The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 178: A Grave Danger!

Chapter 178: A Grave Danger!

Noah breathed a deep sigh of relief as he sank into the plush comfort of the settee in the knight’s quarters lounge. After an arduous journey back and forth between the duchy and Gerhard’s mansion, he finally had the chance to rest.

Weary from the long hours on the road, he closed his eyes, allowing the memories of Rafe, Ayden, and Emily’s expressions of relief and anticipation upon his arrival to wash over him.

As his eyes flickered open momentarily, Noah couldn’t help but recall the assistant healer’s trembling hand, released from Clara’s firm grip as he rose to prepare the much-needed medicine. Ayden must have endured the strength of the knightess’s grasp. His determination and support for her was apparent.

Despite the piercing glare and complaint he had received for his delay, Noah’s understanding and appreciation for Ayden’s diligent and devoted care precluded any anger. He knew the assistant healer had been tirelessly attending to Clara’s needs, and that alone garnered his respect.

Adjusting his position by reclining on the settee, Noah stretched out, crossing his long legs and resting them comfortably on the pleated armrest. He tilted his head to the other side of the armrest, placing his hand on his forehead as he closed his eyes once again, surrendering himself to the much-needed respite.

After drifting into a light doze, Noah’s acute hearing was suddenly jarred by the sound of clattering porcelain nearby. His red, tired eyes fluttered open, and to his surprise, he found Emily standing before him.

"I’m sorry... I didn’t mean to disturb you. I was just about to leave after setting this up," the young woman uttered hesitantly.

Noah’s gaze shifted to the table, where he noticed an assortment of food and drink neatly arranged.

Curiosity piqued, he inquired, "What is all this?"

Emily’s eyes met his, and a warm smile graced her face.

"I thought you might be hungry from your journey, so I took the liberty of preparing some food and drink for you," she explained. "By the way, why are you sleeping here instead of in your room?"

Noah straightened up, his weariness momentarily forgotten as he sat down properly. "Oh, I was just taking a quick nap. I will be heading to my room shortly. But how did you know I am here?" he queried.

"I followed you after you left the treatment room. I saw you sitting here, so I hurried to the kitchen to gather these for you. When I returned, you had already drifted off to sleep," Emily’s voice softened. "Would you like to eat something?"

Noah hesitated, initially inclined to decline the offer. However, as he observed the earnestness in Emily’s demeanour, watching her spread butter on the bread with genuine care, he swallowed his urge to say no.

There was a sincerity in her eyes that made him feel appreciated, reminiscent of the way Anna had defended him from Eric and tended to his wound. It had been quite some time since he had received such a genuine gesture.

"Thank you," Noah expressed, his voice filled with gratitude as Emily handed him the bread. He took a slow bite, savouring the delicious taste of the food.

To his surprise, the young woman took it upon herself to slice the meat into smaller cubes for him, assuming a caregiver role. Noah felt a twinge of reluctance, wanting to highlight his independence.

"I can manage on my own," he asserted gently.

Emily’s eyes sparkled with determination. "Please, don’t mind me! This is the least I could do for you after you helped me and Dame Clara. When you were gone, Mr Norman took care of her even better than this. He not only tended to her physical needs but treated her with kindness, like a true gentleman," she revealed.

Upon hearing her words, a glint of frustration flickered in Noah’s eyes, causing the once-delicious food to turn bitter in his mouth. He struggled to conceal the unexpected pang of jealousy that rose within him at the mention of Ayden’s attentiveness towards Clara.

"So, you like him..."

"As a friend, of course! He has been good and kind to both of us, especially to Dame Clara," Emily replied, her focus on cutting the meat and vegetables. "Did you know that he once scolded me for almost tearing the stitches on her wound? He was quite intimidating then, though I understood his intentions were good. Anyway, I can see how Dame Clara lights up whenever Mr Norman is around. They seem to have a connection. He fits her preferences."

A subtle smirk played on Noah’s face as he continued to chew his food, the taste now much more satisfying. He couldn’t help but steal occasional glances at Emily.

Curiosity sparked within him, and he spoke up, his voice laced with intrigue, "So... what exactly is your taste in men?"

Emily smiled shyly as she pondered the question.

"Hmm... I would say a strong man. Someone who can protect me," she replied, her hands deftly lifting the hot teapot and pouring tea for Noah without paying attention to his eyes.

Noah contemplated her response, his thoughts momentarily interrupted by a voice coming from behind.

"You’re back! How was the journey?" Garin’s voice rang out, breaking the momentary silence.

"It was fine. I rushed back as soon as I obtained the medicine," Noah replied, his exhaustion evident in his voice.

"Thank goodness you made it. Ayden had been quite persistent about your whereabouts when I checked on Dame Verns today," Garin remarked, expressing his relief.

"He can be annoying at times... but I understand it comes from a place of concern for her. So, I don’t mind too much. Besides, I’m too weary to engage in a quarrel right now," Noah responded, acknowledging Ayden’s intentions.

Emily, who had listened to their conversation, remained silent, not wanting to intrude.

Garin offered a piece of advice, his brown eyes filled with understanding, "After you finish eating, make sure to get some rest. You deserve a good night’s sleep."

Noah nodded appreciatively.

"I will," he affirmed. His attention shifted as he inquired, "Has His Highness and the lady returned?"

"Not yet. They are expected to be back after the banquet. However, it’s already quite late, so they might return tomorrow morning," Garin informed him.

Curiosity piqued, Noah probed further, "Did His Majesty hold a ball? Why didn’t you attend? After all, it is a celebration for our lord and lady."

"His Highness said we don’t need to. He has made it clear that we will hold our own celebration when we return to the duchy. Actually, he was so against the proclamation, but it seems Lady Raychard was determined on her own decision," said Garin with disappointment.

He recounted the details of the knights’ meeting with Kyren and Anna at the palace, explaining the outcome and the reasons behind the princess’s proclamation.

Noah let out a sigh, mirroring Garin’s expression. Emily, too, shared their feelings of disillusionment. Upon hearing the news, she was initially consumed by anger, believing Anna had endured mistreatment at the palace.

However, when the knights returned from their mission to seek answers from the grand duke and lady, they revealed Anna’s reasoning behind her decision.

While none of them agreed with or were happy about it, they couldn’t go against her wishes. Even Kyren, who cared deeply for Anna, had to acquiesce.

"Our lady has always been like that," Noah remarked softly. "She prioritises the well-being of others above her own."

Noah had heard tales of Anna’s bravery, such as saving a few foragers with her own blood to prevent the spread of the Laradie plague at the border and confronting pirates on the ship during the journey to Gantz. These stories had only fueled his admiration for the lady, further solidifying his respect for her selfless nature.

Realising the significance of the information, Garin felt compelled to share the story with Noah since not only was the knight Anna’s first escort, but he had also been tasked with investigating her further in Ardel.

"I believe it’s fortunate that tonight’s event is exclusive to the royal family and selected guests only," Garin added. "Did you know that the ambassador’s delegation from Ardel is also present? They have been quite bothersome, to be honest. If it weren’t for Sir Navin’s orders, we would have had a confrontation when we encountered them at the palace’s east wing."

Emily contorted in surprise as she heard Garin’s statement. She had been kept from this information until now.

"What did you say?" she turned to the knight, her voice filled with shock.

Noah interjected before Garin could answer Emily’s question, "Why is the ambassador’s delegation from Ardel suddenly here?" Noah implored, his tone urgent.

Garin looked at both Emily and Noah, puzzled by their sudden bewildered expression.

"They have come seeking an alliance with our kingdom, and Lord Brone Morro serves as the ambassador. We didn’t mention that our lady, their princess, is here since His Highness told us to keep it down," Garin explained. "From what I’ve gathered, His Majesty has agreed with their request. Currently, they are residing within the palace and will return to Ardel tomorrow."

"No!" Emily exclaimed, her voice filled with fear and alarm. The revelation had struck her deeply.

Sensing the danger, Noah abruptly stood up from his seat.

"What is all this about? Why are both of you so anxious?" Garin inquired, his confusion evident.

"The lady is in grave danger! We must gather the knights immediately! We need to protect her from them!" shouted Noah.

Garin’s eyes widened at the urgency in the knight’s words. "Why? What is happening?" he pressed for more information.

Emily responded tremblingly, "Her Highness is the rightful heir to the throne of Ardel! Lord Morro and his men are actually the Bargesians. They were the ones who captured us before! The new King of Ardel orchestrated a coup and overthrew His Highness’s rightful claim!"

Garin’s shock was palpable. "Oh, my God! Why didn’t you inform us sooner?" he exclaimed, realising the gravity of the situation.

Fueled by a sense of urgency, Noah declared, "I was supposed to report this to His Highness first, but there’s no time now! Get everyone ready to go to the palace!"

Without hesitation, he rushed towards the stable to prepare his horse, determined to reach the palace swiftly.

Garin stormed towards the knights’ rooms and banged on their doors. In response to his urgent command, the knights quickly gathered their gear and headed to the stable, ready to spring into action.

"What is all this about, Sir Brooks?" Damon asked, taken aback by the sudden urgency displayed by the knight as he prepared to embark.

Noah swiftly responded with urgency, briefly explaining, "The delegations you encountered the other day are our enemies! They attempted to assassinate our lady in a coup d’état! Lady Anna Raychard is the rightful heir of Ardel’s dynasty, and they conspired with Ardel’s Prime Minister to overthrow her. We must protect our lady at all costs!"

Luke’s eyes widened in shock as the gravity of the situation sank in.

"Dear Lord!" he exclaimed. "At present, only Sir Jarr and Sir Mills are at the palace guarding her."

Noah inquired urgently, "Where is Sir Navin?"

Eli, one of the knights, responded, "He’s at his sister-in-law’s house with his family."

Noah’s eyes filled with determination as he instructed, "We need every available man. Go fetch Sir Navin immediately and then directly go to the palace. We will regroup there."

Eli nodded, understanding the need for swift action. In a matter of moments, the group set off, and the youngest knight headed in a separate direction to retrieve Sir Navin.

Emily watched from a distance, her heart heavy with worry. She clasped her hands together, bringing them to her chest, and offered a silent prayer for Anna’s safety, hoping they would reach her in time to protect her from any harm.