The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 118: Stolen Betrothed

Chapter 118: Stolen Betrothed

Callis’s eyelids fluttered open, the world spinning around her.

Dizziness engulfed her head, and her body felt like a carriage had trampled it. Waves of nausea washed over her, threatening to overcome her composure. She fought the urge to vomit, willing herself to sit up despite the persistent ache coursing through her.

But her body betrayed her, and before she could react, the contents of her stomach surged upward, spilling out from her throat. The vile substance poured out, threatening to soil her attire. Acting swiftly, Kiev, at her side, stretched out a metal basin to catch the vomit, sparing her from further discomfort.

Meanwhile, Jessy sat behind the princess, her face etched with concern, as her hand gently rubbed Callis’s back soothingly. Her aching expression mirrored the worry she felt for the princess.

"Let it all out, Callis. Empty your stomach. You’ll feel better," Kiev advised, his voice laced with genuine concern.

"Oh, my poor princess," Jessy murmured, her eyes brimming with empathy and compassion.

Callis took a moment to catch her breath as the vomiting subsided, her body trembling with exhaustion. She focused on regulating her breathing, inhaling and exhaling deeply to regain composure. Jessy wiped her mouth gently, offering a small measure of comfort.

Kiev’s voice broke the silence, his concern still palpable. "Do you still feel like vomiting?"

The princess shook her head weakly. Her voice was like a whisper. "No, I think... I think I’m done."

Understanding Callis’s ordeal, Jessy fetched a glass of water and handed it to her. The princess rinsed her mouth carefully, grateful for the refreshing sensation.

Kiev rose, stepping out of the tent to dispose of the basin’s content. The nanny’s worry-filled gaze trailed to the princess, her concern apparent as she spoke to her.

"Are you feeling any better?" she asked, her tone laced with genuine concern.

The princess nodded slowly, acknowledging. However, she hesitated to express her actual state, fearing further provoking her brother’s ire.

With a heavy sigh, Jessy’s worry spilt over, her words carrying a mix of admonishment and genuine care.

"You shouldn’t have attempted that search magic, my princess. It drained your mana so rapidly. Look at what happened to you! Thankfully, His Highness acted fast, channelling his mana to prevent yours from depleting completely. Otherwise, the consequences could have been far worse."

"I apologise for causing everyone worry," Callis responded with remorse. "But I was only trying to locate the princess. The sooner we find her, the faster we can bring her back to Semeta."

Unswayed by Callis’s explanation, Jessy disregarded the excuse, her role as the dedicated nanny taking precedence. True to form, she launched into a familiar tirade, highlighting the potential risks the princess had taken and the inherent danger it had posed.

"Earth-bounded search magic may only be performed to sense your target’s exact location within your immediate vicinity," she berated sternly. "If you attempt to extend your search without knowing the target is present, you’ll have to amplify your mana, stretching your magical web. It’s like pouring water into a bottomless pit! The strain could drain you completely, risking your very life!"

The princess could only listen to the nagging, her head slightly inclined as she absorbed the words of admonishment.

Right after that, the loud barking of a puppy echoed through the air, drawing everyone’s attention. The little canine darted towards the tent where the princess was resting, its tail wagging vigorously with excitement. With a burst of energy, it bounded inside and came to an abrupt halt before Callis, emitting a series of enthusiastic barks.

A smile tugged at the corners of the princess’s lips as she recognised the playful pup.

"Oh, it’s you again, little one!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with affection.

Bursting with excitement, the puppy careened into her, unable to contain its exuberance. The princess, caught off guard but filled with affection, enveloped the adorable little white dog in a tender embrace.

Jessy’s voice tinged with surprise and mild exasperation. "Oh, my... this puppy keeps finding its way to you. This is the third time it has rushed over."

In a matter of moments, Kiev returned to the tent, his curiosity piqued by the unexpected canine visitor. His forehead creased with confusion and concern as he observed the puppy nestled comfortably on Callis’s lap.

"What is the puppy doing here again? Why does it keep coming back?" he queried.

Callis shrugged gently, her gaze fixed on the adorable bundle of fur.

"I’m not sure. It must really like me," she mused with a hint of warmth as she stroked the puppy’s head.

Rhen wagged its tail and nuzzled against Callis; a sense of comfort settled in the tent. The unexpected visitor brought a touch of joy and lightheartedness to the intense atmosphere that had surrounded them moments before.

"Brother, I’m feeling a bit hungry," the princess spoke up after a moment.

Kiev, attentive to his sister’s needs, responded promptly. "I’ll go and get something for you. Dinner is ready, by the way," he informed her.

"Can I come out and sit by the fire?" Callis requested, her voice hopeful, seeking a change of scenery from the tent’s confines.

Concerned for her well-being, Kiev hesitated. "You’re not well. It’s best if you stay here," he advised, his protective instincts taking precedence.

"But it’s too stuffy inside. Some fresh air will help me recover faster," the princess insisted fervently.

With a sigh, the prince finally relented. Jessy helped the princess to her feet, and together they made their way outside, with Kiev holding the tent flap open for them.

Amid the situation, Armel approached the campsite again, driven by his desire to retrieve Rhen. However, he was immediately halted by the vigilant escorts, who prevented him from getting any closer to the tent.

"I’m just going after my puppy. Please, let me get him," the teenager pleaded with hopeful eyes.

An escort, clearly frustrated by the dog’s repeated disturbances, scolded him sharply. "You keep having your dog come here and disturb us. Take it quickly and leave!" he reprimanded.

The teenager nodded hastily, understanding the urgency and acknowledging the escort’s command.

"Yes... yes!" he agreed, eager to retrieve his puppy and end the commotion.

The teenager’s relief washed over him as the escorts finally permitted him to enter the campsite. However, a sense of disapproval welled up within Armel as he grumbled to himself, feeling unjustly blamed for the repeated incidents caused by his mischievous puppy.

"It’s not my fault! That little one keeps messing up! Do you think I want to keep coming back here repeatedly? Huh!" Armel muttered under his breath in frustration.

Just then, he was captivated by the sight of two peculiar-looking individuals emerging from a nearby tent, accompanied by an older woman. The pair possessed an otherworldly beauty; their flowing silken white hair and mesmerising red-ruby eyes resembled fallen angels.

Their ethereal allure surpassed anyone Armel had ever encountered, except for the Knight Commander of Gerhard, whom he regarded as the epitome of charm. Yet, deep within his heart, Anna remained the fairest of them all.

"My dog!" Armel exclaimed, his voice filled with joy and concern as he spotted Rhen being held by Callis.

The princess looked at him, bewildered by his sudden outburst and presence.

"You again!" Kiev sighed, clearly exasperated. "Why does your dog keep coming back here?"

"I’m sorry! I honestly don’t know. Rhen has never behaved like this before. He has always been obedient," Armel explained with remorse.

"Rhen?" Callis chuckled, a glimmer of amusement dancing in her eyes.

The pup’s white colour clearly inspired the name ’Rhen’, which meant ’white’ in Ro’an. Despite the pallor of her face, a faint smile tugged at the corners of the princess’s lips.

"I didn’t know that anyone here could speak the Ro’an language. This is quite intriguing," she remarked, her curiosity piqued.

Armel’s dissatisfaction was palpable as he responded, "I don’t know the language you mentioned. Someone else named him for me. Can I have him back, please?"

Sympathy rose within the princess as she reluctantly returned the puppy to Armel. Jessy, who stood at their side, couldn’t help but feel sorry for the princess, sensing the fondness she had developed for Rhen.

"Thank you," Armel expressed gratefully.

Curioused, Kiev inquired, "Where are you heading, boy?"

"I’m returning to my home in Mistdale, near the border," Armel replied, his expression sour as he secured the puppy back in his sling bag.

"So, you’re a local. Aren’t you afraid to travel alone at this hour?" Callis asked, genuine concern lacing her words.

"I’ve already been robbed, and I have nothing valuable left. Besides, I know the route very well. This area is not near the border, and it’s currently the off-season. I highly doubt someone would come and kidnap me for slavery," Armel explained.

"Slavery? Is that still a practice here?" the princess inquired once again.

"Not in Cassian, of course! It’s the kingdom of Dracor, where my village is nearly located. People do occasionally get caught and enslaved over there. However, the cases have significantly reduced after a successful campaign initiated by His Majesty," the teenager explained, his voice reflecting a mix of relief and gratitude.

"I see... Who is the current king? Are the Raychards still in power?" Kiev’s curiosity prompted him to inquire.

Armel furrowed his brow, surprised by the question. "How do you know about them? You don’t look like someone from here," he asked, his curiosity piqued.

The siblings exchanged smiles, keeping the answer to themselves, leaving Armel wondering.

"Well... aren’t you afraid of us? Who knows, we might rob you too," Callis playfully teased, her voice laced with mischief.

Armel scoffed, glancing at the princess from head to toe before responding, "You wouldn’t! Look at you, dressed like a wealthy person. What could you possibly gain from robbing a penniless individual like me?" His words carried a hint of sarcasm and self-assurance.

Just as the conversation continued, Rhen barked once again, struggling to free himself from the confines of the sling bag.

"Stay still, Rhen! Stop causing trouble! If you get lost, I won’t be able to face Lady Raychard for the rest of my life!" Armel scolded the puppy, causing the little pup to whimper.

"Lady Raychard? Is she a relative of the king?" Callis inquired at the mention of the name.

"In a way, yes. She’s the one who named Rhen," Armel explained, a touch of admiration evident in his voice.

"Ah... No wonder! The Raychards must surely be well-versed in the Ro’an language, considering their history of serving the empire," the princess remarked confidently.

"I’m not sure about that, but I do know that Lady Raychard is kind and compassionate, and she possesses the most captivating emerald eyes I have ever seen," Armel shared, a fond smile gracing his face.

Speaking of Anna always filled his heart with joy and excitement.

Kiev’s eyes widened in shock as he absorbed the teenager’s description of the lady. His face contorted in anxiousness, and he urgently asked, "What did you say?"

"The lady is a kind and compassionate person," Armel repeated, looking at him.

Callis’s insistence grew stronger as she pressed to reaffirm. "Not that! After it!"

Armel hesitated, sensing that his words had struck a chord with the pair. Their intense reactions made him feel like he had made a grave mistake.

"Eyes... She has beautiful... emerald eyes..." Armel stammered, his voice filled with uncertainty.

An anxious expression settled on Jessy’s face as she interjected, "There can’t be anyone else with that kind of eye colour!"

Callis’s excitement grew as the pieces fell into place. Suddenly, a realisation dawned on her. The puppy had come running to her after she performed the earth-bounded search magic.

Turning to her brother, her voice brimming with urgency. "She must have touched this puppy! The sensation... I felt it faintly before you interrupted me!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining with newfound understanding.

Kiev paused, his eyes narrowing as he carefully considered the implications of Callis’s revelation. He turned to Armel, his voice filled with a sense of urgency. "Tell me everything you know about her."

Armel’s eyes flickered with worry as he observed the dark expressions on the faces before him. Realising the gravity of the situation, he made a quick decision. "I... I think I better go now," he stammered with unease.

Before the teenager could make his escape, Kiev’s strong hand caught him, stopping him abruptly.

"Argh! Let me go! Help! Please!" Armel shouted in alarm, feeling the powerful grip of the determined prince.

The escorts stood up when they saw the teenager apprehended by Kiev. However, the prince quickly signalled them not to interfere.

"You’re not going anywhere until you tell me everything about the person with the emerald eyes!" Kiev asserted firmly, his expression unyielding.

"I swear, I know nothing!" Armel protested in desperation. Fear began to fill his eyes.

"Lies!" Callis interjected sharply. "You better reveal the truth now, or my brother’s patience will wear thin!"

"No, please! I don’t want to die! Please, have mercy! God, help me!" Armel pleaded desperately for his life.

"God will help you if you speak the truth! Now, tell us everything!" Kiev insisted firmly.

Trembling with fear, Armel found himself unable to keep the secret any longer. The weight of his sworn oath to Noah, the Knight of Gerhard, pressed upon him, but with his life hanging in the balance, he had no choice but to reveal the truth.

"I heard... she’s the Princess of Ardel!" he confessed.

"That’s undeniably her!" Jessy exclaimed, her certainty ringing through her words.

"Why would you call the Princess of Ardel Lady Raychard?" Callis interrogated him in a fury.

Armel took a deep breath, his voice trembling as he responded, "Because... because she’s married to His Highness, the Grand Duke of Gerhard, the king’s brother!"

The revelation struck Kiev like a lightning bolt, his shock reverberating through his words.

"What?" he exclaimed, unable to contain his disbelief upon realising that his betrothed had been stolen from him.

Furious, the prince glared at Armel, his eyes burning with intensity.

"Where is she now?" he demanded, his voice laced with anger.

"I only know that she was summoned to Gantz by His Majesty! She could be either in Gantz or might have returned to Gerhard," Armel replied nervously.

Callis and Kiev exchanged a significant glance, silently communicating their thoughts.

"Which one is located in the west?" the princess inquired.

"Gantz," Armel answered briefly.

A determined expression settled on Kiev’s face as he made up his mind.

"Then, boy, you’re going to lead us to her," he declared firmly.

His fiery, ruby-red eyes gleamed with determination in the dimly lit atmosphere. The prince’s resolve burned bright as he set out to reclaim Anna, knowing that she rightfully belonged to him.