The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 130: An Alleged Mistreatment

Chapter 130: An Alleged Mistreatment

[A few moments before...]

With grace and poise, the two women emerged from the majestic doors of the throne hall. Charles, accompanied by the queen’s courtiers, stood patiently outside, ready to receive them. As they approached, the chamberlain and the servants bowed respectfully.

"We will be in the parlour for a while. His Majesty requires some time to converse with the men. Please inform me when he is finished," Queen Emelda stated.

"Of course, Your Majesty," the chamberlain responded promptly. "Shall I summon your ladies-in-waiting to accompany you?"

The queen shook her head, a dismissive gesture. "No need. I have already dismissed them earlier. Just have the servants attend to me and the lady."

Charles nodded in acknowledgement. He swiftly coordinated with the servants, ensuring their prompt presence to escort the royal couple.

A touch of concern crossed Anna’s face as they entered the comfortable surroundings.

"Is something amiss, Your Majesty? Have I committed an error of some sort?"

The queen offered a comforting smile, placing a reassuring hand on Anna’s arm.

"No, my dear, you have done nothing wrong. Please don’t worry. They are simply engaged in a spirited discussion."

Anna’s worry didn’t dissipate. "It didn’t sound very friendly to me," she admitted, her voice tinged with unease.

The queen, seeking to ease the princess’s concerns, suggested, "Let us have some tea and enjoy a moment of respite while we await their conclusion. Perhaps the atmosphere will lighten once they have finished."

Grateful for the queen’s calming presence, Anna nodded in agreement. The servants escorting them dispersed at the queen’s order.

Other servants promptly arrived, offering an array of delectable snacks to tempt their palates. However, Anna’s anxious state prevented her from having any appetite. The worry etched across her face did not go unnoticed.

Sensing Anna’s unease, the Queen reached out, her voice gentle yet reassuring. "Take a sip of your drink and try to find some calm. I assure you, everything will be fine."

Anna’s voice trembled slightly as she expressed her concerns. "I can’t help but feel that His Majesty, the King, doesn’t approve of me."

The queen paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts before responding.

"It was surprising when Kyren revealed your true lineage, both to me and His Majesty the King. But fret not. His Majesty is a progressive individual," she said confidently. "Unlike many Cassians, he embraces change and values knowledge from other kingdoms. While ours maintains a certain level of privacy, known as the closed policy, His Majesty’s perspective differs. I don’t think he would be judgmental towards you."

Curiosity mixed with apprehension as Anna posed a question that weighed heavily on her mind. Her voice quivered as she asked, "And what about you, Your Majesty? Do you harbour any dislike towards me?"

The queen’s gaze softened as she observed the innocence reflected in the princess’s face. Despite being raised on tales of the four lords’ betrayal of the Ro’an Empire, she felt no hostility towards Anna.

Instead, she found herself captivated by the young woman’s spirit, especially considering her courageous act of single-handedly facing down the pirates who had attacked the grand duke and his men.

"No, my dear. I do not harbour any negative feelings towards you. In fact, I find you quite intriguing," the Queen confessed, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "Not many women possess the bravery you displayed when confronting those pirates."

A wave of relief washed over Anna’s features, her tension easing slightly at the queen’s comforting words.

Curiosity sparked within Queen Emelda as she leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with interest. "Tell me, how did you manage it? What compelled you to take such a daring action? You could have put yourself in great danger."

"Desperation can drive people to do things beyond their capabilities, Your Majesty. I couldn’t bear to see Kyren and his men face the pirates alone. We were outnumbered, and at that moment, all I could think of was utilising the legend as a strategic ploy to save them," Anna answered earnestly.

The queen listened intently, growing in admiration for Anna with each word. The princess’s selflessness and quick thinking in the face of overwhelming odds only deepened her interest in her.

This woman must have possessed a unique allure that extended beyond her outward appearance, captivating even Kyren, her brother-in-law, who had always been known to avoid romantic entanglements.

The queen found herself drawn to the princess, unable to resist the pull of her presence.

"Please, do share your story with me," Queen Emelda gently urged, her eyes filled with pure interest. "How did the two of you meet? I’ve heard of your sudden marriage from His Majesty while Kyren was on duty at the border. It’s quite intriguing to think how an Ardelian like you found yourself in such circumstances."

Anna’s eyes trembled with hesitation, uncertainty clouding her expression. She pondered whether to reveal the truth about the events leading to her marriage with Kyren, unsure how the queen would react. The weight of the past lingered, but a glimmer of trust began to form as she reassured her.

"That... umm...," Anna’s eyes wildly lingered at the servants awaited them at the side. Noticing her uneasiness, the queen ordered them to leave.

"Wait outside," said Queen Emelda to the servants. They all bowed and went out.

"There’s no need to be afraid. Remember, we are family now," she gently implored, her voice brimming with warmth. The queen reached for her teacup, sipping the comforting brew.

Taking a deep breath, the princess mustered the courage to share her tale.

"I... I ran away from a slave trader. He and his gang captured me near the border of Ardel and Dracor, intending to auction me off in the City of Tarnova. Kyren saved me from him, and he married me to save my life."

As Anna shared her distressing encounter with the slave traders, the queen’s reaction was immediate and visceral. The drink caught in her throat, causing her to cough, and for a moment, she almost lost her grip on the teacup.

Hastily, she composed herself and carefully placed the teacup back onto the table, her hands trembling slightly.

"Slave traders captured you?" the queen exclaimed. Her eyes were wide open as she stared at her in surprise.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"And what were the threatening circumstances that caused Kyren to marry you?"

"Apparently, one of the slave traders tried to r*pe me. He poisoned me with a dangerous aphrodisiac, of which the only way to avoid fatality was to accept a man. I managed to run away from him and bumped into Kyren in the forest. He rescued me from the slave trader and saved my life that night."

"Oh... So the marriage was meant to save your life! But how did you find yourself at the border of Ardel and Dracor in the first place? Were you under attack or in some danger?"

A wave of empathy washed over the queen as she realised Anna’s hardships.

The princess’s gaze dropped, a touch of sadness shadowing her eyes.

"Some unsavoury individuals pursued me, and I had to flee. Then, I had the misfortune of crossing paths with the slave traders."

"I’m speechless... I truly am."

Queen Emelda’s eyes shook up and down as she looked at Anna’s petite body. She couldn’t fathom how this princess survived such gruesome experiences with her small stature.

"It is truly remarkable that Kyren chose to rescue you and assume responsibility by marrying you," the queen remarked, a warm smile gracing her face. "His actions reflect the honour and integrity of a true Cassian man. You need not worry about any harm befalling you here. You are safe within these walls."

Anna’s voice shook with gratitude and vulnerability as she replied, "Thank you, Your Majesty. I am grateful for Kyren’s protection."

The queen’s curiosity was piqued as she continued, "In truth, it is quite surprising that he decided to marry you. Kyren had never shown interest in women before despite having numerous admirers. Witnessing him enter the throne hall, holding your hand, was a sight to behold."

Anna’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of the grand duke’s previous disinterest in women. It reminded her of the conversation they had yet to address, the matter that lingered unspoken; his condition.

"Has he been treating you well thus far?" the queen suddenly inquired, her tone filled with concern.

Anna’s response was swift and sincere, "Absolutely, Your Majesty. Kyren has been incredibly caring and attentive towards me."

The queen nodded approvingly, a glimmer of satisfaction in her eyes.

"It is good to hear that he understands how to treat a woman properly. I am pleased to know that you are content in your marriage."

Anna’s lips were smacked with a genuine smile as she replied, "I am delighted to marry him. He has brought light into my life."

"Regarding your identity... is it true that you are the Princess of Ardel?" the queen shifted the topic.

Anna trembled slightly as she confirmed, "Yes... It is true. I am indeed the Princess of Ardel. Would that be an issue?"

Queen Emelda’s expression turned thoughtful, uncertainty clouding her features.

"To be honest, I am unsure of the implications this may have. Perhaps that is why His Majesty asked us to step aside momentarily for a discussion with your husband."

The princess nodded, understanding the delicate nature of the situation.

"I am aware of the complicated history between Cassian and the four kingdoms, and I anticipated that there might be challenges to overcome."

The queen smiled. Her voice was gentle as she reassured Anna, "For now, let us set aside those concerns. After all, this is your first visit here. Why not remove your shawl and relax? The room is growing warmer, and you appear to be perspiring."

Anna’s heart raced with anxiety as Queen Emelda insisted on her removing the shawl. Fearful that the queen might notice the bruises that marred her skin, she clutched tightly to the fabric, desperately trying to conceal any signs of her injury.

"It’s fine," Anna hurriedly replied. "I prefer to keep the shawl on. I feel more comfortable this way."

The queen’s brow furrowed with concern as she observed Anna’s nervous demeanour. "You seem quite on edge. Is something troubling you?"

Anna’s voice quivered as she responded, her fear evident, "There’s... there’s nothing to worry about, Your Majesty."

The queen’s gaze grew more penetrating, sensing the underlying distress in the princess’s words. "Are you certain that you’re fine?"

Anna’s voice wavered. Her attempt to reassure failed. "Yes, definitely yes. Everything is... fine."

Driven by concern and determination, the queen pressed further, her tone firm yet compassionate.

"What is hidden beneath the shawl? I implore you to reveal the truth."

Anna’s eyes widened, torn between her desire to protect herself from the misunderstanding. If the queen saw her skin, she would have the same shocking reaction as Rosalie.

"Your Majesty..."

Noticing her hesitancy, Queen Emelda commanded firmly, "This is an order, Anna. Remove the shawl."

Anna’s body tensed, her heart pounding in her chest. Slowly, she relinquished her grip on the shawl, allowing it to slip from her trembling hands, revealing the vivid marks and bruises on her exposed neck and shoulders.

"Oh, my God! What has happened to you?" the queen exclaimed in shock, her eyes widening as she saw Anna’s bruises.

The princess’s voice quivered with panic and desperation as she quickly responded, "Your Majesty, nothing happened. I have sensitive skin and tend to bruise easily."

"Did Kyren cause these bruises?" the queen asked, her voice tinged with disbelief and anger.

Anna’s eyes widened, full of protest.

"No, Your Majesty! It’s not what you think. Please, it’s all a misunderstanding!"

Outraged by the possibility of harm befalling Anna, the queen’s resolve solidified.

"This is outrageous! I will not tolerate any form of mistreatment. I am going to report this to His Majesty immediately!"

Panicked, Anna pleaded with the queen, her voice filled with urgency, "No, Your Majesty, please! It’s not necessary! There has been a misunderstanding, I assure you!"

The queen’s concern for Anna’s well-being took precedence as she swiftly took charge.

"Come with me right now! You need to receive proper treatment and care."

Anna’s attempts to explain were cut short as the queen firmly guided her out of the parlour into a guest room. Queen Emelda wasted no time, immediately instructing her servants who followed to summon the royal healers and relay the urgent message to Charles, the king’s chamberlain.

In a matter of moments, a commotion erupted as Kyren rushed into the room, closely followed by King Kyden, Rafe, Charles and the two knights.

Concern etched on his face, Kyren’s voice echoed with worry, "What has happened to my wife?"

The Queen’s anger blazed as she directed her fury towards the grand duke, her voice filled with accusation, "I am the one who was supposed to ask that! What have you done to her?"

The grand duke frowned with confusion.

Bewilderment clouded King Kyden’s expression as he sought understanding, his tone curious, "Emelda, what is going on here?"

With a respectful tone, the queen responded, "Pardon me for my behaviour, Your Majesty, but I believe the lady has been mistreated."

The king’s eyes widened in shock.

"What are you saying?"

His eyes then darted to the princess lying on the bed surrounded by the royal healers, constantly telling them she was fine and that it was a misunderstanding. Kyren wanted to rush forward but was blocked by Queen Emelda.

"I discovered numerous bruises on her body," said the queen. Glaring at the grand duke, she asked with a furious tone, "Please explain what has happened. Did you harm your wife?"

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