Chapter 70: WELCOME TO THE REALM
It was evening, and Prince Ashen’s chambers were full of joy and laughter. Ashen finally getting a position in the royal palace called for celebration.
This position gives him more than enough men, not just to protect himself but also his lady.
Servants moved about with wine and fruit, celebrating excitedly at the whole event.
Several chambers could feel the celebration that some of the guards and maids from there were envious of.
Ashen and Lumina sat side by side, enjoying their feast. Bubbles from wine floated above them, glimmering like stars. Lumina’s soft laughter filled the air as she leaned close to Ashen.
But the moment was shattered when a guard rushed in, bowing low.
"The portal has opened... the King and Queen of the Celestial Realm have arrived for the ceremony."
The smile disappeared from Lumina’s face as her fingers froze on the goblet.
"You can leave." The guard bowed and left noticing notice he turned to her at once, noticing the sudden stillness in
her. He reached out and gently took her hand, brushing his thumb across her knuckles.
"There’s nothing to be afraid of," he said softly. "You don’t need to face them alone. I am here with you."
Lumina gave a small nod and tried to smile again. "Should we enjoy ourselves more before leaving to greet them?" Lumina shook her head and jabbed his waist making him groan.
"Hey! You just got a position.." he rolled his eyes at this and grabbed her face softly.
"Yeah... I got it so to protect you... You are not just a princess but the wife of a Lord in charge of Law now." he raised her chin.
"Don’t forget that." Lumina smiled at this, "Of course not..." She then leaned closer to him.
"I knew what had gone in line to do that, so let’s leave now." Ashen scuffed as he stood up
"As you wish my lady." he helped her up, her hand as they made their way toward the royal palace.
The moment they got to the path of the palace it was glowing, lit with flickering lights. Finally, the nuptial ceremony was near, and everyone could feel it.
Ashen and Lumina walked into the royal palace where both the kings and queens of high realms were already seated.
Rhynera was already there, standing proudly beside her parents. She had missed her home, and her eyes gleamed with excitement.
The couple both bowed to them and King Ryker stepped forward first the moment he saw Lumina, taking Lumina’s hands into his warmly.
"My child," he said gently. "How have you been? Has this realm treated you kindly?" Lumina nodded, her fingers trembling slightly in his grasp.
Before she could speak, King Aden spoke up. "King Ryker, your daughter has been a blessing to our realm. She has not only changed my stubborn son, but she also saved Queen Sephora from death."
King Ryker’s eyes widened with surprise. His pride showed clearly as he looked at Lumina.
"She’s always been a smart child," he said with a proud smile. "I am not surprised. Even in childhood, she could read situations better than anyone."
Then Queen Sephora’s voice cut through the praise. "I see now why she’s spoiled," she said coolly. "She has been given too much freedom and attention from her father."
King Ryker raised an eyebrow. "Spoiled? No, Your highness, she’s had to fight harder than most and this is of little care I do show to her."
Rhynera was getting more pissed, she was here first but now Lumina is getting all the attention again.
Lumina rolled her eyes behind her blindfold. Ashen’s grip on her hand tightened just slightly, and then he bowed.
"It’s an honor to meet you again, King Ryker," he said respectfully.
King Ryker smiled at Ashen, but there was a flicker of concern in his gaze. His daughter was changing, becoming stronger, and he didn’t know if he should be proud or afraid.
After greetings and a few exchanged words, everyone was sent to their chambers to rest for the next day’s ceremony.
Lumina and Rhynera were asked to stay in their parents’ chambers for the night.
Lumina didn’t like it, but she couldn’t say no. Now Ashen and her could be seen standing in front of the guest chamber arranged for her family.
Ashen held her hand close to his chest, already noticing how sour her mood had turned, and whispered, "If you need me, touch the bracelet. I will come."
"Bracelet?" she asked and only then did she feel a bracelet around her wrist.
"Another form of shield?" she asked and he smiled, finally clipping the bracelet.
"Yeah, I wouldn’t like to see another bruise on my lady."
Lumina smiled and nodded, and Ashen placed a kiss on her forehead.
Queen Mireya saw this from afar and her face hardened.
"Goodbye.." she whispered and again he kissed her on the back of her wrist before leaving.
"My Lady... we’re sure going to miss our chamber for tonight.." Stella whispered as they walked inside but the moment she stepped into her parents’ chambers, the first thing she received was a loud slap across her face.
Her head turned sharply from the slap.
Stella gasped and looked up only to see Queen Mireya standing there with cold eyes.
King Ryker stood nearby and sighed. "Is this really how you welcome her?" he asked quietly.
"I told you," Queen Mireya snapped.
"You’ve been spoiling her since childhood. Even the High Queen had noticed it. This girl is not only spoiled, she’s manipulative and a brat."
Lumina held her face but said nothing.
"I haven’t seen her in several moon days and this is what we are doing?" King Ryker asked, growing tired.
"We should be talking about what they’ve achieved, how they feel about this realm."
"She let the prince kiss her in public," Queen Mireya shouted. "What happened to traditions?"
"She’s marrying him tomorrow!" Ryker shot back. "You are making this worse than it is."
Then Rhynera stepped forward. "Let’s not lie, Father. Lumina has been a bully ever since she came here. She talks to the King without respect, plots things behind everyone’s back, and almost dragged me into trouble."
Lumina gasped and turned to her. "You are the one who nearly gave the High Queen poisoned tea! I covered for you! I saved your name from being ruined. And now this?"
King Ryker and Queen Mireya’s eyes widened and turned sharply to Rhynera.
"Is what your sister’s saying true?" King Ryker asked Rhynera to open her mouth, but no words came. How could she try to plot against Lumina when she is aware of how Lumina turns the tables?
"I... I..."
She tried to speak, but her words were interrupted by a slap from Queen Mireya.
Rhynera dropped to her knees, tears falling. Before she could rise, another blow sent her to the ground.
"You spoiled thing, I warned you to be careful!" Queen Mireya’s voice echoed around the room filled with rage.
Lumina stood quietly with the dirty smirk on her face. "If you want to play games... then I will play my own." she thought.