it with a faint smile softening his face. "You may trust her fully in my care."

Ryker studied him in silence before leaning back. "Very well... I am pleased to have both of you here but before this night ends, I wish to speak with both daughters. It has been a long time since I last saw them, and it may be longer before we meet again."

Adam smiled and replied, "Of course, you can have your whole time to speak with them while we wait here, after all I would be bonding with my brother."

Ashen grip tightened around that of Lumina, but she grabbed them trying to comfort him.

Lumina then stood and bowed her head politely. When Ashen rose to follow, she gestured for him to remain seated. He leaned close and whispered, only for her ears, "Call me if they press you too hard."

A smile spread on her lips and she followed her family into a side chamber, the heavy doors closing behind them.

For a long time, King Ryker said nothing as his eyes moved between his daughters. Not until his eyes moved to her neck did he notice the new necklace resting there making his brow furrow.

"You are not wearing the necklace I gave you. Where is it?"

Lumina’s hand flew to her collarbone. Her eyes widened, before the pretense of sorrow flashed across her face. Her knees bent, and she sank slowly to the floor. Her voice shook as she whispered, "Father..."

Ryker froze. She had never called him that before.

"I am sorry," she whispered again, her head lowered. "I... lost it. It was taken during a quarrel with one of the noble daughters."

"What?" Ryker’s voice thundered.

"You were bullied? And you did not defend yourself? You know how to fight!"

Lumina shook her head quickly. "No, Father. They are noble daughters. If I struck back, it would shame your name. I could not."

Ryker’s eyes darkened. "And your sister? Was she not there? Did she not defend you?"

Lumina hesitated while across the room, Rhynera bit her lip, caught between her father’s fury and her sister’s silence. She knew she had been put in trouble again by her sister.

"You little devil!" Ryker thundered as his glare burned into Rhynera. "Why did you not protect your sister?"

Rhynera lowered her head, biting her lip so hard. "Father, please... do not speak so harshly to me. I am also your daughter. I try to keep my dignity, to win the love of the Queen, of the King, and of my husband. Why do you make everything harder for me?"

"Enough!" Ryker barked.

"My King, you are making Rhynera sacred but Ryker wasn’t having it.

"Do you forget that Lumina is my firstborn? Before Rhynera, there was Lumina. She was the first, and she will always be the first!"

"My king..." Queen Mireya’s soft voice broke in, hoping to calm him.

"Enough!" Ryker roared again, silencing her. "Your daughter has not learned respect. If she continues like this, she will be sent back to the Celestial Realm!"

"Father!" Rhynera cried, her eyes filled with hurt. "I am your daughter too. I have feelings. Why must you always crush me?"

Ryker’s breath came heavy, realizing he had gone too far, he tried to calm his anger a bit, though it was still hard. "I did not mean to wound you. But your failure to guard your sister angered me."

"She can guard herself well enough," Rhynera muttered bitterly. "You trained her yourself."

Queen Mireya’s patience finally broke. Rising, she grabbed Rhynera’s arm.

"Perhaps you should remain with your eldest child, my king. I will deal with Rhynera." Without another word, she pulled her daughter away, leaving Lumina alone with her father.

The chamber grew quiet again as Lumina’s eyes glistened as she looked up. "I am sorry," she said softly.

Ryker’s expression was hard, yet his eyes carried unease. For a brief moment, he saw something in her, a strange aura, something he could not name but felt he should fear.

"My king..." Lumina spoke gently, "Please treat my sister more kindly. This realm is not easy for her either."

Ryker sighed, troubled. He looked at her as if remembering something old. Slowly, he stretched his hand toward her.

"Your necklace... I am sorry you lost it. I could give you another, to keep close."

Lumina shook her head instantly, lifting her hand. "I am doing well, Father. You do not need to give me anything."

Ryker stared at her hand in his, his chest tight with unease. Then King Aden’s words played in his head again.

"Your daughter... who is her mother? I feel there is a power inside her that must never be underestimated.

The words grew louder in his thoughts as he looked at Lumina.

"Dear child," Ryker called out again.

"I must ask... have you shown any sign of powers since you came to Drakonis?"

Lumina raised her brow, surprised. Of course, she knew the truth that the necklace had been meant to watch her every move, to reveal when her lost power returned.

"Father," she said softly, "I am still a weak girl. I only have my fighting skills. Nothing more."

Ryker’s jaw clenched his fist tried to control himself, "Very well... But if you ever feel the smallest sign of power, you must tell me at once."

Lumina smiled but as she did, Ryker’s brief smile faded. His hands closed over hers, and a bright light glowed where their palms met. Lumina was blind so she couldn’t tell what had just transpired.

Then drew in a deep breath and released her, with fear clouding his heart. The same words repeated louder and louder in his heart.

I am so sorry, daughter.