The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 122: A Perished Soulmate

Chapter 122: A Perished Soulmate

As waves of memories crashed into his mind, Kyren was transported back to the days of mourning following the previous king’s demise. The echoes of the ministers’ words troubled and agitated him, their demands ringing incessantly in his ears.

"Your Highness, you must ascend to the throne immediately!"

"You are responsible for marrying and producing an heir for the throne as the Crown Prince!"

"Lady James is the perfect candidate for you. Take her as your wife. She’s worthy of your companionship and would make a good queen!"

"Or choose a noble lady, Your Highness! There are plenty of worthy maidens interested in you!"

Their words echoed, taunting him. But it wasn’t as simple as they made it seem.

The women presented to him held no allure, no spark of connection. No matter how beautiful or influential they were or how shamelessly they offered themselves, Kyren felt nothing but emptiness.

A profound void prevented him from approaching any of them, a blockage that hindered his heart from opening. Kyren understood the reason behind his lack of interest, the truth that lay hidden beneath the surface.

It was the result of a spell, an enchantment cast upon him.

The realisation weighed on him heavily, and a mix of frustration and resignation swirled within him. He had been ensnared by forces beyond his control, and his ability to form genuine connections was controlled by an unseen power.

A profound sense of confusion enveloped him as he grappled with his own emotional void.

Why was he different?

Why didn’t he feel the same way towards women like Kyden or any of his male peers?

Desperate for answers, he turned to the one woman he had always loved unconditionally—the Queen, his mother.

In a heart-wrenching encounter, the truth was laid bare before him. With tears streaming down her face, his mother begged for his forgiveness. He couldn’t blame her; she had resorted to desperate measures to bring him back to consciousness after his near-death experience.

And then it struck him, a revelation that shattered his world.

The faded memory of that fateful night came to haunt him, tormenting his already broken heart in his dreams. The baby, his destined soulmate, was born without a breath. He was there when it happened.

No cries echoed through the room, no signs of life in her tiny body. She was bound to him by the spell, their lives destined to intertwine, yet all he could see was a lifeless, cold, and pale figure lying before him.

The anguish in his chest intensified as he recalled his indescribable pain. It was a mixture of sorrow, loss, and an overwhelming sense of helplessness. The emotional connection that should have flourished between them was cruelly severed before it had a chance to blossom.

Tears welled up in his eyes as he stared into the abyss of his shattered dreams. The weight of his loneliness and the burden of his destiny crushed his spirit, leaving him in a state of perpetual sorrow.

He longed for the warmth of a genuine connection, the love he had been denied, and the chance to rewrite the tragic story that had befallen him.

"Don’t die!" That was all he could say when he held the baby’s hand, cold and frozen right before his eyes. Tears trickled down his cheeks for an unknown reason. All he could think of was for the unknown little child not to leave him. He felt half of his life flown away.

"Please, don’t die!" he pleaded, his voice filled with desperation.

But despite his emotional pleas, she slipped away, engulfing him in a profound sense of loss.

She, his soulmate, tragically perished before her life could truly begin...

***

"Kyren... Are you all right?"

The sudden question jolted the grand duke from the depths of his haunting memory. Startled, he blinked back to the present, finding Anna’s concerned face before him.

Tears stained his cheeks, and he wasn’t aware of the dampness on his face.

Anna’s gentle gaze held a mixture of empathy and concern as she reached out to wipe away his tears.

"Why are you crying?"

"What?" he stammered, his voice choked with emotion, struggling to comprehend his own tears.

"You are crying," she whispered, her delicate fingers brushing against his cheeks.

"I... I..." Kyren’s voice trembled as he tried to find the words to utter. He touched his cold cheeks and felt the wetness dripping. But he couldn’t understand this sorrowful feeling.

How could a formidable man like him shed tears over a long, almost forgotten memory?

Anna observed an uncommon restlessness within him, a vulnerability she had never witnessed in her husband. The once intimidating and commanding figure had vanished, replaced by a man whose demeanour exuded visible sadness and defeat.

Kyren’s Adam apple bobbed. It felt like a huge lump was blocking his throat as he let out his words.

"Something happened before..."

His reluctance was palpable, as if he feared the consequences of sharing his secret. The weight of it all burdened him, and he worried that revealing the truth could change her feelings for him.

From the first moment they met, Kyren couldn’t comprehend his thoughts about Anna. His instinct to protect, care, and his attraction was surreal. She was the only woman that had stirred his heart, the one that always filled his mind.

Was it because she’s an Ardelian? Did the spell inadvertently exclude the women from different kingdoms?

He couldn’t give a confirmed answer to himself. But all he knew, he couldn’t afford to lose her from his possession.

Anna reached out, gently placing her hand on his.

"It must have scarred you deeply," she spoke softly, her doe-like emerald eyes peering into his soul. The absence of words from Kyren’s lips confirmed her intuition.

She gently squeezed his hand, offering a tender reassurance.

"Let’s not talk about it for now. I don’t want to witness you devastated like this."

"You deserve to know. You’re my wife," he replied, his voice laden with both guilt and longing for her understanding.

"I know," she nodded. "But not tonight. I can sense that you’re not ready to share. We’ll discuss it when the time is right and you feel comfortable."

"I don’t want us to engage in another fight," he confessed, his fear torn with conflict.

Anna’s expression softened, her love for him shining through.

"I’m willing to be patient this time. It’s my request, and I promise I won’t be angry with you. We can have that conversation when the appropriate time comes."

"Are you sure about this?" he asked, seeking confirmation of her patience and acceptance.

"I am," she affirmed, her voice steady. "Let’s talk about your brother instead. I want to know more about him. Rafe mentioned that he’s a kind and generous king, strict only with criminals."

"He truly is remarkable. The people hold His Majesty, King Kyden and Her Majesty, Queen Emelda of Cassian, in high esteem. Since their ascension to the throne, the kingdom’s economy has flourished, experiencing unprecedented prosperity," said Kyren proudly.

A radiant joy lit up his eyes, and his entire demeanour swiftly transformed as the topic shifted.

"His Majesty’s visionary leadership allowed for open trade with neighbouring kingdoms like Galicia and Dracor, fostering economic growth and opportunities. Moreover, he championed grants and supported scholars in their pursuit of knowledge, both domestically and abroad, to improve the lives of the kingdom’s inhabitants," added the grand duke.

King Kyden’s transformative ideas had been brewing within him even during his time as a prince. However, they were met with resistance from the ministers of the council, who feared it would compromise their loyalty towards the empire.

However, once the prince ascended to the throne, he found Kyren’s unwavering support, which enabled him to set his ambitions in motion despite the nobles’ huge protest. The ministers soon witnessed his policies’ undeniable progress and impact, and the kingdom began to thrive under this new direction.

"That’s truly amazing," Anna remarked, genuinely impressed. "I don’t believe Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress, would hold any resentment towards his decision to open up trade with other kingdoms on the continent."

"She did not impose any closed policy restrictions when she installed our grandfather as the first King of Cassian," Kyren explained. "It was driven by a sense of loyalty, and it would have been awkward to establish relationships with the kingdoms of the traitorous lords who were still alive at that time."

Anna nodded, absorbing the historical context and the reasoning behind it.

"Our current king, His Majesty King Kyden, is a clever strategist," Kyren continued. "He didn’t make the opening of trade overtly apparent. The palace didn’t engage in official trade, but he allowed the people to conduct business freely abroad without restrictions. The resulting increase in income allowed him to collect substantial taxes."

Anna listened attentively, impressed by the cunning and adaptability of King Kyden’s approach.

"So, in Cassian, you refer to the king and queen by their first names?" she inquired, noting Kyren’s casual use of their names.

Kyren smiled, his eyes glimmering with affection.

"Yes, we do. It reflects the close bond our rulers have with the people. It symbolises a sense of familiarity and approachability, making them more relatable to the citizens of Cassian. We believe the king and queen are always close to our hearts."

Anna began to understand the unique dynamics of the kingdom’s culture and its relationship with its monarchs. The informality added an intriguing layer to their governance, emphasising a connection that extended beyond mere titles and positions.

"He must be handsome, just like you," Anna remarked playfully.

Kyren chuckled, a warm smile adorning his face.

"He is indeed a good-looking man. He shares my blue eyes and has beautiful golden blonde hair."

Anna couldn’t resist teasing him further. "Does he have a fan club too?"

Kyren shook his head, his focus unwavering. "I’ve never paid attention to that."

"Really? What about your fan club? What are your thoughts on it?" Anna inquired curiously.

Kyren responded, "It holds no importance to me."

A slight smile etched on the princess’s lips. "You know, it’s a bit embarrassing to learn about you through your fans. They seemed so flustered and overwhelmed when they discovered you were already married."

"I apologise you had to find out that way. It was never my intention," Kyren expressed sincerely. "Please don’t worry about what those women think. They hold no significance. The most important thing is that you are here with me."

As the grand duke tenderly cupped her cheek, Anna felt his touch resonate with unwavering sincerity. It was a gesture that reassured her of his steadfast commitment. Yet, a surge of uncertainty tinged her thoughts.

"Would His Majesty and the royal family accept me once they discover I’m a Princess of Ardel?" Anna voiced her concern, her voice fraught with wavering apprehension.

Kyren’s eyes met hers, filled with determination.

"Don’t worry about anything. It doesn’t matter to me if anyone accepts you or not. I have already embraced you for who you are, and the same goes for you. No one can deny the unbreakable bond we share through the vows of our marriage. I don’t need anyone’s approval for your acceptance."

Anna’s worries momentarily eased, yet she couldn’t help but emphasise the significance of his family’s approval.

"But they are your family. Their blessings hold importance, too."

Kyren’s voice resonated with unwavering conviction.

"You are far more important than anything else. I will not allow anyone to look down on you or pass judgment based on your origins."

A smile bloomed on Anna’s lips as she received his unwavering assurance.

"I believe you," she whispered, her voice filled with newfound trust.

"Once we return to Gerhard, I will ensure you enjoy the life ahead of us. It’s a beautiful place, and I have no doubt you will find joy within its embrace."

"Yes," Anna replied, her voice filled with anticipation. "You haven’t been home in quite a while, too. I imagine you must miss it."

Kyren’s gaze softened. "I never truly considered it as home, but I believe that will change now."

Curiosity danced in Anna’s eyes. "Why is that?"

A tender smile graced Kyren’s lips. "Because you will be there."

Anna’s cheeks flushed with delight and bashfulness, her heart fluttering in response to his words.

As the grand duke beheld her radiant smile, a glimmer of adoration in his eyes, he spoke with a hint of anticipation, "You know, I haven’t had the chance to tell you this..."

Curiosity sparked in Anna’s eyes as she leaned in, urging him to continue. "What is it?"

A tender smile played on Kyren’s lips as he spoke, his voice filled with sincerity, "You look absolutely breathtaking in that purple gown. When I first laid eyes on you, I was captivated."

Anna bit her lower lips in embarrassment.

"Don’t tease me."

Kyren’s gaze met hers. His expression was earnest.

"It’s true! I truly adore seeing you in elegant attire. I want to ensure you have an abundance of beautiful dresses and exquisite jewellery. Just name the luxuries you desire, and I will spare no effort in providing them for you."

Anna’s response was immediate, her voice firm yet filled with genuine emotion, "I don’t need any luxuries!"

"I knew you would say that. You want me for who I am, not because of my wealth or status. You have a pure heart," he said warmly. "I admire you for simply being yourself."

As she expressed her heartfelt appreciation, Anna’s eyes shimmered with gratitude, "Thank you, Kyren."

A mischievous glint sparked in Kyren’s eyes as he continued, "Come to think of it, this is the first time you find yourself on my bed. My real bed."

"Oh... um," the princess stammered, her cheeks reddening again. The implications of his words were not lost on her.

"We should celebrate this," Kyren suggested with a playful smile.

A hint of worry crossed the princess’s features as she gently reminded him, "But we have to wake up early tomorrow! We have an important meeting with His Majesty, the King, and Her Majesty, the Queen!"

Kyren reassured her, "Don’t worry. I’ll ensure you wake up on time for our appointment. But for now... Let us revel in each other’s presence."

A mischievous grin accompanied his words as his hand trailed her body. Before she knew it, she found herself succumbing to his passionate embrace. Their lips met in a fervent kiss, igniting a blissful experience that consumed them both.

As the night unfolded, their desires took precedence, time slipping away after their intimate connection.