Chapter 258: Threads of Red II
Soleia sighed and got up wearily, opening the door. "What is it?"
A young maid blinked innocently up at her, holding up a tray with a porcelain bowl on it, along with a spoon. From such a close distance, Soleia could smell the vague sweetness wafting off the liquid. She couldn’t help but marvel at Rafael’s speed in getting the kitchen to do his bidding. She didn’t think tonics could be brewed so quickly, but Rafael was a persuasive man.
"Your Highness, here is the tonic that you’re supposed to drink for your pregnancy," the maid said tremulously. She almost looked too terrified to meet Soleia’s eyes. "Shall I set it on the table?"
"Of course, of course," Soleia said hurriedly, moving out of the way so that the maid could enter. She scrambled inside and put the tonic on the table before bowing in respect.
"The tonic should be taken warm for best results. Is there anything else you require of me?" the maid asked politely, twisting her fingers as she watched Soleia anxiously.
Soleia wondered if Rafael had terrified her so badly that she was so willing to fulfil her every whim. "There’s nothing else I need from you," Soleia said, waving her off. "You can leave now."
The maid nodded frantically and scrambled out again, nearly tripping over her skirts. Soleia sighed in wry amusement― her behavior reminded Soleia of Lily, whom she had not seen for a long time. Her heart suddenly grew heavy as she remembered her missing maid. She wasn’t in Raxuvia along with the remnants of Orion’s family; if the gods were good, Lily should have died quickly and painlessly.
Soleia hoped Lily did not suffer― her mind could easily come up with a variety of scenarios where a young girl like her could have her soul and body crushed by the circumstances. She heaved a huge sigh and walked towards the desk.
She might as well take the tonic now. Holding up the spoon provided, she held it up and scooped up a mouthful, blowing at it softly to cool it down before she took a careful sip.