The Hidden King's Stolen Wife
Chapter 141: The Fastest Way Down

Chapter 141: The Fastest Way Down

Orion’s men filed in as quickly as their general commanded, and soon enough, the King’s guards were quickly surrounded by the soldiers under Orion’s command. Orion stood right at the top, watching everyone from above as though he was the true king, while King Godwin could only stand to one side, his face turning red while magic gathered at the palm of his own hands.

"You dare go against the King’s men, Duke Elsher?" Bellaflor exclaimed from where she stood, her husband shielding their son from watching this entire thing crash and burn. "Do you understand what you are even doing?"

"I only know that the woman I love is being threatened and accused of things she did not commit," Orion coldly replied. "I will remove anyone I need to keep her safe."

Meanwhile, Soleia took the opportunity to approach Ralph from behind Orion and Elowyn, where they could not see. She had to crawl her way over, her ankles being awfully agonizing, resulting in no way for her to lift herself up. Having landed on it in an awkward position, they were most definitely sprained.

The moment Ralph caught sight of her clutching her legs, he met her halfway, kneeling to one knee.

"Princess―" he tried to say but was cut off by a stern glare from Soleia.

She gestured to Orion and Elowyn, and Ralph immediately shut up. He made a face, and without speaking the words out loud, he began to mouth the words, ’Let me heal you.’

Soleia merely shook her head and gestured to her ears instead before opening her hand, her palm facing up. It took Ralph a second, but he dug through his pocket and pulled out the earring that she had dropped, placing it into the center of her palm.

The stone was a little warm, having gathered Ralph’s body heat, and Soleia pinched her lips together as she quickly placed it on while trying her best not to think too much about that. Instantly, she felt rejuvenated, a rush of energy dancing through her in a way she hadn’t noticed was missing.

"Princess Soleia is still your wife," Princess Nessa surprisingly spoke up, causing Elowyn’s eyes to look over in surprise.

She raised an eyebrow as she watched the blue-haired princess stand to her feet. Beside her, the man who seemed to be her husband kept tugging at her sleeve, but Nessa didn’t budge. If anything, she even swatted his hand away, snapping something inaudible to him before glaring at Orion once more.

"You have no respect for the holy matrimony and for the vows you have made in the eyes of the witnesses of your marriage. More than that, you have no respect for your king and princess, members of royalty who gave you everything that you have. How dare you kick her to the side the moment you have risen in fame and power?"

"Because I can," Orion cockily said. "Unless, of course, would you like to challenge me?"

"Orion, dearest," Elowyn cooed, placing a hand on his chest. "Please, let’s not make a spectacle out of this. Not in front of so many foreign dignitaries."

"They ought to know," Orion said, clutching her hand. He turned back to the crowd. "I was supposed to wed Elowyn, my love, here today. Instead, Princess Soleia coerced me into giving her a second wedding due to her spite and jealousy. Such a vindictive woman has no place as my bride, and most definitely not as my duchess."

"Your title has been given to you by the King!" Celestina all but screeched, tears gathering at the corners of her eyes due to how enraged she felt. "If it can be given, it can also be taken away from you."

In response to her words, the royal knights moved closer, their weapons aimed straight at the adulterous couple, fueled by the encouragement provided by their princess.

Orion’s eyes narrowed. "I would like to see you try."

At his command, his men moved as well, ready to kill if the royal knights moved even a hair’s breadth.

"I don’t need a wedding, my love," Elowyn said. She kept her voice soft enough to act as though she meant to say it in private, but loud enough for everyone in the first few rows of the seats to hear every single syllable. "I am content with just you by my side. If the King wishes to have you punished..."

"He will not," Orion boldly said. He caressed her cheek. "I will not allow it. You will enjoy all the luxuries of a duchess. It’s your right."

Elowyn merely blushed, her cheeks turning red. But due to the way she stood, from the corner of her eyes, she could see Soleia edging closer and closer to them.

Soleia had to crawl on the floor like a beggar on the street. She just needed to get Orion’s leg. Just one touch. One second was all she needed, and she was confident she could break the spell. But right as her fingers were about to touch him, Elowyn stepped forward.

"Orion, look out!" she yelled and quickly pushed Orion out of Soleia’s reach.

Instead, Elowyn stepped forward so that her leg was right in front of Soleia’s grasp. But there was no contact between them, not even a graze. Soleia watched with wide eyes as Elowyn suddenly screamed in fear, and she stumbled back and down the steps.

She fell with a loud thud before she began to roll down the stairs, screams and gasps mixing among patches of silence as she descended the stairs quickly. When she reached the bottom, she came to a halt right in front of the two groups of military men, groaning in pain.

"Elowyn!" Orion cried out, practically flying down the stairs as more and more people stood up or moved as forward as they could to get a better view of the situation. He reached her side in no time, kneeling on the floor as he cradled her body in his hold.

"Orion..." Elowyn weakly said, her eyes closing and opening, repeating the movement as though she was fighting for her consciousness. "My stomach... It hurts..."

Everyone’s eyes quickly looked down at the floor, and a metallic scent could soon be smelled by those nearest to the scene.

Someone yelled in horror. "She’s bleeding!"