Chapter 132: THE INNER COURT
The day had dragged on endlessly, but still, there was no sign of Serena. The absence gnawed at her more than she wanted to admit.
She shouldn’t care. She wasn’t supposed to care.
But for some strange reason, since the fight between Ashen and Adam had transpired, Serena’s sudden disappearance weighed on her mind. Something about it felt wrong, and she couldn’t silence the unease twisting in her chest.
Lumina left the king’s throne room, brushing her gown down and softly calling, "Stella."
Her maid appeared at once, worry flashing in her eyes.
"Take me to the Crown Prince’s chamber," Lumina explained.
Stella froze at once, "My lady... I don’t think that’s a request I should grant you."
Lumina tilted her head, surprised by her maid’s tone.
"Stella." Her voice softened, coaxing now. "You know I would not ask if it wasn’t important."
Stella shifted uncomfortably, her hands wringing together. "If I know my lady is heading somewhere dangerous, I will not lead her there. My duty is to protect you, not deliver you into the jaws of trouble."
Lumina sighed. "There is no danger. I only want to know why Serena has not come here for a while. I am worried about her."
Before Stella could answer, another voice cut through the air.
"Serena?"
Rhynera’s voice rang behind them, and Lumina turned slightly toward the sound.
"Why are you here?" Rhynera asked, her tone laced with a trace of irritation.
Lumina tilted her chin, a small smile curling on her lips. "I could ask the same of you, Crown Princess. Why are you lurking near the King’s chambers?"
Rhynera gave a quick laugh and stepped closer, her silk gown flowing across the floor.
"Why would I not be here? I am the crown princess and I go where I please." She feigned an innocent expression, then let her mouth curve into a smirk.
"But perhaps you do not understand what that means, sister. You spend too much time locked away here, pretending not to notice what happens in the palace."
Lumina’s smirk widened, cool and unbothered. "Strange. I seem to recall you saying you never knew I worked here until recently and now you appear quite comfortable telling me where I should and should not be."
Rhynera blinked, caught off guard by the remark. "Wha..."
Lumina broke into soft laughter, enough to make her sister bristle. "Do not worry yourself so much, Crown Princess. After all, you are the future queen. There is no reason for you to tremble at the sight of me."
With this Lumina turned to Stella. "Let’s go."
But before she could take a step, Rhynera’s hand shot out and seized her wrist.
"Show me some respect, Lumina!" she snapped. "I am the crown princess. You cannot..."
Lumina’s hand rose, swift and Rhynera flinched instantly.
"That’s more like it," Lumina taunted, with a smirk.
"Lumina!"
The moment the word left Rhynera’s mouth Lumina’s palm struck her cheek.
The sound echoed down the hall. Rhynera staggered back, one hand flying to her face. Lumina smirked faintly.
"I am still your elder sister," she said, her voice calm but laced with, irritation.
"Lady Lumina!" Mia hissed, alarmed.
Mia Rhynera moved in front of her lady as if to shield her mistress.
Lumina glanced at Stella’s and instantly her hand flew just as quickly, landing a slap so hard it sent Mia stumbling to the ground.
"Stay back," Stella warned coldly.
"This doesn’t matter here," Lumina said simply, lowering her hand.
Lumina snickered, glancing in her sister’s direction, "Since I have you here I should ask you the question instead of having another trip. Where is Serena? Why has she not been seen in days?"
Rhynera’s lips twisted into a scowl. "Perhaps you should go and ask her yourself," she spat. "She left my chambers days ago. Did you expect her to remain there like a servant at your call?"
Lumina tilted her head slightly, her expression blank. "Perhaps she found a better place to stay."
Adjusting her gown, she turned to leave. "Goodnight, Crown Princess."
Rhynera’s chest heaved, fury bubbling inside her. She wanted to scream, to strike, to win just once but Lumina was already gliding down the hall, her poise unshaken.
"My lady..." Mia called but Rhynera’s voice shot up.
"Don’t you dare touch me!" she let a call over her shoulder when Mia made a move to apologize. The maid froze in place, wide-eyed.
When Lumina’s figure disappeared into the distance, Rhynera’s composure cracked. She clenched her fists and bit her lip until it nearly bled.
"I can’t stand this," she hissed. "Every time I face her, she finds a way to put me in my place."
"My lady," Mia said carefully, helping herself up from the floor.
"She has always schemed against you even in the Celestial Realm. Do not forget it was her feigned innocence that had you punished more than once."
Rhynera’s jaw tightened, how could she act and win, when they were in the Celestial realm? Lumina acts all pitiful and would always put her in trouble now that they are Drakonis she had planned to use it against her, but she decided to switch places.
"You already have the upper hanMy lady," Mia reminded gently.
"You are the crown princess, soon to take full control of the inner court. And Serena has left the palace. And you have the Crown Prince to yourself. Slowly but surely, my lady, you are winning."
Rhynera’s breathing calmed slightly at those words. "Perhaps you are right."
"All we must do is prove to the king that you are capable of learning from the queen and acting with grace."
Rhynera drew a slow breath, her anger cooling. "Then I will visit the king tonight. If I am to take control of the court, I must win his trust completely."
She made her way toward the royal chambers, Mia trailing behind her. When she arrived, the king’s aides blocked her path.
"Good evening, Crown Princess," one said politely. "His Highness has not summoned you tonight. It would be improper to appear uninvited."
Rhynera’s lips curved into a practiced smile. "I only came because I heard troubling news about the court and wished to express my care for His Highness’s health. Surely, the king will not turn me away for that."
Before the aide could reply, a deep voice rumbled from inside the chamber.
"Let her in."
Rhynera exchanged a triumphant glance with Mia and stepped into the chamber. The king sat at his desk, scrolls spread before him, his expression weary but attentive.
"Long live Your Highness," Rhynera said, bowing low.
King Aden looked up and allowed a small smile. "Crown Princess. It has been some time since you last came to see me."
"Yes, Your Highness," she replied. "That is why I wished to visit to check on your health personally. It is something I used to do for my father in the Celestial Realm. I hoped you would allow me the same."
The king’s expression softened. "And what have you been doing with your days?"
She lowered her gaze demurely. "Since the queen left the inner court, I have been doing my best to manage the inner court in her place with what little I have learned from her guidance."
King Aden nodded slowly. "Managing the inner court is no easy task. You seem to be close to the queen. Why not take the position formally? You are the crown princess after all. So it is your right."
Rhynera’s breath caught. She quickly fell to her knees, shaking her head. "Your Highness! I could not... the queen is still.."
"Enough," the king said, his tone firm but not unkind. "The court needs order. Since you have learned from her, you will take the position. It will be announced publicly during the Festival of the First Flame."
Rhynera’s lips curved into a victorious smile as she bowed her head to hide it. "As you command, Your Highness."
"So about my health.. I am doing well." he smiled at her.
"I am pleased to hear that from you, your highness." After a few more conversations.
Rhynera finally left the chamber, Mia followed closely, whispering, "You have done it, my lady. Soon, the court will be yours."
Behind them, King Aden called one of his aides closer. "Send word to the last prince. He will attend the festival as well."