The Hidden King's Stolen Wife
Chapter 83: Lurker

Chapter 83: Lurker

"Yes, Princess, I’ll have them sent over to the palace in the morning itself," the florist, Jennifer promised, and a relieved sigh escaped Soleia’s lips.

Finally, the negotiations had concluded in her favor. While Jennifer had initially been terrified of upsetting Soleia with her earlier insensitive comments, that soon faded while they began to discuss floral arrangements.

The sheer scope of the proceedings made Soleia’s head hurt. The florist kept pushing for her most expensive blooms, and Soleia had to dig her heels in and stop her from getting her way. Her father and Orion had not given her an actual budget to work with, but Soleia would be damned if the royal family spent an arm and a leg to pay for this wedding.

This wasn’t even her wedding! This was a wedding for a concubine who got pregnant before marriage!

Perhaps Soleia was just the tiniest bit bitter. Who wouldn’t be?

Eventually, they finally agreed on an arrangement that was tasteful, elegant, and didn’t cause Soleia to convulse from the money wasted. Soleia turned around to leave the store, only to pause when she realized there was no one outside the entrance.

Did Reitan get so tired of waiting that he had Sir Ralph escort him back to the palace? Soleia frowned in disappointment; she hoped that she could spend more quality time with her younger brother and show him there was a bigger world outside of the palace, away from their father’s controlling thumb.

But Sir Ralph should have let her know before he left. She pursed her lips and shook her head, deciding to continue the rest of her tasks on her own. She made her way to the next stop, the most populous fabric store in town for decorations.

After all, it wasn’t as though the palace had enough new fabric to line their church and halls. Elowyn was too precious to use second-hand fabric on. A derisive scowl crossed Soleia’s face as she squeezed into the crowded store. It seemed like every woman of marriageable age was here, frantically reaching for the fabrics on display.

"Miss, how may I help you?" one of the staff asked hopefully. "We have imported silks from Xahan, perfectly soft for infants and expecting mothers! Bridal silks are also available, and we also have something special for the bedroom."

Soleia hurriedly shook her head. "I’m just browsing."

"Oh. Do let me know if you need any assistance," she said, immediately losing interest and moving away.

Soleia started to look, but she couldn’t help overhearing some of the conversations that were taking place in the store.

"Did you hear? Princess Soleia has to plan a wedding for a concubine!"

"Good grief, I’d be so embarrassed if I was me. I’d rather die!"

Soleia bit her lip. News certainly traveled fast. She moved away and soon heard another conversation. Her ears pricked up at the mention of yet another familiar name.

"I hope Prince Florian looks at me..." one woman said wistfully. "He’s so handsome... I just saw him walking around town this morning!"

"Did you greet him?" Her friend asked.

"How could I dare!" The woman gasped. "But he seems awfully busy with his group of men. He was going around all the florist stores, and he spent so long at Jennifer’s. Do you think he already has a woman he wants to marry?"

Her friend replied, but Soleia was no longer paying attention. She reached out to grab that woman’s hand, causing her to startle in shock.

"Hey!"

"My apologies, I couldn’t help hearing your conversation," Soleia said hurriedly. "But do you know where Florian could be right now?"

"Well, at this hour, he’s usually at the pub..." The woman’s voice trailed off as she stared at Soleia. "Wait, are you also in love with him? I’m telling you now, you can’t fight me for him. I loved him first."

"You can keep him," Soleia shot back, before she squeezed her way out of the store, her heart racing in her chest.

It couldn’t be a coincidence that Reitan had vanished just right outside the florist’s store. With Florian’s capability, he could easily whisk Reitan away, or get one of his men to do so.

She was pretty certain Florian had no deep love for flowers, so why was he visiting so many florist stores?

Unless he was waiting for her. Reitan just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. Soleia gritted her teeth. It was no secret that she was in charge of wedding preparations.

Soleia hoped she was wrong. She picked up her skirt and ran straight for the pub. She saw a couple of men in familiar dressing and tailed them, watching as they formed a protective wall at the end. She peered carefully behind the pillar.

A familiar voice entered her ears.

"Stupid fucking kid," Florian cursed in delight.

Soleia heard the sound of a flesh being hit, and a pained groan followed after. Florian let out a bark of ugly laughter.

"Just because you’re a prince doesn’t mean shit! I’m also a prince, and I’m not a useless sack of crap. Oh look at you, crying just because you’re hurt! Did you think your precious sister would be able to save you?"

Soleia had heard enough. She stormed forward, outraged. "Get away from him, Florian!"

"Princess Soleia!" the guards exclaimed in shock. They automatically got out of her way, causing Florian to curse at them. But Soleia only had eyes for the small prone figure lying on the floor, curled up in pain.

"Reitan!" Soleia gasped as she caught sight of the bruises on his face. His nose was bleeding, and his face was wet with tears. He let out a watery cry when he caught sight of her.

"Sister... Run..."

"I’m here, you’re safe now," Soleia said reassuringly, trying to pick him up. But every single touch caused Reitan to flinch in pain.

Meanwhile, Florian was beside himself in anger. He yelled at his guards, spittle flying off from his mouth.

"Useless! You’re supposed to stop people from approaching me!"

"But―" The men exchanged helpless glances with each other. "It’s Princess Soleia!"

She was a princess, no matter how unfavored. How could they dare to block her way?

Not to mention, all of them had seen or heard of what happened to Prince Florian when her overprotective guard got wind of his actions. He had beaten a prince bloody. Who knew what he would do to them in retaliation?

"So what?" Florian scoffed at their cowardice, and slammed his foot on Soleia’s unprotected back in one swift kick, causing her to crumple on Reitan’s body. "She bleeds the same."