Chapter 7: Move Away
Two sharp gasps rang out, originating from Elowyn and Soleia respectively. Elowyn held onto Orion's arm right as his eyes widened with disbelief. The green light from his jade ear studs quickly dimmed.
"Ralph, you―"
Ralph raised his hand, swiping his thumb across the corner of his lip. A small red stain coated the pad of his thumb and he scowled at the sight of it. Then, he raised his gaze to meet Orion's eyes.
For some reason, even though the Duke had seen his fair share of monsters and death, there was something in Ralph's eyes that sent an uncomfortable chill down his spine. But the look was gone as quickly as it came, replaced by the usual humorous, lazy gaze his best friend often wore.
"Come on, Orion," Ralph said with a humorless laugh. "You would really hit a woman? Not just that, but a princess? Whether you like it or not, she's still your wife. She looked after your estate and your family for two years while you were gone. Surely that counts for something?"
Orion took a deep breath. The look of surprise quickly dissipated from his features, but the anger remained. His hand slowly lowered back down to his side before he looked past Ralph and at Soleia. However, his words were still directed at his friend.
"Make sure she gets her trinkets and leaves by the time we return from dinner," Orion coldly said. "And have someone replace all the furniture that she has used before."
Replace the furniture? Soleia's lower eyelid danced in annoyance. Did this blockhead not hear a single thing she had just said? Where was he going to get the money to replace the furniture? Because of this new little mistress, they might even have to start selling furniture instead!
With his instructions given, he bent down and carried Elowyn with a swoop. She squeaked in surprise, her hands coming around to steady herself, looping around his neck.