Chapter 127: THEIR RECONCILEMENT
Lumina woke late the next morning, the pale glow of sunlight spilling across her bed.
Her head felt lighter, her body strangely refreshed. For a moment she thought last night had been nothing but a fever dream, but then she sat up, clutching her blanket.
She remembered the feeling of gentle hands against her face, a cool cloth brushing her fever away, and the faint smell of incense that clung to her hair.
Her chest squeezed.
"Stella," she called softly and Stella entered, carrying a basin. "You are awake, my lady."
"Was it you?" Lumina asked, her brows furrowing. "Did you... take care of me last night?"
Stella blinked, confused. "No, my lady. I only just came in this morning to check if you are still asleep... Why? Did something happen?"
Lumina’s heart dropped. She looked away quickly, hiding the sting in her chest.
"No... I must have been dreaming," she said quietly, though the words tasted like a lie. She could still feel him and that hurt her even more.
She got out of bed slowly, her mood ruined already, her pride keeping her from asking more questions.
"We are not going to the physician’s chambers today. Prepare my bath. I want to be dressed beautifully today."
Stella looked surprised but nodded and drew the bathwater. Lumina slipped into the perfumed water, letting the steam fog her mind. She needed to feel like herself again, even if her heart was unsettled.
When she stepped out, Stella dried her hair and brought out one of Lumina’s finest dresses.
It was a soft ivory silk embroidered with threads of silver and pale blue, the fabric catching the morning light like moonlight on snow.
Stella brushed out her mistress’s long hair, leaving it loose down her back but adorned with a delicate crystal pin.
"You look beautiful, my lady," Stella praised like always.
"Good," Lumina replied. "I want to feel good today."
When they walked out, the cook was already waiting near the dining room, bowing as Lumina entered.
"My lady," the cook greeted with a big grin on her face. "Breakfast has been prepared."
Lumina’s brow arched slightly. She took her seat, staring at the empty chair at the head of the table. The seat that should have been filled by her husband.
She sat, trying to eat a little, but nothing went down. No matter how much she tried to force herself, her appetite had fled.
It struck her then that ever since she had arrived here, Ashen had always been the reason she ate.
He teased her, coaxed her, sometimes even threatened her playfully just to make her take a bite. Without him here, the food tasted empty.
"I am done," she said, standing abruptly.
"But my lady.." Stella tried, but Lumina’s sharp look silenced her.
"No sign that Ashen came home last night?" she asked. Everyone exchanged glances and shook their heads.
She inhaled slowly, fighting back the strange disappointment that threatened to swallow her. "Then I will take his breakfast to him. Pack it."
"Really?" a familiar voice asked.
Lumina turned, startled heads.
Ero was standing by the doorway, looking as though he had been caught eavesdropping.
"Ero," she called recognizing his voice.
He rubbed the back of his neck. "Yes... I was actually sent to collect his breakfast."
Lumina tilted her head. "Then I will deliver it personally. Make sure it is packed properly."
"Yes, my lady!" the cook let out excitedly.
Ero glanced at the untouched tray, then ordered the cook to make extra. If his lord and his lady were going to face each other today, perhaps the shared meal might mend something.
They left for Ashen’s office shortly after, but halfway through the hall they crossed paths with Rhynera.
"Good morning," Ero and Stella greeted politely.
Rhynera’s eyes went to the tray in Stella’s hands, then narrowed at Lumina. "Carrying food? For him?"
Lumina’s lip curled. "Why is that your concern?"
"Why must you always give me the cold shoulder?" Rhynera asked, her tone almost pleading. "No matter how hard I try..."
Lumina moved closer, her head tilting slightly, her voice dangerously soft.
"What is your problem? Don’t you have your husband to cling to?"
Ero and Stella exchanged worried glances, only then did they understand that she must be coming from Ashen’s office.
"Hey!" Mia, Rhynera’s maid, snapped. "She is the crown princess, speak with respect..."
The sound of a sharp slap echoed down the hall before Mia could finish.
Everyone froze and Rhynera stared at her sister, stunned. "Lumina... you... How could you even know where her face was?"
Lumina’s lips curled into a cold smirk. "Perhaps it has been too long since you were last slapped. Consider this a reminder."
"Lumina!" Rhynera’s voice rose in outrage, but she flinched back when Lumina’s hand lifted again.
"I will let you go today," Lumina said, her voice like ice. "But cross me again, and next time, I might not be so merciful."
"You..."
Lumina stepped closer until their faces were inches apart. Her voice dropped so only Rhynera could hear.
"Stay out of my way. Do not make me use your beloved husband to punish you." Rhynera’s eyes widened.
"Let’s go," Lumina said to Stella and Ero, who quickly followed, grateful the confrontation had ended before it became worse.
When they reached Ashen’s office, Ero opened the door. Ashen looked up from his desk, ready to lash out, expecting Rhynera. But when his eyes fell on Lumina, his anger vanished.
"My lady?" His voice was a mix of shock and something softer.
Lumina walked inside with Ero guiding her while Stella placed the tray on the table nearest his desk, bowing before stepping back.
Ashen’s eyes lingered on the food, then returned to Lumina. Every muscle in his body wanted to rush to her, but the memory of her cold words last night still stung.
Lumina stopped before his desk, her chin lifting as she inhaled the familiar scent of him. But her nose caught another trace of Rhynera’s perfume. Her heart twisted.
"Why are you in my office?" he asked, the words coming out colder than he meant.
Ero winced, rubbing his face. Stella grabbed his sleeve and gestured for them both to leave the room.
"Are you angry that I interrupted your morning with the crown princess?" Lumina asked.
Ashen exhaled, the hurt in his chest growing heavier. "Lumina, I do not wish to argue this morning."
"Then why have you not been coming home?"
His eyes softened despite himself. ’Home.’ She called it home and this brought some nice feelings to him.
"Perhaps because someone said something hurtful and does not know how to apologize," he had answered .
Lumina rolled her eyes and began moving, her fingers trailing along the edge of the table as she made her way closer to him.
"What are you doing?" he asked, rising from his chair, but she ignored him.
Suddenly her foot slipped on the rug. She cried out, but before she could hit the floor, Ashen was there, catching her against his chest.
For a moment, time stopped for both of them. She felt the steady thrum of his heartbeat under her cheek.
"Are you all right?" he asked, his voice low, his hands still holding her tightly.
"Yes," she whispered, but she did not pull away.
Ashen’s thumb brushed over her arm unconsciously, and when she tilted her face up, their lips were only inches apart.
"Lumina..." he breathed, as if her name alone could break him.
She didn’t speak and before he could control himself. Their lips met, slow at first, as though he was afraid she would vanish if he kissed her too hard.
But when she didn’t pull away, the kiss deepened, his hand sliding to cradle the back of her head, holding her as though he never wanted to let go.
When they finally pulled apart, they were both breathing hard.
"We are still fighting," she whispered, almost accusingly.
"Yes," Ashen replied, his forehead pressing against hers. "But I cannot stop loving you even when we fight."
Lumina’s heart hammered painfully in her chest. She wanted to reply, but the words caught in her throat.
"Eat with me," he requested, his voice almost a plea.