They all stepped into the grand palace of the Drakonis Realm. The pillars were tall and sharp, rising into the sky like spears meant to stab the clouds.
Everything smelled strange like burning herbs and old dragon ash. Soft music drifted through the air, flutes singing sad songs while the drums beat slowly, like a second heartbeat no one could ignore.
From the high ceiling, golden petals began to fall, floating down like tiny suns to welcome the royal guests.
At the front, Prince Adam walked proudly with Rhynera. Their arms were looped together, their steps steady and full of confidence. All the attention was on them. This celebration was clearly for them, and everyone knew it.
A few steps behind, Ashen walked beside Lumina. Their hands were joined, fingers tangled, even though neither of them truly wanted to be touching. The air between them felt cold, but they managed.
As they reached the throne, King Aden, known as the high king, stood.
His crown, made of silver and black steel, gleamed under the orange light of the fire chandeliers.
Queen Sephora rose beside him, her gown smooth and trailing behind like a dark wave. Her face was calm but cold, her eyes unreadable.
"Welcome," King Aden said, his voice deep and royal but Lumina felt something about it didn’t feel right.
Then, like a soft wind, whispers started to rise around them. Lumina heard them even without meaning to.
Why is the cursed prince here?
Wasn’t the marriage for Crown Prince Adam alone?
Her fingers moved slightly, a quiet twitch. The feeling was too familiar. She could already tell what this rejection was.
Ashen felt like an outcast here, and now she was beginning to understand why.
Queen Sephora stepped forward, her gown brushing against the smooth marble floor as she moved down the stairs. She smiled but it was too perfect, too polished.
"Oh, my dear," she said, taking Rhynera’s hands with grace.
"Welcome to the Drakonis Realm. We are honored by your presence."
Everyone cheered and the music continued but it was only for them.
No one looked at the other couples that they had forced to be together and Rhynera enjoyed how all the attention was diverted to her.
Ashen gave a quiet scoff beside Lumina and then she leaned closer to him, speaking without turning her head.
"Why aren’t we being welcomed? Are you hated here?"
Ashen tensed and as arm shifted and pushed her just a little, but it was sharp.
Lumina, who was expecting didn’t balance, her foot slipped, and she fell back, heading for the cold stone floor but Ashen’s arm caught her at the last moment, wrapping around her waist before she could hit the ground.
All eyes were on them now as they watched the little disaster almost caused by the couple.
Ashen’s arms wrapped around her, holding her steady. His gaze dropped to her face. For the first time, he truly looked at her and was caught off guard.
Though her eyes are covered with a blindfold but that wasn’t covering her beauty.
Ero cleared his throat loudly, breaking the moment. He rushed forward but before he could touch Lumina Ashen helped Lumina stand.
Queen Sephora finally turned to face them. "Oh... speaking of you," she said, gliding toward Lumina.
She took her hand, cool fingers curling around hers. "Welcome... to the realm. I hadn’t heard of your existence until my son came to your world. It’s... nice to meet you."
Ashen blinked in surprise, his mother was never this civil to him let alone to anyone connected to him.
But Lumina gently pulled her hand away, she couldn’t see, but she felt the hesitation in Sephora’s voice.
"My father took very good care of me in the Celestial Realm," Lumina said softly, "so I am rather surprised to be treated like I hold no value here."
Gasps rippled through the crowd again as Rhynera’s eyes widened, not expecting that from her.
"Lumina!" she hissed under her breath, horrified.
Sephora’s smile cracked, her hands tightening at her sides, barely keeping her composure.
Ashen, however, was stunned in awe at how there was no fear or hesitation in her words.
Then King Aden stepped forward quickly, forcing a prudent smile.
"Little one," he said gently. "If you have felt that way, please forgive us. All of our attention was on the wedding... the official one."
Lumina turned slightly, her head tilted toward his voice.
"I understand," she replied with a small smile. "I am just a girl with a sight deficit. I tend to get emotional... especially when I learn the Crown Prince arranged this marriage without leaving room for refusal." Prince Adam’s jaw clenched.
He had expected a quiet, obedient girl. Someone who followed the rules and bowed easily. But this... this was not what he imagined.
King Aden’s voice dropped. "I was told you were gentle, soft-spoken, and respectful."
Lumina tilted her head slightly and then gave a graceful bow.
"My King, please forgive the blind girl," she said with a slight smirk. "She had no idea she was speaking to the High King... on account of her lack of sight." The air turned icy immediately and her words dropped.
King Aden swallowed. "But..."
"I had always assumed the aura of a High King would be so powerful I would feel it the moment I entered the room," she cut in smoothly.
"Imagine my surprise to find out you were already standing before me. Please, forgive my ignorance." Ero and Stella both gasped, wondering what might be going through her head.
Ashen stood frozen beside her, his mouth ajar having a flabbergasted look. No one... no one had ever spoken to the king like that. She wasn’t yelling but every word landed like a blade poised, sharp, and deeply cutting.
"How dare you speak to the King in that manner!" Queen Sephora rumbled in furry, ready to strike her down.
"Seize her and get her punished for the disrespect!!"