Chapter 156: HIS HEIR
Ceryes was dragged out of the courtyard, still on his knees, "MY Lord... save me... please forgive me!".
But Adam was speechless, unable to say a word. His glare followed Ashen, and he was filled with rage. However, before he could say anything, King Aden stood and raised his hand.
"Enough for tonight. Everyone returned to the feast. Let this night not be remembered for issues, but for the dragon’s real flame after years. Also, this is the first flame after the marriage of both princes"
Music began again, cups were lifted, and laughter returned to the air. People began to dance and sing, their fear forgotten now that the dragon had blessed them.
Ashen on the other hand caught Lumina’s wrist gently and pulled her away from the crowd.
Aria followed close behind, silent as a shadow. When they reached a quiet corner of the palace gardens, Ashen finally turned to face her.
"My lady, you were incredible tonight," he said, unable to express his admiration.
Lumina only rolled her blindfolded eyes and crossed her arms. Ashen let out a soft groan and leaned closer.
"All right, I am sorry," he said, his voice low and teasing.
This time Lumina did not smile. She smacked his arm lightly, anger flickering across her face.
"Sorry? You almost walked away when everyone was cursing you.."
Ashen’s smirk faded as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"I only wanted to spare you pain. That night was turning ugly...!I didn’t want you to get hurt."
"You just letting them say what they want is the best solution for you.?" She let out a frown.
Ashen stepped closer, guilt softening his eyes. "You are right. I should not have done that." He pulled her gently toward him, but she snorted and turned her face away.
"How did you even know Adam was behind this?" He asked suddenly now, recalling how she had proved her point.
Ashen’s lips curled into a small grin. "Well... you might not know this...." she whispered, "but I expected this to happen and I made sure to reach out to the one who had seen him... not saying more than that." She let out already giving a warning she wouldn’t say more.
Lumina turned toward where she heard Aria’s soft breath.
"And you.." Lumina’s voice dropped to a whisper, so no one nearby could overhear. "Not only are you a crow, you can turn into a dragon, can’t you?"
Aria let out a short snicker.
"My lady, what you saw was just an illusion," she said. Lumina smiled faintly. "Saw? I can’t remember.." Aria coughed out in guilt but Lumina didn’t take it to heart.
"I love the people around you, Ashen. They all carry such power, and yet you keep hiding yours. You let everyone call you cursed while you say nothing." Ashen chuckled under his breath. "I got used to it long ago."
"Not anymore," she cut him off.
"I will not watch your name get ruined again. Because when your name is stained, mine is stained too. And I will not allow that."
Ashen only smiled at her and leaned in to kiss her softly on the lips.
She gasped. "Ashen! This is not your chamber! People might be watching!"
"I do not care," he said with a grin.
Aria snorted behind them, rolling her eyes as if she had seen enough of their little quarrel.
Before Lumina could respond, the king’s voice rang out across the courtyard, calling everyone back to attention.
"Everyone," King Aden said, rising to his feet, "I have an announcement."
The music stilled. The crowd turned toward him, waiting.
"Due to recent matters, Queen Sephora will no longer hold full authority over the Inner Court. I will be transferring that power to the Crown Princess, who has proven her ability to manage the court’s affairs."
Rhynera’s eyes widened in delight while people were shocked at this news. She immediately fell to her knees before the king, smiling.
"Thank you, Your Highness. I will not fail you," she said.
Queen Sephora’s face tightened, but she said nothing. The warning look from the king was enough to keep her silent, though her hands curled into fists at her side.
Lumina stepped forward slowly. Aria guided her so she could kneel gracefully.
"Your Highness," Lumina let out softly, bowing. Rhynera’s eyes widened wondering why her sister was now kneeling beside her.
"Thank you for blessing my sister with this honor. She will best to make you proud."
"Wow! You are such a lovely older sister." Everyone snickered while Rhynera was more than furious.
Her sister had once again taken the moment and turned it into her own. Rage simmered beneath her perfect smile.
Just then, the crowd parted as Serena walked into the courtyard, dressed in shimmering silver that caught every torchlight.
Adam’s eyes found her at once, and the anger in his face vanished as if it had never been.
Rhynera noticed and her stomach twisted with jealousy, she did all her best to make him look at her now but here he is gushing over another lady right in her presence.
"It’s been a while since I have seen you and you also came late to this important ceremony."
Serena knelt before the king gracefully. "Your Highness," she said sweetly. "I am sorry I was late. I had urgent matters to attend to, but I could not miss this night’s feast."
King Aden nodded. "It is good you returned. Drakonia is always stronger when its daughters are home."
Then Serena did the unthinkable. She sank to both knees and pressed her hands to the ground, and went straight to the point, the main reason she had come here.
"Your Highness," she said, her voice carrying clearly, "I wish to become the Crown Prince’s concubine."
The entire courtyard erupted in gasps, minutes, and they were already murmuring among themselves.
Lumina turned her head toward where her sister knelt and let out a soft gasp.
"Well, sister," she said with a small, bitter laugh. "This is bad news for you." The king’s face hardened with surprise, shocked by her confession.
Lord Drex strode forward, his voice ringing with anger. "Your Highness, please do not take this child’s words seriously. She is young and foolish. I will find a man suitable for her and see her married so she should not disturb the Crown Prince any longer."
But Serena’s voice cut him off. "I am not lying. The Crown Prince and I have been in love for years."
Lumina gasped again along with Queen Sephora who almost lost her breath.
Ashen immediately pulled his wife gently from her kneeling position.
"You should sit and enjoy the drama, my lady," he whispered, helping her to a nearby seat. She snickered softly as he handed her an apple.
"Now enjoy this, show," Lumina asked, tilting her head.
"The Crown Prince has been betrothed to the Crown Princess since birth. I thought you were only his friend."
"Your Highness, forgive me for this embarrassment," Adam said quickly, turning toward the king.
"Are you calling me an embarrassment?" Serena asked and Adam turned to her with rage in his eyes.
"Yes... which is why you should keep quiet!" Adam suddenly shouted, glaring at Serena.
"You are trying to deny me?" Serena’s voice trembled, but she stood firm.
Adam glared harder, turning back to his father. "Father, I swear I know nothing about this girl’s claims."
Serena’s lips curled into a bitter smile, so this is what it’s all about.
"Then perhaps this will help you remember. I am carrying the Crown Prince’s heir."