The Hidden King's Stolen Wife-Chapter 213: A Jewel in the Shadows

Soleia held her breath as she peered through the magnifying glass, her eyebrows scrunched up together tightly as she stuck out her tongue ever the slightest. Keeping her hand as steady as she could, she placed the gemstone into the gold bed before securing the claws around the stone.

Only when she knew it was secure did she finally lean back in her seat, letting out the breath she didn’t know she held. She raised a hand and wiped the beads of sweat away from her forehead before she reached for the pouch next to her.

Her hand dug into the pouch, pulling out a handful of stones at random before placing them onto the table. There was an assortment of stones―moonstones, obsidian, and opals― but in the end, she picked the lone garnet from the bunch.

Just as before, she shaped and polished the stone before carefully placing it into the slot that was reserved for it. Once the claws around the gem were secured, she slid the ring onto her finger, admiring it in the light.

Even though this was the first time Soleia was dealing with jewelry, she had done a pretty good job, if she did say so herself. It was the perfect size, and as long as no one tugged too hard on it, it shouldn’t drop off easily.

Taking a deep breath, she pursed her lips and concentrated on the palm of her hand. Her palm faced the ceiling as she imagined a flame, flickering to life.

There came a burst of warmth that tickled her skin, then a spark, then―

The door’s handle clicked, and Soleia’s ears instantly perked to attention. Quickly, she swiped the project that she had been working on off her finger and into her pocket, shoving all the notes related to it into a hidden compartment on the table she had added just last week, before placing a set of mock research on the desk.

Right as she was done, the door opened, and Rafael stepped in.

Soleia turned around and smiled, standing up and walking over to greet him.

"You’re back early," she said, taking his outstretched hand eagerly. "What did your father want to speak to you about?"

He immediately placed a kiss on the back of her hands, and Soleia’s heart fluttered. She scolded herself silently for falling prey to Rafael’s charms despite everything that had happened, but ultimately, she still wasn’t able to stop herself from going giddy every once in a while.

"He has heard from Raziel about your contributions and progress," Rafael said. "He is very pleased."

"Is he?" Soleia hummed as Rafael pulled her into his embrace, and she leaned her head against his chest, hearing his steady heartbeat.

Weeks had passed since Soleia first arrived at Raxuvia’s royal palace, and every day felt more dangerous than the last. King Recaldo had gotten impatient― he needed to see the results of Soleia’s nullification, and even though he had never said it quite explicitly, he had always implied it strongly whenever they dined together.

Time was running out for Soleia. If she didn’t bring favorable results soon, King Recaldo would have her shipped back to Vramid. Last she heard, Florian was still looking tirelessly for her. He had taken several concubines, half of which were found dead in their wedding bed the next morning.

And all these women looked like Soleia.

"Is there a reason your father is in such a hurry?" Soleia asked, drawing circles in the fabric of Rafael’s top. "He’s not planning to go to war with any kingdom, is he?"

"No," he said. Then, he laughed. "He plans to go to war with his children."

Soleia slowly pushed herself away from Rafael, blinking cluelessly at him.

"I beg your pardon?" she asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

Rafael sighed tiredly. "My father has always been a paranoid man," he said. "He is worried that one of us might silence him for the crown."

"But it will eventually fall into one of your hands," Soleia said. "Your father is also a powerful magic practitioner."

"One who can be easily be stopped by the likes of you," Rafael reminded. "He’s worried that I might use you to overthrow him."

"Then, shouldn’t he be against me advancing my abilities?" Soleia asked with a snort.

"The further you advance your powers, the better he can throw you into a far-off county away from the capital all in the name of war," Rafael said. "He wants you out of the palace and in a place where you can do him no harm."

"But he also isn’t willing to hand me over to some other kingdom for them to use as they see fit," Soleia said.

Rafael nodded. "And if you don’t show progress, then―"

"He will have an excuse to have me killed," Soleia finished, looking down at her feet. She wasn’t sure if she should be glad that she would be beheaded before she would be sent back to Vramid. At least it would be a better fate than becoming her father’s puppet and Prince Florian’s toy.

"But he seemed very impressed with the research you’ve done so far and your obedience," Rafael said, trying to lighten the mood. "He casually commented that you might even make for a good queen."

Soleia’s eyes lit up in surprise.

"He did?"

***

"He said what?!"

Raziel simply moved his head to one side so that the teacup smashed against the wall behind him rather than on him. On the other hand, Ricard didn’t even have to move. Elinora’s aim was so far off that the teacup was nowhere near him.

He grinned, clicking his tongue.

"Such temper," he said. "It’s no wonder my dear old father wishes to replace you with someone more capable and more befitting as the queen of Raxuvia."

Elinora clenched her fists in anger as she heaved, her shoulders rising and falling as her body trembled with rage.

She was Prince Rafael’s true fiancée. She was supposed to be the next queen.

Now, King Recaldo was planning to replace her already? Even after all he promised to the Wynsler family?

"I warned you that it wouldn’t be a good choice to support Rafael," Ricard said with a mocking laugh. "If you had chosen me, I would’ve guaranteed you the throne in less than a week."

Elinora merely glared at him. She didn’t need Prince Ricard or Prince Raziel after Rafael had returned to Raxuvia as a glorious new heir to the throne. Everything had been going so perfectly since. Even if Soleia became Rafael’s concubine, she could easily have her removed from the equation.

But if Elinora’s position as the queen was threatened...

"Princess Soleia plans to escape," Prince Ricard said, his eyes glittering. "What do you say we help make sure she never returns?"