The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 173: The Proclamation Day

Chapter 173: The Proclamation Day

The day of the proclamation had finally arrived.

Anna stood in the exquisite chamber of the palace, enveloped by the opulence of her surroundings. Her heart fluttered with excitement and nervousness as she prepared for the momentous event.

Gently, Rosalie took the delicate ornament and skillfully tucked it into Anna’s hair, her touch light and precise. A wide smile graced her lips as she stood back to admire her handiwork.

"You look absolutely stunning, my lady!" the chief maid exclaimed with genuine admiration. "Just like a radiant bride on her wedding day."

Curiosity sparked within Anna’s emerald eyes as she caught sight of her reflection in the mirror. She turned her gaze inward, carefully observing her transformed appearance.

Her face had been adorned with a subtle touch of powder, enhancing her natural beauty. A delicate stroke of blush coloured her cheeks, bestowing upon them a gentle pink hue reminiscent of plum flower petals.

Her lips were painted with a hint of red tint, adding a touch of allure. Her intricate white dress, complemented by the matching jewellery, completed the picture of elegance and grace.

In the days leading up to the proclamation, the once calm and composed princess began to feel the stirrings of nervousness—the weight of the impending event pressed upon her, threatening to unsettle her composure.

Sensing her anxiety, the grand duke called upon Rosalie, his mansion’s chief maid, to assist. With a comforting and familiar presence by her side, Anna found solace in the chaos of her thoughts.

The chief maid’s calm and soothing demeanour helped the princess gather herself once more, allowing her to regain her composure and face the approaching proclamation with renewed confidence.

A warm smile graced Anna’s lips as she absorbed the chief maid’s words of praise. She couldn’t help but reflect on the rarity of such lavish dressing and makeovers in her life. Aside from her arrival at Gerhard’s mansion, opportunities like these were scarce. The thought filled her with both anticipation and a touch of nostalgia.

As she stood there, adorned in her elegant attire, Anna braced herself for the delight that awaited her. It was a moment akin to a wedding day, a chance to revel in the joy and celebration of her appearance.

Yet, a pang of bittersweetness tugged at her heart as she recalled her marriage to Kyren at the border. The memory of her illness and the absence of a traditional wedding ceremony weighed upon her.

She lay in bed, weakened by sickness, while Kyren sat faithfully by her side, holding her hand as they were pronounced husband and wife. Although she longed for happiness, a glimmer of disappointment flickered within her irises.

From this day forward, she would no longer be recognised as Kyren’s wife but rather as his concubine in the eyes of society. It was a reality she had willingly chosen, driven by her love for her husband and the desire to protect those she held dear.

Interrupting her thoughts, a rap on the door echoed through the room. Both Anna and Rosalie turned their heads, their attention drawn to the sound. Following Anna’s command, one of the attending servants swiftly opened the door. The faces of Meredith, Sylvia, and Rania greeted them as the door swung open, their presence a welcomed sight.

"Mer! Sylvia! Miss Miller! You came!" Anna exclaimed joyfully upon seeing her friends standing before her.

"Of course we did! Today is such a significant day for you," Meredith responded with genuine excitement, stepping forward into the room. Sylvia and Rania followed suit, joining the gathering.

Anna smiled warmly at Meredith’s personal maid, appreciating her respectful gesture.

"Please call me Rania, my lady," said Rania politely.

Anna nodded in acknowledgement.

The noblewomen enveloped the princess in a heartfelt embrace.

"You look absolutely stunning! It’s no wonder His Highness loves you so dearly," praised Sylvia.

Blushing at the compliment, Anna downplayed her own beauty.

"Oh, you’re just being too kind! Thank you for the flatters," she responded modestly, a shy smile gracing her lips.

Sylvia couldn’t resist teasing her friend.

"Oh, but there were so many rumours floating around! Some servants whispered that His Highness the grand duke couldn’t bear to leave your room without a good morning kiss! Surely, that wasn’t just a mere rumour, was it?" she playfully prodded.

Anna’s cheeks flushed deeper at Sylvia’s teasing, mirroring the embarrassment that had spread to the attending servants. Sensing the need to diffuse the situation, Rosalie swiftly intervened, instructing the servants to leave the room, thus preventing further gossip from taking root.

"Don’t pay too much heed to baseless rumours, Sylvia! People are simply eager to learn more about His Highness’s special woman and start making stories about her. Although I must admit, the one you mentioned seems quite plausible, judging by the rosy hue of her cheeks," Meredith said with a smile, attempting to lighten the mood.

Chuckling, Anna acknowledged the inevitability of being the subject of gossip.

"It appears I can’t escape the whirlwind of rumours these days, can I?" she remarked with amusement.

Meredith grasped the princess’s hand affectionately, her gaze filled with unwavering loyalty. "Rumours come in all shapes and sizes. Some are good, and some are malicious. But remember, those spreading them don’t truly know who you are, like we do. If anyone dares to bully you, let Sylvia and me handle them. We’ll crush them like ants!" she declared with determination.

Anna laughed, appreciating her friend’s fierce protectiveness.

"You certainly have an indomitable spirit, Mer! But fear not, I won’t allow anyone to bully me," she assured them, her voice filled with confidence.

The women continued their lighthearted conversation, enjoying each other’s company, until another knock resonated at the door. The chamberlain, Charles, stood at the threshold, accompanied by Anna’s two escorts. He relayed the message with utmost respect, acknowledging the imminent event.

"Forgive me for the interruption, my lady, but it is nearly time for the event. Please allow me to escort you," Charles respectfully informed the princess, his tone conveying his readiness to guide her.

Anna nodded, her excitement mingling with a touch of nervousness.

"Thank you, Charles. I am ready," she replied.

Sensing the importance of Anna having some companionship during the significant event, Meredith turned to the chamberlain with a request.

"Would it be possible for my friend Sylvia and me to escort her as well? It would be comforting for her to have a few ladies by her side."

"I can only grant you permission to accompany her to the main foyer, as the lady will be riding with His Highness on a horse to the plaza as part of the parade," he explained, his tone filled with practicality.

A tinge of disappointment washed over Meredith upon hearing the limitation.

"I suppose we’ll just have to be at our seats during the ceremony and watch from a distance then," she sighed softly, resigning herself to the circumstances.

Seeing her friend’s disappointment, Anna gently interjected, "Please don’t be sad, Mer. Your presence, along with Sylvia’s, means the world to me today. It’s more than I could have asked for. Thank you, both of you, so much. You too, Rania," she expressed sincerely as she looked at them.

"Forgive me, my lady. I’m just carrying my duty," said Charles, who was in charge of ensuring the smooth running of the proceedings.

"It’s fine, Charles," Anna responded promptly.

Meredith’s smile returned, her disappointment quickly replaced by a renewed sense of appreciation and understanding.

"All right! Let’s not waste more time here. We will still escort you to the main foyer. Let’s go!" she said with a brightened face.

As they exited the room, Meredith’s gaze inadvertently met Alex’s for a fleeting moment.

An array of emotions flickered across her face, but she quickly averted her eyes and continued forward, deliberately ignoring the knight. Aware of the watchful eyes surrounding them, Alex maintained his stern countenance, repressing the swirling feelings within him.

Meanwhile, as Anna arrived at the main foyer, her eyes fell upon Kyren, who stood in a splendid outfit before her. His attire was a testament to his impeccable taste and status, exuding an air of regality and sophistication.

Kyren’s ensemble showcased a stunning combination of rich fabrics and intricate detailing.

He wore a tailored suit in deep black, accented with subtle gold embroidery that traced elegant patterns along the lapels and cuffs. Notably, his formal attire prominently displayed the symbols of high honour and achievement—the Order of the Gerhard Star, Order of the Vasturs Star, and Order of Cassian Royal Star.

These prestigious emblems spoke volumes about his exceptional service and dedication. In addition, a collection of medals adorned his chest, commemorating acts of valour and merit throughout his illustrious career. His long white cloak with the Griffin insignia gracefully swaying behind him.

As Anna approached him, Kyren extended his hand in a welcoming gesture. She reciprocated by gently placing her palm in his, feeling the warmth of their connection.

His deep blue eyes, captivating and filled with admiration, locked onto her alluring appearance. Anna’s escorts discreetly moved away, granting the couple an unspoken privacy and allowing them to bask in each other’s presence.

"You look absolutely enchanting, Anna," Kyren complimented, his voice filled with sincerity and admiration.

A radiant smile graced Anna’s lips as she glanced at her husband’s impeccable appearance.

"And you look amazing as well!" she exclaimed. Playfully, she teased, "I suppose I’ll have to remain vigilant today, just in case anyone tries to snatch you away from me."

"No one will succeed. You have my word," Kyren affirmed with unwavering confidence.

Anna blushed shyly at his words. She turned her gaze towards the parade formation, a captivating sight awaiting Their Majesties’ arrival.

At the forefront stood the majestic royal carriage, exquisitely adorned, while a line of royal knights stood at both sides, their presence a formidable symbol of protection and honour.

As Anna observed the Knights of Gerhard, she noticed the absence of Rafe and Ayden, causing a flicker of concern to cross her features. She turned to Eric, one of the knights by her side, and inquired about their whereabouts.

"Eric, where are Rafe and Ayden? Why didn’t they come?" Anna asked, her voice filled with genuine curiosity.

"Unfortunately, my lady, they had to excuse themselves from attending. There is a severely ill patient at the mansion who requires their immediate attention," he explained.

Anna’s concern deepened as she sought more details. "Oh, I see. Who is the sick person?" she inquired, wanting to ensure that all was well.

Before Eric could respond, Kyren interjected, "It’s someone I requested Rafe and Ayden attend to. Please don’t worry about it." His words abruptly cut off the conversation.

Anna’s eyes were drawn to Maximillian, Kyren’s majestic warhorse adorned with a ceremonial quilt and golden plumes. The sight of the regal stallion ignited a spark of excitement within her.

"Are we riding Max today?" she asked, a hint of eagerness in her voice.

Kyren nodded, a proud smile gracing his lips. "Yes, we are. He’s the horse bestowed upon me by my father. It is only fitting that he has the honour of carrying us in the parade," he explained, his voice filled with a mixture of admiration and gratitude for his trusted companion.

Curiosity piqued, Anna couldn’t help but inquire about how Max had been brought to the palace. "How did you manage to bring him here?" she asked, genuinely intrigued.

As far as she knew, Kyren had never left her side throughout their stay at the palace, and Maximillian was well-known to be a horse that others couldn’t ride.

"I had to pull his reins all the way, my lady. He was quite stubborn at first. But then, I remembered that he was fond of you. So, I borrowed your handkerchief as bait and managed to convince him to come along," Eric revealed, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Anna burst into laughter, charmed by the knight’s resourcefulness. She approached Maximillian, extending her hand to stroke his magnificent body. The horse, recognising her touch, lowered his head, inviting more affectionate rubs.

"Don’t make it too difficult for the others next time, Max," Anna said, her voice filled with affection. "These knights are your friends. Be a good boy, won’t you?" she requested, gently rubbing the warhorse’s head.

Maximillian neighed as if in agreement, his response eliciting awe from the watching knights. They marvelled at the princess’s ability to tame the notorious stallion. Eric then returned to his position in the formation.

The chamberlain’s voice resonated through the air, announcing Their Majesties’ arrival. The king, queen and their children, accompanied by the lord and ladies-in-waiting, and the royal knights, made their way towards the celebrated couple.

A wave of reverence rippled through the crowd. Onlookers, adorned in their finest attire, bowed and curtsied in unison, their gestures a testament to their unwavering respect for the reigning monarch.

King Kyden and Queen Emelda approached Anna and Kyren, joined by Laura and Lilith. Anna and Kyren bowed and curtsied respectfully, paying respect to the monarchs.

"You’re riding Max?" the king inquired, surprise evident in his voice as he caught sight of the black warhorse.

"Yes, I am, Your Majesty," Kyren replied with a sense of pride.

Concern etched the king’s face as he contemplated Maximillian’s suitability for Anna’s ride. Aware of the horse’s temperament, he questioned Kyren with a hint of worry; his desire to ensure the princess’s safety was apparent.

"But doesn’t he dislike other people? Would it be safe for Anna to ride him as well?" the king inquired, his voice tinged with genuine concern, drawing from his own experiences of struggling to ride his brother’s horse in the past.

"Anna has ridden him before, Your Majesty, on our journey from the border to the capital. There is no problem with it. Max seems to have liked her," the grand duke confidently explained.

The king’s surprise was evident as he processed this information.

"That’s intriguing! Your horse rarely warms up to anyone else," he exclaimed, impressed by the unexpected connection between Anna and Maximillian.

Kyren’s eyes beamed. "Indeed, my Anna possesses an irresistible charm," he declared, his words laced with affection.

The queen, captivated by Anna’s beauty, approached her with open arms, embracing her lovingly. "You look beautiful today, Anna," she praised warmly, pressing her cheek against Anna’s tenderly.

Laura’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Aunt Anna truly looks like a princess, doesn’t she, mother?" she exclaimed excitedly. The queen agreed wholeheartedly.

Lilith, the younger sister, smiled at the sight of her aunt dressed in a splendid gown and nodded fervently.

"Aunt Anna and Uncle Ky are like a bride and a groom!" she said delightedly.

Laughter filled the air as they shared in the little princess’s innocent proclamation, the joyous moment bonding them even further.

Then, after the king decided to proceed, the royal family made their way to the main carriage. Anna and Kyren mounted Maximillian, with the princess taking her place in front. The stage was set, and anticipation filled the air.

At the commanding officer’s signal, the carriage drivers and the entire procession began to move, marking the commencement of their journey towards the plaza.

The grand parade, a testament to the kingdom’s grandeur and unity, began to unfold, captivating the hearts of all who witnessed it.

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