Chapter 21: Supposed Investigations
"Spend time with―" Soleia threw her hands up in the air in blatant disbelief. She all but slapped the wet towel on Ralph's face in sheer frustration, causing him to groan.
"My apologies, Sir Byrone," Soleia said, quickly folding the towel so that it rested perfectly on his forehead, revealing his tired, glassy eyes.
Ralph blinked in confusion as he gazed up at her, and she shot him a comforting smile, smoothing the blanket around him as though he was a child who needed reassurance.
"Please rest well. I'll be right back," she said before turning to Lily. "Lily, prepare my coat. I'm going to speak with Duke Elsher this instant."
"Yes, My Lady!" Lily scurried off, but Ralph reached out a trembling hand to stop Soleia.
"I'm fine... really. This is nothing a good night's sleep can't cure," Ralph croaked out, his voice hoarse from the fever. "Don't trouble yourself with Orion when he doesn't want to be disturbed. Perhaps he's busy with his own investigations regarding Elowyn."
"Oh, I'm sure he's doing a thorough investigation of Elowyn's person in bed," Soleia said sarcastically, gnashing her teeth at the very mention of Orion's name.
Mere hours ago he was in this very home, promising to get a physician for his best friend first thing in the morning.
She stared down at Ralph's flushed face and shivering body, and felt anger rise within her like a river flooding its banks.