The Hidden King's Stolen Wife-Chapter 202: Unexpected Assistance

"I only wish to be with my love, Your Majesty," Soleia said, turning her eyes back to King Recaldo.

It took every acting bone in her body to muster tears into her eyes. Her shoulders began to shake as she trembled, moving herself further into Rafael’s embrace, practically digging into his chest at this rate.

The closer she snuggled against Rafael, the worse Elinora’s expression became, and Soleia took great joy in that. It almost made everything worth it.

Almost.

"But I see your point," Soleia said, her shoulder slouched in defeat. As if highly unwilling, she slowly pulled herself away from Rafael’s arms, sitting upright once more. "I, too, am raised in a palace. I have seen my father speak with his ministers, and I understand that this odd position I am in will only cause trouble for Rafael in the long run."

With tears still in her red-rimmed eyes, she gazed at King Recaldo.

"W-What do you ask of me, Your Majesty?" she asked, her voice broken and weak, ever the desperate maiden in need of saving. "What must I do to receive Raxuvia’s protection?"

Across from where she sat, Ricard let out a low whistle. His eyes were glued onto Soleia the entire time, deeply engrossed in her skillful performance. He leaned closer to Raziel and, in a volume no one else could hear, said, "She gives Elinora Wynsler a run for her money."

Raziel said nothing, but his silence was all Ricard needed to hear to know he, too, agreed.

"That brings us back to the question then," King Recaldo said. "To what extent can you nullify?"

Soleia bit her bottom lip. "Quite frankly, I am unsure too, Your Majesty," she confessed. It wasn’t wrong. She didn’t yet know her limits. "Perhaps you have heard, but I only recently learned of my abilities. I don’t know the ins and outs of it yet, and there aren’t many things recorded about nullifiers, nor am I able to learn from another person."

"They are indeed rare," King Recaldo said with a nod. "Nullifiers have always been dangerous. But it is their danger that makes them so useful." His eyes then flickered. "Unfortunately for them, they aren’t invincible. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have died out."

His hidden meaning was simple and hadn’t gone over Soleia’s head. If she tried anything, there were more ways than magic that could keep her subdued.

"If I may suggest, Father," Prince Ricard said, "Princess Soleia simply needs something to test and train with. Our treasury isn’t short of crystals. We can spare her some."

Soleia’s heart skipped a beat. That was exactly what she wanted. But why had Ricard offered it so readily?

"I am sure we can find a way," King Recaldo said with a nod. "How soon will you be able to show results?"

"I will need to see the crystals to know," Soleia said. "But it shouldn’t take more than four weeks."

"Alright then," King Recaldo said. "Princess Soleia, in exchange for your safety and protection from Vramidian forces, you shall agree to work for the Raxuvian royal family. We will provide you the materials needed to train."

Climbing out of her seat, Soleia dipped down into a low curtsy. "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty," she said.

Once King Recaldo nodded in approval, she sat back down. As King Recaldo started to eat, so did Soleia. All throughout, she didn’t raise her head or turn it to look at Rafael. However, when she lifted her gaze, her line of sight did clash with that of Ricard’s, and the smile he gave her sent shivers rushing down her spine.

***

"I will get Oliver to walk you back to your chambers," Rafael said. "It’s rather unsafe to venture around here alone, especially since you must still be unfamiliar with the palace―"

"There is no need, Brother," Prince Ricard said, suddenly appearing behind him. He walked past him to stop at Soleia’s side, standing a little too close for Rafael’s comfort. "I can send Princess Soleia back to her quarters just fine as well. I’m sure I am more familiar with the halls of this place compared to your guard, who has been with you in Vramid for the last couple of years."

After dinner, King Recaldo had ordered Rafael to spend more time with Elinora, starting with sending her back to her estate. With the crown on the line, Rafael couldn’t outright refuse. As such, he merely gritted his teeth and glared hard at Elinora, who was more than happy to send him a smile.

"I will get Oliver," Rafael insisted. He glowered at Ricard as he said, "I doubt the integrity of other escorts."

"It’s fine, Rafael," Soleia calmly said. She offered him a warm smile. "You should keep to your duties. I will be waiting for you in our quarters," she said, making sure to stress her last few words. "I understand you have your duties to tend to."

Rafael could only give a pained smile before he unwillingly turned to leave. Soleia watched as his figure disappeared down the hallway and past a corner, and once he was gone, her smile fell.

"Why the long face, Princess?" Ricard asked, amused as he watched all the rainbow colors of emotions flicker across Soleia’s face. "Do you already miss my younger brother so?"

Soleia turned and glared at him. She cooly said, "I can return to my chambers just fine, Prince Ricard. There is no need for you to escort me."

"Oh, don’t get me wrong," Ricard said with a chuckle. "Me escorting you is not for your safety."

Soleia pinched her lips together. Seeing her expression, Ricard laughed a little more.

Everyone else had already retreated back to their chambers. The hallways were empty, not even a single servant in sight. Once she was sure they were alone, Soleia took a deep breath and spoke.

"Why did you help me, Your Highness?" she asked. "You didn’t have to help me barter for the crystals."

"I didn’t have to," Ricard said with a nod. "But I want to."

"Why?"

"Because," Ricard’s eyes twinkled, "with the crystals, you can make your little escape. Isn’t that what you want, Princess Soleia?"

Soleia said nothing, but her silence only caused Ricard’s grin to stretch. He leaned forward, hovering right next to her ear, causing her to stiffen. As he spoke, his breath fanned across the skin of her neck, tickling her.

"And if you escaped, do you think Rafael will follow you to the ends of the world, or would he stay and marry Elinora to become the king?"