The Hidden King's Stolen Wife-Chapter 185: The Princes’ Wedding Gift II

"Unless my spies have suddenly lost their eyes, every word on the missive is true," Raziel said. "Prince Reitan and Orion Elsher are both safe in Nedour, under Princess Nessa’s protection. Or at least they were when this report was written."

"You mean they might not be now?" Soleia demanded anxiously. "What happened to them?"

"I did not say that," Raziel replied calmly, a sharp contrast to Soleia’s frantic voice. "But I urge you to think of ways to ensure their continued safety. After all, there’s nothing stopping Nedour’s current queen from escorting Prince Reitan back to Vramid as an extension of goodwill."

Soleia’s entire body shook, and she felt her knees weaken. Ralph quickly supported her before she could fall. The rollercoaster of emotions was simply too strong for her to endure without warning.

A mere hour ago, she was relishing in marital bliss. She enjoyed a dance with the man she loved. Then, she had received news of her brother’s survival― only to realize he might still be in danger.

"Thank you for this news," Soleia said sincerely, bowing low. "I will not forget this act of kindness you have shown me, in delivering this to me."

"There’s no need for such overblown gratitude," Prince Ricard said, waving his hand blithely. "But if you really do want to repay us, you can simply pay us a visit. Raxuvia’s palace will always welcome you― and your new husband, of course. We can get a new outfit for him so that he belongs right with us. Isn’t that right, Sir Ralph?"

Rafael internally swore. If he had known his brothers’ would act this way, he would have let Soleia know about Reitan’s whereabouts earlier. But he would not be able to explain how he got this news.

After all, mere bastard sons did not have spies spanning different kingdoms. Princes did. His brothers knew that and pressed their advantage.

"I am honored by the invitation," Rafael said with gritted teeth. "But since it’s such a big incident, Soleia and I would need time to discuss it."

Truthfully, Soleia had been ready to get on a horse to ride to the palace that very minute in her attempt to get more news. But upon second thought, she realized Ralph was right. There was no point rushing headlong into things― at least not tonight. Once she had a good night’s sleep, she could make for the palace the next day if necessary.

"Feel free to take all the time you need," Prince Ricard said. "But I do hope the both of you will show up to Father’s birthday celebration next month. It’ll certainly be an event to remember. Since Sir Ralph has blood control abilities, he wouldn’t be out of place in our little family gathering!"

"Have you not said enough?" Rafael barked out, his hackles raised. At this rate, his brothers might as well make a sign and hang it over his head to tell the world he was one of Raxuvia’s princes.

"It’s getting late," Prince Raziel said simply. "We will take our leave shortly since Princess Soleia must be exhausted from the day’s events."

"Yes, yes." Prince Ricard nodded charmingly. "We’re planning to stay at Duke Kinsley’s estate tonight. I don’t fancy myself traveling with only a lantern to light my way."

Rafael froze, and he shot his brothers a vehement glare. Ricard only smirked in response.

"I see," Soleia said. She couldn’t understand why Ralph froze at his words since it made logical sense. It wasn’t as though the princes could stay in a family home of commoners. At least Duke Kinsley’s home would be appropriately furnished for royalty’s standards. "I wish you safe travels."

"Likewise," Raziel said. "But Brother, are you sure you want to stay at Duke Kinsley’s place? It’s nothing more like a hovel, and that man behaves more like a commoner than Sir Ralph."

"How can you say that?" Prince Ricard’s eyes widened theatrically. "Duke Kinsley is of noble birth! Or at least, he should be. I haven’t laid eyes on him in years. I could have sworn he was fat with blond hair... Do you remember, Raziel?"

Raziel merely shrugged. "As long as you don’t wake me up complaining about our sleeping arrangements, I don’t care." He nodded to Soleia. "We will take our leave now. My congratulations on your marriage."

With that, the two princes made their way down the road that led to Duke Kinsley’s estate. Soleia finally breathed out a sigh of relief, only to realize that Ralph seemed to almost be trembling with indignation.

"Ralph?" Soleia asked cautiously as she held his hand. It was cold and sweaty, which was very unlike him. She frowned, worried. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, of course, why wouldn’t I be?" Ralph said quickly, trying to gather his thoughts. "I’m just... stunned at their visit."

His brothers had somehow not exposed his identity in front of Soleia, but their impromptu visit was nothing more than a benign threat― a noose around his neck. They knew where they lived, they knew about Oliver, and they could easily tear down the life Ralph had built for himself.

Like a gust of wind destroying a house of cards.

"I understand," Soleia said, and they entered their house. She tried to focus on the overwhelming positives. "But at least I got news of Reitan’s survival! That’s a huge weight off my chest. I can finally rest easy tonight."

A smile bloomed on her face. Orion was also alive, but he wasn’t as high on her list of priorities. That made her feel vaguely guilty.

"We’ll have to pay Raxuvia’s palace a visit soon―" She had to get more information about Reitan’s condition, and possibly get Nessa to bring him over as soon as possible.

"We need to leave immediately―"

They stared at each other, stunned at the words coming out from the other party’s lips.

"Ralph, what do you mean you want to leave?" Soleia asked, confused. "We just moved here. We just got married. Where else would we even go? To Nedour? We have no resources to make the journey."