Married To The Dragon Prince Against My Will-Chapter 242: YOU SPOILED ME

Lumina sat before the tall mirror, her back straight but her heart heavy, as she watched Stella move carefully behind her.

The soft rustle of fabric filled the chamber while nimble fingers adjusted layers of silk and lace, smoothing every crease with practiced ease.

Morning light slipped through the tall windows, brushing against the polished glass and reflecting a woman who looked composed yet distant.

There was a quiet sadness in Lumina’s eyes, that even Stella still did not know.

Their greatest wish had come to pass, yet Lumina could not bring herself to share it. The secret rested deep within her, fragile and precious, something she feared would break if spoken to soon. It felt strange, holding joy so tightly while wearing silence like a second skin.

At the same time, Lumina could not help but admire Stella’s reflection beside her.

There was a gentle beauty to her maid, something sincere and unforced.

Watching her now, Lumina recalled their first meeting and felt a flicker of regret for ever doubting the decision to keep her close.

"My lady," Stella said softly, a playful note in her voice, "it seems you had a very wonderful night," she murmured as her eyes played around Lumina’s neck.

Lumina’s eyes widened in shock.

Thankfully, the eye crystal Ashen had given her glimmered faintly against her skin, concealing the change in her gaze.

Without it, Stella might have noticed the way Lumina stiffened.

"Stop saying things like that," Lumina said quickly, a shy smile betraying her embarrassment. "Just dress me."

Stella laughed lightly and continued her work. "My lady, yesterday I heard two good pieces of news."

Lumina tilted her head slightly. "Are they about me?"

"Of course," Stella replied eagerly. "They are about you.. and it’s also more like... payback."

Lumina narrowed her eyes with interest.

"Well," Stella continued, "Princess Aurelia went to report the incident to the King. Instead of being defended, she was punished. The king ordered her to kneel outside the palace for three days for daring to push you into the water."

A slow, satisfied smile curved Lumina’s lips.

"And Rhynera?" she asked.

"The king ordered her to remain indoors," Stella said. "Since she was not the one who pushed you, her punishment was lighter. Also, any noblewoman without direct authority has been forbidden from entering the Coven chambers."

Lumina’s smile widened at this moment.

"Good," she murmured. "I like that very much. I should visit the king today."

Stella paused. "But my lady, that was only the first news."

Lumina raised a brow. "What is the second?" she asked, a bit worried.

"Well the baker of your favorite sweets was caught cheating," Stella said with a small smirk.

"It seems he overcharged many customers and failed to pay his taxes. So his shop has been shut down."

Lumina’s expression softened knowingly. She did not need to ask who had ensured that outcome.

"And Lady Mireya," Stella added. "I heard she can no longer live as a noble outside the palace. Ero told me that Lord Carlo intervened and as atonement for his daughter’s actions he took care of the Baker."

Lumina nodded thoughtfully, even though she wasn’t satisfied with Mireya’s punishment. "Stella," she called slowly, "something just came to mind."

By then, Stella had finished arranging her hair and stepped around to face her.

"My lady?"

"I think it is time I make more allies among the noblewomen," Lumina said. "I cannot rely only on Serena. I need their loyalty. If Rhynera can win them over with promises, then I can offer better opportunities with support and influence."

Stella studied her carefully. "That is a clever idea," she admitted. "But can you trust them?"

Lumina smiled faintly. "I do not need to trust them. I only need to use them against Rhynera."

Stella nodded slowly. "Then you will need a gathering."

"Yes," Lumina agreed. "A ceremony. Something that draws them into my chambers."

She paused, then added,

"Alexis is now the Crown Prince, he hadn’t celebrated his coronation.. celebration of his coronation will draw attention. Perhaps I can turn that to my advantage."

Before Stella could respond, a familiar voice spoke from behind them.

"I wonder what my wife is planning without telling her husband."

Lumina stiffened, then turned sharply in his direction.

"Ashen," she breathed.

Before Stella could react, Lumina rushed forward instinctively, moving straight into Ashen’s arms.

Stella froze, staring in shock as Lumina ran toward Ashen’s direction without being helped and embraced him without hesitation, her hands finding him with perfect certainty.

Ashen glanced at Stella and shook his head slightly. Lumina was too excited that she had forgotten they were still hiding the truth.

"Would you like to stay and watch how we spend our time together?" Ashen asked coolly.

Stella’s eyes widened. She quickly shook her head, regaining herself as she bowed. "No, my Lord."

"Then leave."

Though confused by his harsh tone, Stella obeyed and exited the chamber.

Lumina turned back to Ashen. "It just came to my.."

Her words were stolen as Ashen kissed her, his lips brushing hers before nibbling lightly at her lower lip. Lumina gasped softly, now wrapping her arms around his neck.

Then she remembered Stella had dressed her up.

"You will ruin my makeup," she muttered, pushing him gently.

Ashen did not stop. He turned her against the wall, pinning her wrists above her head, his lips trailing down her neck.

His grip was firm, possessive, uncaring of the way her hair loosened beneath his hands.

"Ashen," she protested weakly.

Another bite made her breath hitch. Her body stilled, eyes closing as warmth spread through her.

"I am sorry," she whispered. Only then did he release her.

"What are you sorry for?" He asked and she snickered as he let go of her.

"Never tell your maid important things before me," he said quietly.

Lumina scoffed and rushed to the mirror, gasping at her smudged lipstick and disheveled hair.

"You ruined everything," she cried. Ashen smirked, satisfied.

Lumina stared at Ashen for some seconds before she suddenly broke into loud sobs.

His smile vanished instantly.

"Hey," he said, stepping closer. "I am sorry... What is wrong... fine I will fix it."

"You cannot," she snapped. "Only Stella can."

She stomped to the bed and sat down angrily.

"Do not cry," Ashen said gently. "It will ruin it more."

"You ruined my plans for today," she sobbed.

"It is only your lips and hair."

"I do not care," she cried. "You may not think it matters, but it does to me."

He sighed. "What can I do to atone?"

A sly smile appeared on her face and her tears slowly stopped.

"Three things," she murmured, making him frown.

"What?"

"Do not roll your eyes at me!" she yelled and he shook his head. "I did not."

"The first," she said softly, stepping closer, slowly slipping into his arms and biting his neck firmly, Ashen jerked under the bite but controlled himself.

"Do not hide this from anyone." She whispered after she let go of him and he nodded.

"The second. Speak to Alexis to allow me to be in charge of his coronation ceremony."

"And the third," she added, pulling out the household key. "I will fund it."

He studied her. "Will that make you happy?" She nodded eagerly.

"Fine," he said, and he turned away but she pulled him back.

"My hair, you promise to fix it," she demanded.

He sighed but smiled, returning to her side and carefully fixing what he had ruined.

"Remind me never to punish you again." Lumina laughed softly as she stared at her reflection.

"You spoiled me so deal with it."