Married To The Dragon Prince Against My Will

Everyone fell on their knees at the roar of the Queen, no dare trying to pisses her off.

"What are you still…" Queen Sephora almost yelled out but King Aden raised his hands, stopping the guards from moving forward.

"Little girl!" King Aden growled, stepping forward, voice booming with fury.

But before he could continue, Ashen stepped in front of Lumina, shielding her with his body. His head bowed slightly, but his message was clear.

King Aden was amazed at how Ashen had immediately been subjected to submission. His son isn't the type to apologize immediately, seeing how he was doing it to protect his future wife made him leave him speechless.

Just then Prince Adam also moved forward showing respect in front of the King.

"My lord, please… she meant no disrespect. She hasn't been taught proper etiquette because of her… condition. I promise both of them will be properly trained before the marriage ceremony." Ashen wanted to stop him from using that phrase, after all, she had every right to be annoyed with the so-called marriage arrangement. But he needed to control himself if he didn't want to drag the issues.

King Aden scoffed, his gaze sharp trying everything to control himself also.

"Send them to their chambers," he ordered with a wave of his hand, ending the discussion.

Ashen clenched his jaw as Adam gestured for him to escort Lumina away.

Queen Sephora was still so pissed, she didn't have a good feeling about Lumina, but she decided to let things go now

As Lumina turned to leave, a sly smile curved on her lips. "I am never letting anyone underestimate me. If my husband turned out to be the weak, cursed prince… then I would teach them how to be respectful, myself."

Ashen heard her words and was still dazed by her earlier boldness, and her statement now. He could tell she didn't feel apologetic one bit and he was left speechless. He could only gently guide her toward his wing of the palace. 

Behind them, Stella and Ero followed in tense silence. Whispers and murmurs echoed down the stone hallways, but Lumina held her chin high, unfazed despite their words.

When they finally reached the chamber, Ero shut the door, leaving the four of them alone.

Lumina immediately pulled her hand from Ashen's grasp. Then she began to move slowly across the room, her fingers brushing the air, as if trying to memorize the space. Her steps were confident, each motion deliberate.

Ashen and Ero stood back, watching silently as she explored the room with an elegance that didn't match her sightless eyes.

After what felt like nearly an hour, Stella stepped forward hesitantly.

"My lady… would you like to rest now?" There was a pause before Lumina slowly turned her head in Ashen's direction ignoring Stella's question.

"Let's get this straight," she began, her tone cool. "You look like a cursed, weak, and forgotten son of Drakonia." 

Ero gasped audibly. "My lady!"

He moved to speak again, but Ashen raised a hand and stopped him.

"Coming from someone who can't see," Ashen said dryly, "don't you think that's quite the overestimation?"

Lumina smiled, then moved closer to him. Ashen stiffened at her action. She shouldn't have known exactly where he stood, yet her steps brought her directly before him.

"I am blind," she said quietly, "but I am not weak or stupid. Let's make a deal."

Ashen's eyes narrowed. "What kind of deal?"

"Two years," she said, her voice unwavering. "You help me find the one person who can restore my sight… and in return, I will help you gain recognition in this realm."

Ashen blinked, surprised. Before he could speak, Stella gasped. "My lady, no… You can't just trust anyone with such a plan." But Lumina ignored her. She could feel Ashen's stare on her and she wanted to get his response right now.

"You are bold," he muttered. "But why do you think you can help me?"

"Deal or no deal?" Lumina interrupted, her expression calm.

Ashen frowned, not used to being cut off especially not by someone he was supposed to lead. "What makes you think I would accept? I don't even want you as my woman."

Lumina chuckled darkly. "Figured that out already. Not like you could protect a woman even if you had one."

Her tone was soft, but the jab was sharp. "Deal or no deal?" she repeated. "I don't have time to waste on a scared little prince."

Ashen turned to Ero, who only shook his head, lost. "And if I refuse?" Ashen asked.

Lumina's smile faded. "We are not married yet. I will make the High King hate me so much he will have no choice but to send me back to the Celestial Realm."

He was out of words hearing this, he stared at her wondering if she was blind.

After a beat, he spoke. "Fin... Deal. But if I don't gain recognition in two years… what happens then?"

Before Lumina could respond, Stella let out a laugh.

"Oh, you really don't know her, do you?" she said, shaking her head while Ashen arched a brow.

"She never face consequences," Stella said. "Unless she chooses to."