Married To The Dragon Prince Against My Will-Chapter 236: HIS WARNING

"Ashen... Ashen... I am ready..."

Lumina’s laughter spilled through the chamber as she ran toward the bed, climbing onto it without restraint and poking at her sleeping husband’s shoulder.

Ashen groaned, turning his face deeper into the pillow. "My queen," he muttered, voice rough with sleep. "I want to rest more..."

But she poked him again and again. "You said you would take me out!" she let out.

He finally cracked one eye open, then frowned as he glanced toward the window. Night still cloaked the palace, moonlight spilling faintly across the floor.

"It is not morning yet," he said, lifting himself onto an elbow.

Lumina pouted instantly, her lips pushed out in an exaggerated sulk, eyes wide and pleading. "I want to eat my favorite cake. You promised to take me out, but you spent the whole day sleeping."

Ashen’s gaze slid over her properly then, taking in the simple gown she wore and the way her hair fell loosely over her shoulders. His brows furrowed.

"Did you dress yourself?" he asked and she nodded proudly.

"That is good," he said quietly. "No one should know you can see now though." he let out and a scowl appeared on her face.

"But Stella is like my sister." she insisted.

Ashen slowly reached out, placing a finger gently against her mouth. "You cannot."

She stared at him, torn. "But..."

"My lady," he said softly, pulling her closer, "I understand you are excited. You see the world now, and it has made you bright. But we must hide this for a while longer."

She hesitated at first but seeing the look on her husband, she then nodded slowly.

Ashen exhaled, easing back against the pillows and drawing her into his arms. His hand settled at her waist, thumb brushing lightly against her skin.

"You are beautiful," he murmured, half asleep.

"Hey," she protested softly, wriggling. "You cannot sleep again. I love it when you take me out at night. I want to see everything now."

"My lady."

"Please," she begged, her voice softening. "You might be busy tomorrow."

Ashen paused, studying her face. Those eyes always undid him. Without another word, he rose from the bed.

Her face lit up. "Then I should freshen up."

She nodded eagerly, excitement bubbling like a child permitted to misbehave.

Ashen bent and pressed a brief kiss to her lips before heading toward the spring room.

Lumina smiled to herself and turned toward the wardrobe. She hesitated briefly, then opened Ashen’s side.

Dressing herself was still unfamiliar, her hands not always certain, but she did not want to wake Stella. She wanted this moment to belong only to them.

She chose carefully, a simple dark robe for herself and a matching one for Ashen. She laid it on the bed just as the door opened again.

Ashen stepped out, damp hair falling loose against his shoulders, skin still warm from the steam. He looked unfairly handsome, as he always did.

He moved toward her immediately, arms circling her waist. "What are you doing, my queen?"

"Wear this," she said, handing him the robe. "It matches. I do not want people knowing we are royals tonight. I want us to have a quiet time."

His lips curved into a slow smirk. "Anything you say." Then he took it, but before he could put it on, she snatched it back.

"Hey," he protested.

"I want to dress my husband myself," she mumbled shyly.

Ashen chuckled, lifting both hands in surrender. "You owe me. Do as you wish."

She smiled and stepped closer, carefully slipping the robe over his shoulders.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she adjusted the fabric, smoothing it over his chest, tying the belt with care. She lingered, brushing imaginary creases away, clearly enjoying the act far more than necessary until she felt him kiss her forehead.

When she was done, Ashen caught her hands and pressed them to his lips. "Well done my queen," he mumbled and she grinned continuously.

He moved toward the table while Lumin stood still blushing until he reached for a small box on the table.

He turned to his wife and she had a curious look on now, as she stared at the open box.

Inside lay two clear crystal lenses, curved like the shape of an eye.

Her expression darkened immediately.

"What is this?" she asked.

"These are eye crystals," Ashen said calmly. "They will dull your enchantment. It will keep others safe."

"I do not..." she began but he silenced her with a kiss.

"You do not wish to enchant others, do you?" She exhaled and sighed.

"I forgot."

"I will find you a teacher," Ashen continued. "Someone who will help you control it. Then you can tell the world you can see."

She smiled and tugged him closer. "Was that why you did not want me telling anyone?"

"One of the reasons," he admitted.

She nodded eagerly. "Help me fix them."

He moved slowly, reverently. His thumbs brushed her cheeks as he fitted the crystal lenses over her eyes, adjusting them with care. The crystal settled gently, cooling the air around her gaze.

When he was done, she spread her arms almost immediately. "Carry me."

Without hesitation, he lifted her into his arms, holding her securely. The way she relied on him calmed something deep within his chest.

They stepped out into the silent halls and the outer chamber, where they encountered Aria, Ero, and Stella.

"Finally," Aria muttered, approaching Ashen. "Good evening, my lord. The families of the massacred have been compensated as you ordered. Cyres remains in the dungeon."

"Good," Ashen replied. "Find out what my mother and her son are doing," he replied, and then Ero came forward.

"My lord," Ero said, bowing. "The king is furious that you hurt the crown..."

Ashen snickered. "She touched what was mine first. Let her deal with it. I will handle the king." he cut him off and Ero nodded.

"Ero," Lumina called softly, peering at him. The scars on his face were still fresh. "You should be resting."

"My lady," he smiled, "I have rested enough."

"Should we go with you?" Ero asked.

Ashen’s expression shut him down instantly. "No." Lumina smiled faintly. "Stella, take care of the chambers." and Stella bowed, smiling.

They stepped out and nearly collided with Serena, Lumina slowly scrutinized her.

There she stood glowing beneath the lantern light, dressed in a flowing gown of soft blue, the fabric gathered gently beneath her chest and falling gracefully over her rounded belly.

One hand rested protectively there, fingers splayed with unconscious tenderness. Her hair was braided elegantly.

Lumina could not help admiring her.

"Good evening," Serena greeted warmly.

"Wow," Lumina whispered in awe, as she confirmed her curiosity.

But before she could say more Ashen walked Serena without pause.

"Hey," Lumina protested. "She is my friend."

"I do not approve," he murmured.

She sighed, now glancing back at Serena.. "I will visit you tomorrow."

Ashen tightened his hold and carried her into the night.