Chapter 145: THE ARRANGEMENT
Lumina stepped into the grand ceremonial hall with Stella at her side, her fingers curled lightly around her maid’s wrist.
Lumina could hear the rustle of silk skirts and the clinking of trays a the palace maids were already at work preparing the space for the upcoming festival.
"Your Highness," one of the older maids greeted quickly, bowing low.
"We were not expecting you so early." she let out even though it was clear in her voice that they didn’t expect her at all.
"I wished to see the hall before the work begins," Lumina replied calmly, ignoring her rage-baiting voice. "I want to know what has been prepared so far."
A murmur ran through the group of maids, faint, but she caught every word despite their attempt to whisper.
"How can she inspect it when she cannot see?"
"Perhaps she only came to stand here and look pretty."
"The Crown Princess will do most of the work anyway. Everyone knows that."
Stella stiffened at her side, about to speak, but Lumina squeezed her hand, silently asking her to remain calm.
She had learned quickly that the palace walls had ears, and anger was what her enemies wanted from her.
Also, she is beginning to get worried about Stella, if she doesn’t help her control her anger she would show her other side no one would want to see and this might put her in trouble especially now that she hasn’t gained much foothold in the palace.
"Is everything ready for me to begin?" she asked instead, ignoring the gossip entirely.
Before any of the maids could answer, the sound of quick, confident footsteps echoed through the hall. Rhynera’s voice followed, sweet but carrying that mocking tone.
"Sister," she called, drawing closer. "You came before I did. How diligent."
Lumina turned her head toward the sound of her steps, smiling politely.
"It is a responsibility His Highness has given me. I cannot take it lightly." Lumina emphasized reminding Rhynera that this was supposed to be her job.
"Of course not," Rhynera replied, though Lumina could almost hear the smile in her tone twist.
"But since you cannot see, allow me to take the lead. I have already bought some of the things we need for the festival. It’s still in my chambers, but I did it so it will save you the trouble."
The maids tittered softly, some covering their mouths, their whispers now bolder.
"She is right. The princess should let her sister handle it."
"It is not as though she can inspect decorations."
Stella bristled again, this time unable to stay quiet. "Her Highness may not see with her eyes, but she sees far better than any of you with her heart. Perhaps you should keep your words to yourself... or I will show you how to do so."
The room went quiet at that, and Lumina gave Stella’s hand another squeeze, a quiet thanks.
"I appreciate your effort, sister," Lumina said, her voice calm and measured, "but His Highness entrusted this to me. I will fulfill it as best as I can."
There was a pause. Then Rhynera laughed softly, though there was little mirth in the sound.
"Very well. I will help where I am needed. After all, we must present something worthy of Drakonia."
Together, they began walking through the hall. Lumina listened intently as Stella described the space around her.
But as the hours passed, the whispers never stopped. The maids murmured about her blindness, about how she would embarrass the royal family if she made a mistake during the ceremony.
Stella stayed close, whispering quiet reassurances into Lumina’s ear whenever the barbs grew too sharp.
By the time they were done reviewing the hall, Lumina’s head felt heavy, but she kept her composure.
"This will do," she said at last, nodding slightly. "Make the final arrangements. Stella, note down what we will need to add."
Rhynera’s steps approached again. "You are brave, sister," she said in a low voice, one that only Lumina could hear. "Brave to keep smiling when everyone here doubts you. But do not take on more than you can carry. Not everyone will be kind when you fail."
Lumina turned her head toward her, smiling faintly. "And not everyone will rejoice when I succeed," she replied softly. "But that is not my concern. The king has trusted me. That is all that matters."
Rhynera’s silence stretched before she finally clicked her tongue and turned away.
By the time they left the hall, the sun was already dipping low. Lumina walked quietly, her hand resting on Stella’s arm again, her thoughts deep.
The air outside was cool, Lumina could sense that something unseen was following them, of course, she used her heating way more than her eyes so she could tell.
Halfway back to her chambers, she slowed and then stopped.
"Stella," she called softly.
"Yes, Your Highness?"
"Go back to the hall," Lumina said, her voice calm. "There was a scroll I asked for earlier. Bring it to me. I will wait here."
Stella hesitated. "But..."
"Do not worry," Lumina said, squeezing her hand. "I will wait for you here so go quickly."
Reluctantly, Stella nodded and hurried back down the corridor. The moment her footsteps faded, the silence around Lumina thickened. She could feel it now, a presence just behind her.
"You can stop hiding," she said softly, turning her head slightly toward the corner of the wall.
Then a figure stepped forward, of course, she knew immediately it was Ceryes.
"If you came here to strike me, like you did the other day," she said quietly, "don’t bother, I had planned to visit Adam’s chambers today."
Her voice was calm, almost too calm which even left Ceryes in shock.
"After all," she added, a small smile ghosting across her lips, "we have much to discuss."
Ceryes’ silence was heavy, but the air around him seemed to hum with tension, as though even he had not expected her to face him so boldly.
"Let’s go.." he let out and led her down to where Adam was waiting.