Married To The Dragon Prince Against My Will-Chapter 244: HER WARNING

"Princess."

Serena’s voice broke through the air again, softer this time but threaded with concern.

It was the tenth time she had called Lumina’s name that morning, and each time it felt as though her words vanished before reaching her.

Lumina blinked slowly, fingers tightening around the cup she held. "Yes," she replied at last. "Lady Serena."

Serena exhaled sharply. "I will not lie. Ever since you arrived today, you have been elsewhere. You are listening, but not hearing." She folded her arms. "Is the poison troubling you again, or have you finally decided you should have allowed me to hurt Rhynera when I had the chance?"

Lumina sighed and tilted her head back slightly. "Are you certain you are well?" she asked again, gently deflecting.

Serena studied her face, the faint tension in her jaw, the way her shoulders remained rigid even while seated. "Do not do that," she said. "You are not fine."

"I am," Lumina answered, though the words lacked conviction. She shook her head slowly. "I am simply not in the mood for too much conversation today."

Serena hesitated, then softened. "And how are you holding up?" she asked quietly. "With the child."

At that, Serena looked away. Her lips pressed into a thin line, and she let out a breath she had clearly been holding for too long.

"Adam has refused to enter my chambers for days now," Serena said. "Arguments rule the halls more than laughter and now that she is pregnant..." Her fingers curled. "I am forcing every part of myself not to end her."

Lumina reached out, taking Serena’s hands before she could pull away. Her grip was warm, grounding. "She carries value now," Lumina said. "Position... Leverage... That is why she is bold."

Serena scoffed. "And that is why she is unbearable."

Lumina leaned closer, lowering her voice. "Then do not confront her directly. Ruin what she builds instead. Slowly.."

Serena’s eyes flickered with interest.

"How about inviting her to the coronation of the crown prince," Lumina continued, a faint smile curving her lips. "And ensuring she sees exactly where she stands."

Serena stiffened, pulling back slightly. "You are not suggesting..."

"We would do nothing reckless," Serena said smoothly. "Well, we can say it wouldn’t harm the child."

Serena’s eyes widened as she shifted farther away. Lumina could feel the sharp change in her breathing even through the distance.

A smirk touched Lumina’s lips. She did not need sight to read the room. "That expression tells me you remember who I am," she said calmly.

"Especially since I still carry the Drakonis heart stone."

"Princess," Serena whispered, unsettled.

Lumina nodded once. "Still, I will consider it carefully. As much as I dislike her, the child has done nothing to deserve death."

Before Serena could respond, footsteps approached.

"Princess."

Lumina turned her head toward the sound. Lord Drex stepped forward, bowing slightly as he placed a small container into her hands.

"This antidote will ease the lingering pain for a while," he said. "Until we complete the full treatment."

Lumina accepted it with a murmur of thanks.

"I must take my leave," Lumina said then, forcing a smile. "I need to prepare myself. My husband asked me not to leave the chambers today."

Lumina inclined her head. Stella stepped forward at once, offering her arm. Together they left the hall, their footsteps echoing softly until the doors closed behind them.

The moment Lumina crossed the threshold of her chambers, the weight she had been carrying settled fully onto her shoulders.

She stood still, breathing in the familiar scent of the room.

Every corner had been altered with her blindness in mind. Rounded edges, soft drapes, clear paths, nothing left to hurt her.

Ashen had done all of this just to protect her.

He never once mocked her sharp tongue or questioned her ambition. He listens and the only time he ever raised his voice was when she put herself in danger.

Then she recalled the reason for her foul mood today.

She had seen him entering the palace on her way to Lord Drex’s chambers.

She decided to quietly follow him to the palace earlier, intending to let him know but when she heard voices, she stopped.

But then came the words that shattered her.

"Concubine."

A woman chose to stand beside him in case Lumina reached too high and could not be controlled, so it definitely meant she would not be given any high position again.

Her breath caught at once.

"I want to be alone," Lumina said the moment she reached her private chamber door.

Stella paused, of course she noticed her lady wasn’t in a good mood.

"Call me when you need me," he let out and then she left.

Lumina locked the door behind her and leaned against it, her control finally slipping.

Tears fell freely now, unrestrained. She did not bother to wipe them away.

She crossed the room and sat before the mirror. The blindfold rested neatly against her face, hiding her eyes.

"I do not want to lose him," she whispered.

The last time fear like this had taken root was when she lost her mother.

She remained there, motionless, until the sound of the door opening reached her.

She did not turn. She did not need to. Ashen’s presence already filled the room.

"I heard you have been sad all day," he said softly. "And that you skipped dinner."

Lumina stood abruptly and crossed the space between them, surprising Ashen.

She buried her face against his chest, arms wrapping tightly around him. Ashen inhaled deeply, his arms coming around her at once.

"What troubles you, my queen?" he asked.

"Up," she murmured like a baby.

He lifted her effortlessly now smiling down at her.

"Shall we take this to my chambers," he teased quietly.

She shook her head.

"Promise me something," Lumina said, her voice trembling. "Promise you will never take another woman."

Ashen stilled at once.

"Why," he asked gently.

"No excuses," she said quickly. "Just promise."

"Lumina."

Her grip tightened. "You are scaring me. Do you want another?" Lumina cried out.

Ashen exhaled and gave a quiet laugh. "You heard our conversation."

She did not answer.

"Are you going to accept it?" she asked instead.

"Lumina."

"You keep calling my name," she said. "That means you cannot refuse it."

"I will try," he said honestly. "With everything I have."

She slid from his arms at once, stepping back. The sudden distance stunned him.

"If you take another woman," Lumina said coldly, "do not blame me when you lose me."

She turned and walked away, leaving him standing alone in the center of the chamber.