The day was over and Lumina offered goodbyes to everyone. Lord Drex couldn’t lie but he is impressed with Lumina. Even though she is blind she wasn’t letting her blindness define her.
The three lads all walked together down the corridor, as Serena hand-guided Lumina.
Serena had been trying her best to make things easier for Lumina while Aurelie would scuffle for minutes.
"Your maid is nowhere to be seen," Serena remarked with a tilt of her head. "Would you allow me to escort you back to your chambers?"
Princess Aurelia scoffed before Lumina could answer. "Of course you would ask that. You always want to play savior. And you.." she stated, pointing to Lumina.
"If you are truly as skilled as everyone claims, why is it still so difficult for you to find your way to my brother’s chamber without help?"
Lumina smiled for some reason she could not explain, a ripple of excitement stirred within her. First, the King had called Ashen his son and now even Aurelia is calling him her brother. Maybe there is little hope.
"I am pleased," Lumina said softly, "to hear that the princess thinks I am the best at everything."
Aurelia’s eyes flashed. "How dare you twist my words into mockery?"
"Word?" Lumina tilted her head, her voice deceptively mild. "What sort of word should I use, then?"
"I am the king’s daughter. You will respect me."
"And I am the princess of the Celestial Realm," Lumina countered.
"I was not born into rags, Princess Aurelia. Perhaps you should excuse your own sense of entitlement before demanding courtesy from me."
Serena’s eyes widened at the bite in her words. A small laugh slipped from her lips. "Well, well... you certainly have a way of speaking."
Aurelia scowled, her cheeks hot. "If you had attended the queen’s lessons, you would have seen how deceitful this girl can be. Sneaky little..."
"Bitch?" Lumina cut in smoothly. She straightened, her calm expression unshaken. "I accept being called cunning, but not that word."
"I am older than you!" Aurelia snapped, her voice trembling with anger.
"And that," Lumina said coolly, "is the only reason I show you respect, Princess Aurelia. But if you cross the line I have drawn again, I promise you will regret it."
Lumina’s voice left no room for argument. Aurelia froze, speechless. Lumina turned, already walking away, when Serena quickly caught her hand.
"I am staying in Prince Adam’s chambers for now," Serena offered lightly. "It is not far from Prince Ashen’s. I could take you there."
"Serena... " Princess Aurelia called, annoyed at how she is abandoning her for Lumina.
"Come now, Princess," Serena interrupted smoothly, flashing a bright smile. "Surely this is the least we can do for someone in need."
Lumina wanted to object, to cut the conversation short, but she bit her tongue. Being alone with Serena might prove useful. So instead, she leaned her head in agreement.
"Fine," Aurelia muttered through clenched teeth. "We will speak tomorrow."
The three women parted ways, and soon Serena’s hand tightened gently around Lumina’s as she guided her through the corridors.
"I heard the cursed little devil is gentle with you," Serena said slyly, her tone lilting with mockery. "Romantic, even. Why is he not here to escort you himself?"
"He is neither little, cursed, nor a devil," Lumina replied, her voice laced with irritation.
Serena smirked at her fierceness. "You do know I am the same age as Aurelia, don’t you?" Lumina only rolled her eyes, refusing to answer.
After a pause, Lumina asked, "Why are you kind to me?"
Serena chuckled at the question. "Kind? I only do what any sensible person would do for someone helpless."
"Do not use that word for me," Lumina cut her off.
Serena’s smile widened. "Funny. You did not complain when I used it before. Perhaps you wanted an excuse to speak to me alone?"
Lumina stopped in her tracks, her head tilting slightly.
"No wonder you are still living in Prince Adam’s chambers." Lumina let out in realization.
"Is that what you think?" Serena asked, her brow arching.
"I know so," Lumina said simply.
For a moment, Serena stared at her in stunned silence. Then she laughed, genuine amusement breaking through. "I like you," Lumina admitted.
The words carried importance. Serena had little fondness for anyone but Aurelia, and she is only friends with Aurelia because she once lived in the place and had no choice.
"My sister is a fool," Lumina confessed as they walked on.
"Yeah... too childish, too reckless to guess I can easily handle her," Serena added.
Lumina’s smile faltered for a breath, then she quickly masked it. "How come I am only just seeing someone like you now?" she asked.
"Because I only planned to repay you, for helping me," Serena answered smoothly.
"Even if your sister’s plan had gone on, she would not have succeeded. I merely gave her a taste of her own medicine."
This was the first time someone was making Lumina shock. She has always been two steps forward but hearing this from Serena made her amazed.
"You are far sharper than I thought." Lumina let out.
"Why did you help me then?" Serena asked after a pause, her voice quieter now. "It could ruin her dignity."
"Well because she needed a lesson, and I thought it would be bad to ruin your reputation," Lumina said without hesitation.
" After all, she has secretly welcomed too many men into her bed without her parents’ knowledge."
Serena burst into laughter. "I like that. Truly, I do. Let us be friends." She stretched out her hand invitingly.
But Lumina did not take it. "I rarely make friends," she said softly. "But I will think about it."
Serena smiled anyway and withdrew her hand. Just then, footsteps echoed down the corridor.
"My lady!" Stella appeared, panting as though she had run the whole way. She froze when she saw Serena.
"You were the one who sent the message," Serena said casually, giving Stella a pointed look. "Thank you."
Stella blinked in confusion, then before she could ask what Serena meant, Serena swept away with a bright smile. "See you tomorrow."
Lumina snickered as she listened to her footsteps fade.
"My lady, what was that?" Stella whispered when they were alone. Her voice shook. "That is Prince Adam’s... lover."
"Precisely," Lumina murmured.
Stella gasped. "You befriended her... so you could get closer to the crown prince? To learn his weaknesses?"
Lumina reached out and gently patted Stella’s shoulder.
"You are smart and that is exactly the reason why you are my trusted friend."
Stella stared at her mistress in shock, but Lumina’s expression never wavered.