Married To The Dragon Prince Against My Will-Chapter 238: HER HAPPY MOMENT

Ashen led Lumina through the winding streets until the noise of the market faded behind them.

The air grew softer, scented with citrus blossoms and warm sugar. Lanterns hung from curved archways, their glow reflecting off the stone and shallow pools of water that lined the path.

"Where are we going?" Lumina asked, her voice still thick with lingering tears.

"Somewhere that remembers how to be kind," Ashen replied gently as he led her to the destination.

He brought her into a hidden courtyard, enclosed by white walls and climbing ivy with flowers.

At its center stood a small pavilion, open on all sides, where musicians played softly on stringed instruments. The melody was slow and sweet, wrapping around her senses like comfort.

Lumina inhaled sharply. "Ashen... it is beautiful."

He guided her toward a cushioned seat near the fountain. The water chimed quietly as it flowed, cool and calming. Servants appeared, setting down warm pastries, sugared fruits, and a delicate slice of honey cake adorned with crushed pistachio.

Her face brightened instantly the moment they saw the cake.

"You got me another..," she said, touching the plate in disbelief.

"Yeah... I have found a way to reach out to them since my wife won’t stop crying," he answered.

She smirks, not bothering to ask how as she tasted the cake, then another bite, her shoulders finally relaxing.

The anger drained from her, replaced by laughter.. "I also love this one." she let out a huge grin.

"You can eat this one right?" She nodded her head and he just smiled back at her.

Ashen watched her closely, like he was memorizing the sound of her laughter.

When she leaned closer to the fountain, distracted by the feel of the mist on her fingers, he stood.

"I will return shortly," he said calmly. "Do not move from this place."

"I will be right here," she replied absently, already lost in the moment.

Ashen turned and disappeared into the shadows.

The mask returned to his face as he walked through the streets

He moved straight to a very beautiful fancy building, the moment he stepped inside guards stopped him.

"Stay back, you have no right..." The moment fire appeared from his hands they swallowed hard.

"Pr... prince..." They pause in shock of course just the son of the dragons had this power.

"I want to see your leader." Instantly without a word they rushed inside and just then their leader walked out.

Ashen pulled off his mask and the man bowed gently. "Prince Ashen... to what do I owe you this visit?"

He is the one governing commerce in the lower districts so the market was connected to him.

"The baker on West Market Street," Ashen said quietly. "The one who sells sweets."

The man stiffened. "Yes, Your Highness."

"That shop is to be closed by sunrise," Ashen continued, earning hesitation from the man.

"You don’t want me burning it down do you?" he sickly shook his head.

"Your Highness.."

"You will investigate," Ashen interrupted. "You will discover unpaid levies, dishonest trade, and disrespect toward royal citizens. Then use that opportunity to confiscate his license and fine him until his name becomes a warning to the whole realm."

He swallowed in fright. "Understood."

Ashen turned away, his voice calm, almost gentle.

When he returned, Lumina was humming softly, her earlier tears forgotten. She looked up when she sensed him near.

"You took a long time," she teased.

"I wanted you to enjoy the moment," he said, sitting beside her.

Lumina snickered, "Take me to the garden..." she let out again

"My queen.."

"I am not tired if that’s what you want to say... You promise to take me everywhere I want to go.." she pouted, pulling his hands.

"You didn’t even do anything about that man." Ashen smiled as she pulled her closer.

"I promise to do so... my queen.. fine let’s go to the garden.."

"Yay!" Lumina squealed, clapping her hands. "I want to climb the boat like that day."

Ashen glanced around instinctively, a faint chill brushing against his skin. Even he, a dragon prince forged in fire, could feel the cold settling into the air. Yet Lumina seemed untouched by it.

He studied her briefly, wondering how she could laugh so freely while it was cold. Perhaps her Celestial blood shielded her, or perhaps she simply trusted him enough not to notice, he thought.

They approached the iron gates at the far end of the palace grounds, tall and blackened with age.

Ashen placed his palm against the gate.

The sigil carved into the iron flared faintly, recognizing him. The locks shifted with a low, echoing groan, and the gates parted slowly, as if bowing to their rightful heir.

Lumina gasped the moment they stepped inside, the air changed.

The garden unfolded in quiet splendor. Moonlight spilled across frost-kissed leaves, silvering the branches of tall trees that arched protectively overhead.

Lumina laughed softly, her excitement bubbling over as Ashen guided her forward. The last time she came here she couldn’t see, so she is extremely excited.

The cold deepened near the water. Without a word, Ashen removed his robe and draped it carefully around her shoulders, fastening it securely so the warmth enveloped her smaller frame.

She looked up at him, surprised. "Ashen..."

"Do not argue," he said gently. "There is cold... I don’t want you catching a cold, since your excitement isn’t making you notice."

"Well... I have you to think for me," she murmured and he helped her into the boat, steadying her until she was seated safely.

Then he stepped in after her, taking the oars and pushing them away from the shore.

They drifted slowly, the water barely rippling beneath the boat. Lumina rested her hands along the edge, her laughter softening into contented hums.

"Ashen," she said suddenly, tilting her head toward him. "Sing for me."

He stiffened at once. "I cannot sing." he let out.

"Yes, you can," she insisted, turning toward him with a familiar pout, her lips pressed together, her eyes wide and hopeful.

He tried to resist but he failed woefully.

"...Only a short one," he murmured.

She smiled triumphantly.

His voice was low and untrained, rough at the edges, but gentle. Lumina slowly leaned against him, her head finding his shoulder.

Her breathing evened as the melody wrapped around her like a lullaby. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

By the time his voice faded, she was asleep.

Ashen smiled, careful not to wake her. He set the oars aside and lifted her into his arms, holding her close as he stepped back onto the shore.

The gates opened for him once more as he carried her out. He walked toward his chambers, already planning to lay her gently into bed and call for her maid.

That was when he saw Alexis sitting inside the chamber, relaxed yet watchful, arms folded as he waited.

His gaze moved from Ashen to Lumina, then back again.

"You should give her to her maid," Alexis said calmly. "I need to speak with you."

Ashen’s jaw tightened slightly.

"She is asleep," he replied.

"I don’t want to exchange words with you Ashen."