The Hidden King's Stolen Wife
Chapter 112: Nearly Identical

Chapter 112: Nearly Identical

Rafael’s heart fell when he saw Soleia quickly approaching. She hadn’t noticed them yet and seemed to simply be following instructions on where to head to. While Rafael hoped that it wouldn’t be to greet his brothers, he knew that there was little chance of that wish coming true, especially when there was no one here to welcome the Raxuvian royalty.

Ricard whistled under his breath.

"Such a beauty," he commented. "Why have I never heard of her before today?" Then, he turned to Raziel and said, "How open do you think King Godwin will be to the idea of gifting her to me as a concubine?"

"Considering your horrible history with women who you’ve married, it’s highly unlikely," Raziel replied, his voice cool and calm, without even a single emotion. "How many of your four previous concubines have survived for longer than a month?"

"It isn’t my fault they have a weak stature," Ricard retorted, his eyes still glued to Soleia, roaming up and down her figure.

"Princess Soleia is rumored to be the same," Raziel said. "She has no powers, unlike her siblings."

"Is that true, Brother?" Ricard asked, his eyes shining with amusement as he nudged Rafael.

While disgusted by the physical contact, Rafael refused to let it show on his face. He kept his expression even as he looked Ricard straight in the eyes.

"Human," Rafael said. "Painfully so."

"Shame." Ricard sighed.

Wanting to hear no more of it, Rafael stepped away from his brothers and headed straight for Soleia, making sure to use his broad physique to hide her petite frame out of his brother’s view.

Meanwhile, Soleia had no clue she had just been the subject of discussion. She turned her head just in time to catch sight of Sir Ralph headed straight for her, and her face brightened when she realized he was there.

It was a pleasant surprise, especially after how Celestina had so rudely dismissed him earlier. Ever since that conversation, Soleia felt a wellspring of guilt within her. That was not how she had wanted to leave things with Sir Ralph, and dinner did not sit well with her.

"Sir Ralph!" Soleia excitedly said, her smile brightening as he stopped before her.

"Princess," Ralph greeted.

Something flickered in his eyes, and Soleia felt her breath clog in her throat when she met his gaze. It wasn’t the same feeling as when she felt Orion’s touch. This... was different. And Soleia knew this wasn’t a good thing.

"I didn’t realize you were here," she said. "Listen, I need to look for the Raxuvian princes, but could we talk later? It’s about what Celestina said―"

"Princess Soleia, is it?"

Soleia jumped in her skin when she heard the new voice, her eyes widening. A second’s worth of delay later, someone appeared behind Ralph, a man with a bright smile, dressed in flowing green robes that matched the color of his eyes.

He reached a hand forward and easily grabbed Soleia’s hand, pressing a kiss to the back of her hand, all while maintaining eye contact.

"Allow me to introduce myself," he said. "I am Prince Ricard of Raxuvia. It is an honor to be invited to attend the wedding of such a beautiful bride. Congratulations on your union with the esteemed Duke."

"Ah," Soleia said, blinking a few times. She nodded and politely smiled before withdrawing her hand hastily. "Thank you, Prince Ricard." Then, her eyes went to the third man who appeared, standing just slightly behind Prince Ricard. "And you must be Prince Raziel."

The man nodded, seemingly of few words.

"Welcome to Vramid," Soleia courteously said. These men, for some strange reason, made Soleia’s skin crawl with discomfort with just one look from them. She felt like a mere mouse being watched by a bird of prey. "Thank you for waiting. We weren’t aware that you would arrive ahead of schedule."

"We heard of the wonders of your kingdom," Ricard said, "and thought to see the beauty of it for ourselves ahead of time. After all, a vacation sounded wonderful."

He leaned a little closer as he spoke, and Soleia took one step back to create distance between them. At the same time, Ralph moved his body ever the slightest, standing so that while he was to Soleia’s side, his one shoulder was positioned in front of her, as if protecting her from their view.

Ricard’s eyes were raised as he watched this, and a small smile curved his lips.

"Sir Ralph here was just telling us about your little kingdom," Ricard continued, delighting in watching his brother jolt at the mention of his fake name. "Perhaps you could tell us more."

Soleia’s lips twitched. Vramid was by no means a ’little’ kingdom. God forbid her father heard those words, or else, there would be a war on their hands. However, Soleia didn’t address it, simply turning to Ralph and smiling, grateful that he had helped to keep the guests entertained while she was still on her way.

As her eyes landed on Ralph, she paused. For some odd reason, now that Prince Ricard and Prince Raziel were standing right in front of her, Ralph looked just as regal as them. There were many similarities in their appearances, but the most jarring of them all was the bejeweled green eyes all three men had.

Those irises were the color of the lush green forests in the height of summer, filled with vibrant life.

"I hope you have enjoyed the sights thus far, in that case," Soleia said, tearing her eyes away from Ralph’s face. Goodness, she had stared for so long that she could only hope Sir Ralph wouldn’t think she was being rude.

Soleia squeezed her eyes shut for a second, trying to throw the thought to the back of her mind. Green eyes were common, and so was black hair. Not to mention, Sir Ralph was a soldier― it was only natural for his skin tone to be slightly more suntanned than the average Vramidian. Even Orion’s was darkened by the days toiling under the sun.

"Your Highnesses must be tired from the journey," Soleia said. "Please, allow me to show you to your chambers for your stay here with us."

Soleia held out a hand, and once the two princes nodded to show that they were following, Soleia turned and began to walk. All throughout, she couldn’t help but feel three pairs of nearly identical eyes searing into the back of her neck.

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