Chapter 138: THE ATTACK
"What do you mean?!" Ashen’s voice boomed from the inside, not able to believe what Ero had just told him.
He quickly stood right as Lumina also tried to cover her Robe well with the help of her husband.
"Your Highness, forgive the intrusion. There has been an attack in Her Highness’ chambers." Ero repeated.
Ashen froze, every muscle in his body going rigid. The air in the room seemed to thicken, pressing down on him until it was hard to breathe.
His mother might have despised him, might have turned her face away from him every day of his life, but the thought of harm coming to her made something cold twist deep in his chest.
"Come inside," he said, when he was sure his wife was well covered though his heart was hammering hard enough to drown out the silence.
Ero stepped inside the moment the door opened, bowing slightly, his face having that shocking expression.
"The Queen is unharmed though," Ashen let out the relief she didn’t know he was holding.
"But the King is calling everyone to the Queen’s chambers. They want you there immediately."
Ashen’s expression did not change, but Lumina could feel the storm building inside him. His grip on her hand loosened as if he was trying not to crush it.
"Why?" Lumina asked not liking where this was going.
"Well.. You have been accused.."
"Of course they would do such a thing, just when I thought to get worried," Ashen muttered, almost to himself.
"Ashen..." Lumina’s voice was quiet, cautious.
He turned toward her, his anger still simmering. "You should stay here," he said, though his tone made it clear he didn’t want her to.
"I will not." Her reply was firm, leaving no space for argument. "If they are calling you to accuse you, then I will be there to stand with you."
His eyes softened for some seconds and after a pause, he nodded once.
"Very well."
He shrugged on his cloak, his movements with controlled fury. Lumina reached for him, her hands quick as she fastened the clasp at his shoulder.
He didn’t look at her, but she could feel his breathing slow under her touch.
"Let’s go," he said finally.
Ero fell into step behind them, Stella quietly guiding Lumina as they made their way down the long corridor.
The palace was alive with whispers. Servants and guards clustered at every corner, bowing hastily as Ashen passed but casting wary glances after him as though they already believed him guilty.
When they reached Queen Sephora’s chambers, the tension was so thick it could be cut with a blade. Guards lined the entrance.
The double doors were open, and inside the Queen sat upon a cushioned chair, draped in silk as though she were a victim of war instead of a mere fright.
King Ryker stood near the window, speaking in low tones to one of his advisors. Adam was at the Queen’s side, his face dark, his posture protective.
"Ashen," the King said, straightening as soon as they entered. His tone was hard. "You took your time."
"I came as soon as I was summoned." Ashen’s voice was cool and polite, but there was anger underneath.
Adam turned, his eyes already angry.
"Convenient, isn’t it?" he said, his voice dripping with accusation. "The very night you quarrel with Mother, she is nearly killed."
Lumina stiffened at his words, but Ashen only tilted his head slightly, his lips curling in a humorless smile.
"Nearly killed? I heard she is very much alive."
"Do not mock this!" Adam’s voice rose, and the guards shifted uneasily.
"Someone entered her chambers, Ashen. The guards were found unconscious and this happened immediately after you had left."
"And you think it was me." Ashen’s tone was flat, but there was danger in it.
"Who else would dare?" Adam stepped closer. "You have made no secret of your hatred for Mother. You defy her openly. You humiliate her in front of the court all because of your wife."
Lumina’s fingers curled into Ashen’s cloak.
"I was with him through the moment he had left," she said suddenly, her voice clear, cutting through the murmurs.
All eyes turned to her. Even Queen Sephora’s carefully arranged expression faltered for a moment before settling back into something cold.
"You were with him?" Adam asked, skeptical.
"Yes... From the moment we left here until the moment we were summoned," she explained.
"Convenient alibi," Adam shot back.
"He could have given the order before returning to his chambers... Or is that from you?"
She gasped and Ashen understood the crazy game he was about to play. A game he knew that if he didn’t tackle quickly they might regret it.
"That is enough." Ashen’s voice rang out like a whipcrack, his dragon aura flickering instantly startling the nearest guards.
But Adam only pressed on, sensing weakness. "You are more of a curse boy who everyone peeled off their attention and eyes from, you have brought nothing but shame to us.. How could you not do this and pretend you know nothing about it?"
"You will not speak to my husband that way." Lumina’s voice rose, annoyed at his surprising even Ashen.
The room went utterly silent as she stepped forward.
"You dare stand here and accuse him with nothing but your hatred as evidence? Ashen has done nothing but endure your scorn and your insults. He has been treated as less than a son, less than a prince, and still he remains loyal to this realm."
Adam’s jaw tightened, but she did not stop.
"If you wish to find the culprit, then do so. But do not accuse my husband because it is easy. He was with me. If you wish to call him guilty, then you call me guilty as well."
The court erupted in whispers, shocked by her boldness.
King Aden raised a hand, silencing them. His eyes moved from Lumina to Ashen, then to Adam.
"Enough. This is not the place for this argument. We will conduct a proper investigation."
"Father..." Adam began, but the King cut him off with a single look.
"I said enough. Ashen, until this matter is resolved, you will remain within the palace. If you leave, I will consider it an admission of guilt."
Ashen gave a small, mocking bow. "As you wish, Your Highness."