The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 131: Mistaken Perception

Chapter 131: Mistaken Perception

"Charles and both of you, please wait outside," the king commanded, his voice firm and authoritative.

The chamberlain and the Knights of Gerhard nodded, acknowledging the king’s order. They quietly exited the room, positioning themselves just outside while giving the occupants the necessary privacy.

Charles swiftly closed the door, recognising the significance of maintaining confidentiality in such a delicate situation.

Drystan’s concern was evident as he turned to the chamberlain, seeking answers.

"Lord Enos, what is happening? Why is the Queen accusing His Highness in such a manner?"

Charles shook his head, his worry mirroring the knight’s.

"I don’t know the full details yet. The situation is unclear."

Alex, the hazel-eyed knight, furrowed his brow in deep thought. Suddenly, a memory resurfaced, a nagging conversation he had overheard earlier that morning between Rafe and Rosalie regarding Kyren’s rough treatment of the lady.

"I think I may have an idea," he interjected, capturing the attention of both Drystan and Charles. Their eyes locked onto him, eager for any semblance of an explanation.

***

The tension in the guestroom grew palpable as confusion dyed the faces of the grand duke and King Kyden. A mix of concern and sternness coloured the king’s voice as he demanded an explanation from his brother.

"Please clarify this! Did you truly cause these bruises on her?" the king asked in a firm tone.

Kyren’s eyes darted, his voice laced with denial, "It’s not what you think, Your Majesty! I would never intentionally harm her."

King Kyden’s voice reverberated across the room, commanding attention again, "Did you or did you not cause these bruises?"

A sigh escaped the grand duke’s lips as he finally admitted, "I... I did. But it isn’t what you think it is."

Queen Emelda’s anger surged forth as she couldn’t contain her rage any longer. Her voice filled with fury, "How could you do this to her?!"

Before the situation could escalate further, Rafe interjected, "Your Majesties, please allow me to explain. His Highness did not mean to harm Lady Raychard. This occurred unintentionally due to his overwhelming excitement."

Rafe’s words resonated in the room as he attempted to defend his lord from the accusations, shedding light on the true nature of the incident.

"Excited over what?" King Kyden’s voice thundered with disappointment and condemnation. "This is a disgraceful act! No Cassian man is permitted to lay a hand on his wife, regardless of the circumstances. It is against the law of our kingdom. Do you truly wish to risk losing your limbs for defying this regulation?"

The weight of the king’s words hung heavy in the room, and the gravity of the situation became increasingly apparent.

Driven by a deep sense of love, Anna slid down from the bed and hurriedly approached Kyren. She positioned herself between him and the royal couple’s piercing gaze as if shielding him from their judgment.

"Please, listen!" the princess’s voice resounded with urgency and determination. "My husband has never inflicted injury on me. The truth is, we were engaged in an intimate encounter last night, and our passions got carried away. It was a momentary lapse in control, but there was no intention to cause harm."

Queen Emelda blinked, her eyes widening as she absorbed Anna’s words. The revelation shifted the royal couple’s perspective. The room fell momentarily silent as they grappled with this unexpected explanation.

"But... but those marks don’t resemble the result of lovemaking! They appear far too severe," the queen countered, her scepticism apparent.

Rafe stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I assure you, these are indeed the marks of lovemaking. Lady Raychard has susceptible skin, and this isn’t the first time such marks have appeared. I have advised His Highness to exercise caution and restrain his passion during their intimate moments."

The queen, unconvinced, sneered at Rafe, doubting his answer. "I find it hard to believe. Your reasoning seems clouded by your allegiance to the grand duke."

"I assure you, Your Majesty, my loyalty does not blind me to the lady’s suffering. What I have stated is the truth. His Highness did not inflict harm upon her."

King Kyden intervened with a decisive course of action to resolve the matter once and for all.

"Let us settle this matter definitively. Royal healers, thoroughly examine the lady’s body and administer any necessary treatment. The rest of you, please wait outside."

The king’s authoritative command signalled the need for a comprehensive investigation, allowing the truth to prevail and Kyren’s innocence or guilt to be determined. Knowing that Anna’s blood contained the pure serum, the King’s attention grew even more to her well-being.

With a sense of urgency, the group of royal healers acquiesced to the King’s request. Anna was urged to lie down on the bed again by them.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty, but for Anna’s sake, I implore you to allow me to stay," the queen pleaded earnestly.

"I, too, must remain by her side. As her appointed healer, I’m aware of her condition more than anyone else," Rafe continued, emphasising his expertise and dedication.

Kyren resolutely countered, "I won’t leave! Anna is my wife, and I will not go anywhere!"

The tension in the room escalated as emotions ran high, but the king’s voice boomed with unwavering order, cutting through the turmoil.

"I said, everybody out!" His stern proclamation stunned them all. His piercing blue eyes locked onto each individual in turn.

Queen Emelda swiftly bowed, recognising her overstep, and offered a hasty apology before complying with the king’s order. Rafe, though reluctant, followed suit. Finally, Kyren, hesitating yet with no other choice, yielded as the king firmly guided him out of the guestroom.

The door closed behind them, sealing off the outside world from the space where Anna was. Inside, the royal healers conducted their examination, while outside, those who cared for her anxiously awaited the outcome.

The sudden exit of everyone from the room caught the attention of the two knights and the chamberlain, leaving them perplexed and curious. However, the tense atmosphere deterred them from questioning further.

Soon after, the leader of the royal healers emerged, holding the outcome. Stepping forward, they addressed the royal couple.

"Your Majesties, based on our thorough examination, Mr Amares, the healer of His Highness the Grand Duke of Gerhard, spoke the truth. The bruises were not a result of beating or intentional harm."

Unable to contain her impatience, the queen eagerly inquired, "Then, what was the cause?"

With a respectful bow, the royal healer replied, "Excessive kissing and sucking on the skin, Your Majesty."

A wave of crimson flushed across the group’s faces, especially Kyren’s, as the true nature of the marks was revealed.

"I told you I didn’t harm her!" the grand duke grunted, his frustration evident, before swiftly rushing back into the guestroom, disregarding the stares directed his way.

Queen Emelda’s embarrassment was palpable as she reflected on her hasty assumptions. "Forgive me, Your Majesty. I may have wrongly assumed."

Realising the gravity of their mistake, the king urged action. "Very well! Since we have made a rash judgment, let us go and apologise to them."

Determined, they reentered the room, accompanied by Rafe, while Charles, Drystan, and Alex remained outside.

As the royal healers completed their task and exited the room, Kyren approached the bed, his careful hands delicately draping Anna’s shawl over her once more, concealing the bruises from the view of the onlookers.

"I deeply regret my hasty accusation, Kyren," the queen spoke with remorse, her guilt palpable. "And Anna, please accept my sincere apology for my thoughtless actions. This is my first time encountering such a case, so I was overwhelmed."

Anna’s voice carried a tinge of resignation as she replied, "Your Majesty, it’s all right. Misunderstandings are commonplace. I have grown accustomed to such misconceptions."

The king, stern and resolute, interjected with concern.

"Nevertheless, it is not acceptable to handle your wife so roughly. You should understand her worth and know how to hold her without causing harm."

Kyren’s frustration resurfaced as he firmly stated, "I assure you, I will never do such an ill act on her."

The queen, seeking a resolution, proposed a course of action. "Very well, but as a gesture of care, let Anna rest in her private chamber for the next few days to allow her time to recuperate."

"Anna doesn’t have a private chamber. She stays in my suite with me," the grand duke responded casually, his calm tone revealing his unconventional arrangement of the royals.

The queen, taken aback by this revelation, expressed her confusion. "What? You haven’t provided a dedicated chamber for her? How could you neglect the decorum and decency expected within your household?"

Kyren’s face was grave as he defended his stance. "My wife never sleeps anywhere other than by my side when I am with her. I do not allow it."

Seeking clarification, the queen turned to Anna. "Are you content with this arrangement, Anna?"

Feeling embarrassed and devoted, Anna answered, "Your Majesty, I have no problem with this. I have always slept by his side since our marriage. The only time I slept alone was when Kyren was away for duty. Even when we disagree, my husband still sleeps beside me."

The queen’s face flushed with realisation as she exclaimed, "Oh, my! I had no idea you two were so deeply connected!"

The king was surprised by his brother’s strong attachment to Anna, which went beyond the ordinary. He was taken aback by this revelation, especially since he knew that Kyren was unable to love anyone.

King Kyden was sure that when he asked his brother in the throne hall, the grand duke merely stated that he only cared for his wife, contradicting the action akin to obsession depicted before them.

"Please forgive us for our mistakes. However, considering the queen’s concerns, I strongly believe your wife must rest and recover. Therefore, I suggest you stay here tonight," said the king calmly.

Kyren’s protests rose immediately. "What? Oh, come on!"

Turning to Rafe, the queen sought his professional opinion. "Rafe, as the healer attending to the lady, what is your perspective on this?"

The healer, mindful of Anna’s well-being, aligned with the king’s suggestion. "I agree with His Majesty’s proposal. Prioritising her recovery would be in her best interest."

Kyren’s glare now turned towards Rafe, his frustration mounting. "Not you, too!"

In an effort to find a compromise, the king addressed Kyren directly. "I will arrange a separate chamber for you. For now, I request that you refrain from any intimacies with your wife. Let her focus on getting well."

Kyren’s resistance grew more assertive. "What? No! Your Majesty, you can’t do this!"

With unwavering authority, the king issued his final command, "This is an order! Furthermore, we did not conclude our discussion in the throne hall earlier. That matter still requires attention."

The king’s firmness left little room for argument, emphasising the importance of Anna’s recovery and the need to address the unresolved pressing issues. Kyren gritted his teeth in annoyance.

The suggestion made by his brother to turn Anna into his concubine felt so outrageous, and he was determined not to compromise on it. He would never let his wife’s status be demoted as such.

"Anna, please understand that our intention is not to separate you from Kyren. This arrangement is solely for the sake of your health. Rest assured, we will ensure your comfort and provide everything you need during your stay," the King clarified, wanting to alleviate any misunderstandings.

"I appreciate your kind offer, Your Majesty, and I will comply accordingly," Anna graciously acknowledged the king’s consideration.

Kyren, unable to accept the decision, interjected with a sense of desperation. "Anna, no!"

Trying to reassure her husband, Anna spoke gently to resolve the matter without offending the royal couple. "It will be all right, Kyren. It’s just one night. I won’t be far from you, and you’ll also be here, albeit in a different room. Please understand, it’s for the best."

Resigned to the authority of the King, Kyren let out a sigh of defeat. He had no choice but to obey the command.

"Good. Charles will guide you to your room. We will see you during lunch," the king declared, addressing the grand duke. He and the queen then departed from the guestroom.

The healer bowed respectfully as they left. Kyren, his frustration directed towards Rafe, confronted him with a piercing glare.

"Why did you support the king’s order? You should have stood by my side!"

Rafe, maintaining his composure, responded firmly. "I have warned you repeatedly against exerting yourself on Lady Raychard, but you refused to listen. Perhaps this will serve as a valuable lesson for you."

"Traitor!" Kyren spat out, narrowing his eyes in annoyance, while the healer pursed his lips, surrendering himself as the object for the grand duke to vent his anger.

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