The Hidden King's Stolen Wife
Chapter 144: Ten Feet Under

Chapter 144: Ten Feet Under

[TW: Miscarriage]

The crowd watched Princess Soleia get towed away by the guards in her wedding dress as though she was a criminal awaiting execution. The sight was simply too absurd for words, but none dared to comment on it. The fight continued, but as guards continued to stream into the already full church, it was clear that Duke Elsher’s men would not be leaving the church alive.

Bellaflor quickly spoke. "Father, I have a better idea on how to punish these ungrateful commoners that won’t sully the pristine halls of our God," Bellaflor said, a pious expression on her face. "It’s not worth dirtying holy land with the blood of these peasants, not when you can execute them in full view of the civilians later for a better demonstration of royal rule."

"I agree," Florian added. Celestina and Bellaflor shot him dirty looks from the corner of their eyes, but he pretended to be oblivious. "And to celebrate such a happy occasion, I would be pleased to marry Princess Soleia on that very day, to further highlight the differences between us and those filthy commoners. They should learn what it means to disrespect the Crown’s power."

Now those dirty looks from his cousins had turned into disgust, tethering on rage. But what could they do? Florian knew his idea would be irresistible to the King.

Unknown to him, Rafael clenched his hands behind his back, summoning trails of blood left over from the floor. He created a tiny needle and nestled it into Florian’s boot. If this man tried anything to Soleia, Rafael would make sure he paid for it with his life.

King Godwin paused thoughtfully. His oldest had a point. He might as well execute Duke Elsher and his entire household with him in one clean sweep, in full view of everyone.

Well. At least what was left of his household. King Godwin highly doubted many of his knights would survive their injuries. And with him gone, his daughter would be a widow. In the end, things worked out well. A nasty grin flitted across his face as he nodded in approval.

"Guards, imprison all of Duke Elsher’s men in the dungeons, awaiting execution!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Slowly, but surely, order returned to the venue. Once all of Duke Elsher’s men were gone, the lingering royalty and nobles left in twos and threes, making sure to greet the royal family before they left, in case King Godwin took it as a slight on his honor. They did not want to give him a reason to strip them of their titles and their heads.

King Godwin also left, leaving Celestina, Bellaflor, and Reitan staring at Florian with blatant disgust. Their respective husbands hovered closer, but they didn’t want to encroach on a family dispute.

"You’re sick in the head," Celestina hissed out. "Did you plan this from the very beginning?"

"How could I? It’s not my fault I was born with such good fortune that the heavens themselves delivered her to me," Florian retorted. "Besides, shouldn’t you be happy that she’s marrying me, instead of rotting ten feet under the ground, or hanging decapitated from a spike off the castle wall?"

Bellaflor’s face purpled at the injustice. For a woman, marrying a man like Florian was a fate worse than death!

"You should be especially grateful, Reitan dear," Florian cooed mockingly at his younger cousin, who began to tremble under his attention. "I’ll be able to spend lots of time training you up since your poor Duke Elsher and Sir Ralph will be too busy feeding vultures to look after you."

With that one last parting shot, Florian whistled cheerfully and left the church. It felt great to be so blessed!

***

"I’m sorry, but we did our best," Neville said regretfully. His gloves were stained with bright red blood, and his shoulders slumped in exhaustion. "There’s no saving the child."

Orion’s knees gave way, causing him to knock against an empty bed, breaking it in two. His jade ear studs shone brightly, but he was barely aware of the loss of control. He let out a loud bellow, his grief echoing through the empty infirmary, and he pulled open the flimsy curtain that was meant to protect Elowyn’s bloody body from his gaze.

The physicians had dressed her in a strange gown, and now there was a long, freshly healed incision on a belly that used to be scarless. Elowyn’s eyes were closed, and it was only her slow steady breaths that indicated she was still alive.

Next to her was a bucket of flesh. Orion staggered back, instinctively knowing this must be his child.

Or... what was left of it. The sight of it was burned into the insides of his eyes. He let out a choking gasp, and to his surprise, he realized that tears were slowly falling down his face.

"Lady Elowyn will make a full recovery in time," Neville said, in an attempt to console him. He did not mention that it would be near impossible for her to conceive. There was no need to kick a man when he was down. "You can rest next to her for the time being. We’ll be here in case she needs any help."

Orion Elsher nodded jerkily. Neville wondered how much he actually heard. His expression of grief was so sincere, that Neville was moved. His heart welled in pity for this poor man.

Then the infirmary doors burst open with the royal guards streaming in. They immediately made a beeline for Duke Elsher, trying to grab him by his shoulders.

"What in the blazes is going on here?" Sven demanded angrily, raising his bloodied hands into the air. "This is an infirmary, not a marketplace! Shush, can’t you see I have a sleeping patient here!"

But the guards were unmoved. "Orion Elsher, you are now stripped of your title. You will be imprisoned for crimes against the royal family! Come quietly and you will be unharmed!"

Orion let out a small grim chuckle that slowly grew louder into a braying laugh. However, there was no joy in it.

"Unharmed? How dare you say this, after hurting me like this?"

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