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He cast a lazy glance her way, and the sunlight shone on his dark eyes, which did little to liven his demeanor.
Sophie stepped forward, and greeted him respectfully. “Your Highness, did you stay overnight in the palace?”
“Yes, I did.” Rafael nodded, giving her a cursory look. “You look quite elegant. You resemble a noble lady from the capital.”
Sophie smiled. “I am a noble lady from the capital.”
He looked taken aback for a moment, then nodded absently. “Why did the queen summon you to the palace?”
Sophie raised an eyebrow. “How did you know it was the queen. who summoned me?”
How did Rafael know?
Rafael rubbed his temples, appearing somewhat distracted. “Oh, just a wild guess. You met the empress dowager last night. I figured you were summoned to pay your respects to the queen.” “You guessed correctly. It seems you know some of the inside. details.” Sophie pondered briefly before meeting his gaze directly.
Has the king mentioned to you that he wishes to take me as a concubine?”
it was more straightforward to ask Rafael directly than to beat around the bush.
Rafael’s eyes widened, and he met her gaze. “Did you agree?”
Sophie was both amused and exasperated. “How could I agree? I have always regarded the king as an older brother. How could I possibly become his concubine?”
Rafael’s eyes brightened slightly, but before he could respond, she continued, “When I was younger, you and the king frequently visited my home to see my brothers. Naturally, I viewed you both as brothers. Though our statuses have changed, the affection I felt for you two as siblings has never waned in my heart.”
Rafael looked momentarily stunned. “Older brothers?”
Hoping that Rafael would relay her sentiments to the king, Sophie nodded. “Yes, I’ve always regarded both the king and you as older brothers.” let go of the
Rafael scrutinized her beautiful face, unwilling matter. “Do you consider the king your brother, or do you see me as a brother as well?”
“Both of you, of course,” Sophie replied.
She felt she had made her feelings clear to both Kylie and Rafael, so surely Salvador would understand her intentions.
Then, she said, “I won’t trouble you any further. I shall take my leave.”
Rafael watched her depart with a complicated expression.
An older brother?
To hell with it-who would want to be her brother?
Rafael already had a sister. There were also many princesses from other royal concubines the previous king had. Though Rafael wasn’t close with them, they were still considered his sisters.
He thought about Sophie’s words, and turned back toward the palace. Perhaps she was hoping to use his presence to convey her rejection to Salvador directly.
After Salvador finished discussing state affairs, Rafael snuck back into the study.
Seeing Rafael still dressed in the same attire from the previous day, Salvador’s patience wore thin. The stench from Rafael’s clothes. overpowered the scent of the scented candles in the hall. “Don’t you have a change of clothes in your mother’s palace? If not, go back to your estate immediately.”
Rafael slouched lazily into a seat. “I was just about to leave the palace when I saw Sophie. She said the queen summoned her. Shouldn’t you want to hear what she had to say, my dear brother?” Salvador was intrigued by Rafael’s smug expression, and asked with interest, “And what did she say?”
Rafael grinned brightly. “She said that she considers both you and me as older brothers, and that it would be inappropriate for a sister to marry her brothers.”
Salvador burst into laughter. “So, you and I are both her brothers?”
If so, what was there for Rafael to be so smug about?
Rafael’s smile faltered momentarily.
Yes, Sophie viewed him and Salvador as brothers. But as long as she stayed out of the palace, Rafael could take his time to develop a relationship with her. He saluted respectfully, and took his leave.
Salvador cast a final glance at Rafael’s retreating figure. After a moment, he called out, “Derek!”
“Yes, Your Majesty!” Derek hurried in through the doors, bowing deeply.
Salvador instructed, “Deliver my edict. If Sophie does not find a suitable match within three months, she will enter the palace as a concubine.”
Derek lowered his gaze and replied, “Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Also, inform Rafael of my edict, but do not add any extra commentary,” Salvador added.
Derek responded, “Understood, Your Majesty. I will attend to it immediately.”
“Go on then,” Salvador calmly said as he lowered his gaze.
No sooner had Derek left than a report came that Kylie had arrived.
Having a good idea of why she was here, Salvador said, “Let her in.”
Kylie entered with her attendant, Lydia, who carried a tray with a bowl of soup on it.
After a respectful bow, Kylie said gently, “I heard you had a bit too much to drink yesterday, so I personally made some soup for you today.”
Salvador nodded slightly. “Thank you, Kylie. Please serve it.”
Kylie carefully placed the tray on the table, and lifted the lid of the bowl. A fragrant steam wafted out. She ladled the soup into a small glass bowl. “Your Majesty, please enjoy the soup.
Salvador looked at the glass bowl, which was only slightly larger than a cup. Kylie had always favored these delicate items. He picked up the bowl without a spoon, and drank it all in one go.
Setting the bowl down, he asked, “What did Sophie say?”
Kylie signaled to Lydia to remove the bowl and tray, then seated herself beside Salvador. In a gentle tone, she replied, “I spoke with her, and she was quite surprised. She politely declined, but expressed that she would be willing to accept me as a godsister.”
Salvador nodded slightly. “I see. Thank you for letting me know.”
Kylie observed Salvador carefully. Though he showed no sign of displeasure, his gaze held a peculiar intensity, revealing that he was indeed concerned.
After a pause, she ventured, “I believe Sophie’s suggestion is quite good. Since I have no younger sister from my own family, perhaps we could have my father adopt Sophie as his goddaughter…”
Salvador looked up, his eyes as clear and piercing as ever. “What’s this? Just because you have no younger sister in your family, you want to adopt one? There are many women in the world. Why not choose someone else?”