The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 167: A Missed Opportunity

Chapter 167: A Missed Opportunity

As Anna, accompanied by Alex and Drystan, approached her room, an attendant came and intercepted them with some news.

"Apologies, my lady, but there are two ladies who wish to see you. They are currently waiting in the parlour," the attendant informed her.

Curiosity piqued, Anna inquired, "Who is it?"

"It’s Lady Meredith Grey and Lady Sylvia Rogers. They mentioned that you know them," the attendant responded.

Anna’s eyes widened at the mention of the names, and Alex’s expression mirrored her surprise.

"Mer and Lady Rogers?" Anna contemplated aloud. "Why would they suddenly want to see me?"

She pondered momentarily and then decided, "Very well, I will go and see them." Turning to Alex and Drystan, she asked, "Would it be possible for both of you to escort me to meet them?"

"Of course, my lady," Drystan promptly replied.

The servant bowed respectfully and followed the princess and her two escorts from a short distance. As they reached the parlour, Anna spotted Meredith seated on the settee, patiently awaiting her arrival. By her side sat Sylvia, and standing nearby was Rania, Meredith’s personal maid.

Meredith turned her head, her face lighting up with a broad smile as she caught sight of Anna. However, her grin faltered slightly as her gaze trailed to Alex standing behind her.

Sensing the potential need for privacy, Drystan asked the princess, "Shall we wait outside?"

"There’s no need for that. You both can stay," Anna reassured them, wanting their presence during the meeting.

The servant who had accompanied them discreetly closed the door, granting them the desired privacy. Meredith and Sylvia rose from their seats. Meredith curtsied to Anna, and Sylvia followed suit after a moment of hesitation.

"Mer, there’s no need for you to curtsy to me. I am not a noblewoman," Anna insisted, her voice gentle yet firm. The two knights exchanged knowing glances, aware that Anna had decided to conceal her royal status for safety reasons, as discussed earlier.

"Of course I do! You are His Highness’s wife!" Meredith retorted.

"How are you doing now, Mer? Have you fully recovered?" Anna inquired, genuine concern lacing her words.

"I am fine, truly. You need not worry about me. In fact, it is you I am concerned about. I have heard the news. Is it true that you will become His Highness’s concubine?" Meredith’s voice held a mixture of worry and curiosity.

Anna smiled. "It is, as I am his unofficial wife."

"But how is this fair?" Meredith exclaimed, her disbelief evident. "Just because of what happened to you, His Majesty wants to bestow such a title upon you! It’s unjust! You didn’t ask for those terrible things to happen!"

"So you’ve already heard," Anna interjected.

"My father informed me. He was present in the throne hall when you underwent the tests and when His Majesty made his decision. I simply can’t wrap my head around it! That’s why I came today, to see you," Meredith explained earnestly. "Furthermore, I brought Sylvia along. She owes you an apology for the chaos she caused."

Sylvia smiled hesitantly, her remorse evident. "I... I... I am truly sorry for my actions the other day! Mer explained everything to me. If it weren’t for you, she would still be languishing in the dungeon, and perhaps all the fan club members would have faced dire consequences," Sylvia expressed regretfully.

"Oh, hush! I didn’t do anything extraordinary," Anna replied modestly. "I was fortunate that His Majesty was willing to listen to me and provided an opportunity to clear up the misunderstanding."

"Nevertheless, I am immensely thankful for what you did," Sylvia insisted earnestly. "You have no idea how nervous I was during His Majesty’s interrogation. He himself said that if it hadn’t been for you, he would have detained us all!"

"I’m relieved that everything worked out well," Anna replied.

Meredith’s disappointment remained palpable. "I still find it unjust. My father even mentioned that your grandfather was a renowned scholar from Engarth, and he was astounded by your command of the Ro’an language, surpassing even Lord Anson, the chief scholar. You come from a family of knowledge and prestige in Ardel. If you had not fallen into the clutches of those slave traders, you could have become the esteemed Grand Duchess of Gerhard," she expressed sincerely.

"Mer told me that, too! It’s truly remarkable that you possess such skill. Not everyone can master the language of the kings, let alone become an expert in it," Sylvia chimed in, emphasising her admiration.

Anna chuckled softly.

"Shouldn’t both of you be angry with me, considering that I stole away the man you both admired?" she teased, lightening the mood in the room.

"Ah! I admired His Highness for his charm and talent! I’m not so petty as to be jealous of you for marrying him," Meredith responded sincerely. "Now, I understand why he chose you over the other women. You have a heart of gold, and even after what we did to you, you still extend your hand in friendship and help me and my friends. It is I who should be ashamed of myself. I hope we can still be friends after all that has transpired."

"Of course, I want to be friends!" Anna exclaimed. "You were the first to offer to be my friend when I arrived in Gantz. You also stood up for me at the boutique, remember? I will never forget your kindness."

Meredith’s smile widened, reflecting her relief and happiness. "In that case, I have a request, and I hope you will consider it," she said.

Anna asked with curiosity, "What is it?"

"I would like to become your lady-in-waiting once you attain your new title," Meredith revealed, her gaze focused on Anna.

"What? Mer! You never mentioned this to me before," Sylvia interjected, surprised by the revelation.

"I know. I haven’t shared this with anyone yet because I wanted to ask Anna first," Meredith explained to Sylvia.

"Lady-in-waiting? But for what purpose?" Anna questioned, a hint of confusion colouring her voice. "I am not the grand duchess. There is no official need for such a role."

"Yes, there is," Meredith persisted. "Since there is no legal wife of His Highness, you will unofficially assume the responsibilities of the grand duchess. You must correspond with the nobles regarding matters concerning the Duchy of Gerhard. Having me as your lady-in-waiting would be immensely beneficial, as I am well-versed in etiquette and protocol. Moreover, I want to ensure you are treated with the respect and dignity you deserve."

Anna contemplated the proposition, recognising the validity of Meredith’s argument.

"You’re right. I would need some help in navigating the intricacies of Cassian culture. I am not yet accustomed to it."

"But, Mer! If you become Lady Raychard’s lady-in-waiting, it means you will have to accompany her and live in the duchy! You will be separated from your family, and furthermore... it is not common for us to leave our territory unless we are married into another," Sylvia pointed out, her concern evident.

Meredith’s gaze flickered briefly towards Alex, their eyes locking for a fleeting moment before she averted her gaze. The knight was obviously surprised by the statement.

"Then, that means I just have to find a suitor in Gerhard," she mused aloud. "I’m sure His Highness wouldn’t mind. There are plenty of eligible bachelors among his knights. Mr Rafe Amares and even his assistant are available too!"

As Meredith mentioned Rafe and Ayden as potential candidates, a subtle tension tightened Alex’s face, almost imperceptible to the others. Anna’s eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected words from the noblewoman.

"Are you serious about this, Mer?" Sylvia asked.

"Absolutely! I would be delighted if someone from Gerhard would be willing to marry me and bring happiness to my life," Meredith responded earnestly. "I’m not that young anymore, and I’ve reached a marriageable age. It’s only natural for me to consider my future."

Anna considered Meredith’s words for a moment before speaking.

"I won’t interfere in your personal life decisions. Marriage is indeed a significant step, and making such a choice indicates maturity. I will convey your request to His Highness and seek his approval."

Meredith’s face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you so much, Anna! So, after this, I will address you as Lady Raychard again!" she exclaimed happily.

Anna chuckled, her warmth shining through. "Only during formal events. I still want you to address me as Anna in our casual interactions. After all, we are friends, aren’t we?"

Giggles filled the room as the ladies shared a lighthearted moment. When their meeting drew close, Meredith and Sylvia politely excused themselves to return home.

As Meredith passed through the doorway and went to the corridor, Alex, standing aside, suddenly followed her.

"Lady Grey, can I see you for a moment?" he requested.

Meredith discreetly signalled Sylvia and Rania to walk ahead, creating a brief distance between them. She turned to face the knight, her expression severe and her lips devoid of a smile.

"What is it that you want from me?" she inquired, her eyes stern and unwavering.

Alex met her gaze, his tone hinting at concern. "Are you truly serious about your decision to seek a suitor from Gerhard?" he asked.

"Yes, I am. Why do you ask?" replied Meredith, her voice reflecting determination.

"Marriage is a profound commitment. It should not be taken lightly or cast aside easily if you change your mind. It is not a game," Alex cautioned, his words weighted with sincerity.

Meredith’s eyes flashed with a touch of anger. "Who said I am playing a game? I am deadly serious about this!" she asserted.

"If you are pursuing this to gain favour with His Highness..." Alex began, his voice trailing off.

Meredith interrupted him. "I am not! Please do not misunderstand me. This is not some ploy to pursue His Highness. I would never do such a thing to Anna. I respect her, and all of this is for her sake. She saved my life, and I’m indebted to her," she explained firmly.

Alex hesitated momentarily, then continued, "Then, what about the suitors..."

"That is none of your concern," Meredith interjected firmly.

"But... what you said... the other day..." Alex fumbled, his words filled with uncertainty.

Meredith’s gaze bore into him. "And hasn’t it been made clear already that you do not want me?" she questioned, her voice tinged with a hint of pain.

"What??" Alex exclaimed in disbelief.

"Yes! You ran away when I confessed my feelings to you! Clearly, you weren’t interested in me, so why bother now that I want to marry someone else?" Meredith responded, her words tinged with frustration.

A wave of realisation washed over Alex’s face.

"So you are serious about the marriage..."

"Of course I am! I will find someone from Gerhard who genuinely appreciates my feelings. As for you, Sir, thank you for saving me, but I believe this is where our connection ends. Please excuse me," Meredith declared firmly, beginning to walk away.

Alex stood there, petrified. His mind raced to find the right words. Realising that Meredith was already departing, he gathered his thoughts and ran after her.

"Lady Grey!" he called out, desperation evident in his voice.

Meredith turned to face him, her expression guarded. "I have nothing more to say to you, Sir Jarr," she stated firmly.

"Wait! Please, listen to me first!" Alex pleaded, his voice filled with urgency.

"Humph!" Meredith turned her head away, her resolve unyielding. "It’s too late now!"

With those words, the noblewoman continued on her way, refusing to look back.

"Oh, dear! What should I do?" Alex’s face twisted with anxiety as he watched Meredith walk away. With a heavy heart and a sense of disappointment, he returned to Anna and Drystan, joining them again.

"Forgive me, my lady, for leaving just now. I had something to discuss with Lady Grey," Alex apologised, his tone filled with remorse.

"Oh, no worries at all! In fact, I just received an invitation to have lunch with Her Majesty and my nieces. I will be joining them, and neither of you is required to accompany me. It’s an all-girls event," Anna informed them, a smile gracing her lips.

The attendants, already present, stepped forward to accompany Anna, and soon they departed, leaving Alex and Drystan alone.

As they stood together, Drystan approached Alex with curiosity.

"So, what did you talk about with Lady Grey?"

"Nothing of great importance," Alex replied nonchalantly.

Drystan raised an eyebrow. An interest was apparent in his expression.

"Hmm... about what she mentioned earlier, marrying into Gerhard... do you think she’s genuinely considering it?"

"Yes, she is," Alex confirmed, his voice tinged with resignation.

Drystan’s eyes gleamed with a mischievous sparkle.

"Well, in that case, perhaps I have a chance. She doesn’t seem to be overly selective. I may not come from a noble bloodline, but my family has a merchant background," he mused.

Alex’s glare intensified, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "Just shut up!" he snapped, unable to hide his jealousy.

Drystan’s grin widened, relishing in his friend’s reaction. "Oh, come on! I think I might try to court her," he declared playfully.

Alex’s frustration seethed, but he could only respond with a resigned sigh, knowing that his chance with Meredith seemed to slip further away.

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