Both lads stepped into the royal courthouse with no sign of worry or fear in their eyes.
Passerby still couldn’t help but coo seeing how loving and full of awareness Ashen was as he strolled to the royal courthouse with his woman.
Lumina’s hands wrapped around those of Ashen as he led her gently inside the courthouse oblivious to the peering eyes sent their way.
At the far end of the hall, King Aden sat on a high-backed throne, and beside him sat Prince Adam, his expression unreadable, his fingers tapping slowly on the armrest.
Ashen bowed stiffly, offering the barest show of respect. Lumina lowered her head gracefully, her hands clasped in front of her as she followed the sound of Ashen’s steps to know where to stop.
King Aden couldn’t help but be so shocked, almost on the verge of asking if the same boy protecting his woman as he stood before him was his son.
"Princess Lumina," King Aden began, his voice steady but heavy with disapproval
"I welcomed you into our realm as a guest and a royal bride. Yet already, it is said you do not follow the rules of our household. It is one thing to be unfamiliar with our ways, but quite another to behave with no restraint."
He paused, his sharp gaze cutting into her. "How could you, knowing etiquette, speak in a manner that has offended the princess of this realm?"
Lumina offered a soft smile, then bowed her head slightly again.
"Your highness... if speaking to Princess Aurelia about treating her sister-in-laws with kindness is considered disrespect, then I will not deny the accusations. I will accept any punishment you see fit."
A hush fell over the hall as both King Aden and Prince Adam stared at the sharp tongue of Lumina who saw no wrong in what she had just said.
But the silence was shattered when Queen Sephora’s voice boomed inside the courthouse.
"Insolence!" her voice rang as she stormed into the room, her robe trailing behind her like a shadow. Her presence sent a chill through the room.
Ashen stepped forward at once, standing directly in front of Lumina seeing anger emanating from her, he could tell her next move.
Her eyes flashed, and before anyone could move, lightning crackled from her fingertips, wild and unrestrained.
A blinding strike shot through the air, meant for Lumina, but Ashen took the full blow to his chest.
The crack of impact echoed through the hall, Lumina gasped at this and Queen Sephora’s hand trembled as the last of the lightning fizzled from her fingertips.
She had aimed to frighten or discipline, but never to harm her son yet, the power she released had scorched through him.
Ashen staggered, clutching his chest, blood beginning to trail from the corner of his mouth.
Lumina jerked at the sound. Her ears caught the soft grunt, the subtle sound of pain in his breath. Her heart dropped now aware that Ashen had been hurt.
"Ashen..." she whispered, reaching toward him, her fingers brushing his sleeve before she grasped it tightly.
"I am fine," Ashen said through clenched teeth, forcing himself upright, still placing his body as a shield between her and his mum.
King Aden stood with a roar. "What nonsense is this! Call for the royal physician immediately!"
Prince Adam remained still, but there was a tightness in his jaw, his brows furrowed not with concern but annoyance. He hated seeing Ashen shown any care or sympathy.
Aurelia, who had expected nothing more than a rebuke for Lumina, now stood frozen in horror.
Her lips parted, but no words came. She never meant for this to happen.
"Your highness," Lumina said softly, falling to her knees beside Ashen, her hands reaching to find him.
Her voice trembled but held no fear for herself but for Ashen. "Please... I beg you... Send for the physician. He is stubborn, I am not sure he is fine, please he needs to be cared for urgently."
King Aden’s expression faltered. Since her arrival, Lumina has moved with elegance. This was the first time he saw her truly distraught.
"You may punish me for what happened between me and Princess Aurelia," she said quietly, "but please... see to Ashen’s safety first."
Queen Sephora stood stunned, her lips trembling. She stepped forward, guilt settling over her like ash.
"I... I didn’t mean to strike him," she murmured, reaching toward Ashen. "Bring me your hand. Let me see." Ashen jerked his arm back from that or his mum like it burned him.
"I said I am fine." His voice cut through. "Whatever punishment you would give her, I will take it in her place. But please... forgive her. Let this go."
"Ashen," Aurelia whispered, stepping forward, but Ashen raised a hand to silence her.
"This is not the first time I have been punished for something I didn’t do," he said, his voice quieter now, strained, but calm. "I do not need a physician. Just let us leave."
King Aden’s gaze lingered on his son for a long moment before he gave a reluctant nod. "You may leave, but the royal physician will still be sent to check on your condition."
Ashen stood straighter despite the blood that stained his robe. He turned, reaching down to lift Lumina gently from the floor. Despite her trying to stop him he refused to listen and lifted her off the ground.
Her arms curled instinctively around his neck, her fingers curling against his shoulder.
They turned to leave, but just as they neared the exit, another voice called out from outside.
"Sister? What’s wrong?"
Rhynera appeared, her steps light but full of concern. She rushed toward them, her face pale with worry.
Ashen didn’t answer but simply moved past her without a glance and gently pushed her aside with his shoulder as he walked on, carrying Lumina in his arms like something sacred.
Rhynera stood there frozen, confused, and hurt at the same time. She came with the hope of seeing Lumina suffer only to be met with her being treated rightfully by her partner.