Chapter 4: Annulment
"A wedding?" Soleia echoed, stepping forward. She pushed past Ralph and stopped in front of Orion, who met her gaze unflinchingly. "What wedding?"
Soleia felt her blood boil as she thought back to her own wedding with the Duke. It had been so rushed, organized the very same day her father, the King, had proposed the Duke take her hand in marriage.
Even to this day, Soleia could remember the cold reluctance in Orion Elsher's eyes when they spoke their vows. He was ever so unwilling, claiming he would only marry for love, not knowing that this marriage was the only reason why Soleia's father hadn't killed him or his loved ones yet.
"Have you forgotten that you're already married, General?" Soleia asked, anger quickly bubbling in her chest. She glared hard at the woman — Elowyn, they said her name was — before returning her eyes to Orion. "Or are you now no better than a goldfish?"
"I understand you must be confused, My Lady, but that's no way to speak to your husband, much less a duke," Elowyn piped up, her voice small and fragile.
When Soleia glared at her, she squeaked and hid further behind Orion, who stepped forward to shield her as though Soleia would soon start breathing fire like the dragon he slayed with his blade.
"I don't need you to tell me how I should speak to my husband," Soleia seethed, gripping her skirt so tight that wrinkles started to form on the rough fabric.
She had suffered for two long years in this god-forsaken place, scraping by every last penny to keep this tattered estate and its residents afloat. The servants were few and nary, and most of the housework had been done by Lily and Soleia herself. Most days, they even had to serve Orion's ungrateful relatives who ordered them around as though they were slaves.
If it weren't for Elowyn's appearance, Soleia might've even forgotten who she was. Soleia had been so engrossed with her task given by her father to please Orion Elsher and his family that she had forgotten― she was still a princess.