Chapter 156: Daybreak II
Florian had all but escaped the situation unscathed― either that, or he had been speedily healed by the physicians before he ran out here to catch them. His clothes were still tattered and torn in some places, the fabric most likely snagged when he had been thrown out of the window earlier by the branches and twigs that caught him on the way down.
Fortunately for him, those branches damaged his clothing, nothing more. He looked as healthy as ever, and if anything, as angry as ever.
He had a new ring now, snugly nested on his finger. The aquamarine stone that was set in the ring glowed as he held out a hand, creating a sword made of ice out of thin air.
Instantly, Ralph stepped forward, shielding Soleia behind him. He glared fiercely at Florian, who matched his expression.
"There is nowhere to run, Princess Soleia," Florian said, his voice strong and powerful, unobstructed with how void of life the docks were. The common folk were gone, and instead, replaced by soldiers who reacted to Florian’s command like empty husks born to serve. "Return with me at once to the palace and hand over those criminals. Otherwise, there will be consequences."
"Princess Soleia will be going nowhere with you," Nessa said, stepping forward as well. She tried to keep Orion hidden behind her, but it was difficult for her tinier body to shield a much bigger man.
"With all due respect, Princess Nessa, Vramid isn’t Nedour," Florian said. "This is a patriarchal kingdom, and as such, Princess Soleia obeys her husband’s commands." Then, just to clarify, he added, "Which will be me."
"Her husband is General Elsher," Nessa returned evenly. "There was never an official divorce."
"On the contrary," Florian said, pulling a roll of parchment from behind him. He unfurled it and allowed it to unravel, displaying the contents written. Even from a distance, Soleia could recognize her father’s obnoxious signature at the end. "There is. This is an official document declaring the separation between Princess Soleia and Orion Elsher, effective immediately."