Chapter 125: LORD CARLOS SON
The next morning, Lumina sat quietly in the dining room. The sunlight spilled in through the tall windows, but the golden rays felt cold on her skin.
She pushed the food around her plate without really eating. Stella stood behind her as usual, helping her with the small things, but even Stella’s face was unusually serious.
No one said anything, the servants moved around silently, glancing at Lumina from time to time but quickly looking away. The air in the dining room was so tense. Everyone had heard the argument the night before, the raised voices, the sound of doors slamming.
Lumina wanted to forget it and erase the look on Ashen’s face when she had told him not to interfere, when she had shouted that he was ruining her plans.
But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t erase it.
She missed him this morning, missed his quiet presence, missed the warmth of waking up next to him. But he hadn’t come back last night since the argument. He had left, and she had woken to an empty room.
That emptiness hurt more than she wanted to admit.
She lifted the fork to her lips and forced herself to take another bite, but it felt like eating stones. Her throat constricted, making each breath a struggle.
"I lost my appetite," she finally said, pushing the plate away. "Let’s leave."
Stella hesitated. "Yes, my lady," she answered, though there was a trace of frustration in her voice.
As they walked through the corridors, Stella finally broke the silence.
"So," she said carefully, "how will you deal with the poison?"
Lumina forced a small smile. "It has lessened for now. I will find the antidote as soon as possible."
"My lady," Stella called her back, her voice clear now, "You still have the poison from your father, and now Adam’s poison on top of that. Isn’t that too much for you to endure?"
Lumina stopped walking for a moment. She looked ahead, her eyes distant. "I am working with the royal physician and this is the Drakonis world, Stella. I will find a way. I always do."
Stella looked as though she wanted to argue but decided to stay quiet.
When they reached the physician’s chambers, everyone shifted back respectfully, bowing their heads.
Their gazes burned against Lumina’s skin, but she ignored them, of course, the rumor about Adam and Ashen had gone around so they gave her the burning stare since the one they love most is Adam.
Stella helped her sit down and Lumina noticed instantly that Serena wasn’t there. Before she could ask, the door opened, and a young man entered with a polite smile.
Then he found his way toward where she sat.
"My lady," he greeted, bowing deeply.
"I am Kieran, the last son of Lord Carlos. I have been appointed as your guide today."
Lumina’s brows rose slightly. "Lord Carlos’ son?"
"Yes," he replied. "And my sister is Mireya."
"Interesting," Lumina smirked faintly as she gestured for the worried Stella to leave. Having no choice Stella bowed and left.
Then Lumina proceeded... "Heard of me from her?" She asked and he nodded.
"Yes. I have heard of you, Princess Lumina. I am proud to say that someone has treated my sister with the best courtesy ever."
Lumina’s brow furrowed at this, "That’s rare. I suppose not all families treat each other well." Her remark drew a crooked, knowing smile from Kieran.
"I heard Princess Lumina does not have the best relationship with her stepsister either.
Lumina let out a dry chuckle. "You heard right. Well then, be my guide today." Kieran’s smirk widened as he nodded, clearly amused."
The day’s training began and he was surprisingly attentive, pressing items gently into her hands.
Lumina listened, nodded, even repeated a few of the terms under her breath but her thoughts kept straying.
No matter how hard she tried to push herself to concentrate on the work, her mind returned again and again to Ashen.
When the training drew to a close, the apprentices excused themselves one by one. Kieran lingered, remaining by her side, as though waiting for her to speak first.
"Shall I walk you back, my lady?" he asked. Lumina shook her head gently.
"No, my handmaiden will meet me by the door. Thank you, though." He gave a small bow and left.
Just as Lumina stood to leave, another voice called out.
"Princess Lumina."
She turned in the direction of the voice already aware that Lord Drex was the one approaching her.
"You look pale," he stated, his voice calm but serious.
"I am fine," Lumina replied quickly, straightening her shoulders.
Lord Drex frowned at this. "Allow me to check your pulse." Lumina hesitated, pulling her hand back.
"That is not necessary."
"Princess," Lord Drex called out gently, "I can tell when something is wrong just by looking at you. I would rather check now than let my student grow sicker." Lumina stayed silent at this moment until an idea poked in her head.
"You didn’t notice the king’s incense yesterday," she murmured, her lips twitching slightly.
He smiled faintly. "Sometimes something should be left alone..... and that is another reason you should allow me."
Slowly, Lumina extended her wrist. Lord Drex pressed his fingers against her pulse, his brows furrowing.
After a long pause, he looked up. "Were you poisoned?" Lumina’s breath caught.
"And now you are trying to hide it," he continued before she could reply. "So that the person responsible will not be punished."
Lumina sighed deeply, pulling her hand back. "Since you know, there is no need to ask more questions."
Lord Drex’s eyes softened. "I will not press you further. But I advise you to do something about this soon. Whether you choose to act is your decision. If you wish for a cure, we can work on it together."
For the first time that morning, Lumina’s lips curved into a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Lord Drex." He bowed and left her there, deep in thought.
Outside the chamber, Stella was waiting for her, before Stella could talk she already interrupted her.
"We are going to the king this evening for the usual check-up."