The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 113: A Smashing Catastrophe

Chapter 113: A Smashing Catastrophe

The day blossomed under a fine sunny sky, casting a radiant glow upon everything it touched—the golden rays of sunshine filtered through the windows, illuminating the mansion with warmth. The cheerful weather outside was a stark contrast to the gloomy atmosphere that had lingered within the mansion’s walls.

Amidst the rejuvenating ambience, Ayden couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of energy and vitality. The sun’s gentle embrace seemed to invigorate his spirit, infusing him with a newfound zest for life.

Upon his arrival the day before, he retired to his room, where a meal was delivered to him. After partaking in the nourishment, he took some drowsy medicine and settled into bed, only awakening in the middle of the night. By then, everyone else had already succumbed to slumber.

As hunger gnawed at him, he made his way to the kitchen, passing by the training ground where Alex and Drystan were still engrossed in their punishment.

The assistant healer paid them no mind, acknowledging their boundless energy, thinking they were delving into their occasional extra training sessions that were usual occurrences.

After satiating his hunger, he consoled himself in the pages of books at the main library, immersing in their words to pass the time. Later, the assistant healer dutifully took his medicine once more before returning to slumber, waking up to a rainy day with a better composition than the previous day.

As the assistant healer entered the main lounge of the knights’ quarters, he was met with a scene of solemnity. Several knights, accompanied by the healer, sat together, their expressions marked by seriousness.

"Good morning, everyone! What a splendid day it is!" he greeted them warmly, oblivious to the unfortunate events that had unfolded the day before.

His smile persisted despite the bruises that marred his face, serving as a contrast to the pain he had endured.

The men regarded him with sombre eyes.

Damon’s frustration resonated in his voice as he spoke up, "The morning may be great for you, but not for us."

Perplexed, Ayden inquired innocently, unaware of the situation.

"Why do you look so down? Did something happen?"

As he turned around, he noticed Alex and Drystan were absent. Curiosity etched across his face as he asked, "Where are Sir Mills and Sir Jarr?"

Luke’s defeated tone carried heavy weight as he replied, "They are still at the training ground."

Ayden’s surprise filled his expression. His brows curved as he looked at the knight.

"They are still practising? I saw them late last night when I woke up. Oh, dear! Why do they persist in pushing themselves so hard? They must learn the importance of pacing their training and not overexerting their bodies."

Then, the truth emerged from Luke’s lips, "They are not practising. Instead, they are being punished for their negligence in their duty and failure to protect the lady."

The assistant healer turned to Rafe as he sat down, joining them.

"What’s going on, Mr Amares? Care to explain?" he asked inquisitively.

The healer opened his mouth and told Ayden about yesterday’s events, turning the assistant healer into a shocked state with his mouth spread wide in awe. It took a while for Ayden to process the whole thing and absorb it in his mind.

"How could you, Mr Amares! How could you keep such important information from us!" Ayden’s voice erupted with anger as he slammed his slender hand onto the healer’s shoulder, causing a sharp impact.

"Ouch! Don’t hit me! It was His Highness’s order! Eric knew about it long before I did, and he never uttered a word. I only learned the truth when His Highness personally informed me the night before our departure on the ship," Rafe explained, defending himself.

"I knew it! I knew it all along! I told you she wasn’t an ordinary person!" Ayden’s words brimmed with vindication, his belief in the lady’s uniqueness justified.

As the conversation unfolded, Ayden’s mind started connecting the dots. He couldn’t contain his thoughts and blurted out, "Now that explains why she has the Laradie cure in her blood! But why did she claim her grandfather was the researcher for the serum?"

Rafe responded confidently, "She was speaking the truth. King Adhemar III was indeed a professor at the Medical University of Engarth before he ascended the throne. He was the main person who researched the serum within his lab unit. I came across this information during my studies there."

Ah... I see!" Ayden acknowledged, his eyes twinkling with newfound understanding as the puzzle pieces started falling into place.

The healer’s eyes then darted nervously among the men standing before him. Gathering his composure, he asked, "Now, I want to know. How do you all feel about this revelation?"

Eli questioned, "What about it?"

"Are you harbouring any hatred towards her for being a descendant of a traitor?" the healer inquired, his voice laden with anticipation.

"Absolutely not!" Damon’s response was swift and vehement. "She has sacrificed so much for us. How could anyone hate her for something beyond her control? She didn’t choose her parents!"

"D*mn right!" Eli chimed in. His voice filled with determination. "If anyone dares to make a fuss about it, they’ll have to deal with me! I won’t tolerate anyone looking down on her just because of her lineage."

"Me too! I would be six feet under if not for the lady’s bravery against the pirates. She saved my life!" Ayden’s voice carried a resolute tone. "And let’s not forget, she selflessly gave her blood during the Laradie plague incident. Without her, Cassian would have succumbed to the deadly plague."

"I couldn’t agree more," Luke prompted. "If His Highness can accept her, why can’t we? I understand the bad sentiment surrounding the traitorous lords, despite our kingdom having opened up to others except for Barges, but she is innocent."

A sigh of relief escaped Rafe’s lips.

"I’m relieved to hear that all of you share the same perspective. I was worried that any of you might turn against her and reject her."

"As much as we respect His Highness, we hold the same level of respect for the woman he has chosen to live with," Luke spoke with conviction. "We have lived alongside her for several months now, and I can attest to her kindness and compassion. His Highness treasures her deeply, and I believe no other woman could have tamed him as she has."

"It’s good to know that," Rafe added. "I must admit, I had concerns about how His Majesty would receive this matter. However, His Highness has assured me that he will do everything possible to make the king accept her."

"His Highness is determined to keep her by his side," Damon concluded, his voice filled with confidence. "So, we, too, should support him and the lady."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Just as their conversation continued, Anryr came rushing in with a crumpled face, his hurried steps echoing through the corridor.

"Mr Amares! Mr Amares!" his voice resounded from afar, filled with urgency.

The men turned their attention to the steward, rising from their seats, their curiosity piqued by his anxious demeanour.

"What is it, Mr Foster?" the healer inquired, his brows furrowing as he looked at Anryr with concern.

"You must come with me! It’s a catastrophe!" the steward exclaimed, his worry grazing his expression.

Alarmed, the assistant healer questioned, "What has happened?"

"They’ve started fighting again, and His Highness has unleashed his anger upon the mansion! Priceless sculptures, vases, and even the door handle have been shattered in his wrath. You have to help me, Mr Amares! Please!" pleaded the steward ardently.

"Oh, goodness! Did someone provoke them, or did they argue on their own?" Rafe’s voice trembled.

Anryr stammered, his words hesitant, "Well... the thing is..."

[Half an hour ago...]

Anna descended to the ground floor early that morning, feeling a suffocating presence in the same room as Kyren. Throughout the night, he had clung to her, persuading her and refusing to let go, so they ended up sleeping together in the guest room.

Removing Kyren’s sturdy, heavy arm from her waist was a challenge, but she managed to push it aside with all her strength. Finally free, she rose from the bed and left the slumbering grand duke behind.

After freshening up, the princess made her way to the dining room. Her hunger was undeniable after skipping dinner the previous night. As she finished her meal, she decided to take a stroll down the hallway leading to the parlour, hoping to clear her mind.

And then, she spotted him.

Kyren hurriedly approached her in the hallway, his steps filled with urgency. His eyes fell on her with a severe gaze. The princess avoided the stout figure and continued walking.

"We need to talk," Kyren declared, his grip firm as he seized Anna’s hand, halting her movements and compelling her to face him. The princess avoided his gaze, her eyes shifting elsewhere.

"This has to stop now, Anna. Enough of this!" the grand duke’s masculine voice resonated through the hallway as he held onto her delicate arm. Yet, the princess remained silent, offering no response.

"Say something. You can’t remain silent forever," Kyren implored desperately.

He had never encountered such blatant ignorance before and felt utterly helpless, unable to conceive any solution to improve the situation.

Just then, Anryr unexpectedly appeared in the hallway on his way to the main hall. He swiftly bowed to the couple, showing respect to the grand duke and his wife.

"Anryr, could you please inform His Highness to release my hand?" Anna finally spoke up, surprising the startled steward.

Anryr’s eyes darted to the grand duke, who also appeared taken aback by his wife’s words.

"Your Highness, the lady said...."

"I can hear her very well!" yelled the grand duke with gritted teeth.

"Anna, stop being stubborn! Look at me and talk to me. I don’t like to be treated like this!" he pleaded to her again while holding back his anger.

"Anryr, please tell the knight that I, too, dislike being treated like a fool or being forced to!" Anna made another request.

The steward, who was confused, then asked, "Forgive me, my lady, but who are you referring to?" the steward inquired. His forehead creased in confusion.

"I suppose you are unaware that His Highness lied to me. He used to claim himself as a mere knight," the princess explained cynically.

The steward’s eyes widened as he processed this revelation.

"I told you already I didn’t mean it!" Kyren stated firmly.

The princess continued, her frustration palpable.

"Anryr, imagine if Rosalie had lied to you, not just for a few days, but since you married her. On top of that, she forced you to speak of things that you detest. How would you feel?" the princess pressed, seeking his understanding as he stared at him.

"Um... angry, I guess?" the steward replied hesitantly.

"Correct! Now, please inform His Highness that I have nothing more to say to him. He’s causing me both physical and emotional pain," Anna declared, forcefully pulling her hand from Kyren’s grip and leaving without glancing back.

Enraged by her actions, the grand duke erupted in anger.

"D*mn it!" he shouted, grabbing a nearby flower vase and hurling it to the floor, shattering it into pieces.

Anryr stood in stunned silence, witnessing the grand duke’s wrath unleashed.

And so the smashing continued...

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