The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 114: From Crush To Capture

Chapter 114: From Crush To Capture

News of the Grand Duke of Gerhard’s marriage spread like wildfire throughout the capital. Within a day, the entire city was buzzing with the unexpected revelation. Nobody had anticipated that the renowned celibate would finally tie the knot.

The citizens of Gantz were particularly intrigued by the identity of Kyren’s mysterious wife. Rumours started circulating, painting a picture of a petite woman with long, wavy auburn hair and captivating eyes that held a unique beauty unlike anything they had seen before.

Whispers began to emerge, drawing comparisons between her emerald eyes and those of the first Ro’an Emperor, who was said to possess the same mesmerising gaze. As the gossip mill churned, people couldn’t help but weave tales and theories about her origin.

The enigma shrouding Anna’s true identity only heightened their curiosity, intensifying their desperate quest for the truth. The whispers and gossip circulating among them also suggested that Kyren’s new bride appeared oblivious to her husband’s true identity.

The gathering of Kyren’s passionate fans reconvened, determined to stage an open protest as they made their way towards the grand duke’s mansion. However, as they approached the outer area of the estate, their enthusiasm was met with a formidable sight—a hundred royal knights stood guard, positioned along the walls and main gate.

The group came to a sudden halt, their enthusiasm tempered by a growing sense of trepidation. The memory of being chased away by the royal knights the day before lingered in their minds, but it wasn’t enough to deter them from pursuing their cause once again.

"Lady Rogers, Lady Grey is noticeably absent today," one of the ladies reported with a hint of despair.

Sylvia sighed, her disappointment mirroring that of her companion.

"Perhaps the news of the Grand Duke’s marriage has deeply affected her. She held such deep affection for His Highness, and learning that he has chosen another has likely devastated her," Sylvia speculated as her voice lowered with sadness.

"Are you certain we should proceed? The knights appear exceedingly formidable!" one of the other group members voiced out, her voice quivering with fear.

Sylvia, unwavering in her determination, swiftly responded, her voice laced with conviction, "We are the true loyal fans of His Highness! We cannot stand idly by and let him marry some unknown woman! Where is your loyalty?" she challenged, calling upon their shared devotion.

The young woman who had raised the question winced, feeling the weight of Sylvia’s words. Recognising the futility of arguing with the daughter of a powerful Count, she reluctantly backed down, opting to join the group’s cause rather than further contest their decision.

"Let our voices be heard so His Highness know just how deeply we love him, far more than the woman with the peculiar eyes!" Sylvia declared, her tone resolute.

The other ladies in the group nodded in agreement, displaying their collective determination. They began to move forward with newfound courage, ready to make their presence known.

However, their progress was abruptly halted as they found themselves surrounded by the imposing wall of the royal knights. The sudden encirclement sent a wave of fear through Sylvia and the fan club members, waning their confidence.

"Don’t you dare lay a hand on me! My father is the Count of Medhir!" Sylvia announced, hoping to assert her status and protect herself.

The leader of the royal knights stepped forward, his voice stern as his gaze glared at the crowd.

"His Majesty has given us clear orders to safeguard His Highness and his lady from any potential threats or disturbances. It appears you have not learned your lesson. Do you truly wish to be arrested?" he warned, ensuring they understood the gravity of their action.

"We... we only wanted to express our unwavering support for His Highness! We have been his loyal fans for years!" Sylvia defended, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and desperation.

"Turn back now, or all of you will be apprehended!" the leader of the royal knights sternly ordered, committed to his duty to maintain order.

"This isn’t fair!" Sylvia protested.

Without hesitation, two royal knights seized Sylvia’s arms, causing her to let out a piercing scream. Witnessing their companion being restrained, the other women panicked, their fear overwhelming them as they scattered and fled, desperate to avoid capture.

The leader of the royal knights turned his attention to Sylvia.

"So, you are the group’s leader, huh?" he questioned, his tone firm.

"No! It’s not me! I swear! Please, let me go!" Sylvia pleaded, her voice shaking with fear and desperation as she struggled to break free.

"If it’s not you, then who is the leader?" the leader of the royal knights probed, seeking the truth.

The blonde-haired lady responded as she trembled, "It’s Lady Meredith Grey, the daughter of Lord Grey, Minister of the Royal Council!"

***

"Are you certain you don’t want to go, my lady?" Rania asked with concern, her eyes fixed on Meredith, who sat silently by the window, gazing out at the garden with an empty look.

The young lady shook her head slowly, indicating her disinterest in leaving her room. No words escaped her lips, as if her emotions had rendered her speechless.

"Oh, my lady! I can see how devastated you are. But please, don’t let it consume you like this," pleaded Rania, her worry for her lady evident in her voice.

She had observed how Meredith had barely eaten or drunk anything since the previous night. The personal maid was convinced that the news of the Grand Duke of Gerhard marrying Anna, who had become Meredith’s newfound friend, had left the young lady heartbroken.

Rania couldn’t help feeling angry, as she believed that the lady had somehow snatched Kyren away from Meredith, whom she deemed more deserving and suitable as the grand duke’s partner.

Such sentiments were shared by the rest of the club members, intensifying the personal maid’s frustration.

Meredith’s gaze remained fixed on the garden, lost in her thoughts. She appeared utterly helpless, her mind seemingly distant. Her cheeks would occasionally flush, revealing the tumultuous emotions within her.

Given the recent events, everyone anticipated that she would be filled with anger or sadness. However, her countenance told a different story.

"Are you all right? Were you hurt?"

The words of the knight with black hair and hazel eyes echoed in her mind. She could vividly recall the genuine concern etched on his face as he looked at her.

Her mind drifted back to the chaotic scene when the crowd of fans surged toward the main gate. Meredith found herself caught amid the commotion, unable to escape the crushing pressure.

Overwhelmed by the frenzied crowd, she had been knocked to the ground, trapped in the chaotic turmoil.

Amidst the chaotic stampede, Meredith found herself on the verge of being trampled by the surging crowd.

However, just in the nick of time, a strong hand grabbed her waist, swiftly pulling her into a protective embrace before she could be carried away.

It was Alex, the knight she had encountered earlier, who had returned to intervene and prevent the crowd from breaching the main gate.

The Knights of Gerhard and the mansion guards struggled to contain the fervent group, finding it challenging to impede their progress.

Fortunately, a sizable contingent of royal knights arrived shortly after that, swiftly taking control of the situation.

With a stern warning from them, the fan group quickly dispersed.

As the chaos settled and the Knights of Gerhard made their way back to the mansion, Alex approached Meredith, who sat on the side of the walkway, recovering from the ordeal.

Disregarding his tattered clothes, he expressed his concern for her well-being and inquired about her condition. Meredith assured him that she was unharmed and had sustained no further injuries. Rania, having come to retrieve her lady, joined them.

"Go home and refrain from attending any further gatherings here. You’ve already been injured. Take care of yourself," advised Alex, his voice filled with cautionary and a touch of sternness, urging Meredith to prioritise her own safety.

The knight’s soft-spoken advice resonated deep within Meredith’s heart, leaving a gentle tingle in its wake. Not only had he saved her from the chaos of the unruly group, but he had also shown genuine concern for her well-being.

It was a stark contrast to his interactions with the other maidens who had fallen during the commotion. He had singled her out, carrying her to safety while leaving the others behind.

The memory of Alex’s strong figure holding her tightly caused Meredith’s heart to race uncontrollably. Though he may not possess the captivating allure of the Grand Duke, there was an undeniable charm to him. With his tall and slender frame, he was pleasing to the eye, exuding a sense of strength and grace that befitted a knight.

Meredith couldn’t help but let out a sigh, her thoughts consumed with the knight who had left such an impression on her. She yearned for the chance to see him again, wondering when fate would bring them together once more.

"Why am I thinking about him?" Meredith pondered silently within herself, her thoughts consumed by the enigmatic knight.

Ever since their encounter the day before, his image had remained etched in her mind. How he held her so tightly, protecting her from harm, had ignited a warmth that quickened her heartbeat. At that moment, Meredith finally realised what was happening to her.

"Let me dispose of the medicine the healer gave you, my lady. That woman is such an actress, pretending to have the men attend to you while lying to your face," Rania asserted firmly, her voice filled with determination.

The personal maid, believing that her lady was devastated, had intended to discard the medicine in an attempt to console Meredith. However, the young lady reacted fiercely to her personal maid’s words.

"Don’t you dare!" Meredith exclaimed, her voice laced with defiance and anxiousness.

"Forgive me, my lady. I only wanted to offer you some solace. I know you must be feeling angry and sad," Rania responded, her tone apologetic.

"Who says I’m angry and sad?" Meredith retorted with fervour.

"Can’t you see that I’m in love right now?"

The personal maid looked at her lady with a mixture of pity and concern. It seemed to her that the young lady had become deeply entangled in her feelings for the grand duke to the point where her sanity was slipping away.

"Oh, poor you, my lady! Please pull yourself together!"

"You are slow-witted, Rania! So slow!" Meredith grumbled in frustration.

"No, I’m not! I know you’re deeply in love with His Highness, and it’s hurting you," retorted the personal maid.

"Not him! It’s the knight! I’m in love with Sir Alex Jarr!" Meredith shouted.

Rania’s eyes widened in surprise at her lady’s revelation.

"Huh? The Knight of Gerhard, who came to your aid yesterday?" asked the personal maid in disbelief.

"Yes, him!" Meredith affirmed.

"But... how did this happen?" Rania inquired, wanting to understand the sudden shift in Meredith’s affections.

"I don’t know! It just happened like a whirlwind of emotions taking over me! I can’t stop thinking about him, and I’m at a loss of what to do..." Meredith’s voice wavered as she covered her face with trembling hands, overwhelmed by her feelings for the knight.

The intensity of her emotions made her long for his presence even more.

"But what about His Highness?" Rania asked in confusion.

She couldn’t comprehend how Meredith’s heart could shift so suddenly from the grand duke, whom she had admired for years, to a man she had only recently met yesterday.

"I do admire him, of course. Well... still... it’s different! I can’t explain it properly, but it’s not the same," Meredith tried to articulate, her voice tinged with frustration.

She wished she could convey the complexities of her heart to Rania.

Just as she finished speaking, a sudden knock reverberated through the door, causing both of them to be startled. Lord Grey swiftly opened the door with an urgent and cloudy expression.

"Father!" Meredith exclaimed, surprised by the sudden disturbance.

Hastily, she and Rania greeted him with a respectful curtsy, their attention diverted from their conversation.

The minister’s face bore a mix of fear and anxiety, evident as he opened the door. Behind him stood ten royal knights, their presence filling the room with an air of tension.

"What is going on?" Meredith asked hesitantly, her gaze shifting from the apprehensive expression on her father’s face to the surrounding knights, silently pleading for an explanation.

Her father’s voice quivered as he responded, "What did you do, Mer? Just what did you do?"

"I didn’t do anything, father!" Meredith protested, her voice laden with confusion and disbelief.

One of the royal knights stepped forward, his gaze fixed on the young lady. "Are you Lady Meredith Grey?" he inquired, his tone grave.

Reluctantly, Meredith nodded, her forehead creased with worry. The sight of the royal knights in their home startled her and Rania. They had never set foot in the mansion before, and the sudden intrusion filled them with unease.

"By order of His Majesty, King Kyden of Cassian, you are under arrest for causing a commotion and threatening the safety of the royal family members. Please come with us now," the royal knight announced firmly.

"What?" Meredith gasped, shock etching itself across her face. Her mind raced, trying to make sense of the situation.

What on earth had happened?