The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 123: Embarking To The Palace

Chapter 123: Embarking To The Palace

Kyren lay on his side; his solid and sculpted chest was bare, and his gaze fixated on the petite figure nestled beside him. A wide, enamoured smile graced his face as he observed her peaceful sleeping visage.

’I... I love you! With every beat of my heart, I love you, Kyren!’

Her heartfelt confession echoed in his mind, filling him with a profound sense of joy. Ever since she had bared her heart to him, the grand duke couldn’t contain his happiness. It was as if he had triumphed over the world.

Gently, he reached out to caress her auburn locks, carefully tucking them behind her ear. His heart swelled with affection as he admired her vulnerability, cherishing the closeness they shared. The passionate night they had experienced together still lingered in his memory, a testament to their connection.

A soft, deliberate knock came on the door, and Kyren’s intuition told him exactly who it was. Mindful not to disturb Anna’s peaceful slumber, he carefully extricated himself from her embrace, gently pulling the blanket to cover her body adorned with the marks of their passionate lovemaking.

Kyren reached for his robe, gracefully draping it around his form, and approached the door with measured steps. With a slow turn of the handle, the door creaked open to reveal Anryr and Rosalie, their expressions hesitant yet respectful.

These two servants were the sole individuals permitted to enter his suite during his presence unless explicitly directed otherwise.

They bowed in deference as Anryr spoke, his voice laced with a mix of apology and duty, "Forgive me for intruding upon your rest, Your Highness. However, your audience with His Majesty, the King, is scheduled to commence soon."

Kyren’s demeanour remained calm as he reassured him, "It’s all right, Anryr. I’m already awake."

A wave of relief washed over the servants, realising their grand duke was in a favourable mood.

"Your formal attire and the lady’s dress have been prepared," Anryr informed his lord, his voice respectful and attentive. "I will assist you in getting ready while Rosalie will attend to the lady."

Kyren nodded appreciatively, acknowledging the arrangements.

"Understood. I will take my bath. Please wait for me in the connecting dressing room, and Rosalie..."

"Yes, Your Highness?" the chief maid responded, her voice filled with anticipation as she looked at him.

Kyren’s voice softened. "My Anna is still sleeping. Please wait until she wakes naturally. Don’t disturb her, as she is a bit tired."

Anryr and Rosalie exchanged a glance, the endearment ’My Anna’ stirring a mix of curiosity and awe within them. However, they maintained their professionalism and respect.

"But, wouldn’t that delay your departure to the palace?" the steward inquired hesitantly, concerned about the time constraints.

"It’s all right. Let her rest a little longer. I am willing to wait for her. There’s no need to rush. Our punctuality can be adjusted," said Kyren with confidence.

"Yes, Your Highness," both Anryr and Rosalie replied in unison, displaying their unwavering loyalty.

The grand duke’s gaze shifted, his thoughts focused on the logistics of his departure. "Additionally, I will be bringing Rafe, Drystan, and Alex. The royal knights shall escort the procession while the others can stay back at the mansion. Please notify them accordingly."

Anryr nodded, his expression attentive. "Understood, Your Highness. I will relay your instructions to them promptly."

***

Anna’s closed eyes fluttered, a sense of awakening washing over her. Her hands instinctively reached out, expecting to find the comforting presence of her husband beside her. Yet, the absence of his sturdy figure and the chill of the empty sheets made her eyes slowly open.

As she surveyed her surroundings, the princess realised Kyren was nowhere to be found. Curiosity rose within her as she sat up, hastily clutching the blanket to cover her bare chest. Turning her head from side to side, she desperately searched for her husband, only to find Rosalie standing at the corner of the room.

"Where is Kyren?" Anna’s voice shook as she inquired.

"His Highness has already gone downstairs for breakfast," Rosalie replied, her tone calm and composed.

"Oh, no! We’re going to be late because of me! Why didn’t he wake me up?"

Anna hurriedly swung her legs off the bed, her sense of urgency compelling her to take immediate action. Her cheeks blushed as she realised she wasn’t wearing anything beneath the blanket.

Rosalie approached Anna with a calm demeanour.

"His Highness mentioned that you were a bit tired, so he decided to let you sleep a little longer."

Anna’s determination to get ready prevailed as she directed her plea at the chief maid.

"I understand, but I still need to prepare myself. Rosalie, could you assist me?"

"Of course, my lady. I am at your service," the chief maid responded promptly, her dedication unwavering. "Firstly, allow me to help you with your bath. Then, you may have a light breakfast. I have brought it with me for your convenience."

The chief maid extended the robe, carefully draping it around Anna’s form. As the princess lowered the blanket, Rosalie couldn’t suppress her gasp.

"Oh, my lady! Are you all right?" she exclaimed, her concern evident as her eyes fell upon the vivid bruises and marks that marred the princess’s body.

"I’m fine. There’s nothing to worry about," Anna insisted.

Rosalie’s eyes widened in disbelief as she continued to scan the lady’s body, her shock apparent.

"But... but... You are clearly hurt. These bruises and marks..." Her voice trailed off, unable to hide her concern.

A surge of anger coursed through the chief maid as she took in the pitiful state of the princess.

"Did His Highness do this to you last night?" she questioned, her tone laced with a mix of protectiveness and anger.

"Rosalie, please understand. Kyren didn’t intend to hurt me. I have a sensitive body, and even a slightly rough touch can result in bruising," Anna clarified.

Rosalie remained contemplative, her worry unabated. "Regardless, this needs to be treated. If you’ll excuse me, my lady, I will call Mr Amares to assess the situation."

"No, no! Please, don’t! Rafe would be furious at Kyren if he found out," Anna pleaded, her voice filled with anxiety.

"My lady, you have an audience with His Majesty today. We cannot allow you to attend with your body in such a state," Rosalie reasoned, her words firm yet compassionate.

Anna continued her plea with desperation in her eyes. In the end, the chief maid sighed, relenting to some extent.

"Very well, if that is your wish. However, at the very least, let me fetch some medicine to apply to your skin. It may help alleviate the discomfort."

Anna nodded gratefully, appreciating Rosalie’s compromise. The chief maid’s concern touched her heart, even as she tried to shield Kyren from potential repercussions.

Rosalie hurriedly made her way to find Rafe, the healer, and relayed the distressing situation to him.

"God! That lustful beast! Can’t he at least control his desires?"

Rafe’s anger simmered as he handed the ointment to the chief maid. His frustration was palpable, fueled by the knowledge of the grand duke’s actions.

Rosalie’s concern deepened as she sought clarification.

"Is this a common occurrence, Mr Amares?"

Rafe’s expression dyed with resignation. "Unfortunately, it is not uncommon. He doesn’t have the ability to restrain himself when it comes to her. "

"Oh, my! Our poor lady," Rosalie lamented, her heart aching for Anna’s plight.

The healer’s gaze hardened, a determined glint in his eyes.

"We must do our best to conceal the bruises and provide her with relief," he said.

"Unfortunately, since we have already prepared a dress that matches His Highness for the audience, it is impossible to make any last-minute changes."

Understanding the urgency of the situation, Rafe pondered a solution.

"Perhaps you can cover her with a shawl or something similar. Our main priority is ensuring His Majesty the King and others do not see the bruises. We must prevent any misunderstandings," he suggested.

Rosalie nodded. "I believe I can handle that task. I will find a suitable shawl to provide coverage and ensure the bruises and marks remain hidden."

"Good, thank you, Mrs Foster," the healer expressed his gratitude, appreciating her dedication and willingness to assist.

Rosalie acknowledged his words with a nod. She left the healer’s presence and swiftly made her way back to the main suite, ready to attend to the lady’s needs.

***

Kyren settled himself with patient anticipation in the grand main hall, taking his place on the plush settee. Behind him, Rafe, Alex and Drystan were engaged in a light conversation while they awaited Anna’s arrival.

The knights’ chatter gradually subsided. Their attention was drawn to the grand staircase as the princess descended gracefully, guided by Rosalie. A hushed silence fell over the room as their eyes fixed on the grand duke’s wife, captivated by her presence and beauty.

As Kyren’s eyes fell upon Anna, he couldn’t help but stand up, completely mesmerised by her stunning appearance. She was a vision of beauty in a white and navy blue dress that accentuated her graceful figure.

The golden tassels cascaded from the belt at her waist, adding an elegant touch to the ensemble. Adorned with delicate and sparkling jewellery, she exuded an undoubted charm.

Anna’s hair was expertly styled, with a navy blue ribbon securing a portion while the rest cascaded down her back, the grand duke’s favourite style. Every detail had been carefully considered, enhancing her natural radiance.

All the men in the room were left speechless, unable to tear their eyes away from her enchanting look.

Simultaneously, Anna’s breath caught in her throat as she caught sight of Kyren. The grand duke had meticulously groomed himself, his previously stubbled chin now clean-shaven.

He wore the formal attire befitting his royal title, perfectly matching the colours of Anna’s dress.

Kyren’s ensemble exuded an air of elegance and authority. His surcoat, embroidered with golden thread, meticulously coordinated with the rest of his attire, accentuated his broad shoulders. At the same time, the white trousers tapered to his ankle added a touch of sophistication to the overall look.

His polished black leather shoes, impeccably shined, completed the attire, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail that he embodied.

A distinguished, long dark blue cloak adorned with the prestigious Grand Duchy of Gerhard’s emblem gracefully draped on his right shoulder, bestowing a noble touch to his look. His appearance was further embellished with a collar around his shoulder, adding an additional layer of distinction.

The overall effect was a striking and radiant ensemble, befitting a figure of significance and reverence of the Grand Duke of Gerhard.

Anna couldn’t help but feel a surge of admiration as she took in his transformed appearance. He looked even more handsome than usual, transcending his usual simple attire from the camp.

"Your Highness," Rosalie intoned respectfully, gently guiding Anna’s small hand towards Kyren, who reached out to catch it with a warm and grateful smile.

"Thank you, Rosalie," he acknowledged, appreciating her assistance.

A continuous grin graced Kyren’s lips as he gazed at Anna, his heart swelling with pride.

"You look so beautiful today, Anna," he praised, his voice filled with genuine admiration. He couldn’t help but feel immense joy in her presence.

A reciprocal smile lit up the princess’s face as she returned the compliment.

"And you look stunningly handsome," she replied, her emerald eyes sparkling fondly.

Their eyes locked. Briefly, a silent exchange of affection passed between them. However, their connection was interrupted by Rafe, who cleared his throat to signal their departure.

"Ehem... ehem... I believe we better get going now," the healer interjected, breaking the enchanting moment.

Kyren nodded, regaining his composure.

"Ah, yes. Shall we?" he suggested, gently linking his arm with Anna’s, a gesture of nobility.

With a sense of anticipation, Anna responded, "I’d be glad to. Let’s make our way to the palace."