The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 129: Turn Her Into...

Chapter 129: Turn Her Into...

King Kyden’s surprise was evident on his face as he absorbed this new information. He had heard tales of the pure serum, the legendary cure for Laradie’s devastating plague. The realisation of its connection to Anna’s identity began to dawn upon him.

"The cure was her blood?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. I can vouch for that. My assistant, Mr Ayden Norman, found out first and took the measuring steps to prevent the disease from spreading," said Rafe.

Drystan and Alex exchanged surprised glances, realising they had been unaware of these crucial details. Suddenly, the praises and admiration they had heard from Damon and Eli about Lady Raychard made sense, forming a puzzle piece in the larger picture that was slowly unravelling before them.

As the gravity of the plague incident unfolded before them, King Kyden’s interest in Anna deepened even further. The revelation that her blood held an excellent cure could not be ignored. Though it may appear selfish, the importance of securing her presence became paramount.

Impatience tinged King Kyden’s voice as he inquired, "Who else knows about this?"

Kyren replied promptly, "Other than myself, the information is known to my personal healer, his assistant, and a select few of my knights."

The king nodded, understanding the need for discretion. "It is best to keep this matter tightly sealed, away from the knowledge of others."

The grand duke reaffirmed his commitment to protecting Anna. "That is precisely why I am taking every measure to safeguard her. If word were to spread, she would become a target for those who seek to possess her and exploit her for their own gain."

Seeking confirmation, Rafe posed a question to the king. "Doesn’t this serve as evidence enough of the lady’s true identity as the Princess of Ardel?"

King Kyden paused, considering the possibilities. His voice carried a hint of cautiousness as he responded, "It is indeed possible. She could be an unrecognised, illegitimate child. After all, she never revealed her name as Anna Adhemar to you. Did she ever talk to you about how she became a slave?"

"She only told me that the slave traders caught her between the border of Ardel and Dracor," replied Kyren.

"What about the stories before that? How did she end up there?" asked the king again.

The grand duke shook his head.

"She didn’t wish to talk about it. All I know, the Bargesians were after her. I got this information from the slave traders when I apprehended them. When I asked Anna, she didn’t want to reveal anything," said Kyren with a sigh.

"Then, how can we verify her true identity?" King Kyden wondered.

Rafe hesitated for a moment, his voice filled with uncertainty. "I... I’m not sure. My belief is based on what His Highness confided in me and the circumstances surrounding her. It is an assumption, albeit a strong one."

The king’s brow furrowed more profoundly, his scepticism growing.

"So, these are mere observations and assumptions," he concluded, disappointment evident in his voice. He turned his gaze towards the men, his expression filled with dismay. "I require concrete evidence to substantiate your claim."

The healer’s voice grew sombre as he acknowledged the lack of proof. "I regret to inform you that I don’t have any solid evidence to present now."

The tension in the room escalated, uncertainty and frustration permeating the air. However, Kyren’s voice cut through the silence, filled with determination.

"This is absurd! I don’t need to prove anything! She is my wife, and that’s all that matters! I don’t care about her background or lineage!"

"This situation is not as simple as you perceive it to be! The people of Cassian will look up to the woman you have married! They’ll dig into her background and find out sooner or later. Considering the history of our kingdom, it is implausible for a descendant of a traitor to hold the esteemed title of Grand Duchess, let alone a slave!" The king raised his concern.

Kyren’s eyes flashed with determination as he responded. "Then don’t appoint her! She doesn’t seek any status or title! All she cares about is me!"

"That would only bring more curiosity about her! As the Grand Duke of Gerhard, your status and title are second only to mine. Therefore, the woman you choose as your legal wife must be someone capable of upholding the dignity and responsibilities that accompany your position!"

The king’s tone grew grave as he emphasised the importance of public view. "The perception of the people is different, Kyren! When her true status is revealed, she will face torment and scrutiny. The matter of succession to the throne will be brought into question, causing further complications and unrest."

Kyren’s frustration mounted, his voice tinged with exasperation. "Your Majesty, with all due respect, you are not making any sense! My marriage has nothing to do with the throne’s succession!"

The king’s response was sharp and persistent. "Yes, I do make sense! It is you who fail to understand the bigger picture!"

King Kyden’s eyes fell on the two knights, and he ordered both of them to leave the hall, leaving only him, Kyren and Rafe.

"Why are you bringing up the matter of the throne succession to me?" Kyren’s voice held a hint of annoyance. "You know my condition! She won’t be able to conceive my child."

The king’s response was resolute.

"The three of us know, but the people out there are not. They would use it as a reason to question her compatibility and status."

Silence filled the room as the weight of the king’s words sank in. Rafe bowed his head, acknowledging the complexity of the situation and the challenges they would face in the eyes of the public.

King Kyden’s tone softened as he spoke to his brother. "Talk to me as your brother, Kyren. I want you to know that I am not rejecting her. In fact, I am happy that you have found someone significant enough to marry despite your condition."

A flicker of frustration coloured Kyren’s response. "If you’re truly happy for me, why do you dwell on the bad prejudgments?"

"The truth is her previous status as a slave and the potential revelation of her connection to the Adhemar bloodline, legitimate or not, will make her an unfit match in the eyes of the people. No Raychards have ever married someone from the four kingdoms, let alone a former slave."

Kyren’s determination blazed through his words. "I don’t care what others think about her. We are married, and we have consummated our union. There is no way anyone can undo the bond."

"Then, don’t you care if the people turn their backs on the royal family due to your stubborn decision? Don’t you care about me? Have you forgotten how difficult it was for me, a newly appointed king, to open our kingdom to our neighbours without their support? Don’t you remember how the ministers revolted against me and tormented the royal family? It was a whole lot of chaos back then!"

"You still succeeded in the end," Kyren countered.

"That success was possible because you were there for me every step of the way. You dealt with the lords, bargained with them, and even resorted to threats when necessary. You did everything in your power to make it happen for me," said the king with gratitude.

Kyren’s plea held a note of vulnerability. "Then, can’t you do this one thing for me? I have never asked anything from you before. Whatever you have desired, I have always been there to fulfil it. Now that I have finally found my woman, can’t you support me too?"

"I want to, more than anything. But we must also consider her safety," King Kyden responded with concern. "If the people learn of her true identity, there will be unrest, and her life will be in danger."

A hint of defiance laced Kyren’s words. "I have my knights! I can protect her!"

"The chaos caused by your fans was just the tip of the iceberg," King Kyden voiced his concern, his tone laced with apprehension. "Imagine the uproar that would ensue if the entire nation discovered that you married the Princess of Ardel, who was once a slave. It wouldn’t just be the ladies protesting against you. It would be a widespread outrage."

Kyren’s determination shone through as he proposed a solution. "I’ll keep her away in Gerhard, far from prying eyes and potential threats."

"But for how long, Kyren? You cannot be constantly by her side, fulfilling your duties as the grand duke and protector of the kingdom. Have you considered the implications of your absence?"

Frustration coloured the grand duke’s reply. "Then you protect her in my stead when I’m not there for her. You are the king!"

"I would do everything in my power to do that for you. But your decision would mean she would live a life of solitude, cut off from the world, solely for the sake of her safety. Is that truly what she desires?" the king asked.

Silence fell again between them. The dilemma they faced was not an easy one to resolve. Balancing the desire for Kyren’s companionship with the need for safety and the kingdom’s stability was a delicate dance.

At that moment, the grand duke grappled with the profound question of what would truly bring Anna happiness and fulfilment and how he could navigate the intricate web of responsibilities and threats surrounding her.

King Kyden’s gaze calmed as he considered his brother’s words. "I can see the depth of the connection between you and her. After knowing what she has done for you, it’s clear that she holds a deep affection for you."

Kyren’s voice held certainty. "She loves me. She has already admitted it to me."

It took a moment before the king posed a crucial question. "But do you love her?"

Kyren’s response was measured and filled with a sense of duty.

"I am responsible for her. I made a promise to take care of her and protect her. It is a vow that I must honour."

The king repeated his question. "Yes, but do you love her?"

A pause followed as Kyren contemplated his emotions. "I care about her. That’s all. She has become my wife, my woman. So I won’t let her go, whatever it is."

A wistful grin slipped the king’s lips. Deep down, he understood the cruel fate that had befallen his brother, rendering him incapable of experiencing love due to the spell cast upon him.

However, Kyren’s surprising display of attentiveness and protectiveness towards Anna left him both amazed and hopeful. It was a sight he had never witnessed before—his brother’s unwavering dedication to a woman.

King Kyden spoke with a careful choice of words. "So the most important thing for you is to be with her. It doesn’t matter how, right?"

A spark of determination ignited within Kyren as he responded without hesitation, "Yes!"

The king’s gaze held a glimmer of a solution, a way to navigate their predicament without jeopardising anyone involved.

"Then, there may be a way we can make it happen. A way that would not compromise the kingdom’s stability."

Curiosity tinged Kyren’s voice as he leaned in, eager to hear his brother’s suggestion. "What way?"

With measured deliberation, King Kyden proposed an alternative.

"By doing this, we can ensure that you two remain together without stirring controversy or risking her safety. Also, this would maintain all the political support towards the royal family," said the king.

Carefully, he let out the suggestion.

"Turn her into your concubine."

Kyren’s eyes widened at the king’s words. Anger and frustration surged within him, threatening to spill over. However, the door swung open before he could unleash his emotions, and Charles hurriedly entered the throne hall.

"Your Majesty, Your Highness!" the chamberlain exclaimed urgently, "Something has happened to the lady! Please come with me now!"

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