Chapter 119: Lighthouse
Elowyn’s eyes lit up with hope. At the same time, Soleia looked down at her now-empty hand, suddenly feeling the cold of the wintry night air in full force. It had been warm just seconds prior, heated by Orion’s hold. But now, she was left alone once more while Orion reached for Elowyn instead.
Soleia couldn’t help but feel her heart fall into her stomach. Even without the influence of the amethyst, it seemed like Elowyn was able to pull Orion back to her side ever so easily. Just one drop of her tear, one reminder that she was with his child, and he was hooked, a sailor charmed by the melody of a siren.
In comparison, what did Soleia have other than their crumbling marriage to hold Orion Elsher down? She wasn’t with his child, nor did she have his heart.
Soleia was just debating whether she should step back and give these two people some space or if she should run and scream for Sir Ralph’s help, when Orion suddenly spoke.
"You are soon to be a mother of our child," Orion said, his voice a lot colder than Elowyn and Soleia had expected. "Since you still remember that you are with child, then perhaps you should be resting in your room, rather than prancing around at night in the cold."
Elowyn’s eyes widened, and so did Soleia’s. Both women wore matching looks of surprise.
"I understand," Elowyn said. "But before I am a mother, I am your woman." She reached forward and wanted to grab Orion’s hand, and Soleia’s eyes widened even further with alarm. "I just wanted to―"
Orion took a huge step back, nearly knocking into Soleia. He, however, stood protectively in front of her, and a look of hurt flashed across Elowyn’s eyes. Soleia wondered for a second if this was how she looked all those times Orion walked away from her in defense of Elowyn.
"Your Grace..." Elowyn trailed off, hurt and confused.