Stolen by the Rebel King-Chapter 549: Skin

Daphne strolled arm-in-arm with her husband through Nedour’s marketplace, marveling at the sights. The ocean breeze wafted through the air, carrying with it the salty tinge of the sea. Since Daphne and Atticus had already been greeted by Cordelia herself, it was nigh impossible for them to keep their identity a secret.

As such, the townspeople gave them a wide berth, although it did not stop them from gawking behind their hands. It wasn’t every day that they saw a couple that was as beautiful as their beloved princess strolling on their humble streets. The vendors that normally hollered to attract customers were also struck silent, not daring to raise their voices.

This made for a highly peaceful stroll, if a tad bit uncomfortable. Daphne realized she would probably have gotten a more authentic shopping experience if Atticus and she arrived in disguise, but it was too late now. She had been so enthused in dragging Atticus out for their date that they had completely forgotten about concealing their identities.

Well, on the positive side, Daphne found her arms laden with free samples and gifts, courtesy of enthusiastic stall owners who wanted her to experience everything good Nedour had to offer.

Colorful seashell necklaces, pearl earrings, a painting of the ocean― everything that Daphne had a passing eye on had quickly found its way into her arms, and she had to force the vendors to take payment.

She had Vramid’s coffers open for her― she wouldn’t sleep well if she took advantage of these merchants!

Atticus easily helped her with the purchases, his other free hand gingerly holding onto Daphne’s own. To his gratification, Daphne had not pulled away, which gave him the courage to squeeze her hand just that little tighter.

It was not ideal to be gawked at like a circus animal, but spending time with Daphne was always a blessing.

As though she could read his mind, Daphne turned and gave him a half-smile, contentment radiating from her features. Atticus had not seen her so at ease with his presence in a long while. Just for that alone, he was glad he made the trip to Nedour. It wasn’t such a terrible place after all.

Life was good. They walked through the market to the city square, where the small stalls were replaced by bigger brick-and-mortar shops.

Then, Daphne’s feet stopped as her eyes caught sight of a boutique. Wasn’t it fortuitous? She had been thinking of getting new dresses for the climate.

Atticus only smiled and gestured for her to enter, following behind her faithfully.

"Welcome Miss― oh my, Your Highness!"

"At ease," Daphne said hurriedly, stopping the poor store owner from bowing in surprise. "I’m just a visitor, and you don’t have to bow to me. I’m not Nedour’s queen."

"But still," the girl stammered as she tried to get her mind to work after seeing actual royalty walk through the door to her humble store. "How may I help you?"

"I would like some dresses suitable for the climate," Daphne said. "The weather is a lot more humid than what I am used to. May I know how to address you?"

"Yes, that’s perfectly fine! And I’m Francine, Your Highness." Francine gave a curtsey and then hurried Daphne and Atticus over to a small sofa to sit down. "May I know if you have any preferred colors, designs, or fabrics?"

"Blue would be nice," Daphne said. "And I’m open to trying anything as long as it’s suitable for the weather."

Francine nodded quickly and then darted off to the racks of dresses. Soon she returned with a pile of dresses in her hands, all of it in varying shades of blue.

"Feel free to take a look at them! This collection is inspired by Princess Cordelia herself," Francine said proudly. "I’ve picked those that suit your skin tone and highlight your eyes. If you have any customization requests, please let me know as well."

Daphne guessed that these dresses must have been inspired by Cordelia’s hair. She began to examine them closely. Most of them were made from some blend of silk and cotton, and they ranged from sweet baby-blue, eye-striking cobalt, to midnight navy. Her eyes were drawn to one dress in particular, a glorious shade of azure blue like a summer sky. ƒreewebηoveℓ.com

"This one." Daphne selected it and was promptly ushered into a changing room for her to try it on, while Atticus waited outside.

It was inside that Daphne finally realized what Francine meant when she said her dresses were inspired by Princess Cordelia.

It was more than the colors.

The very design... it was simply... too revealing! Daphne stared at herself in the mirror, her face burning with embarrassment.

This dress was lovely, but it was cut low at the bosom, and there was a long slit on both ends of the dress, supposedly to catch the sea breeze. It was pinched at the waist, but the fabric at the waist was missing, revealing the curve of her waistline.

However, Daphne could not deny that she felt cooler in that dress than in her original outfit. It was also easy to put on and take off; she wouldn’t require Atticus’s assistance with it, unlike her other dresses.

Atticus. Just the thought of her husband seeing her in this outfit sent a shiver of desire down her spine, and other parts of her began to heat up. Her mouth ran dry. How would he react?

"Your Highness, do you require any assistance?" Francine’s curious voice came from the other side.

"It’s fine," Daphne replied, willing her voice not to tremble. "Atticus, are you still there?"

"Yes, sunshine, I am," Atticus said, his voice seemingly preoccupied. "Are you coming out now?"

Daphne sucked in a deep breath and pulled away the curtains, revealing herself to her husband, whose mouth dropped open the moment he caught sight of her.

"So... what do you think?" Daphne asked hesitantly, slowly twirling her new outfit in front of him.

Francine clapped her hands in delight. "Oh, Your Highness, this suits you perfectly! The blue complements your eyes and sets off your pale skin."

"Your skin..." Atticus croaked out, his eyes roving all over Daphne’s body.

Skin.

There was so much skin.

Suddenly, he was transported back into the deserts of Xahan, boiled alive by the sun and dying of thirst, all thanks to his darling wife Daphne.