The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 132: A Family Gathering

Chapter 132: A Family Gathering

The grand dining hall exuded an atmosphere that blended formality with a lingering sense of calm. The meticulously set table boasted exquisite silverware and delicate porcelain, a testament to the regal ambience that enveloped the space.

Anna and Kyren were seated at the table, joined by the king and queen for an intimate lunch. Meanwhile, their devoted escorts sat in a separate room, allowing the family a private moment.

"Where are the princesses?" the queen inquired, her voice filled with curiosity and anticipation, directed towards one of her attendants.

"They should be on their way, Your Majesty. I have relayed your message to the governess," the lady replied respectfully.

The queen nodded lightly, acknowledging the attendant’s response. In a matter of moments, two lively young girls, aged five and four, came bounding into the room, followed closely by their vigilant governess.

"Oh, princesses! Please refrain from running. Remember to follow proper etiquette," the governess gently advised.

"It’s alright for today. After all, this is an informal gathering and just a private family affair," the queen replied, allowing a touch of leniency.

"Very well, Your Majesty," the governess acquiesced, understanding the queen’s intention.

With a gesture of dismissal from the queen, the governess bowed respectfully to the monarch. She exited the room, leaving the royal family to enjoy their intimate luncheon with their cherished little princesses.

"Greetings, mother!" the two children chimed in unison as they approached the queen. Their happy voices filled the air.

Queen Emelda’s face lit up with a warm smile as she greeted her children, her love and motherly affection shining through every gesture.

With open arms, she enveloped Laura and Lilith in a tender embrace, holding them close to her.

Upon seeing his daughters, King Kyden couldn’t help but feel a tinge of disappointment, as their attention seemed solely focused on their mother.

"Girls, have you forgotten to greet your own father?" he queried in a sulking voice.

Realising their oversight, Laura and Lilith swiftly turned their head to the king.

"Oh, forgive us, father!" Laura exclaimed, rushing towards him.

Lilith followed suit, and both girls planted kisses on King Kyden’s cheeks, one on the left and one on the right, as the king bent down to their level.

Kyren, observing the interaction, decided to join in.

"Hello, Laura! How have you been?" he greeted warmly, attempting to engage with his niece.

The princess turned around, and her eyes widened, startled by the presence of her uncle. She couldn’t believe the grand duke was there, in their midst.

Overwhelmed with joy, she exclaimed, "Uncle Ky!" and darted towards him, enveloping him in a tight embrace.

Kyren reciprocated the hug, lifting his beloved niece and settling her comfortably on his lap.

Meanwhile, Lilith, feeling a bit shy and apprehensive, sought refuge behind Queen Emelda, her small form partially hidden. She observed the interaction between her sister and uncle, her expression revealing a mixture of curiosity and caution.

"You haven’t been here for so long!" Laura complained, her voice tinged with a touch of longing. "Why didn’t you come, Uncle Ky?"

Kyren, his voice filled with affection, responded, "I apologise, my dear princess. I’ve been occupied with my duties."

Kyren’s large arms gently held Laura on his lap. Anna couldn’t help but be captivated by the transformation she witnessed. The once formidable and commanding figure had now assumed the role of a tender and affectionate uncle, surprising her with this newfound demeanour.

"Don’t you miss me?" the little princess asked again with pouting lips, her round eyes glimmering towards Kyren.

"Of course I do! If it weren’t for my duties, I would’ve come running for you!" replied Kyren earnestly.

"I wrote many letters to Gerhard asking for you to come... But you didn’t respond!" countered the little girl.

"I’m sorry, Laura. I would if I knew. But, I was at the borders and not at the duchy," the grand duke laid his reason.

"All right. Since you already came today, I’ll forgive you," Laura smiled again, her dimples on both cheeks deepened. The little girl couldn’t contain her happiness as Kyren kissed her cheek. She leaned into his embrace, feeling safe and loved in his arms.

Curiosity sparked within Lilith as she saw Kyren holding her sister warmly.

"Who is that, mother?" she inquired. Her gaze fixed on Kyren as she whispered to her mother and gave a curious look.

"That’s your Uncle Ky. Don’t you remember?" the queen responded, her tone gentle and encouraging. However, Lilith seemed hesitant as she glanced at Kyren again, her memory struggling to recall their previous connection.

Kyren, sensing the youngest princess’s hesitation, maintained a patient and understanding expression.

"It’s alright, Lilith," he reassured her, his voice soothing. "I understand it’s been a while since we last saw each other. But I’m here now, and we can make new memories together."

The queen interjected, her voice tinged with a hint of playful reproach. "You see, Kyren? You haven’t visited us in quite some time. Laura has been eagerly asking about you, and Lilith, unfortunately, doesn’t remember you anymore."

Kyren’s expression softened as he listened to the queen’s words. He reached out and affectionately pinched Laura’s cute, plump cheek, eliciting a smile from the little girl. Playfully, he trailed down and tickled her neck, further igniting her laughter and filling the hall with the joyous sound.

King Kyden’s face lit up with a happy grin as he witnessed his brother’s relaxed expression and the warmth that enveloped Kyren’s smile. It was a rare and delightful sight, not something he noticed on a daily basis. The king cherished these moments of seeing his brother at ease and content.

Laura, ever curious, directed her attention towards Anna, who sat beside the grand duke. Her eyes widened with curiosity as she posed her question.

"Who is she?" she asked, her gaze fixed on the princess.

Kyren, radiating pride, introduced Anna to his niece. "This is my new wife, your aunt," he declared, emphasising their special bond.

Confusion flickered across Laura’s face as she processed the information. "Aunt? But you said you didn’t want to get married," she protested, her forehead creasing with a hint of confusion.

Kyren’s smile softened, his eyes filled with affection as he responded. "Sometimes, life brings unexpected surprises, Laura. I found the right person to be my wife, which has made me incredibly happy."

Anna’s heart fluttered with joy upon hearing her husband’s heartfelt words. His affirmation of their commitment filled her with a profound sense of happiness and contentment.

Still processing the information, Laura couldn’t help but comment on Anna’s striking eyes.

"Her eyes are so pretty! They’re green, just like those of the first emperor. Is she his daughter?" she curiously inquired, her young imagination sparking wonderfully.

Gently, Kyren corrected the little princess’s assumption, his tone patient and kind.

"No, my dear. Anna is not the daughter of the first emperor. The first emperor passed away a long time ago. Anna’s captivating green eyes are simply a beautiful coincidence."

Laura absorbed the information, and her eyes widened. "She’s not?"

"Of course, she’s not. If she were the emperor’s daughter, she would be ancient by now," Kyren responded, his words tinged with amusement.

Anna couldn’t help but laugh at Kyren’s explanation to Laura. His response struck her as both endearing and light-hearted, bringing happiness to her face.

"Hmmm... that’s weird. I’ve never seen anyone with green eyes," Laura remarked, her curiosity piqued.

Kyren smiled again at his niece, understanding the intrigue in her words.

"Exactly, Laura. That’s why she’s very special to me," he assured her, emphasising the uniqueness and significance of Anna’s presence in his life.

Anna’s cheeks flushed a deep shade of red in response to the acknowledgement.

Feigning a playful sulk, Laura pursed her lips and pretended to be offended. "Am I not special to you anymore?" she asked, her eyes searching for reassurance.

"Oh, princess. You will always have a special place in my heart," he said affirmatively.

Encouraging Laura to greet Anna, Kyren suggested, "Don’t you want to say hi to her? She’s very kind."

Laura nodded. She went down Kyren’s lap and took the initiative to call out to her sister, attempting to involve Lilith in the interaction.

When Lilith didn’t respond, Laura walked over to her sister and gently coaxed her to join them. Finally, the two princesses approached Anna and courteously curtsied.

"Greetings, aunt," Laura introduced herself with grace. "My name is Princess Laura, and this is my sister, Princess Lilith."

Anna smiled warmly, acknowledging the princess’ introduction. "Oh, hello, princesses. My name is Anna. It’s a pleasure to meet both of you."

Laura’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. "May we call you Aunt Anna?" she asked, seeking permission to address their new family member.

"Why, of course you may," Anna replied, delighted by the request. "By the way, I have some presents for you."

"Presents?" Laura and Lilith’s eyes widened with excitement.

Anna nodded, reaching into her bag and retrieving two fabric pouches she had prepared in advance. She had anticipated the princesses’ presence, having been informed that they would join for lunch.

Laura and Lilith eagerly unwrapped the pouch, their eyes widening with delight as they discovered a pair of socks crafted from soft pink yarn. Intricate embroideries in the shape of adorable bunnies adorned the socks, adding a whimsical touch.

"Mother, look! It’s a pair of bunny socks!" Laura exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement. Turning to Anna, she beamed gratefully and expressed her heartfelt thanks. Lilith quickly followed suit, expressing her gratitude with a smile.

Anna’s heart warmed at the sight of the children’s joy. They were beautiful, each bearing unique features. Laura inherited her father’s captivating blue eyes and golden blonde hair, while Lilith took after her mother, with silky black hair and light brown eyes.

Anna couldn’t help but feel a sense of endearment towards them, simultaneously joyous, realising that Kyren had a sweet nickname within his family.

Laura and Lilith approached the queen with beaming smiles, proudly displaying their new bunny socks.

"Oh, it’s beautiful. Where did you buy this, Anna?" inquired the queen, her eyes admiring the craftsmanship of the knitted bunny socks.

Anna shook her head slowly. "I didn’t buy them. I actually knitted them myself. I’m glad the children are happy to receive them," she replied.

"Really?" the queen responded with surprise, impressed by Anna’s handiwork.

Kyren chimed in, adding to Anna’s explanation. "She spent almost the whole day working on them. Anna believes that a gift is more meaningful when it comes from her own hands," he explained, a touch of admiration for his wife evident in his words.

"That is truly thoughtful of you, Anna. Thank you very much," expressed King Kyden.

The queen’s eyes filled with gratitude as she acknowledged Anna’s effort. "How grateful you are. And the knitting is so neat. You must be an expert," she praised, genuinely impressed.

Anna blushed modestly. "No, not really. I just learned it from Rosalie, the chief maid of the mansion. She taught me well," she humbly admitted, recognising the guidance she had received.

"You are so talented. I don’t even know how to knit," the queen confessed, expressing her appreciation. "Thank you very much. I truly appreciate it."

"You are already a fine queen, my dear, even without knowing how to knit," persuaded King Kyden.

Queen Emelda let out a laugh at his response.