Victorious Return

"Your Grace―" Soleia raised her voice, trying to catch her husband's attention, but his head didn't even turn. The troops continued forward through the gates, forcing her to dodge out of the way with a squeak.

What was the Duke thinking? Did he want his men to trample her to death? 

She stumbled in the snow, her feet catching on the hem of her skirts. Thankfully, a pair of strong arms caught her before she fell face-first into a pile of snow.

"Careful, Your Highness," an amused voice said.

Soleia turned to look at the person who had caught her. She squinted at the familiar face before her eyes widened in realization, and she scrambled back to her feet.

"Thank you, Sir Byrone," Soleia said.

He was none other than Duke Elsher's right-hand man. His feats weren't any lesser than Orion Elsher himself and was rumored to be the Duke's best friend. As such, Soleia was surprised he would stop for her.

After all, her own husband didn't even stop for her. It was as though she didn't exist. 

Sir Byrone merely chuckled, light twinkling playfully in his eyes. "Please, Princess," he said, "Call me Ralph."

He placed a hand on his chest before bowing to Soleia. Her cheeks naturally blushed, and Soleia wasn't sure if it was out of embarrassment or due to the cold winter air. It had been two years since anyone other than Lily had called her by her title.

But her attention was quickly diverted back to the rest of the troops, most of which had already walked past them.

She looked back at Ralph and said, "Please excuse me," before hastily running off after the Duke.

Most of the troops had disbanded to their resting quarters by the time Soleia caught up with them, leaving just Orion Elsher there with the fair maiden he brought home. When Soleia entered, the woman was busy brushing snow off of Duke Elsher's shoulders while he looked down tenderly upon her.

"You should take a hot bath," Orion said softly, just barely loud enough for Soleia to catch his words. "Drakenmire is a cold region, the coldest in Vramid. I will have the servants find something warm for you to dress in."

"Oh, don't worry about me, Your Grace―"

"Orion," he corrected, holding the woman's hand which was on his face, pulling it to his lips so that he could place a kiss right in the palm of it. "I want to hear you speak my name."

The woman giggled, and Orion's other hand came to her chin. Slowly and gently, he pulled her close and tilted his head just slightly. She did the same, her eyes fluttering close as she awaited the kiss that was to come.

Soleia cleared her throat, finally gathering the attention of the two people. 

How dare they? And who was this woman?! 

Soleia clenched her fists by her side as she glared daggers at the couple. No matter whether or not this marriage was political or for love, she was still the Duke's lawfully wedded wife, the Duchess of Drakenmire, and — more importantly — the Princess of Vramid.

He, after all Soleia had done for him, had not only returned with a mistress but had brought his affair home with no regard for her reputation.

They turned to look at her and broke apart in surprise. The woman wore a look of shock while Orion looked impassive.

"Your Grace," Soleia said, trying her best to maintain a calm tone, "welcome home. How were your travels?"

The man remained silent as he stared at her. His hand moved to the hilt of the sword strapped at his waist, causing Soleia to back off, alarmed. 

"Oh," the other woman said, placing her hand on her chest in surprise. "I was just wondering where the servants were. No one has come to greet you since your return." She then turned to Soleia and began walking toward her. "Could you please help us bring―"

She was tugged back by Orion, who protectively held her in his embrace. His eyebrows furrowed as he glared at Soleia, his sudden action causing the woman to look confused at him.

"Orion?" she asked, her hands placed on his chest to steady herself. "What's the matter?"

"That's not a servant," was all he said.

In one swift motion, he threw the sword out at Soleia, causing her to gasp in surprise.

If it weren't for the fact that a sudden streak of red stopped the sword mid-air, it would've rammed straight through Soleia's skull.

Soleia released a shaky breath as she met the tip of the blade, resting just inches away from her eyes. Then, just like that, the sword was tossed back in Orion's direction, which he caught effortlessly.

Red droplets landed on the ground, accompanied by a jarring coppery smell. Soleia touched her forehead but saw no blood.

"Calm down, Your Grace," Ralph said as he sauntered forward, using his body to partially block Soleia from Orion. 

That was when Soleia noticed the trail of blood that dripped behind Ralph, originating from the long red line on his palm, accompanied by the flash of red that glowed on his chest. 

"That's not how you should treat your own duchess."

"My duchess?" Orion echoed. "My duchess is Elowyn. Did you forget about the wedding I mentioned earlier?"

Soleia's heart immediately dropped upon hearing those words.