The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 159: Her Choice

Chapter 159: Her Choice

The cacophony of sounds that had filled the throne hall abruptly subsided as King Kyden made his entrance. With each confident step, he walked the path towards the dais, accompanied by the resolute presence of the Grand Duke of Gerhard by his side.

The room was hushed, all eyes fixed upon the king and his brother.

Once King Kyden ascended the dais, taking his place on the throne, a wave of reverence swept through the gathered ministers. With a respectful bow, they acknowledged their sovereign’s presence.

"Greetings to the Sun of Cassian!" their voices resounded in unison, their words carrying the weight of loyalty and devotion.

King Kyden acknowledged their salutations with a nod, his gaze sweeping over the assembly. Beside the dais, Kyren stood, a steadfast pillar of support.

Among the ministers, Lord James and Lord Grey were easily identifiable. Waste no time, Lord James, his expression determined, stepped forward, signalling the purpose behind the requested audience.

All attention focused on Lord James as he prepared to address the king. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as he laid the reason behind the gathering.

"Your Majesty, I express my gratitude for granting us this audience amidst your busy schedule. The purpose of our request today primarily revolves around His Royal Highness, the Grand Duke of Gerhard."

"And what could that be?" asked King Kyden. "I heard that you’ve been so persistent for this audience."

"Yes. It’s an alarming matter. We’ve heard a distressing rumour, and we humbly seek Your Majesty’s intervention, as it concerns the honour of the royal family of Cassian," responded Lord James.

King Kyden, maintaining a facade of ignorance, inquired, "And what, pray tell, is the nature of this rumour that has stirred such concern?"

Lord James responded firmly, "It has been alleged that His Highness has married a woman who was once a slave."

A flash of anger crossed Kyren’s face as he interjected, "Absolute nonsense!"

"Grand Duke of Gerhard, please remain composed. We will go into details on this first," King Kyden ordered.

Respecting the king’s demand, the grand duke closed his lips solemnly.

"Carry on, Lord James," ordered the king.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Lord James began, his voice respectful yet laden with curiosity. "We were informed that His Highness has taken a wife and brought her to the capital after his service at the frontier. As ministers, we are naturally eager to meet the woman who has captured his heart and convinced him to abandon his life of celibacy. However, Lord Enos informed us that the audience between her and Your Majesty was discreet. Consequently, we have yet to have the opportunity to meet her. Our primary concern is whether His Highness has made a suitable choice that befits his position as the grand duke and a royal family member."

Kyren scoffed. "Why must the ministers be involved in my personal matters? Shouldn’t I have the freedom to choose my partner?"

Lord James responded firmly, "Indeed, choosing a life partner is ultimately Your Highness’s decision, as you will be bound to her. However, it is crucial to consider that the woman who stands by you should also come from a social standing that upholds your position. This is not only a matter of personal preference but also one that pertains to the future succession of the throne. As we are all aware, we have yet to see the emergence of a crown prince. If Your Highness is already married, it is highly likely that an heir will soon be expected."

"I have already renounced my claim to the throne in favour of His Majesty, which means the matter of succession no longer falls under my purview. It is now within His Majesty’s authority," Kyren firmly asserted in response.

A different minister interjected, seeking to clarify the situation.

"That is not entirely accurate, Your Highness," he corrected. "As the former crown prince of the kingdom, your heir remains eligible for the throne. The first-born son, whether from you or His Majesty, would be the rightful successor as the next crown prince."

Another minister chimed in, reinforcing the established customs of the Ro’an Empire, "Indeed, this aligns with the traditions and regulations we have upheld. The royal family must adhere to these principles."

Sensing the need to redirect the conversation, the king spoke up, capturing everyone’s attention.

"Before we delve further into this debate, I believe the main figure in this discussion must be present," he announced.

Confusion etched across Kyren’s face as he sought clarification.

"What do you mean, Your Majesty?" he inquired.

"The central focus of our discussion lies with Lady Anna Raychard," the king declared, his voice firm and decisive. "Therefore, I request the presence of the lady to shed light on this matter. As it concerns the royal family, the queen’s attendance is also necessary."

The king turned to Charles, the chamberlain, and issued his command. "I am summoning the queen and Lady Anna Raychard. Please bring them immediately."

The chamberlain promptly obeyed the king’s order, swiftly departing to retrieve the queen and the princess.

After a brief interlude, the grand doors of the throne hall swung open, revealing Queen Emelda accompanied by her ladies-in-waiting, with Anna by her side. They entered the hall and presented graceful bows, expressing their respect and courtesies to the king.

Whispers filled the hall, emanating from those who laid eyes on Anna for the first time. Their gazes were drawn to her striking green emerald eyes, a captivating feature that held an air of enchantment.

Rumours of her possessing such rare eyes had circulated, but now, witnessing them firsthand, there was no doubt about their existence.

The queen proceeded to take her place beside the king, and her presence was acknowledged by all attendees with due reverence. Meanwhile, Anna positioned herself by Kyren’s side, ready to provide support and clarification.

Uneased with her presence, Kyren tightly clasped the princess’s hand, garnering attention from the onlookers.

"I would like to take this opportunity to introduce Lady Anna Raychard to all of you," the king began, his voice projecting with authority. "I’m aware that there is curiosity regarding her identity and how she came to be married to my brother."

Lord James respectfully expressed his interest, stating, "Your Majesty, we would be honoured to learn more about Lady Anna Raychard. It would be greatly appreciated if you could confirm her background."

However, King Kyden believed it would be more appropriate for Anna to confirm her identity. He turned to her and ordered, "Anna, please enlighten them about who you are."

Kyren, growing increasingly anxious, interjected, "Your Majesty, is this truly necessary?"

Reassuringly, Anna whispered to her husband, "It’s alright, Kyren. Allow me to address this."

Her words lingered in the air, leaving Kyren with a mixture of confusion and concern.

"I don’t understand... Were you and His Majesty planning something behind my back?" he spoke cautiously in a quiet voice, his voice tinged with vulnerability.

Anna gazed up at her husband, her expression filled with warmth and determination. "I’m doing what I believe is right, Kyren. For you, us, and our future. Please trust me and allow me to speak."

A brief silence enveloped the room as the weight of their exchange hung in the air.

"If you care for me, allow me to speak, Kyren," Anna pleaded slowly.

The ministers’ faces were etched with impatience, and Lord James incessantly cleared his throat in a bid to regain their attention.

In the midst of the unfolding tension, the princess gently withdrew her hand from the grand duke’s grasp and bravely stepped forward, facing the gathered attendees. With a deep breath, she began to share her truth.

"I am Anna Varryn, hailing from Constance, the capital of the kingdom of Ardel," she announced, her voice steady and resolute. "His Royal Highness, the grand duke, encountered me at the southern border of Cassian and Dracor. He valiantly saved me from the clutches of slave traders."

The hall erupted in murmurs, the atmosphere thick with intrigue and surprise. All eyes fixated on her, awaiting further explanation.

"Anna! What are you doing?" Kyren’s voice suddenly pierced the room as he shouted. He hurriedly approached her, grasping her arm in a mixture of confusion and worry.

"It’s alright, trust me on this! Please!" Her eyes pleaded with Kyren to understand her motives.

The grand duke’s forehead furrowed in deep dismay. He couldn’t fathom why his wife deliberately chose to admit the truth to the ministers, exposing their unconventional meeting.

"What happened to you, my lady?" asked Lord Grey with concern.

"Tragedy struck my life when my family members perished, and our home fell victim to ruthless bandits," she began. "In a desperate attempt to preserve my own life, I fled, only to be captured by a gang of slave traders at the border of my kingdom. They forcibly transported me to the City of Tarnova, where I was to be sold at a slave auction. Luckily, I was saved by His Highness when I escaped from them."

The revelation sparked a wave of reactions within the hall. "So the rumours are true! You were a slave!" exclaimed one of the ministers, unable to contain his bewilderment.

A sinister smile briefly danced on Lord James’s lips, though he swiftly concealed it, maintaining a composed facade.

"She was not a slave!" Kyren vehemently rebutted, his voice filled with protectiveness.

Anna, however, interjected. "Allow me to speak for myself, Kyren, please."

A disapproving murmur rippled through the ministers as Anna dared to address the grand duke by his first name.

"How audacious of her to address His Highness so casually!" remarked another minister with thinly veiled disdain.

Kyren’s voice boomed with unwavering conviction.

"She can call me whatever she wishes! She is my wife!"

Attempting to restore order, King Kyden raised his voice, commanding attention within the tense atmosphere.

"Everyone, let us remain calm! Lady Raychard has not finished explaining herself. We must allow her to speak."

Challenging the king’s decision, Kyren passionately disagreed. "Your Majesty, I strongly object to all of this nonsense!"

The king’s tone turned stern, leaving no room for compromise, "Grand Duke of Gerhard, if you do not restrain yourself and adhere to my order, I will have no choice but to have you escorted out of the throne hall immediately."

The weight of the king’s words lingered in the air, casting a shadow of gravity over the proceedings.

Growing increasingly concerned, Queen Emelda recognised the potential consequences of a confrontation between the two brothers. It would not only tarnish the impression before the ministers but also escalate tensions further.

"Grand Duke of Gerhard, I implore you to heed His Majesty’s order," the queen interjected, her voice laced with worry. "Allow Lady Raychard to speak."

Kyren’s frustration simmered within him, evident in his clenched teeth. He yearned to seize Anna’s hand and escape from the mounting tension, but the princess’s beseeching gaze tugged at his heart, compelling him to relent.

"Are you certain about what you’re doing, Anna?" Kyren questioned, his voice tinged with resignation.

Anna met his gaze with unwavering determination. "I am absolutely certain. I want to do this."

Reluctantly, Kyren nodded, conceding to the circumstances with a long sigh.

With newfound resolve, Anna resumed her address to the gathered crowd, determined to unveil the truth.

"I am acutely aware that my status and origins do not align with the position of His Highness’s legal wife within the royal family, and as such, I will not pursue that title," Anna declared, her voice unwavering.

Lord James quickly inquired, "What exactly do you mean?"

The king interjected, "It means that Lady Anna Raychard will assume the role of the Grand Duke’s unofficial wife."

Kyren’s voice erupted, filled with disbelief, "Your Majesty!"

The term ’unofficial wife’ perplexed the ministers, their brows furrowed in confusion.

"Your Majesty, an ’unofficial wife’ can’t bear the royal family’s surname, yet you already addressed her as Lady Raychard," interjected one of the ministers.

"I’m aware," said the king.

With a commanding presence, King Kyden made his proclamation clear.

"Lady Anna Raychard shall be officially appointed as the Honourable Royal Concubine of Gerhard. Thus, she’ll continue to bear Raychard’s surname. I’ve already decided on this, so it is not wrong to address her as such."

The shocking revelation elicited a visceral response.

Queen Emelda’s eyes mirrored her confusion and astonishment at the unexpected proclamation.

Sensing Kyren’s mounting anger, Anna swiftly grasped his hand, silently urging him to withhold his confrontation. The grand duke’s eyes twitched with mixed emotions as he gazed at his wife.

"You have already planned for this!" Kyren whispered to Anna, his expression a mix of bewilderment and disbelief.

Anna nodded, her voice gentle as she pleaded quietly, "Please don’t be angry with me. I will do anything to be by your side. I want to be happy, and this is my choice."

Kyren closed his eyes, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. He felt as though a colossal weight had come crashing down upon him, rendering him speechless. At this point, the grand duke knew if he kept on resisting, the princess would be disheartened.

"Your Majesty, this is truly surprising! As we know, Cassian’s history has never recognised the institution of concubines," one of the ministers said incredulously.

The king acknowledged the minister’s statement. His response was measured.

"Indeed, that is true. However, let us consider that the Ro’an Empire, from which we draw our customs, had this practice. The emperor and the crown prince were permitted to have concubines. Are we not, then, upholding the traditions of the empire within our own regulations?"

The minister who had posed the initial question fell silent, his embarrassment evident as he was the one who highlighted the regulations matter.

"With all due respect, Your Majesty," Lord James interjected, his voice laced with scepticism, "The title of ’The Honourable Royal Concubine’ was historically bestowed upon the unofficial wives of the emperors who possessed exceptional talents that benefited the kingdom. What talent does this lady possess warranting her such a position?"

The room fell into a momentary hush, all eyes turning towards Anna and the king, awaiting their response.

King Kyden’s smirk revealed his anticipation of Lord James raising this very concern. He shifted his gaze towards Anna and suggested, "Lady Raychard, why don’t you demonstrate your talent to us?"

For a brief moment, a crease formed on the princess’s forehead as she pondered the king’s words. However, upon seeing King Kyden’s warm smile and his subtle nod of encouragement, she quickly recalled the one skill she excelled at.

"I am fluent in the language of the kings, the Ro’an language," Anna revealed.

An uproar erupted from the crowd, their astonishment palpable.

"How can a mere slave possess such knowledge of that language?" one of the ministers voiced, his doubt apparent.

Anna maintained her composure and explained.

"My grandfather was once a scholar in Engarth. I had the opportunity to access his library and learned the language before the slave traders tragically captured me."

Lord James challenged her claim, seeking to undermine the significance of her linguistic abilities. "Even if you are fluent in the language, others possess the same knowledge. It is not that exceptional."

"I can assure you that my command of the language surpasses anyone in Cassian. Bring forth your most esteemed scholars, and I am willing to put my skills to the test," Anna said confidently.