Chapter 144: KING ADEN’S THOUGHT
Lumina’s steps were soft as she moved along the wide corridor leading to the king’s private chambers.
She had planned to reach the king’s chambers before thinking of going to the venue for the ceremony.
The guards bowed when they saw her, and one of them announced her presence.
"Her Highness, the wife of the last prince... princess Lumina, seeks an audience."
"Let her in," came the deep voice of King Aden.
Stella guided her forward, and Lumina bowed low as soon as she stepped into the chamber, lowering her head until her forehead nearly touched her clasped hands.
"Your Highness," she greeted softly.
"Come closer, child," King Aden said, his voice less commanding than usual, softer, and Stella decided to use this opportunity to stay back.
Lumina moved forward carefully until she heard his faint breath near her.
"How is your health today, Your Highness?" she asked gently.
There was a short pause before the king chuckled under his breath. "I am doing well enough. A dragon does not fall so easily."
But then, as if to mock his words, a cough broke from his chest, harsh and unrestrained. Lumina’s brows knit together and she reached forward on instinct, finding his wrist.
"Forgive me," she murmured, "but the dragon is unwell. Have you been taking any medication?"
The king’s skin was warm under her fingers. She felt the sluggish beat of his pulse, slower than it should be.
"I am fine," King Aden said dismissively. "I am the dragon king, Lumina. Illness does not kill a dragon so easily. Perhaps I am weaker than I used to be, but this will not end me."
Lumina smiled faintly at that, shaking her head. "They say dragons are proud creatures. Now I see for myself that it is true. Even when they are unwell, they would rather roar than rest."
The king threw his head back and laughed, the sound deep and rolling, like distant thunder that even the guards standing outside were shocked to hear.
"And I never knew the Celestial could be so proud either," he replied.
"Proud?" she echoed, tilting her head slightly.
"Yes," he said, his tone shifting into something more serious. "You have been poisoned, yet you keep it hidden, even from your husband. You carry yourself with such calm that no one would know. And my son..." here his voice softened.
"He reminds me every time he sees me not to forget our promise. He threatens me, you know, to protect you at any cost."
Lumina’s lips parted in surprise, and warmth rushed to her cheeks. Her husband, threatening the king for her sake? The thought sent a strange flutter through her chest.
"I am not proud, Your Highness," she said quietly. "I am only certain that nothing will happen to me. The poison may have been given to me by someone’s hand, but I will not let that hand determine my fate. I will endure... besides my husband knows about it now."
King Aden was silent for a moment, then she heard the slow sound of his breath, almost a sigh. "That is why your soul is a blessing to any realm you touch, Lumina," he said at last.
She smiled faintly, lowering her head. "Still, Your Highness, it would be wise to let Lord Drex treat you, at least to strengthen your body. Perhaps you cannot be fully cured, but you can prolong your strength. Your people need you."
On the outside one would think Lumina really cares about the King’s health, but on the inside she only wanted him to stay long enough until her plans began, she can’t bear to lose him now.
King Aden nodded slowly, though she could not see it. "Perhaps you are right," he admitted. "But tell me, why have you come today?"
"I wished to first greet you before I inspected the hall for the festival," she explained. "It would not be right to begin arranging anything without speaking to the king first."
A smile touched his voice as he spoke. "You are thoughtful. You have my full support. I will trust the success of this festival to you."
Her lips curved in relief. "Thank you, Your Highness. I will make sure you never regret this."
He glanced at his aide, who had been standing quietly at the side. "Go with her, she will be meeting the reserve maids who are preparing today. She will need guidance through the arrangements."
The aide bowed and approached Lumina, helping her rise. "Your Highness," he said respectfully, "allow me."
She thanked the king again and turned toward the door, Stella guiding her steps as the king’s aides walked ahead to lead the way.
Behind them, King Aden watched her leave. His gaze lingered long after the doors closed. The chamber fell silent until a shadow stirred from the far corner of one of his cloaked informants.
"How is the investigation?" King Aden asked quietly, his voice stripped of its warmth.
"She keeps no secrets, Your Highness," the informant reported, bowing. "She visits only her husband’s chambers, the royal physician, and you. There is no trace of suspicious dealings."
King Aden leaned back in his chair, exhaling deeply. "So I can rest knowing my realm is safe, at least for now."
The man hesitated before speaking again. "But Your Highness... we had sworn that if she ever became a threat to the throne especially when she turned twenty, she would be removed. Are you certain you wish to let her live?"
The king closed his eyes, his jaw tightening. "I have never seen my son fight for anything," he said at last,
"And yet he fights for her with everything he has. Seeing him care so fiercely for someone makes me question everything I once decided."
"I understand, but Your Highness, you cannot risk the throne for someone whose origins we still do not fully trust..."
"Enough," King Aden cut him off sharply. "Tell me about him. Is he getting any better?"
The informant lowered himself to one knee. "For now, he still breathes."
The king let out a long, frustrated sigh, one hand dragging down his face. "Good. Make sure no one spreads this news... not a word must leave these walls."
The cloaked figure bowed low. "Yes, Your Highness."