Chapter 139: HE WON’T COME
Lumina could not sit still. She paced the length of Ashen’s chambers, her expression caught between fury and disbelief.
"I cannot believe this," she muttered, though her voice was calm in a way that made Ero and Mia exchange worried glances.
"How did I miss it? They knew exactly what they were about to do. That was why we were invited to their silly feast in the first place."
"My lady," Ero called quietly, following her movement with his eyes.
"He didn’t do it. I am sure of it. This is a frame, nothing more the queen had always done these things will get resolved among themselves."
"That does not make it easier to watch him being accused," Lumina replied sharply.
"He has been treated as an outsider his whole life. I will not let them make him a criminal too."
Before Stella could speak, a knock sounded against the chamber doors.
"Who is it?" Ero called.
"Here comes the arrival of the High Queen of Drakonia!" Every single maid fell on their knees including Stella and Ero.
The doors opened, and Queen Sephora stepped inside with Rhynera following closely behind.
Aria who was already present because of Ashen’s order quickly stepped forward, her posture protective as though they would block the Queen herself if necessary.
"Welcome, Your Highness," Ero greeted formally, but the anger in his voice betrayed his thoughts.
Queen Sephora’s keen eyes swept over them all, taking in the subtle hostility, and something in her expression flickered.
Sometimes she truly wondered where her son found such servants, none of these faces belonged to her court. None of them were loyal to her, and she could sense it.
"Welcome Your Highness," the others echoed, bowing slightly.
The Queen did not answer, instead, she crossed the room with ease and moved toward the nearest chair.
Lumina leaned her head politely and began to step forward to greet her properly, but before she could reach the chair, Mia rushed to pull it out for her. The movement was too sudden.
Lumina’s foot caught the edge of the carpet and the chair was pulled farther than expected. Her body tipped forward but she caught herself in a swift move, her hand gripping the back of the chair as she twisted to regain balance. The sudden force sent the chair flying backward.
It struck Mia squarely across the face with a sharp crack.
"Mia!" Rhynera cried out, rushing forward, but Lumina set her foot down, her hand still on the chair.
The sudden movement made Rhynera miss her step, she stumbled and fell forward, catching herself with her hands on the floor.
The entire room froze seeing the crown princess on the ground and a smirk appeared on Stella’s face. It’s been a while since her lady had messed up Rhynera.
Lumina stood with her arms folded across her chest, her expression calm, almost amused.
Queen Sephora stared at her in open shock, her lips parting. "You..."
"I never did anything, your highness," Lumina interrupted her
"But she trespassed my space. I simply reminded her not to."
"You!" Rhynera spat, her face flushed with fury, but Lumina only let out a mocking laughter that made Rhynera’s anger flare hotter.
Ero stepped forward to help the fallen princess, but Rhynera smacked his hands away, glaring at everyone in the room.
Mia’s cheek was already swelling from where the chair had hit her, her breath coming in shallow gasps.
"Go get your highness a tea.." Lumina instructed Stella, and after a few minutes, she was back with the cup.
Stella returns from the adjoining room, carrying a tray of steaming tea.
She moved toward the chair again and gently placed the tea down. The Queen scoffed quietly, her eyes not leaving Lumina.
"Serve the Tea," Queen Sephora spoke up, as though nothing had happened.
Stella bowed and approached quickly.
"Your Highness," she said, "shall I serve?"
"No." Queen Sephora’s voice was harsh and her gaze moved to Lumina. "I want her to serve me."
"My lady’s hands are not that...," Stella said carefully, bowing her head.
"I do not care." Queen Sephora interrupted.
"If she wishes to call herself my son’s wife, then she will serve me. That is the custom."Stella glanced at Lumina, worried in her eyes.
Lumina did not hesitate, she stepped forward and took the tray from Stella, her face calm.
She set the tray gently on the low table before the Queen and picked up the teapot with careful precision.
With Stella’s guiding hand, Lumina poured. The fragrance of the tea filled the air.
Just as she moved to hand the cup to Queen Sephora, the Queen deliberately shifted her hand.
The cup tilted, the hot liquid nearly spilling. Gasps filled the room but Lumina’s grip tightened at the last instant, saving every drop.
Without a word, she righted the cup and slowly placed it on the Queen’s waiting palm.
Queen Sephora’s eyes narrowed, but she accepted the tea. Rhynera’s lips curled into a smile as she said sweetly,
"I am still waiting for mine."
"Stella," Lumina said smoothly, her voice calm, "please serve the princess." Rhynera wanted to argue but could only bite her tongue.
Stella obeyed immediately, pouring the tea for Rhynera and setting it before her before she could speak.
Lumina then lowered herself gracefully into the chair opposite the Queen, her blind eyes focused on nothing yet seeming to see everything.
The tension in the room was unbearable.
Queen Sephora sipped her tea slowly, never breaking eye contact with Lumina.
Rhynera’s fingers drummed against the table. "So, Sister," she said finally, "are you planning to keep glaring at Mother, or will you apologize for this insult?"
Lumina’s lips curved into a faint smile as she set her hands neatly on her lap.
"Why don’t we let the Queen herself decide if there was an insult," she said softly.
The Queen placed her cup back onto the tray, her fingers tapping against the porcelain. The sound was soft, but it echoed like thunder in the tense silence of the room. Then she looked straight at Lumina.
"I did not come here only for tea," she said.
Lumina’s smile did not fade, but her back straightened, she had expected this after all she is the reason her husband is not with her right now.
"Then are you here to cause me another trouble or threaten me not to be in the first flame festival?"
Queen Sephora’s lips curved into a cold smile.
"The King has summoned your husband and this time, Lumina..." she paused, letting the silence hang heavy, "He will not be allowed to walk away so easily."
The room went utterly silent, the words hanging between them like the sharp edge of a blade.
"What do you mean?" Lumina’s voice shook as she tilted herbhead sharply toward her.
"Well..." she hesitated, wringing her hands, "I came down here to his chambers since he isn’t around. The king said if he leaves this place, it will be taken as an admission of guilt. And knowing my son, if he hears I am here..." her voice faltered, having that evil grin, "He will come to save you and admit he is guilty."
Lumina’s breath caught. Her eyes widened, disbelief flashing across her face.
"What?" she cried, rising to her feet. "No! He won’t come!"
The last word was barely out of her mouth when the heavy door creaked open.