The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 154: [Bonus - ] A Talk With The Queen (II)

Chapter 154: [Bonus Chapter] A Talk With The Queen (II)

"Ah... that! So you’ve heard about it. I suspect Lady James spread the news upon learning of your arrival at the palace," the queen replied. "She must have felt insecure with your presence. That woman can indeed be a nuisance at times," she added, her voice tinged with a hint of annoyance.

Anna’s brows furrowed, a mix of confusion and curiosity swirling within her.

"I’m sorry, Your Majesty... but I don’t quite understand," she admitted. Confusion etched on her face as she made the statement.

"You must have assumed that I have a close relationship with Lady James since she serves as my chief lady-in-waiting, correct? Well... the reality is quite different," the queen explained, her voice carrying a note of intrigue.

Anna’s eyes widened slightly, her curiosity piqued. "You’re not?" she questioned, her voice barely a whisper.

The queen nodded, her expression serious.

"There’s a saying that goes, ’Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer.’ The truth is, neither His Majesty nor I hold favour towards Lady James. However, due to her family’s influence and power, we must keep a close watch on her to ensure she does not act against us, especially when the marriage talk didn’t fall through," the queen revealed. "I pretend that she gains my full trust to ensure she is close to me."

The revelation caught Anna off guard, leaving her pleasantly surprised. She had never anticipated that the queen possessed such strategic acumen.

"As for the engagement you mentioned... I believe Kyren would be the best person to provide you with the answer since he holds the key to why it did not come to fruition. But I can assure you, the Grand Duke of Gerhard has never placed a ring on any lady’s finger other than yours," Queen Emelda added reassuringly.

Anna swallowed nervously, the statement from the queen completely altering her perspective.

"Your Majesty... please forgive me for asking this, but how do you have so much faith in Kyren’s feelings for me? And your acceptance of me... knowing who I am and where I come from, shouldn’t it bother you?" she inquired with a mix of curiosity and vulnerability. "After all, we only met yesterday."

Queen Emelda’s smile grew, radiating warmth and wisdom.

"That’s because Kyren has a keen eye for good people. He knows how to choose those who will stand by his side," the queen replied, her voice filled with confidence.

The queen’s following words held a surprising revelation, deepening Anna’s understanding of their relationship.

"In fact, my marriage to His Majesty was an arranged one. And do you know who chose the bride for him?" she asked, a twinkle of fondness in her eyes.

Anna hesitated, her mind racing to process the information. "Didn’t His Majesty choose his own bride?" she ventured to guess.

The queen shook her head, a soft laugh escaping her lips.

"It was Kyren. He was the Crown Prince then, and His Majesty was still a prince who was reserved and shy. When the candidates were lined up, and Her Majesty, the queen, their mother, asked Kyren who he thought would be the best match for his brother, he approached me and said, ’Please be my brother’s wife. You’re the perfect person for him," said the queen, reminiscing about the nostalgia.

Anna’s eyes widened in surprise, a newfound appreciation for Kyren’s discernment and the bond between the two brothers taking root within her heart.

"Kyren said that?"

"He did! It was quite a shock to everyone since he chose a daughter from a lesser-known noble family without power or position in the royal council. Even I was taken aback," said Queen Emelda.

Curiosity sparked within Anna as she sought to understand Kyren’s choice.

"What was his reason then?" she asked.

"He said that his brother smiled when he first laid eyes on me. From that, he knew I would bring His Majesty happiness."

Anna couldn’t contain her surprise any longer. "This is truly astonishing! I had no idea," she confessed.

Queen Emelda nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with a knowing glimmer.

"Indeed, it is. And to add to that, Kyren played a pivotal role in ensuring the happiness of his knight, Sir Eric Navin and his wife," the queen shared, her voice holding a sense of admiration.

Anna’s eyes widened again.

"Sir Navin and Rachel... they got married because of Kyren as well?" she inquired, her tone filled with curiosity.

"Ah, so you are acquainted with her," she remarked, acknowledging the connection.

"Actually, Kyren and I attended their party last night to celebrate the arrival of their second son," Anna revealed, her voice filled with genuine joyfulness.

"I see... it warms my heart to know that their love story continues to flourish. Kyren has a way of touching lives and ensuring that happiness finds its way to those who deserve it," she said.

"What was their story?" asked Anna, anxious to know.

"From what I understand, it appears that Sir Navin’s wife, before their marriage, was a commoner and an orphan, with only a sister as family. Consequently, Baron Navin, Sir Navin’s father, disapproved of their marriage due to the difference in social status. However, Kyren recognised her immense importance to his knight and took it upon himself to converse with the baron."

"He did that?" Anna asked with a sceptical tone. Queen Emelda nodded.

"Through persuasion and a generous gesture, he granted her several lands and a gentry house, thereby elevating her family’s social standing within society. Eventually, the Baron relented, and the couple was able to marry. Interestingly enough, Kyren personally walked the knight’s bride on the aisle to join her in marriage to Sir Navin."

Taken aback by this revelation, Anna exclaimed, "No wonder they hold him in such high regard! They even sought our blessings for their child!"

"All members of the Knighthood of Gerhard hold him in the highest respect. In fact, even Mr. Rafe Amares, the former royal healer, chose to leave his position at the palace and follow the grand duke despite Kyren’s decision not to ascend to the throne," revealed the queen.

"Ah, so Rafe was once a royal healer. That explains his exceptional expertise," Anna remarked, recalling the healer’s skilful handling of the Laradie case investigation at the border and his single-handed care for the casualties following the pirate attack.

Curiosity sparked within the queen as she inquired, "Did Kyren ever share with you the reason behind his declaration three years ago?"

Anna paused for a moment, reflecting on the matter.

"He did attempt to broach the subject, but I encouraged him not to speak of it for now. I sensed he wasn’t ready to discuss it," the princess admitted.

"I understand," the queen nodded. "Even I am unaware of his reasons. However, I do know that it troubled him deeply. He appeared utterly devastated at that time, his countenance clouded. Only after His Majesty agreed with his request did he seem relieved. But the decision to embrace celibacy... he made that proclamation independently, without even consulting us. Even His Majesty was greatly saddened by it. Above all else, we wish Kyren’s happiness with someone he loves."

Queen Emelda’s words showed genuine concern and affection for the grand duke’s well-being.

"That’s precisely why, upon learning of your marriage, His Majesty was genuinely surprised and elated," the queen explained. "Even I was kept in the dark until your arrival, on the day of the fans’ commotion. Your husband specifically requested a hundred palace guards to ensure your protection, a request he had never made before."

Anna’s mouth hung open in astonishment. No one had ever informed her of these details, not even Kyren himself.

"Now you understand the depth of his affection for you," the queen continued. "If that isn’t love, I don’t know what else to call it."

Anna blushed, her heart racing. "I... I’m at a loss for words."

"No need to say anything more, Anna, for you already hold a significant place in his heart," the queen reassured her. "He can’t seem to take his eyes off you whenever you’re around, let alone sleep in a separate room as His Majesty had suggested."

Anna was embarrassed. It seemed nothing could escape the queen’s knowledge.

"About Lady James... I guess I have made a mistake introducing you to her. My intention was actually to make her aware that Kyren is already committed to you and that she should cease entertaining any dreams of being by his side. I did not anticipate that things would unfold this way," the queen expressed with a hint of regret.

"No, Your Majesty, you have done nothing wrong. This experience has taught me a valuable lesson in not easily succumbing to rumours," Anna responded, acknowledging her own misjudgment.

"Rumors, if mishandled, can indeed pose a threat. Therefore, if Lady James’s words or claims are offensive to you, remember you have every right to stand up and confront her. You need not compete with her for Kyren’s affection. Why engage in a competition when you have already emerged victorious? All you need to do is show her who truly possesses Kyren’s heart," the queen urged, offering her persuasive counsel.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for enlightening me with these words. I feel a great sense of relief," Anna expressed gratefully.

"You are most welcome. I am genuinely delighted to have you as my sister-in-law, Anna. Whatever may come, I will always be there to support you," the queen assured her.

Anna’s heart swelled with happiness. Kyren had been right all along. Cassian’s royal family was indeed markedly different from her own family.

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