Lumina barely ate as she sat in the dining room, the food before her was freshly baked bread, warm fruit compote, and honeyed tea, which felt tasteless.
She keeps trying to hide her weakness but Ashen notices instantly.
He set his fork down gently, his stormy eyes fixed on her face.
"Are you sure you are feeling well?" he asked in a tone that was both tender and edgy with worry.
Lumina raised her head briefly, then lowered it again. "I am fine," she murmured, though her voice lacked conviction.
Ashen wasn't convinced. The slight tremor in her hand as she lifted the teacup betrayed her unease. Before he could question her further, the large doors of the dining hall creaked open, and one of the king's aides entered, bowing deeply.
"Prince Ashen," the aides let out, his eyes flickering briefly toward Lumina, "His Highness requests the presence of Princess Lumina in the throne room."
