Chapter 57: Hidden Abilities
"For a start, let’s treat that wound on your cheek," Rafael said quietly. "How could he do this to you?"
He knelt down next to the fallen princes, reaching a steady hand out to reassure her, as though she was a wounded animal. Her cheek was swollen and bruised, and rivulets of blood rolled down, courtesy of the broken skin. It seemed like Orion had hit her hard enough to tear her flesh.
Rafael noted with grim irony that it was most likely Orion’s wedding ring that caused such a severe wound, due to the sharp edges of the gems and the toughness of the wedding band.
Soleia’s own marriage had ended up hurting her in the end, in more ways than one.
"I’m fine," Soleia insisted weakly. Her eyes stared numbly at the snow, wondering if she could bury her head inside the snowbank and suffocate. That would still be a more pleasant death than what her father would promise once he got wind of today’s events.
Orion detested her. Hated her. Wanted her dead. The vehemence in his crystal blue eyes showed that he meant every threat. Everything she had done for him... all the insults she had endured from his family, every late night spent trying to keep the estate afloat for his return...
In the end, it had all been for naught. Even without the enchantment, Orion picked Elowyn.
Soleia’s nose twitched, and tears began to form. Now that they were alone, it was impossible for her to ignore the crippling pain that nearly overwhelmed her. Still, Soleia sucked in a few desperate breaths; she refused to wail like a child.
Because wailing would shift her skin further, causing more pain.
Rafael stared at Soleia’s despondent form and gritted his teeth. Orion Elsher would pay for his actions, but Rafael wasn’t that good of a man to refuse the opportunity that had fallen right into his lap. Orion Elsher’s loss was his gain.
"Princess, the wound needs to be treated. It’ll leave an ugly scar otherwise," Rafael said cajolingly. "Let me help you?"