The Hidden King's Stolen Wife-Chapter 38: Ride

Rafael nearly choked on his spit. He stared flabbergasted at Elowyn, his eyes nearly bulging out of his skull.

The audacity of this woman! Previously, Rafael thought that she was maliciously stupid. Now, he understood that she was just stupidly malicious. She could’ve put in a little more effort in her act!

Soleia merely coldly laughed, a sarcastic snort that evidently held no joy nor humor.

"I’d rather not," she bluntly said. "Besides, I am sure there are other candidates who would be thrilled to be your maid of honor, such as Lucinda here."

Then, Soleia tightened her heels around Ralph as though he was a horse and she was riding him. Whatever grievances she had about him carrying her on his back were quickly erased when she was reminded of her own pathetic marriage― her husband was marrying another woman! To hell with propriety! There was no love between them, to begin with.

"Let us return to the estate―" Soleia’s eyes twinkled vindictively. She stared straight at Orion as she said, "―Ralph." freewebnσvel.cѳm

Surprisingly, at the sound of Ralph’s name mentioned by Soleia’s lips without any honorifics or titles, Orion turned and met her gaze at long last. He frowned, his eyebrows furrowing tightly together as he glared hard at her.

A rush of satisfaction rolled through her like waves crashing upon the shore, and she huffed, turning her head away to face the road ahead.

But unfortunately, Ralph wasn’t able to take more than a step before Orion’s voice stopped him in his tracks.

"I’ve already sent word to His Majesty," Orion said unfeelingly. "You have been summoned to the palace as well."

Soleia’s lips twitched in irritation.

"Isn’t that nice, Lady Soleia?" Elowyn said, clapping her hands excitedly. "I am sure His Majesty is thrilled to see his beloved daughter again."

Well. How surprising that Elowyn understood the King was Soleia’s father. With the manner she was addressing her all the time, Soleia would think that Elowyn thought she had a common background or was a mere random small-time noble who had no family backing.

But to hell with family backing, either way. The only reason the King would want her back in the palace was to send her to hell with his own two hands.

"In that case..." Ralph said with a sigh. He lowered himself until Soleia’s feet could touch the ground, and she climbed off his back.

Once Soleia was on the ground, Ralph reached for the door of the carriage but was promptly stopped when Elowyn made a retching sound. She placed her hand over her lips, her face turning pale as she lurched forward a few times.

"Oh dear..."

Orion quickly leaned forward and gathered Elowyn into his arms.

"Is everything alright?" he worriedly asked.

"Everything is... fine―" Elowyn barely managed to get the full sentence out before she made another sound, her eyes squeezing shut.

Orion instantly reached for the pouch of water, handing it to Elowyn. He carefully supported her as she sipped, sighing in content after.

"It’s the morning sickness," she said, smiling apologetically at Orion, Ralph, and Soleia. "I’m a little worried about the upcoming trip, I must admit." In a softer voice, she said to Orion, "What if His Majesty doesn’t approve of us?"

"He will," Orion confidently assured.

Then, from the corner of his eyes, he scowled at Soleia.

"You need to lie down," Orion said. "It will be more comfortable for you."

"But what about Lady Soleia?" Elowyn asked. "There’s no space. If she’s coming with us, she will need somewhere to sit."

"She can ride a horse," Orion said without hesitation.

"Ride a horse?" Ralph echoed, his eyebrows reaching for his hairline. He eyed the sunstones that lined the carriage, creating a heating barrier that kept the riders of the carriage warm and cozy. The same couldn’t be said about the horses. "It’s the middle of winter."

"And?" Orion coldly threw back.

"At least let us return to grab a coat," Ralph said through gritted teeth. "It’s snowing."

"We are lacking time," Orion said. "Besides, it’s just a bit of snow."

"The estate is barely fifteen minutes away by foot," Ralph countered. "Even faster by carriage."

"Elowyn is frail due to her pregnancy," Orion replied. "I do not wish for her to endure any undue suffering."

Rafael was about to retort when Soleia calmly reached a hand forward, placing it on his shoulder. The gentle touch caused him to straighten in surprise, his body tingling the moment they made contact, his blood feeling as though it were on fire.

He turned and retreated, standing slightly behind Soleia so that the spotlight was given to her.

"Fine," Soleia said, frostily glancing at Orion. "But you only have one spare horse. I’m afraid Lucinda will have to walk back. It’s not that far, after all."

"Walk back?!" Lucinda screeched. She glanced back at the estate, then looked at Orion, repeating the action a few times. "It’s snowing!"

"It’s just a bit of snow," Soleia said, echoing Orion’s tone perfectly. "Isn’t that right, Your Grace?"

Orion pressed his lips into a thin line. Then, his eyes swerved to look at Lucinda briefly.

"It’s a short walk back," he said. "You have a garnet with you."

"But I have no magic!" Lucinda said, exasperated. "It’s just a rock."

"I’ve warmed it enough for it to last you the journey home," Orion said. "Now go before it gets dark. You’ve already escorted us far enough."

Lucinda, who was hoping she could sneakily follow them to the palace, merely stomped her foot. She threw Soleia a scathing glare before she hurriedly walked away, determined to make good of the rest of the daylight before the sun could set.

After Soleia was sure that Lucinda was gone, she continued.

"If I am riding outside of the carriage, I will need a guard."

"There are escorts accompanying us," Orion said, referring to the men who were following them on their journey.

"They’re not enough," Soleia said. "I need a personal guard. Who knows if your men would be too busy protecting you and your new bride to bother with little o’l me should a problem arise?"

Orion’s eyelid twitched. "I’ll send word―"

"No need," Soleia said, cutting him off. "There’s a perfectly fine man here. I want Ralph to be my personal guard."

With that said, she walked to the horse and held its reins.

"And he rides with me."