"Spend time with―" Soleia threw her hands up in the air in blatant disbelief. She all but slapped the wet towel on Ralph's face in sheer frustration, causing him to groan.
"My apologies, Sir Byrone," Soleia said, quickly folding the towel so that it rested perfectly on his forehead, revealing his tired, glassy eyes.
Ralph blinked in confusion as he gazed up at her, and she shot him a comforting smile, smoothing the blanket around him as though he was a child who needed reassurance.
"Please rest well. I'll be right back," she said before turning to Lily. "Lily, prepare my coat. I'm going to speak with Duke Elsher this instant."
"Yes, My Lady!" Lily scurried off, but Ralph reached out a trembling hand to stop Soleia.
"I'm fine… really. This is nothing a good night's sleep can't cure," Ralph croaked out, his voice hoarse from the fever. "Don't trouble yourself with Orion when he doesn't want to be disturbed. Perhaps he's busy with his own investigations regarding Elowyn."
"Oh, I'm sure he's doing a thorough investigation of Elowyn's person in bed," Soleia said sarcastically, gnashing her teeth at the very mention of Orion's name.
Mere hours ago he was in this very home, promising to get a physician for his best friend first thing in the morning.
She stared down at Ralph's flushed face and shivering body, and felt anger rise within her like a river flooding its banks.
Even if Orion had no care for her, surely he should have spared some concern for his best friend! Instead, she was the one twisting herself into knots in worry while he was cozying up with his mistress.
"I'm sure he must have a good reason for his actions. He isn't an irrational man. You have to stop thinking the worst of him," Ralph added, and his continued faith in his best friend made Soleia's heart ache.
She grabbed a glass of water and shoved it into his hands, forcing him to drink.
"I'll be the judge of that myself, and you should stop talking and rest more," Soleia huffed while Ralph spluttered weakly through the mouthfuls.
"But… but… I'm fine―" His protests fell on deaf ears as Princess Soleia nearly caused him to choke on his drink, the water staining his blankets. Her attempts at nursing were more dangerous than his illness!
Thankfully, Lily returned with Soleia's coat, stopping her rampage. Soleia ordered Lily to stay with Ralph, while she stormed towards the main estate without a backward glance.
"Orion Elsher!" Soleia called out as she knocked frantically against the door. "Get down here right this instance!"
The door swung open to reveal Jerome's sheepish face. He looked pained. "Your Highness. I wasn't expecting you. Please leave at once. The duke is refusing to accept visitors."
"Where is Orion?" Soleia demanded without preamble. "His best friend is gravely ill, but I hear that he's refusing to get a physician?"
"Why should he get a physician for the man that cucked him? Have you no decorum?" A sharp mocking voice cut through the air.
Soleia gritted her teeth; that voice belonged to none other than Lucinda, who sauntered up to the door.
"You're the one that desperately wants him to stay alive after spending a night with him. My cousin can see through your lies! Hey― how dare you shove me!"
Soleia nearly pushed Lucinda out of the way so that she could squeeze her way through. She stomped all the way to the duke's own rooms, thumping at the door violently.
"Duke Orion Elsher, have you forgotten your promise to me the night before? You said you would go and get a physician for him," Soleia raised her voice, uncaring of the multiple scornful looks she attracted from his relatives for her unladylike behavior. "Now Ralph has a high fever, and he requires medical attention immediately!"
"Aren't we supposedly short of funds?" Elisa commented, her face darker than a storm cloud. Her morning calm had been rudely interrupted by this wayward daughter-in-law. Rude and classless, she had spent the night outside with a man! She clearly had no respect for her son!
"We have nothing to spare for your adulterous self! Now get out of here before I throw you out!" Elisa raged, jabbing a finger out the door.
"Kindly watch your words. Nothing happened between Sir Ralph and me. The only person having an affair in this situation is your son, who is still held up in his room with a woman who is neither his wife nor his concubine, refusing to do his duty to his best friend," Soleia said coldly.
Elisa swallowed, but she shook Soleia off. "How could you expect my son to spare the money for that stranger when Elowyn is the one who requires more care? Since you care so much for him, feel free to go to town and get a physician on your own! Don't bother my son with your nonsense!"
"I need to see him, just this once," Soleia said firmly.
She needed to see him with her own two eyes. Ralph had claimed that Orion was busy investigating Elowyn. If she gave him the benefit of the doubt, his sudden change of mind would imply that Elowyn had successfully sunk her claws into him again.
That was very worrisome.
Of course, the alternative could simply be that Orion Elsher was a good-for-nothing scumbag who was waylaid by a prettier face and a sultry body. Soleia personally believed so. Ralph was merely blinded by friendship.
"He doesn't want to see you," Elisa said contemptuously. "This is just your pathetic attempt to catch his attention. I know all of your tricks, you little slut!"
She raised a hand, ready to slap the shameless woman in front of her, but Soleia grabbed her wrist, and her fingers tightened imperceptibly, causing Elisa to wince at the sudden increase in pressure.
Her eyes were cold as she moved closer to stare her down.
"Retract your accusations," Soleia said evenly. "If not, it would be more embarrassing for you if your son makes you apologize to me."
Elisa let out a mocking laugh. "Don't be ridiculous! My son would never side with you, especially not against his mother!"
Before Soleia could further argue, the door slowly but surely began to creak open. She held her breath.
Orion stood in front of her in his shirtless glory, his body riddled with red marks like badges of honor. His hair was mussed, and his pants hung low around his hips, giving Soleia an eyeful of his muscles.
Her face burned and she tore her eyes away, choosing instead to stare into his eyes. Orion gazed down at the both of them. Was it just her imagination, or did his eyes seem to have a strange haze about them?
Soleia slowly reached out for him, but he stepped back.
"Apologize to her," Orion's voice was low and commanding.
"Son! You cannot be serious!" Elisa squawked in outrage, while Soleia's heart leaped with hope. "She's having an affair behind your back!"
"I'm not referring to you, Mother," Orion said, before turning to Soleia. "Kneel down and apologize to my mother immediately."