Chapter 143: THE BRACELET
Ashen walked beside Lumina, his hand loosely holding hers. There was something quieter about him today, though his presence was as steady as always. When they reached the courtyard that led to the physician’s chambers, he suddenly stopped, turning toward her.
"If you ever feel the slightest discomfort," he said, "use this."
He slid a ring onto her finger, the metal smooth and cool against her skin. Lumina touched it curiously, her blindfolded eyes turning slightly toward him.
"What does it do?" she asked softly.
Ashen didn’t answer right away. Instead, he leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss against her forehead, the warmth of his lips startling her for just a second.
"It is more than a symbol of my care," he said quietly. "Once you press it, no matter where you are, I will come to you."
She let out a small gasp as she stretched her hand in front of her, feeling the delicate weight of the ring, as though trying to imagine its color.
The motion made her heart twist painfully, she hated being unable to see such things.
"If only I could see them," she murmured. Her other hand drifted toward her throat, brushing over the necklace he had given her days ago, then to the bracelets around her wrists.
"Stella always tells me the things you get for me are beautiful. I want to believe her."
Ashen’s chest tightened. For a moment he simply watched her, the way her fingers trembled as they traced the jewelry, her voice soft and wistful. He wished he could give her the sight she longed for more than any jewel or protection.
"You will," he said firmly, his voice carrying a quiet promise. "I will not tire, not stop, until I find the cure you need."
She nodded, and for a brief second, a faint smile graced her lips.
When they entered the physician’s courtyard, it was quieter than usual. Lumina tilted her head slightly, sensing the absence of footsteps and voices.
"Why is no one here today?" Ashen asked, his voice sharpening just a little as he looked around.
"Good morning to Your Highnesses," Lord Drex said, bowing deeply before them.
Ashen gave a short nod. Lumina smiled politely, her hands folded in front of her.
"I asked the others to stay home today," Lord Drex explained. "I have prepared something new that I want the princess to try, a special mixture I believe might counter the poison’s lingering effects."
Lumina’s brows lifted in surprise. Her lips parted slightly, but she said nothing as she stretched out her wrist obediently when he asked.
Lord Drex took her hand gently, he touched her wrist to feel her pulse, that momenther fingers brushed against the bracelet that circled her wrist, and suddenly his eyes widened.
"This..." His voice was barely a whisper. "This is a protection shield."
Lumina’s lips curved into a small smile. "Yes. My husband gave it to me."
Lord Drex glanced up quickly, his gaze moving to Ashen. The young prince stood still, his expression blank, but there was a hint of a smirk tugging at his lips.
The bracelet shimmered faintly and Lord Drex knew immediately what he was holding.
This was not an ordinary charm. It looks simple but a trace of dragon fire was clinging to it. It is a rare relic few have ever seen and it is so expensive.
"My lord," he said carefully, looking from the bracelet to Ashen again, "this is not only rare, it is sacred."
Ashen’s smirk deepened slightly, but he said nothing.
Lord Drex released Lumina’s hand carefully and continued his work, testing her pulse and preparing a small vial of herbs. When he finished, he stepped back.
"I believe this may work," he said, setting the vial down on the table. "But it will take time to know for sure. I would like Her Highness to remain here for a while so I can observe how she reacts to it."
Lumina nodded. "I will stay," she said softly. She turned her face toward Ashen. "You should go. Stella is here she will take me to the hall afterward to review the preparations for the ceremony."
Ashen frowned slightly, not liking the thought of leaving her, but she smiled faintly and touched the ring he had given her as if to remind him of his own words.
"I will be fine," she assured him.
Reluctantly, he nodded. He stepped close enough to place a soft kiss against her forehead again.
Then his gaze turned toward Lord Drex. The older man felt a sudden intimidation settle over him, an aura that made him instinctively lower his head, as if standing before a king.
Ashen did not speak but merely gestured with two fingers, signaling Lord Drex to follow him outside.
"Excuse me, Princess," Lord Drex said with a bow before stepping out.
The moment they were beyond the chamber, Ashen stood waiting, his back to him, hands clasped behind him.
"You know what that bracelet is," Ashen said.
Lord Drex swallowed and nodded. "I do. I will not lie, my prince, I am shocked. I can still feel the dragon fire burning faintly from it. To think you obtained such a relic..."
Ashen turned slightly, a faint scowl still on his lips. "Father told me you were the best. I suppose I can give you that much credit."
His gaze sharpened. "The bracelet was a gift from my mother. Are you satisfied with that answer?"
Lord Drex blinked, then quickly bowed his head. "Yes, my prince."
Ashen started to walk away, but Lord Drex spoke again, almost hesitantly.
"Still... allow me to warn you, my prince. Power of that kind carries its own dangers. Use it wisely, or you may regret it."
Ashen did not answer and just walked away leaving Lord Drex standing frozen for a long moment, staring after him.
For years he had served the royal family, seen every prince and council lord come and go, but none had carried such intimidation as this one. Even Crown Prince Adam did not inspire that same instinctive unease.
Lord Drex slowly turned back toward the chamber, whispering under his breath, "Perhaps the last prince is not as weak as they think."