Chapter 87: Distasteful Man
"Oliver, I didn’t take you to be a liar." Rafael raised an eyebrow. His expression was cavalier, but his eyes were cold as he stared down at his most trusted subordinate. "You disappoint me. How could you spin such a tall tale to get out of trouble?"
"Your Highness, I swear on my life, and the lives of my entire family, I know what my eyes saw," Oliver said, his voice deathly serious as he gazed up at Rafael.
"That man Florian tried to attack Princess Soleia, but before I could step in, she grabbed his ring. He got his men to attack her instead, but then Princess Soleia conjured ice and shot it in his direction. If you do not believe me, you can question his guards."
"Presumptuous of you to give me orders. Rise." Rafael frowned to himself as Oliver scrambled to his feet with a low grateful bow. "Go and keep an eye on Elowyn. She’s actually Lady Elinora Wynsler, and she has ties with my brother."
Oliver’s mouth fell open in shock, but he hurriedly saluted and rushed away.
Meanwhile, Rafael needed a moment to collect himself. Truthfully, he had been venting his anger by scolding Oliver. He knew that man wasn’t prone to lying, but what Oliver was saying was simply too much for him to accept immediately.
Was Soleia capable of cryomancy? Impossible! He had spent so much time in close quarters with her. Short of her ability to nullify and amplify magic, Rafael had spotted no other hint of magic.
Did Princess Soleia develop it because her life was threatened? Or did it happen because of her protectiveness for Reitan? Strong emotions could lead to breakthroughs, rare as they were.
In any case, it was all his own fault. He had been so preoccupied with Elowyn that he wasn’t there for Soleia when she needed him the most.