Chapter 17: The Audacity of Men
Soleia scoffed. Orion Elsher certainly had some nerve to ask about her well-being after beating her and forcing her to sleep in the servants' quarters. Did he want to see how much more he could hurt her before she collapsed at his feet to beg for forgiveness?
"My lord, that's none of your business," Soleia retorted. "You've done what you can for Ralph. I'd advise you to take your leave before Elowyn comes knocking, desperate for your attention."
At the mention of Elowyn, Orion's face seemed to scrunch up. His last memory of Elowyn was when she came out in the snow to find him.
"What has she got to do with anything?" Orion demanded hotly. "She's not here right now, isn't she?"
"Everything and nothing." Soleia crossed her arms.
Men certainly had the audacity. Did Orion Elsher believe he could placate Soleia with some half-hearted words while still obviously favoring Elowyn?
"In any case, I believe you and I have no feelings for each other. This marriage has run its course. If there's anything to be grateful for, I suppose I am very thankful that we do not have any children together."
Any child containing Orion's bullheadedness was bound to kill their mother coming out of the womb. If she had to parent a child with his stubbornness, she might expire before the child turned one.
"Is that why you were touching Ralph with your bare hands?" Orion exclaimed. "He's my best friend, and you're..."