Ashen gently reached for Lumina’s hand as they stepped out of the chamber together. Her fingers fit so softly into his palm, and she smiled at the warmth of his touch.
The hallway air was cool against her skin, she was still sore, but she didn’t want to miss coming to the lesson this early, especially not when he was the one taking her there.
"You have been quiet and not that chatty," he said softly, guiding her step by step.
"That is because I have nothing to say," but again she glanced his way.
"Why are you super nice to me today?" Ashen chuckled, a low sound close to her ear. "Do I not look nice on other days?"
"No," she said with a small teasing smile.
"That’s only because I am trying to protect myself," he answered, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "But with you, I don’t want to pretend,"
Her heart skipped. She could feel the softness in his voice compared to the first time he had spoken to her. She couldn’t help but wonder how hard it would have been if he had proceeded with acting cold towards her.
She bumped into him lightly. "Are we close to the class?"
"We are," he said, brushing his thumb across the back of her hand. "But don’t rush... I can tell you are still tired."
"Yet, you are dragging me to the class?" she teased.
"You are the rule-abiding and lesson-loving freak," he retorted and she just rolled her eyes.
"It’s not that hard for you to get me pissed," she grumbled under her breath.
"Well I love when I get you to do that," she snorted and Ashen returned it with a smile. At least it could make her feel at ease, he had noticed how she had retracted when he told her about him not being at home tonight.
But the smile on his face disappeared when he saw his sister standing in front of the class door, her hands folded as her eyes bore into his.
"Princess Aurelia," Ashen said flatly.
"Brother," came Aurelia’s cold voice.
"You walk the halls with a woman like a boy with no duty."
Ashen straightened. "You are right," he said, his voice calm. "But I believe you should still rest so that the injury on your face can get better and you can quickly find a suitor to treat you nicely."Aurelia gasped. "How dare you...."
Before she could finish, Lumina gently tugged Ashen’s hand. "Ashen, please, this isn’t the time," she murmured.
He paused, then nodded fine. Together, they both lowered their heads slightly in a respectful bow. Aurelia scoffed and turned away.
"Whatever..." Just as she was about to walk in, Rhynera spoke up in a sweet voice.
"Princess, don’t be upset," she said gently. "He didn’t mean it." She apologized on their behalf.
But Aurelia only gave Rhynera a sharp look and walked into the classroom without another word.
Rhynera turned to Lumina, grabbing her hand with fake concern. "You shouldn’t upset Princess Aurelia. You are still under punishment, and things could get worse."
Lumina slowly pulled her hand back with her lips pressed together, "The last time I checked... You weren’t called in to help... mind when to poke nose into our affairs." Rhyenara was speechless while Ashen let out a proud smile.
She turned her head slightly toward Ashen, unsure what to say.
Ashen stepped forward, placing himself between her and Rhynera.
"You want me to step in?" he asked quietly, his voice low.
Lumina shook her head. "No. It’s my punishment, so I will take the blame."
Ashen’s eyes darkened and he turned his full body to face Rhynera and used his shoulder to push her gently aside.
Then he grabbed Lumina’s hand and brought it to his lips. He placed a soft kiss on her knuckles.
"If you ever feel it’s too much," he said in a deep voice, "You can forget the promises and don’t need to carry it alone."
She smiled and shook her head again, more firmly this time.
"I want to carry it," she said. "For both of us."
Rhynera’s breath caught, and her eyes burned with jealousy. Without another word, she turned and stormed into the class. Stella, standing behind Lumina, giggled softly.
Lumina gave Ashen a small nod. "I will go now."
He didn’t stop her, but as Stella made to follow, he gently grabbed her arm.
His voice became cold.
"You are to stay with her," he said. "Watch and tell me everything that happens today when you return." Stella bowed.
Ashen watched her disappear into the classroom. The softness on his face faded as he turned to leave, only to come face to face with Lady Freya.
She bowed quickly, but he didn’t return it, his thoughts flashed back to what Stella had told her.
Lady Freya is the queen, and he was pretty sure his mother had made Lady Freya hard on Lumina.
"I am beginning to see bruises on her body," he said, his voice low and eerie.
"If I find out that you are behind them, consider that you have gone."
Lady Freya’s eyes widened. "My Lord, I..."
"I am not warning you again," he cut her off, his eyes glowing as he walked away without another word.
Lady Freya stood frozen for a moment, this was the first time she ever exchanged words with him and for a crazy reason, it got her scared.
Then she turned to her right-hand woman and whispered,
"Send word to the Queen. The last prince and his soon-to-be wife... I believe they are spending time together before the ceremony even begins."
The woman nodded and disappeared down the hall.
Lady Freya looked once more toward the classroom door, her face twisted with a mix of fear and curiosity.
Things were changing fast ever since the appearance of Luminand and the last prince was no longer hiding in the shadows.