The Hidden King's Stolen Wife
Chapter 61: Back ’Home’

Chapter 61: Back ’Home’

"His Majesty is waiting for your presence in the throne room, Your Highness, Sir Ralph," the guards at the gate bowed to them when they arrived, their tone oddly respectful.

Soleia raised an eyebrow as she watched the guard lead them into the palace, the place she once called home. The walls had never seen colder than now, especially since it had been two years since she last set foot into the capital.

Every look that was thrown her way was filled with surprise and judgment, followed by a series of murmurs that were just a little too soft for her to catch. One, however, happened to be loud enough.

"Isn’t that Princess Soleia? What’s she doing back here?"

"Haven’t you heard? Her husband, that peasant general, arrived a few days ago. He brought a new bride and is currently waiting for His Majesty’s approval to marry her."

"Oh dear. And His Majesty has agreed?"

"Of course not! They are waiting for Her Highness to arrive before making any decisions. I heard..."

The conversation eventually trailed off the further Soleia and Ralph walked from the gossiping maids, and although Soleia would’ve wanted to hear more of the conversation, it was not to be. After all, they were about to be part of that drama and experience it firsthand.

"We have arrived," the guard announced. He stood to one side and gestured to the door. "His Majesty will see you now." However, he looked at Ralph and said, "Only the Princess is permitted to enter."

Ralph frowned. "I will accompany Her Highness―"

"It’s alright, Sir Ralph," Soleia quickly said, stopping him. "My father does not like to be disobeyed."

"If you’re sure, Princess," Ralph said, his eyebrows furrowed. "If you need me..." He cast a look at the red bracelet on her hand, and Soleia nodded once with a smile.

Soleia’s lips quivered as she straightened her posture. It was already perfect, but it was not enough― it was never enough when it came to her father. She took a deep breath, composed her expression, and nodded once at the guard. Only then did he push the doors open, allowing them passage into the room.

The throne room was the same as how Soleia remembered it. Nothing had changed over the course of the last two years, including her father’s calculative expression. As Soleia walked in, Ralph followed behind, and all throughout, the King’s eyes trailed after their every movement.

Once she stopped in front of the King, Soleia curtsied deeply.

"Greetings, Father," Soleia said, her eyes still trained at her father’s feet rather than his eyes.

King Godwin merely huffed. "You’ve sure taken your time, Soleia."

"It was an unfortunate journey," Soleia replied.

"So I’ve heard," King Godwin said. "Raise your head."

Only then did Soleia dare to stand upright again. Her hands rested in front of her, her back straight as a rod as she met her father’s eyes.

"Your husband arrived three whole days before you did," King Godwin continued. "And with another woman, no less. Have you forgotten that you are his wife and should be accompanying him on his journey?" His eyes narrowed as he looked past Soleia and at the door. "Or are you simply too busy accompanying another?"

"Sir Ralph is acting as my guard," Soleia replied, her tone even. "The journey between Drakenmire and the capital is a long one."

"And your husband also happens to be the physically strongest man in the kingdom," King Godwin said, raising his eyebrow. "Should a husband’s job not be to protect his wife? Or have you not earned that position despite putting a ring on his finger?"

Soleia could only look at the floor. She clenched her teeth, a mixture of embarrassment and anger swirling within her.

"It can’t be helped," she said through gritted teeth. "Especially since he was sent off to war right after our wedding."

"The other woman seemed to have a breeze of a time gaining the Duke’s affection," the King said with a sarcastic laugh. "He all but begged to have the permission to have her hand in marriage and have her replace you as his duchess. Do you know that?"

Soleia gritted her teeth and said nothing. How could she not know? Orion and Elowyn had made sure she could recite that fact even in her sleep.

"I have granted him permission to marry her. As a reward for his accomplishments on the South-Eastern warfront."

Soleia’s eyes widened as she snapped her attention to her father.

"You’ve... agreed?" Her voice was filled with incredulity. That was not what she heard from the passing maids.

"Of course," King Godwin said. "On the condition that you remain his duchess. And if you two are to have his children, only your son can be his heir."

Soleia’s lips were parted as she stared at her father.

"Orion and Elowyn didn’t... kick up a fuss?" she asked, her voice filled with confusion.

"Should they?" King Godwin mused. There was a sparkle in his eye. "That Miss Elowyn... She seemed like a smart girl, unlike yourself. She knew what to say when it is expected of her, and when to keep her mouth shut. Perhaps you ought to learn from her."

Soleia clenched her fists at her side, counting to ten to cool herself down.

"As the Duke’s first wife, you are in charge of the wedding preparations," King Godwin said, causing all the effort Soleia had put into calming herself down to go up in smoke. "It will take place here in the palace in one month’s time."

"What?!" Unable to contain her shock, the words were out of her mouth before she could even stop herself. "You’re holding the wedding here? With a month’s worth of preparation?"

That was a whole month more than the sort of preparation she had for her own wedding! For all she knew, her own wedding to Orion was put together in haste. Her gown barely even fit, and everything was a rushed mess.

King Godwin merely smiled. "Please your husband, Soleia," he said. "Don’t fail at your task a second time. You are to gain his favor and bear him an heir before the other woman. If you don’t..."

Soleia watched as her father’s gaze quickly darkened into a thunderous storm. Frost began to creep up the walls and pillars of the throne room, causing Soleia to gulp as the temperature of the room quickly plummeted.

"I will no longer have a need for you."