The Hidden King's Stolen Wife
Chapter 106: Lost His Haze

Chapter 106: Lost His Haze

Orion was startled when he heard Elowyn’s voice echo through the hallways. His first instinct was to pretend that he hadn’t heard her, but it was impossible when that woman all but hurtled herself in his direction, expecting him to catch her. Orion instinctively raised his arms so that he could steady her― if she fell and miscarried, Orion would not be able to live with himself.

However, Elowyn clearly took it as an expression of concern, and she eagerly nuzzled herself to his chest. Orion froze, not knowing how to react when a grown woman acted like a nursing baby in front of him.

How did he act before, when he wasn’t influenced by her magic? He honestly could not recall.

"Orion?" Elowyn peered up to gaze at him with wide innocent eyes.

Brief confusion and hurt flitted through them, and Orion quickly cleared his throat and wrapped his arms around her, taking care to avoid her bare skin. Soleia’s warning rang loudly in his head; while he knew now that Elowyn had been enchanting him, it was not the right time to confront her. He had to pretend that he was still in love with her so that she would let her guard down.

"You’re back. Where were you?"

"Oh, out and about at the market." Elowyn let out a little giggle, but Orion could detect the faint hint of nervousness in her voice.

"For so long? You were gone for the whole night." Orion raised an eyebrow.

He was only asking a simple question, but Elowyn flinched and refused to look into his eyes. Instead, her attention was focused on the floor while she laughed weakly. Meanwhile, Orion stared at her neckline. There wasn’t any necklace on her, which made him relax marginally.

Now, he had to make sure her hands weren’t reaching into her pockets.

"Well, I didn’t think I was welcome after you were held up with Princess Soleia," Elowyn said, her eyes watering with repressed emotions, and she raised a hand to rub at a delicate tear that emerged from the corner of her eyes. "I returned to find that I had been banished from our rooms, and you were not to be disturbed. I just wish... I just wish you told me what I did wrong, for you to detest me so."

Orion felt the smallest stirrings of pity welling in his heart before he remembered that this woman had effectively been enchanting him against his will throughout their entire relationship.

He considered her mannerisms carefully and had to wonder― why was Elowyn so desperate that she resorted to using magic on him? Alcohol could have done the job well enough― she could have gotten him drunk and slept with him and made him take responsibility. She was an attractive woman and relatively intelligent, and her little actions could easily tempt many other men.

Orion might have given her a second glance, if not for the fact that he was already a married man.

Funny how he just happened to forget that pivotal fact when he met her. Did Elowyn have something to do with it?

If so, she must have been watching him for a long time to know that nothing short of enchantment would have caused him to stray from his vows, no matter how much he had disliked Soleia at the point of marrying her. It would be folly back then to introduce another woman and mess up his household further.

This meant that Elowyn must have been so desperate to succeed that she needed to resort to magic.

That thought made him frown, and the moment Elowyn saw that, she hurriedly took a step back, making sure to avoid Orion’s hands. Her bruises had healed thanks to the other Raxuvia princes, but she was in no hurry to repeat that experience.

Orion seemed normal now, but who knew if he would snap later?

"I do not detest you. I looked for her because I couldn’t find you," Orion said, trying his best to sound as sincere as possible. Judging by the way she paled, he failed. "And don’t change the subject― I just want to know if you were with anyone else."

"No! No one else!" Elowyn exclaimed frantically. "I was completely alone save for the maids. I had no contact with men at all!"

Orion nodded. Elowyn’s oddly specific vehement denial was strange, but he took it in his stride. He had more important things he needed her to know.

"I have something to tell you," Orion said.

"What is it?" Elowyn asked cautiously.

"Our wedding will not proceed as planned. Soleia will be taking your place as my bride," Orion began. He had tried to think of a way to soften the blow, but unlike Ralph, he was not gifted with a silver tongue. The best he could do was make it as quick as possible.

Elowyn stared at him, too stunned to speak.

"...I’m sorry," he added as an afterthought. He would have patted her on the shoulder, but that felt a bit too cavalier.

"...What?" Elowyn blinked, finally registering Orion’s words, her eyes wide with astonishment. "Orion, darling, surely you’re jesting," she said weakly, shaking her head as she tried to smile. "Surely you’re not seriously thinking of replacing me with the Princess this late!"

"I’m not thinking about it," Orion said. Elowyn began to smile, but then her face fell at his next words. "The decision has already been made by the King himself."

Admittedly, after he requested it. But telling Elowyn that would be as good as telling her she had no control over him.

"What about our baby?" Elowyn stroked the bump on her belly, making sure to emphasize its size. "We have to get married before I start showing more obviously."

"Elowyn, there will be plenty of time for us to get married later," Orion said, purposely keeping his voice calm even as he wanted to roll his eyes. This baby was nowhere near close to being out in the world; there was no need to be so anxious!

"But... but..." Elowyn shook her head. All her plans were crumbling around her. She had to think fast.

"I told the King you were an understanding woman who would accept this change," Orion said, crossing his arms. "Do you not agree? Do you wish for me to fight His Majesty? Because I would."

"No! No, I wish for your safety... Well... It seems that I do not have much choice if the King has already given the order," Elowyn said with a regretful little sigh that nearly fooled Orion. "I do not wish to cause trouble for you, Orion."

"Thank you." Orion smiled at her and embraced her carefully, wary of her belly. "I knew you would understand. You know me the best."

"Of course, Orion, I want nothing but the best for you, my dear." Elowyn melted into his embrace, but the gears in her head were spinning.

Orion seemed to have lost his haze of possessive rage, but with it, he also lost his fervent adoration of her. It was subtle, but Elowyn could see the differences.

She needed to see Rafael immediately.

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