The Hidden King's Stolen Wife
Chapter 72: A Refreshing Exchange

Chapter 72: A Refreshing Exchange

Soleia let out a tiny squeak. Ralph’s hand on her chin was nothing but gentle, yet it set her skin aflame. She hurriedly stumbled a few steps back, just so she could take a breather. Her heart was racing so quickly, that she almost thought she had stumbled upon another thornhound pack.

"Soleia?" Rafael’s gaze turned pleading, and he gave her a hopeful glance.

Soleia had to look away; Ralph’s eyes radiated loving devotion so strong that it was weakening her knees. She had a feeling if he continued to make that face at her, she would promise him the world. That was too much power!

"Can you call me by my name again?" Rafael cajoled beseechingly, making sure to tilt Soleia’s chin up so she could stare back at him, delighting in how the flush on her cheeks was spreading down her neck. One day, he would find out how low her blushes went. For now, Rafael was content with hearing his nickname from her mouth.

"You―" Soleia’s mouth opened, and she let out a helpless sigh. "Alright. If it makes you happy."

There was an expectant pause. If Sir Ralph had a tail, it would be wagging furiously as he stared at her.

"Ralph," she said, testing the way his name rolled off her tongue. It echoed in the silence, and Soleia felt her cheeks burn further. Somehow, it sounded more intimate than she expected!

Rafael stared at her, enraptured by the way her lips shaped his name. He could hear her call for him as though he was a servant for the rest of their lives.

"Say that again, please Soleia. I want more."

Sir Ralph’s heated glance was causing butterflies to rampage through Soleia’s stomach. She had to get a hold of herself! It was just a name, she rationalized quickly to herself. She could call him by her name. She called many people by their names. In addition, a lot of people called Ralph by his name. Sir Ralph had known the attentions of many women; there had to be at least a few that called him by name.

That thought was a cold splash of water. She had to be clear-minded. Whatever affection she had for Ralph, she couldn’t let it proceed further― at least, not while she was still married to Orion.

Besides, who knew if Sir Ralph’s feelings for her would remain. She was probably one of his many women. She didn’t doubt Sir Ralph’s sincerity, but she doubted that it would last. Perhaps he cared for her now because they were always spending time together.

So, Soleia cleared her throat and decided to give him what he wanted, even if it wasn’t in a way he expected. She pitched her voice low and called out his name, experimenting with different tones. "Ralph. Ralph. Ralph. Ralph."

Rafael could only laugh incredulously at Soleia’s attempts to wriggle her way out of his request. He could guess at her reasons for doing so, hence he reluctantly stepped back. If he pushed too hard now, he might scare her away for good.

"Alright, Princess, you can stop now. You’re sounding like every single person who caught me committing mischief as a child."

"Were you a mischievous child?" Soleia asked curiously, pleased that she got some breathing room.

"No, I was a paragon of virtue and good behavior," Rafael said, smiling winningly, and Soleia snorted in disbelief.

"And I’m the pride and joy of this family," Soleia said.

"Are you not?" Rafael pointed out. "From what I can tell, your sisters adore you. I’m sure your younger brother does too. You’re a frighteningly smart woman with all your nifty inventions!"

Not to mention Soleia’s hidden ability to nullify or amplify magic. If King Godwin was foolish enough to overlook that, he deserved to be disposed of as a king!

"You forget that my father is making me plan my husband’s wedding with his pregnant mistress, and he invited dignitaries from all around the world to witness it," Soleia said flatly. "If this is how he treats his ’pride and joy’, I’m honestly afraid for his enemies."

"Well, he’s an odious man. I would take his dislike as a compliment to your good character. Being liked by him would mean you’re like Florian, and that’s a curse I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy."

Nah. That was a lie. If his enemies were all like Florian, his life would be so much easier since Florian was dumber than a sack of bricks.

Soleia couldn’t help but smile at his words. Sir Ralph certainly had a honeyed tongue that was capable of the most cutting of insults.

"If only everyone saw things your way," Soleia said wistfully. "He hated my inventions."

"I love them enough to make up for it," Rafael said, with so much earnestness that it made her head spin. "You should show me more of them. I liked the wheels you attached to your trunk. It makes life so convenient. And that hand cream. And that charged crystal weapon. And this lamp practically radiates elegance and functionality, it must have come from you―"

Soleia held out a hand to stop him from speaking. "How did you even know about all of that?" While Sir Ralph knew she invented things, she was surprised that he knew the specifics.

Rafael froze for the briefest moment before he smiled. "I heard about it from Lily of course! And some of it from Orion. Admittedly, he was grumbling when he mentioned it."

And if Rafael was the one asking curious questions to get them to volunteer the information, well, that wasn’t important.

Soleia nodded, taking that explanation at face value.

"Do you have any more inventions in the works, now that we got ourselves a nice haul of crystals?" Rafael asked, hopeful for more. "I can help you, if you need."

"Oh, I do!" Soleia clapped her hands as she waved him over, pulling out the stack of dusty manuscripts. They were slightly yellowed, but the ink was clear enough to read, even if her handwriting left much to be desired.

Rafael peered down at the documents and laughed. "Princess, why does it look like a chicken left scratches all over the parchment?"

Soleia cleared her throat imperiously, even as the back of her ears burned with embarrassment. Her handwriting wasn’t terrible, but she didn’t care much when she was overcome with inspiration. Besides, it wasn’t as though anyone was reading it with her. Her sisters weren’t interested in her hobbies, and Lily couldn’t keep up.

It felt... good. To share this piece of her with Sir Ralph, who despite his comments on her handwriting, was poring over her notes with giddy interest.

"A face-changing tool? How exciting!" Rafael exclaimed. "Princess Soleia, let’s get started on this one first!"