The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 105: The Missing Portraits

Chapter 105: The Missing Portraits

A stunned silence settled over the room, capturing the attention of all present. Their expressions mirrored surprise and contemplation.

Anna’s curiosity persisted as she continued the conversation.

"From where I come from, it is customary for the lord and lady of the mansion to have their portraits prominently displayed in the main hall. However, I have noticed the absence of such portraits here," she commented inquisitively.

A crease formed on the steward’s temples, an evident sign of his unease. The knights and healer exchanged glances, their expressions briefly revealing their apprehension. After a moment, Anryr came up with an explanation to allay the concern.

"His Highness has been away for an extended period," Anryr explained with a composed demeanour.

"We decided to temporarily remove the portraits for thorough cleaning and restoration in preparation for his imminent return. However, this process does require some time to be completed," he said.

The men collectively breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for the steward’s quick thinking and plausible excuse.

Anna nodded thoughtfully, accepting the explanation.

"I see," she responded, her tone reflective.

A slight smile graced her lips as she continued, adding a touch of lightheartedness to the conversation.

"I wonder what he looks like. I’ve heard tales of his exceptional handsomeness and remarkable talents. I’ve even heard rumours of a dedicated fan club in his honour," she mused.

Drystan interjected with an intrigued expression.

"Who told you that?" he inquired, his interest piqued.

Anna responded to the knight’s inquiry, attributing the information to her visit to the plaza earlier that day.

"Just someone I met when Rafe and Sir Jarr took me around the plaza," she clarified casually.

The knight, seemingly persistent, probed further. "So, are you interested in His Highness, my lady?" he asked with a smile.

Anna’s response was swift and firm, denying any romantic regards.

"Of course not! I am a married woman! How could I possibly be interested in another man other than my husband?" she retorted, her words carrying a touch of incredulity.

"I am merely curious about him. Initially, I was apprehensive about meeting him, but he has proven to be kind and hospitable, providing me with welcoming service and accommodations here. I simply feel the need to express my gratitude to him," she explained, emphasising her intentions.

Drystan couldn’t help but tease, his grin widening. "Ah... You can thank him later. I’m sure he will be thrilled to see you, looking so beautiful," he remarked mischievously.

Angered by the provoking statement, Rafe glared at the knight and took swift action. Underneath the table, he discreetly stomped on Drystan’s foot, causing the knight to grunt and temporarily endure the pain.

Surprised by the groan, Anna asked, "Are you all right, Sir Mills?"

"I... I’m all right! It’s just a cramp," Drystan insisted, trying to downplay his discomfort from Rafe’s retaliatory action.

Concerned for the knight’s well-being, Anna remarked, "You need to take some rest," her voice filled with understanding.

"Thank you, Anryr, for the delightful meal. It was truly appreciated," she expressed her gratitude to the steward.

Anryr bowed respectfully in response. "You’re most welcome, my lady. It was my pleasure to serve you," he replied graciously.

Anna shifted her attention to Alex, her curiosity now focused on the commander’s return. "When is the commander likely to be back?" she inquired, seeking some insight.

Alex paused for a moment before responding, his tone thoughtful.

"I’m not entirely sure, my lady. Given the multitude of matters he needs to address, it might take some time. However, rest assured. He will return soon," he responded.

Nodding in understanding, Anna acknowledged the situation.

"Right... then I suppose I’ll have to be patient and wait," she murmured, accepting the reality of the circumstances.

Rosalie, respectful and attentive, offered a suggestion. "Would you like to rest in your room, my lady?" she asked, her tone filled with consideration.

Anna thought for a moment, realising that she wasn’t overly tired.

"I don’t think so. Is there somewhere I am allowed to visit?" she inquired with interest.

Eager to assist, Alex offered his escort services. "Where would you like to go, my lady? I would be available to accompany you," he suggested, indicating his readiness to fulfil her wishes.

"Oh, I don’t plan to venture outside the mansion. I simply wish to find a place to pass the time while waiting for the commander," Anna clarified.

Aware of the commander’s wife’s fondness for books, Rafe eagerly suggested an option.

"We have a splendid main library on the third floor, west wing. It’s filled with a vast collection of books. Perhaps you would like to visit there? It would provide you with plenty of reading material," he proposed with a note of excitement in his voice.

Anna’s eyes lit up with delight at the prospect. "Really?" she exclaimed, her interest piqued. "Am I allowed to access the library?" she asked Rosalie, seeking confirmation.

The chief maid, quick to respond, reassured her. "Yes, most certainly, my lady. You are more than welcome to visit the main library," she affirmed, her tone conveying permission and encouragement.

Anryr, ever attentive and discerning, chimed in, offering an alternative. "If I may, I would suggest the private library instead. It is much closer to your current suite and conveniently interconnected. Moreover, it houses a collection of exclusive books, which I believe would offer even more fascinating reads for you."

Anna’s eyes widened with surprise.

"A private library? Wouldn’t that be a library specifically designated for His Highness’s use? I wouldn’t dare intrude," she expressed hesitantly, her voice filled with reverence.

Understanding Anna’s reservations, the steward responded with a gentle smile, "Don’t worry, my lady. His Highness has permitted you to explore any part of the mansion. There are no restrictions for you."

Anna still felt a twinge of reluctance. Her apprehension was clear.

"But... if the private library is connected to the suite I am staying in... does that mean I am occupying the master’s suite? That would be His Highness’s suite, right? Then, where would he stay tonight?" she inquired, her curiosity mixed with a hint of confusion.

Rafe, caught off guard by Anna’s astute observation, coughed aloud, attempting to divert attention from the question.

The others exchanged surprised glances, impressed by Anna’s knowledge of the noble mansion’s architecture, hinting at a familiarity with such surroundings.

Anryr cleared his throat, responding to the princess’s query.

"His Highness is, in fact, the king’s brother, and occasionally he spends time at the palace when he meets His Majesty," he explained, his words aimed at addressing her concerns.

Anna’s face brightened as realisation dawned upon her.

"Ah... yes, that’s right! I completely forgot about that," Anna admitted with a sheepish smile, her previous worries dissipating. "His Highness truly is generous and hospitable! No wonder Kyren speaks highly of him," she remarked, relief evident in her smile.

The knights and healer averted their gazes, silently praying that Anna’s curiosity had been satisfied. Luck seemed to be on their side as the princess no longer delved into matters related to the grand duke. Instead, she expressed her desire to be excused and visit the private library.

Ever dutiful and attentive, Rosalie offered to accompany her, but the princess, appreciative of the chief maid’s offer, declined politely.

"Thank you, Rosalie, but I believe I can manage on my own. Since I already know the way to the suite, finding the library shouldn’t be a challenge, given that it’s interconnected. Besides, you haven’t had your lunch yet," she reasoned, displaying her independence and concern for the chief maid.

Rafe, Alex, and Drystan, eager to escort, stood up, ready to follow her. However, the commander’s wife quickly addressed the potential issue that would arise from their presence.

"There’s no need for that. After all, I’ll be accessing the library from the suite where I stay. It wouldn’t be appropriate to have men other than my husband inside the room I’ll be sleeping in," she explained, her words resonating with the men, causing them to nod embarrassedly.

None of them had considered that perspective, as their primary concern was fulfilling their promise to the grand duke to ensure her safety.

"Mr Amares, could you please take a look at Sir Mills’s cramped foot?" Anna requested, showing her concern for Drystan’s well-being.

"Hah? Oh... Yes... Yes, my lady." The healer nodded in response, acknowledging the significance of his actions.

The two knights almost laughed at him. Meanwhile, Rosalie seized the opportunity to offer a compromise.

"If that’s the case, allow me to walk you to the suite, and then I’ll leave you to explore on your own," she proposed, striking a balance between assistance and respect for Anna’s privacy.

The princess agreed with the suggestion. Then, the two women left the dining room and headed towards the master suite.

The other servants quickly left at Anryr’s order to attend to other duties, leaving the knights, steward and healer behind with ease in their minds.

Drystan let out a relieved sigh. "Phew! That was a close call! The lady certainly has keen eyes and pays attention to even the smallest details," he remarked.

Rafe responded with a scolding voice.

"If you hadn’t provoked her with your questions about the grand duke, she wouldn’t have delved further into the matter!" he reprimanded, emphasising the connection between Drystan’s curiosity and Anna’s subsequent inquiries.

The knight defended himself, his grin suggesting a mischievous intent.

"I wasn’t trying to provoke her. I simply wanted to gauge her interest, as she seemed quite curious about the grand duke. I can’t wait to see the commander’s reaction when he witnesses his wife’s transformation. He surely can’t keep his pants on tonight after looking at how beautiful she has become!" he remarked with a playful expression.

Alex chimed in, reminding Drystan of the importance of discretion. "We all know how wildly obsessed our commander is with the lady. But, must you make it known to everyone? Remember, the walls have ears. Mind your tongue, Sir Mills," he cautioned.

"You id*ot! This must be all Eric’s influence on you. That dirty-headed man would have made similar remarks if he were here," Rafe scolded, attributing Drystan’s behaviour to absent Eric.

"Gentlemen, please allow me to intervene," Anryr said, seeking to address Alex’s concerns about the loyalty of the mansion’s servants.

"I can assure you that all the servants in this mansion have undergone thorough training and are undoubtedly faithful to His Highness. We would never dare to defy his orders and speak carelessly about the lady," he responded, emphasising their commitment and professionalism.

Anryr then shifted the conversation, expressing his own curiosity about Anna.

"However, I do have a few questions about the lady so I can be better prepared," he continued, prompting the others to listen attentively.

Rafe, eager to find out, inquired, "What would you like to know?"

The steward’s question was direct and to the point.

"Who is she, and why she doesn’t know that her husband is His Highness, the grand duke? When she first arrived, she dressed as a commoner, but her manner of speaking, grace, knowledge and meticulous observation suggest otherwise. All I know is that she’s an Ardelian, as the knights have informed me, and His Highness married her while on duty at the border," he inquired, seeking clarification about Anna’s true identity.

Alex and Drystan shared concerned looks, realising that disclosing the lady’s status as a slave could subject her to societal judgment. They stayed quiet, uncertain about how to react.

Rafe noticed their hesitation and offered reassurance. "Fear not, Mr Foster. You will have all the answers you seek. When the commander returns, he will reveal his wife’s true identity to everyone." His smile conveys a sense of confidence.

"Is there something we are unaware of about the lady, Mr Amares?" Drystan asked with curiosity, hoping for a hint or insight.

"Indeed, there is unexpected news, but it is not my place to disclose it. The commander himself will dispel any doubts and clarify everything very soon," the healer declared his unwavering faith in Kyren’s ability to address the situation, which was apparent in his words.

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