Chapter 270: Hot Knife Through Butter
"Do it," Rafael ordered, in a tone that brooked no argument. He was gripping the edge of the bed so hard that his knuckles had turned white.
"But the princess..." The physician said hesitantly, glancing at Soleia’s rapidly paling face. "It is customary for the foetus to be cut out of the womb. However, with Princess Soleia’s physical state, this procedure might do more harm than good. I can use herbs to help relieve her of the foetuses―"
"No! Wait!" Soleia cried out as she registered their discussion. "If I... drink the herbs... wouldn’t I lose both of them?"
"Yes, but this is the safest, most painless way," the physician said, twisting his fingers worriedly. "Your pulse is very weak, and you have lost a large amount of blood. I fear that if we were to cut you open to remove one of the foetuses, you might not live. It is my opinion that a herbal concoction be used instead, for a more painless procedure."
He chanced a quick look at his new king, hoping that he would make a wise decision. To lose both royal heirs would be nothing short of a tragedy, but Prince Rafael and Princess Soleia were both young. They had many years ahead of them to produce all the children they could have. If Princess Soleia died now, everyone in the room knew it was nigh impossible for Prince Rafael to take another wife.
"Soleia, the physician has a point," Rafael said, holding her hand tightly. "I would rather have you alive than have you possibly sacrificed for our future children."
He turned to the physician and ordered him to prepare the concoction. The physician nodded and hurriedly began to gesture for his attendant to bring out the herbs. Time was of the essence, and who knew if Princess Soleia could even ingest anything once she was hit with pain.
"Rafael, I want to try saving the foetus," Soleia hissed with pain through her gritted teeth. "Only one is weakened. The other is fine. I can endure it― I even endured your father. What is a tiny procedure compared to him?"
Rafael’s heart wavered. While Soleia had a point, it was precisely because she had undergone such an ordeal with his father that he couldn’t bear to see her suffer any longer. If it were up to him, he would make sure she was painlessly unconscious before tackling the issue of their children.