Chapter 63: Unconsummated Marriage
Before she could clarify things with her sisters, Celestina scrutinized her from head to toe and frowned.
"You look a lot thinner than before. And what happened to your hands? They’re so much rougher than I remember!" Celestina added critically. "This won’t do. How will you get pregnant like this? You have to take care of your body!"
Soleia choked. "Sister, that’s a bit too forward―"
"Has your husband been ill-treating you? If so, I will have words with him!" Bellaflor looked similarly displeased, and then she caught sight of the man trailing behind her sister. Judging by his watchful demeanor and the way he hovered over her protectively, this must be her new husband.
The sisters’ eyes raked over him. He was decently fair-looking, as the rumors had suggested. Tall, broad-shouldered, and he looked weathered by the years on the battlefield with his rippling muscles.
But there was no bloodlust in his eyes from the way the rumors often suggested. If anything, the way he looked at Soleia was as though he was gazing upon the most precious jewel of the lands. His brown eyes shone with blatant, undeniable affection.
It was touching to see her sister so loved by the man, but sometimes, love wasn’t enough. He wasn’t dressed like a duke― scratch that. He was dressed like he hadn’t seen a gold coin before in his life.
Bellaflor’s lips curled in distaste. Was Drankenmire truly so destitute that its ruler had to wear clothes that a poor landed knight would wear? Wasn’t he supposed to be a famous general?
Come to think of it, her sister was also very poorly dressed. Soleia’s dress was dirty and torn. While Soleia had never been one for vanity, she would have never let herself wear such an unsightly outfit, especially when meeting with their father. Not to mention the smell... Bellaflor’s nostrils flared at the smell of sweat.