Married To The Dragon Prince Against My Will-Chapter 263: LET THIS BE A WARNING

Lumina and Ashen emerged together, their presence silencing the murmurs that had filled the hall for hours.

Ashen guided her carefully to the high-backed seat beside the table, his palm firm at her elbow as she lowered herself with unhurried grace. The room reacted instantly. Spines straightened. Breaths were held. Every movement was observed.

Across the hall, Briella remained standing. Her fingers twisted together so tightly the knuckles blanched, nails biting into skin as irritation simmered just beneath her carefully arranged composure.

Ashen’s gaze swept the room once before returning to Lumina. "I have a council meeting to attend," he murmured close to her ear, his voice lowered for her alone. "Think you can manage this chaos without me?"

Her lips curved faintly beneath the blindfold. She inclined her head once, confidence radiating from the simple gesture.

He leaned down, brushing a restrained kiss against her forehead. The tenderness was deliberate, visible, and impossible to ignore.

Briella’s jaw tightened as she watched this.

Just then a sharp voice cut through the air. "We have been kept waiting for hours."

Lumina’s head turned in Briella’s direction, hearing whatever she was saying.

Before she could respond, Lumina tilted her face slightly toward Ashen. "Bring me cake when you return."

A breathy chuckle escaped him. "Still obsessed with sweets?" A scowl bloomed instantly across Lumina’s face.

Ahsne’s hands lifted in surrender. "I will," he amended quickly, backing away with a crooked grin.

Her expression softened just enough to be victorious and Ashen turned to leave.

The moment his back was fully to the room, Briella rose from her seat and followed him without hesitation, steps light yet purposeful.

Lumina’s head angled subtly in their direction with a knowing smile ghosted across her lips.

If she reacted, it would mean she could see and that secret was not ready to be exposed.

The hall remained full and no one had dared to leave.

All the maids waited, of course they needed this job and wouldn’t want to miss it..

Lumina straightened at once and the atmosphere shifted.

"Those skilled in cooking," her voice flowed evenly, calm yet commanding, "move to the right."

A ripple passed through the group as several young women obeyed, hesitantly shuffling to the side.

"House chores and cleaning," she continued, "to the left." Another cluster broke away.

"Knowledge of herbs," her chin lifted slightly, "step backward and this time the smaller group complied.

"Those familiar with planting and tending gardens," her hand lifted, palm facing forward, "move ahead."

When the motion settled, the remaining girls stood awkwardly in the center and this made Lumina smile.

Stella stepped forward to assist her as Lumina rose, fingers resting lightly on her arm. Together, they moved until Lumina stood directly before the center group.

"How many remaining?"

"Five... my lady." Lumina paused, letting the silence stretch until discomfort began to bloom.

Her head tilted as she asked. "What can you do?"

The first girl fidgeted, eyes fixed on the floor. Her hands trembled. "I... I do house chores."

Lumina’s gaze lingered. "Then why are you standing here?"

The girl swallowed hard. "I wanted something better." Lumina lifted her hand gently.

The girl’s words died instantly.

"Ambition without substance creates ruin," Lumina observed, coolly then she turned slightly. "Aria."

Aria stepped forward at once, head bowed. "Escort them out."

Shock rippled through the five girls. Pleas hovered on their lips, but none dared speak. Aria led them away swiftly, the heavy doors closing behind them with finality.

The remaining women stiffened as Lumina returned to her seat.

"So," she continued, voice smooth once more, "you have chosen where you belong." Her head turned toward Briella’s seat which was empty of course.

"Stella."

Stella straightened. "My lady."

"You will appoint a lead for each division," Lumina instructed. "One for cooking. One for cleaning. One for herbs and for planting." Stella nodded, already preparing to act.

Lumina’s presence sharpened.

"And listen carefully," her voice lowered, cutting through the hall like frost. "If any of you came with hidden intentions, know this. I will find you." she let out.

"And when I do, regret will become your constant companion." Several girls visibly paled at once.

"For the personal handmaid assigned to that woman," Lumina gestured vaguely toward Briella’s seat, "she will be selected from cleaning." They all bowed.

"Cooking will follow the menu provided by Stella and there will be no improvisation."

Her head angled toward the herb division. "Those assigned to herbs will report directly to me.."

She turned slightly. "Planting will maintain the gardens and medicinal plots. Nothing leaves the soil without permission." A quiet breath followed.

"If any among you feels threatened, bullied, or disrespected," her tone hardened, "report it immediately." Her face turned icy.

"I do not tolerate disorder." Just then they all bowed and the doors creaked open.

Everyone turned mute and Rhynera stepped inside as the air shifted instantly.

Everyone lowered themselves in greeting at once

"Sister," Rhynera greeted warmly, her smile soft, eyes calculating making Lumina’s lips curve.

Stella moved subtly, guiding the women out to begin their duties.

The hall emptied quickly, and Briella walked into the hall behind Rhynera.

"Lady Rhynera," Briella greeted brightly, moving forward. "It has been so long."

They embraced, laughter ringing hollowly between them.

Lumina observed the scene, amusement dancing behind her calm exterior.

Perfect... Exactly what she needed.

"Oh," Lumina interjected gently, turning her face toward Rhynera. "I had no idea my sister was acquainted with the new concubine."

Rhynera’s smile sharpened. Her hand reached for Lumina’s, squeezing lightly. "We knew each other back in the Celestial Realm. We were old friends.... Well, not like you could tell."

Lumina’s lips parted slightly. "How wonderful." Briella glanced at Lumina, posture stiffening. "I only came to check on you. Given... everything." Rhynera let out.

Lumina’s hand closed around Rhynera’s wrist with unexpected firmness as her smile remained flawless.

Just then Stella appeared behind Lumina again, as she stared deep into the eyes of Rhynera.

"Of course, we are doing well," Lumina replied as her fingers tightened on Stella’s arm just enough to warn her to stay quiet and follow along.

The whole room felt heavy with tension, but everyone stayed silent.

Lumina raised two fingers slightly. Stella stepped closer right away. Lumina kept her posture perfect back straight, calm, in complete control.

"We are going to the dining hall now," she said in a smooth voice and then they walked together to the dining hall.

Soft light came through the tall windows. Chairs moved gently as they all sat down. Lumina was guided straight to the center seat of her place, no question.

Rhynera sat close to her almost instantly, way too close. Her nearness felt like poison brushing against skin.

Briella stopped at the doorway. Her eyes narrowed when she saw Rhynera right next to Lumina.

For one heartbeat she hesitated, then started walking forward, clearly planning to sit nearby and cause trouble.

Lumina lifted her hand and Briella froze mid-step.

"Not there," Lumina said calmly, but the words were hard as stone. "Opposite side."

Briella’s mouth tightened into a thin angry line. She glared, but she obeyed. She sat across the table, fingers digging into the wood until her knuckles went white.

Servants began without noise, placing plates and filling water glasses.

Rhynera leaned in with a fake sweet smile. "Let me pour your tea," she said softly, already touching the teapot like she was doing Lumina a favor.

Lumina gave a small nod. Her hands rested peacefully on the table. She looked completely relaxed like she trusted Rhynera completely.

The teapot tilted and the steam rose.

A faint, sharp scent drifted up from something hidden in the tea, meant to make Lumina weak, dizzy, and embarrassed in front of the whole room.

Lumina smelled it instantly. She didn’t flinch while breathing stayed slow and even.

As Rhynera lifted the cup toward her, Lumina moved just a tiny shift. Her elbow grazed the edge of the table on purpose.

The cup tipped just then the tea flew through the air and splashed hard across Rhynera’s wrist, forearm, and sleeve.

Rhynera gasped, shocked, pained as the cup fell from her fingers and shattered on the floor. Tea and broken porcelain were sprayed everywhere.

The room exploded into chaos.

Lumina jerked back in her chair like she was horrified. "Sister..!" she cried out, voice full of fake panic.

She stood quickly, then dropped to her knees beside Rhynera. Her hands shook as they reached out, searching for Rhynera’s burned arm.

"I’m so sorry," she whispered, sounding broken. "I moved without thinking. This is all my fault."

Her fingers closed around Rhynera’s wrist as she pressed down hard, deliberate, right on the burned skin.

Rhynera sucked in a breath. Fresh pain shot through her arm. Her eyes went wide with shock and fury.

Servants ran over but one thing didn’t miss Lumina’s eyes, how that girl who had poured the tea hid between the rest of the girls.

"Salves...now!"

"Cold water!"

Lumina pulled Rhynera closer, almost hugging her, blocking everyone’s view like she was overcome with guilt.

"Please help her quickly," she said, voice cracking just right. Rhynera opened her mouth to protest to call her out.

Lumina’s other hand brushed lightly along the side of Rhynera’s neck.

A silent, deadly warning, "Say one word and it gets worse."

Rhynera’s mouth snapped shut. She swallowed the accusation.

Attendants lifted her up fast and carried her out of the hall. Just before the doors closed, Rhynera twisted her head and stared back at Lumina’s eyes burning with pain, rage, and understanding. She knew exactly what had happened. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

Lumina lowered her head again. Hands folded neatly in her lap. Perfectly calm once more.

The doors shut and everyone turned mute at once. Briella stood up immediately.

Her chair scraped loudly against the stone as she started toward the corridor after Rhynera, anger flashing in every step.

"Briella," Lumina called out softly.

The name stopped her like a wall.

Lumina turned her face just enough. The blindfold stayed perfect. Her expression gave nothing away.

"If you want to play games," Lumina continued, her tone dropping lower, colder, "pick your target carefully."

She leaned back slightly, hands resting on the armrests like someone who owned the room.

"Of everyone here," she said slowly, each word heavy, "do not pick me." Briella’s throat moved as she swallowed hard.

Lumina’s voice softened again, almost gentle now. "Let this be a warning." Lumina let out and then turned to Stella.

"Bring me the girl who poured the tea."