The Hidden King's Stolen Wife-Chapter 199: Where He Couldn’t See

Rafael left with a spring in his step after exchanging a tight hug with Soleia, but the moment the door closed, Soleia let the gentle smile drop from her face.

She wanted to laugh at the incredulity of it all. Was she cursed to never have a smooth-sailing marriage? Which higher power did she offend for variations of Elowyn― no, she was Elinora Wynsler now, to wedge herself between her and her husband?

Soleia sucked in a deep breath to calm herself down. It didn’t matter. Elinora was welcome to have Rafael, once Soleia took herself out of the picture. She would not stay here for a moment longer than necessary― and Elinora’s presence and Rafael’s earlier disguise had shown her one pivotal fact.

It was possible for someone to disguise their hair color for long periods of time. It was also possible for someone to disguise their true eye color. Now, all she had to do was to figure out a way to combine both possibilities for a fool-proof disguise. She needed information and resources.

And to acquire both, she needed Rafael to believe she would stay. For him.

Soleia’s lips curled in disdain at her own actions. She hated lying, and she never thought she could be lying to the man she took as her husband. But it was Rafael who lied first. She was simply repaying him with his own coin.

With that in mind, she decided to leave her room to explore Raxuvia’s palace further. This was the first time she had been left unguarded since Rafael had hauled her here, and she’d be damned if she wasted the chance.

The corridors were empty, so Soleia chose a random path and began to walk, trying to look like she belonged in the palace. Most servants did not seem to care about the presence of another blonde nobility in their midst, busy with their own chores.

Soleia made a mental note of the fastest route out of that particular wing, and strode over to the courtyard, trying to locate the stables. It would be best if she could get her hands on a horse when she fled. She walked and walked, and soon heard the neighing of horses. She quickened her footsteps.

"What are you doing here? You shouldn’t be outside―"

Speak of the devil. Rafael was rushing to her side with a frown on his face. Knowing him, he would be suspicious of her actions. So Soleia blinked innocently, tilting her head to the side, deliberately highlighting the softness of her cheek and the doe eyes.

"Why not?" Soleia asked, her lips pursed. "Rafael, do you know how long I’ve been cooped in my room? Chickens have more freedom than I do! I want some fresh air!"

"You could have come out if you wanted," Rafael said. "Oliver would have accompanied you―"

"Would he?" Soleia raised her eyebrow and crossed her arms, purposely pushing up her bosom just a tad bit higher. The movement drew Rafael’s eyes like a moth to a flame. "He and I were both laboring under the impression that I could not leave my quarters, thanks to your orders."

"That was my mistake," Rafael said quickly, not wanting to ruin the atmosphere by being nitpicky. Soleia had decided to give him a second chance, and he didn’t want to make her rethink her decision. Short of her leaving the palace, he would give her everything she desired. "I’m just worried about you."

"I’m not entirely helpless," Soleia said, gesturing to her earrings. "But if you are so worried about my welfare, you could give me a few crystals. At least, those topazes that I used to have."

Rafael nodded, seeing nothing wrong with her request. "I’ll make sure to provide some selenite as well." If his brothers or Elinora tried to hurt her, Soleia would at least be able to nullify their powers. "But Oliver should still be by your side."

"Is he the only man you have? You use him for everything." Such as impersonation and bodyguarding, Soleia complained internally, before speaking to Rafael. "He must be dreadfully overworked. I almost feel sorry for him."

"I have several men under my command, but he’s the one I trust the most. And he’s also their leader," Rafael explained, and Soleia filed that away in her head. "Would you like me to introduce them to you?"

"That would be nice." Soleia nodded. "After all, they’ll be my men too after I marry you. If I have trouble, I wouldn’t want to accidentally ask the wrong person for help." Soleia purposely paused and shot Rafael an anxious look.

The words ’after I marry you’ lit up a firework in Rafael’s head, and he quickly nodded in agreement. Excellent. Soleia had decided to hitch her wagon to his star. She wasn’t going to leave him, since she was already making plans for her future here.

"You promise you will handle Elinora?" Soleia continued, asking hesitantly. "Rafael, I must make it clear to you right now, regardless of my feelings for you... I would not be able to bear sharing my husband with her. Once is bad enough. You’ve witnessed it yourself. If I have to do it again, I would rather slit my throat at our altar―"

"No!" Rafael exclaimed, aghast. He immediately wrapped his arms around her. "I would never let such an outcome come to pass. I swear it. I will ensure Elinora doesn’t live long enough to become my queen. Please. Give me some time."

Soleia’s lips curled derisively, but since Rafael was hugging her, he didn’t see it. She trusted his bloodthirstiness, but Elinora wasn’t a sitting duck who would be content with being executed. No matter what, she had to leave this place.

"Have this," Rafael said. "As a token of my devotion."

He dug into his pocket and pulled out a small carnelian stone, beautifully red and glossy in the light.

Rafael placed the stone into Soleia’s open palm, curling her fingers over it. "Maybe you might find this helpful for your inventions."

"Isn’t this sweet?" Prince Ricard drawled out from behind them, and Soleia froze. "Lovebirds hugging in broad daylight, in full view of everyone’s prying eyes..."

"What are you doing here?" Rafael demanded.

"Why can’t I be here? I’m a prince. This is technically my home," Prince Ricard shot back, before smiling at Soleia. "Lovely to see you, Princess Soleia. I see that my brute of a brother has finally allowed you to leave your quarters. What do you say to taking my arm for dinner?"

"She’s not eating with you," Rafael interrupted with an impressive glower before Soleia could say anything.

"Unfortunately, that’s not up to you or me," Ricard said. "Father invited all of us to dinner. He wants to meet Princess Soleia to learn more about her."

Soleia’s palms began to sweat. That didn’t bode well. But rejection was out of the question. She could only give a wan smile in response.

"In that case Prince Ricard, lead the way."