The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 137: What Friends Are For

Chapter 137: What Friends Are For

A stark and oppressive atmosphere engulfed the depths of the dungeon. The air grew heavy with a damp chill that seeped into the bones as if the very walls exuded a sense of desolation.

The corridor was seemingly endless, its stone walls adorned with moss and the remnants of forgotten cobwebs.

The scent of decay lingered in the stale air due to the years of confinement and forgotten souls that had inhabited these grim chambers. The occasional water drip echoed through the silence in the darkness.

Seated in the lonely corner of her cramped cell, Meredith felt a profound sense of helplessness envelop her weary soul. Time seemed to blur within the cold, dark prison walls, obscuring any semblance of days or nights since her arrest.

This unfamiliar place, a hidden realm she had never known existed throughout her sheltered life, had become her unwilling home, courtesy of the royal knights.

Desperate pleas for release fell upon deaf ears, the echoes of her voice fading into the oppressive silence that filled the air. Isolated and alone, she yearned for the comfort of familiar faces.

Her father, once a pillar of support, seemed worlds away, unable to offer solace. Even her devoted personal maid, Rania, was denied access to her side. Her mother’s absence, long gone from this world, weighed heavily upon her heart.

As tears streamed down her face, Meredith couldn’t fathom the reason for her captivity. She had been accused of inciting chaos at the grand duke’s mansion, endangering the royal family’s safety.

Yet, she knew deep within her heart that she was innocent. She had never harboured ill intentions towards Anna or her idol, the Grand Duke of Gerhard.

Regret washed over her, a torrent of emotions as she lamented the irreparable damage caused by false accusations.

Lost in her thoughts, she questioned her existence within these cold, unforgiving walls. What had she done to deserve such a fate? The weight of her impending sentence bore down upon her, leaving her powerless to defend herself.

From a distance, echoes of footsteps reverberated through the darkness. Meredith’s weary heart stirred upon hearing them beyond the imposing barrier of the sturdy, thick wooden door.

Could it be the meagre offering of sustenance from the guards?

They were the only ones she had seen since she was captive in this cold prison. For the past two days, her mealtimes had consisted of stale bread, flavourless porridge, and water that failed to satisfy her palate. Her appetite had waned, leaving her with no choice but to drink water to quench her thirst.

"Open the door!"

A commanding male voice called out, breaking the monotony of her solitude. The sound of rustling keys reached her ears, enticing hope amidst the oppressive silence.

With a twist of the iron key, the door creaked open, revealing a sliver of light that pierced the darkness.

Meredith’s body curled protectively as she clung to her knees and slowly lifted her gaze, her eyes adjusting to the newfound illumination. She strained to discern the figure that stood before her, seeking to unravel the mystery of their arrival.

As the door swung wider, revealing the silhouette of a person, a mixture of curiosity and trepidation coursed through her veins. Hope mingled with caution in her heart as she cautiously awaited the identity of her unexpected visitors.

Would they bring solace or deepen her despair?

With bated breath, she prepared herself for the revelation that awaited her, her eyes locked on the figures coming from the door.

The flickering torchlight cast dancing shadows as two guards stepped into the cell. Following closely behind them were two men, one older and the other younger. Accompanying them was a petite woman whose features began to emerge from the haze of confusion that clouded the lady’s mind.

Recognition slowly dawned upon her, and her eyes widened in disbelief. It was as if a veil had been lifted, revealing the faces she had longed to see.

"Lady Grey!" Anna exclaimed, her voice carrying a sense of urgency.

She rushed forward, disregarding the dirt and grime that stained the prison floor, and knelt before Meredith.

The lady’s gaze focused on Anna, her heart swelling with mixed emotions. Tears welled up in her eyes once more, threatening to spill over.

"Anna!" she whispered, her voice choked.

The weight of her despair began to crumble as the princess enveloped her in a warm embrace, their connection transcending the confines of the prison cell.

At that tender moment, Anna’s presence brought a glimmer of hope to Meredith’s tormented soul. Her anguish burst open, and she sobbed uncontrollably. Her body trembled with the release of pent-up emotions, her tears mingling with the air as they echoed through the walls.

The princess held her tightly, providing solace amidst the chaos. The stains of the prison floor were inconsequential compared to the outpouring of compassion and love that she embodied.

"Anna, I thought I was abandoned, left to die here," Meredith cried.

"Are we not friends? Of course I would come for you," Anna reassured the lady, the sincerity in her voice resonating deeply within her.

Overwhelmed, Meredith’s tears flowed freely, an emotional release after enduring the darkest period of her life. In her moment of despair, this person had emerged as her saviour.

Anna’s gentle touch on her back offered solace, a soothing balm to her wounded spirit.

"It’s alright now! Don’t cry! I’m right here with you," the princess whispered, her words infused with warmth and compassion.

Fear still gripped Meredith tightly, its tendrils refusing to loosen their hold. The darkness that enveloped her seemed impenetrable, its duration an enigma.

"I’m scared! It’s too dark here. I have lost track of how many years I’ve been imprisoned," she cried once more, her voice quivering with terror and confusion.

"It has only been two days, Lady Grey," Alex interjected.

His presence was a steady anchor amid their emotional storm.

Meredith lifted her tear-streaked face, searching for the familiar voice, and her gaze finally met Alex’s. Surprise flickered in her eyes as she beheld the knight.

Her heart skipped a beat, his gleaming hazel eyes penetrating her soul. At that moment, she felt a surge of emotions—relief, longing, and a spark of something more profound.

"Two days? It feels like an eternity!" Meredith exclaimed in anguish.

"You don’t have to be scared anymore. We’re leaving this place. Can you stand up?" Anna asked, her voice filled with concern.

The words washed over Meredith, carrying a surge of hope that lifted her spirit from despair. She attempted to rise with newfound strength, but her trembling legs betrayed her, threatening to send her crashing to the ground again.

Anna swiftly supported Meredith, her hands steadying her back and shoulders.

"Oh, dear! You’re so terrified that you can’t even walk," Anna exclaimed, her brows furrowed worriedly.

Charles, ever dutiful, offered his assistance. "Do you want me to get someone to help, my lady?" he inquired.

The princess, however, had a better idea. She turned to Alex. Her eyes gleamed with determination.

"Don’t waste any more time. Sir Jarr, please lift Lady Grey and bring her to my room," Anna instructed. Her voice was firm yet laced with an underlying tenderness.

Alex nodded, his hazel eyes meeting Anna’s with unwavering resolve.

"Yes, my lady," he replied.

"And Charles, could you fetch Rafe and tell him to come to my room immediately? It seems the lady requires urgent treatment," added the princess.

"Yes, my lady. I’ll be right on my way now," said the chamberlain, excusing himself as he followed the order.

Alex stepped forward with his gallant move.

"Lady Grey, please excuse me," he spoke, his voice carrying a touch of formality.

Before Meredith could utter a word in response, she felt the large, warm hand of the knight envelop her body, lifting her off the ground. With careful strength, the knight scooped her into his arms, cradling her with a gentleness that belied his knightly stature.

A surge of fear from falling coursed through Meredith, causing her to instinctively clutch onto Alex’s neck for support. At that moment, their hearts were beating close, their bodies intimately connected.

"Let’s go, Sir Jarr," Anna urgently directed upon seeing Meredith settled in Alex’s arms. The knight nodded in response.

As they ascended from the depths of the prison, Meredith couldn’t tear her gaze away from the captivating knight. His chiselled features and unwavering strength captivated her, while his chest felt like the most secure place in the world.

It was as if nothing could harm her as long as she remained in his arms.

Together, they emerged from the dungeon’s darkness into the light of the outside world. The atmosphere shifted, becoming brighter and more welcoming.

Yet, for Meredith, the sudden exposure to the light was overwhelming, a jarring sensation after being deprived of it for so long.

"Close your eyes, Lady Grey," Alex instructed, his voice gentle yet firm, as if he knew the discomfort she would experience. "It’ll be slightly painful for your eyes since you haven’t seen the light. But it will get better soon."

Following the knight’s advice, Meredith complied, closing her eyes and hiding her face in the comforting refuge of his chest. Unbeknownst to her, a faint blush adorned Alex’s face, a subtle reaction to the intimate proximity they now shared.

Memories of their previous encounter, when he had gallantly saved her during the chaotic moment, resurfaced in his mind.

They soon arrived at Anna’s room, and the knight carefully placed Meredith on the bed as instructed. However, as he attempted to withdraw, her trembling hand instinctively reached out, holding onto his own.

"Please don’t go! I’m scared," she pleaded, her grip clinging desperately to his large hand.

Uncertain, Alex turned to Anna, seeking guidance. His expression was hesitant and concerned, unsure of what course to take. Sensing Meredith’s genuine fear, Anna interjected, her voice filled with compassion.

"Just stay, Sir Jarr. Look how terrified she is," she requested, understanding the need for his reassuring presence.

Relenting, Alex settled on the edge of the bed, his grip firmly clasping Meredith’s delicate, trembling hand as he offered her a sense of stability and protection.

Observing the distress etched on Meredith’s gaunt face, Anna’s empathy resurfaced.

"You look so frail, Lady Grey. You must be starving. Let me call upon the servants to prepare some food for you," she suggested.

"Please call me Mer. Didn’t you say that we’re friends?" she implored, longing for a connection beyond the formalities of their titles.

Anna smiled warmly.

"All right, Mer. Rest for now. The healer will be here shortly."

Anna swiftly rang the bell on the tableside, and within moments, two servants appeared. The princess wasted no time and quickly ordered a nourishing meal for her weary friend, ensuring that Meredith’s needs would be attended to promptly.

Before long, Rafe arrived in a hurried rush to the room. As he entered, his eyes fell upon the pale figure lying on the bed, her fragile form clutching tightly onto Alex’s hand, while Anna sat at the other end.

"My lady, what has happened?" he inquired.

"Please examine my friend here. She appears weak and emaciated," Anna requested, her worry etched across her features.

"Very well, then. Perhaps, could you step aside first?" The healer requested space to conduct his examination.

Anna nodded understandingly and rose from her seat. She shifted to a nearby chair and seated herself at the table, giving Rafe the required room. Alex, too, moved to step away, but Meredith firmly grasped his hand, pleading to him not to leave her side.

"Please, don’t leave me!" she begged, her eyes brimming with hope and vulnerability.

With a hint of reluctance, the knight addressed Meredith.

"Lady Grey, I must make way for Mr Amares to check on you," he explained gently.

"I don’t want you to go! Please!" the lady implored, her desperation evident in her voice.

Rafe interjected, understanding the delicate situation, "It’s fine, Sir Jarr. If it comforts her, you can stay right where you are."

Relieved, Meredith loosened her grip slightly, allowing Alex to remain beside her. Rafe began his examination, carefully tending to the lady’s weakened state as Anna observed from her seat.

After a thorough examination, the healer turned to the princess with a relieved expression.

"She’s fine. There are no wounds or injuries. It seems that she has been deprived of proper sleep and nutrition for quite some time, likely due to the harsh conditions in the prison. With adequate rest and a nourishing diet, she should recover in a few days," he explained.

Anna let out a sigh of relief, her worry dissipating.

"Thank goodness you’re going to be all right, Mer. I was so concerned for you," she confessed.

Meredith’s eyes were filled with gratitude, her voice trembling with emotion. "Thank you, Anna... I mean, Lady Raychard, for saving me. If it weren’t for you, I would have perished in that dreadful place!" she exclaimed, tears welling in her eyes.

Anna approached her friend, gently placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Oh, hush, Mer. Just call me Anna," she said, a warm smile gracing her lips. "This is what friends are for, to support and help each other. You are my first friend here in Gantz, and of course, I would do everything I can to assist you."

Tears streamed down Meredith’s face as she spoke, her voice filled with sadness and disappointment.

"The girls... they all claimed to be my best friends, but none of them came for me," she confided, her heart heavy with the weight of abandonment.

Anna’s expression softened, her eyes brimming with empathy.

"They did, Mer! They testified on your behalf, providing crucial evidence that allowed us to secure your release from prison," she explained, eager to dispel any doubts. "They may have different ways of showing it, but they truly care about you."

"They do?" Meredith’s voice held a surprise tone, her eyes wide open.

Anna nodded, her expression serious.

"Yes. His Majesty explicitly forbade anyone from visiting you. That’s why no one came initially. I only found out about your situation because Miss Miller intercepted me on my way here," she revealed.

Meredith’s disbelief lingered in her eyes as she processed the information. "So, they came forward and testified for me?" she asked, seeking confirmation.

Rafe, the healer, emphasised the significance of Anna’s efforts.

"It was Lady Raychard’s unwavering determination that compelled His Majesty to conduct a thorough investigation. All the witnesses were summoned for questioning at her insistence," he explained, highlighting Anna’s pivotal role.

Meredith’s astonishment turned into a profound sense of gratitude.

"I... I don’t know what to say. Thank you so much, Anna! I will never forget what you’ve done for me," she expressed sincerely.

"You’re welcome, Mer. It was the right thing to do," she replied, her emerald eyes radiating warmth.

"As soon as you regain your strength, I will arrange for Sir Jarr to escort you home," she said, "Oh, I promised your personal maid that I would send words to her," Anna continued.

Rafe offered his assistance, eager to contribute.

"I will inform Sir Mills to deliver the news, my lady. He’s a skilled rider and should be able to reach her residence swiftly," he offered.

Meredith’s gratitude extended to the healer as well. "Thank you, Mr Amares. Your help means a lot to me," she expressed.

Finally, the noble lady had overcome the arduous obstacle, thanks to the cunning princess and the support of her trusted men.

A blossoming friendship emerged, weaving a bond of companionship that would carry them through the trials that lay ahead.

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