The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 179: A Banquet Of Celebration

Chapter 179: A Banquet Of Celebration

The royal banquet in the ballroom was a spectacle of grandeur and extravagance, befitting the occasion and the esteemed guests in attendance. It had been transformed into a scene of enchantment, radiating an aura of elegance and refinement.

The walls were draped in rich, flowing tapestries adorned with intricate embroidery and shimmering gold thread. Soft candlelight flickered from ornate candelabras, casting a warm glow that danced upon the polished marble floors. The grand chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling bathed the room in a cascade of sparkling light, illuminating the festivities below.

A long, lavishly decorated banquet table stretched across the centre of the ballroom, adorned with glistening silverware, delicate porcelain, and crystal goblets. It was decorated with bountiful displays of fresh flowers and decadent centrepieces. Various delicacies were meticulously arranged, tantalising the senses with their enticing aromas and vibrant colours.

As Anna and Kyren made their way down the corridor, their arms intertwined, and an elegant entourage accompanied them. Alex, Drystan, and a group of servants walked alongside them, ensuring every step was guided by grace and splendour. The doors to the ballroom swung open wide, revealing the grandeur awaiting them.

Following the grand duke’s instructions, the two knights positioned themselves just outside the entrance, standing tall and resolute. With vigilant eyes, they ensured the area’s safety entrusted to their care.

The space filled with a chorus of rustling gowns, and the soft murmur of whispered conversations became silent with their arrival. All eyes of the onlookers turned towards the royal couple, their presence commanding attention and respect. The nobles, distinguished in their exquisite attire, bowed and curtsied in reverence to the esteemed royal family members.

Just as the couple reached the centre of the room, the attention shifted once more as the King and Queen of Cassian made their grand entrance. The atmosphere became charged with anticipation and excitement as the esteemed guests eagerly awaited the beginning of the banquet, ready to revel in the night’s festivities and celebrate the event.

As the evening progressed, speeches were made, toasts were raised, and the sound of applause reverberated through the ballroom. Harmonious melodies of a talented orchestra began to float through the room, adding an enchanting ambience to the atmosphere.

Kyren stood tall with his striking presence, exuding an undeniable charm that captivated the attention of all the young ladies present. Despite the conspicuous sight of his large hand clasping Anna’s, it did nothing to deter the gazes fixated upon him.

The men in the room were equally drawn to the alluring figure of the newly proclaimed concubine. Many of them had never laid eyes upon her before, making this their first encounter. Whispers and murmurs spread like wildfire, carrying tales of gossip and intrigue about Anna, their voices hushed in hidden corners of the ballroom.

As the sumptuous meal came to a close, the evening’s festivities continued with a flourish of music. Anna and Kyren, being the honoured and celebrated guests, gracefully danced across the expanse of the hall at the king’s order.

Next, the king and queen took their place on the dance floor, their majestic presence commanding the room’s attention.

The royal couple moved with grace and poise, their steps intertwining in perfect harmony, symbolising not just their love but also the unity of their kingdom.

The ballroom transformed into a lively hub of socialisation and revelry when the formal dances concluded. Nobles, well-versed in the art of courtly etiquette, took advantage of the occasion to engage in conversations and spirited dances. Laughter filled the air as acquaintances renewed bonds, and new connections were forged amidst the joyful atmosphere.

The music played on, its melodies guiding the rhythm of the evening as guests swirled and twirled across the dance floor. Some nobles even took the opportunity to greet and congratulate the new couple and introduce themselves accordingly.

"You wouldn’t mind if I stole a dance with my sister-in-law, would you?" King Kyden whispered with a warm smile, noticing that Kyren’s gaze remained fixed on Anna without wavering for even a second.

The princess, currently conversing with the queen and a group of noble ladies, radiated grace and charm. Her presence had captivated the attention of those around her, including Meredith and Sylvia, who stood by her side.

The grand duke seized the opportunity to remark sarcastically at the king, jesting about the sudden change in his address for Anna. "So now you’re referring to her as your sister-in-law after proclaiming her as my concubine earlier today?"

King Kyden’s smile faded slightly as he responded with a touch of remorse in his voice, "Oh, come on, dear brother! Are you still upset with me?"

The grand duke met the king’s gaze, his expression firm. "What can I say... What’s done is done. But let me make it clear, Your Majesty. I will never tolerate anyone looking down on my wife. While she may have been officially proclaimed as my concubine, in my heart, she is my one and only wife," Kyren declared resolutely.

The king nodded, understanding the depth of Kyren’s devotion. "I know! We all hold her dear to our hearts," he replied earnestly, a genuine sincerity in his voice.

Kyren’s expression softened. With a subtle jerk of his chin towards the only woman who held his heart captive in the ballroom, he graciously offered the king.

"Go ahead and ask her. I wouldn’t be so selfish as to deny her a dance with her own brother-in-law."

A smile played on his lips as King Kyden approached Anna after her husband’s approval. His arrival prompted the queen and the other women to pause their conversation, their gazes shifting towards him. Meredith and the other noblewomen curtsied respectfully as a show of deference.

"Anna," King Kyden addressed her with warmth and respect, extending his hand in a gesture of invitation. "Would you do me the honour of sharing a dance with me?"

Anna’s eyes widened, surprise evident on her face. Throughout the evening, no other man had dared to approach her for a dance, likely due to Kyren’s watchful presence, his piercing gaze like a hawk warding off any potential invitation.

"Your Majesty wishes to dance with me?" Anna’s voice held a mix of astonishment and delight. The realisation that the king himself had shown interest in her was both unexpected and thrilling.

"Yes, if you don’t mind," the king replied, his voice filled with genuine warmth and anticipation. Anna turned to Queen Emelda, seeking her opinion and approval.

"Go on! It’s a celebration for you, after all," the queen responded happily, her eyes twinkling with joy. Her encouragement served as a confident nod to Anna, reassuring her that this dance was a moment to be cherished.

With a smile lighting up her face, Anna responded, "I would be honoured," and placed her hand on his outstretched palm. Together, they made their way onto the dance floor, the music guiding their steps.

Anna confessed to the king that she wasn’t exceptionally skilled in dancing, a tinge of self-doubt colouring her voice. However, the king simply laughed. With a gentle squeeze of her hand, he assured her there was no need to worry.

Guiding her with ease and grace, the king seamlessly led the princess through the intricate patterns of the dance. His patient guidance and encouraging words dissolved her initial nervousness, allowing her to relax and let the music guide her movements.

Surprisingly, in a short while and with the king’s skilled guidance, Anna’s natural grace began to shine through. Her steps became more confident, and her movements became fluid and in sync with her partner.

As Kyren’s eyes remained fixed on the graceful couple sweeping across the dance floor, a servant approached him, abruptly interrupting his focus. The grand duke shifted his gaze towards the servant, his expression briefly reflecting a hint of annoyance.

"Your Highness, please forgive me for the interruption," the servant began, his voice filled with deference. "But someone asked me to deliver this note to you."

Curiosity piqued, and Kyren’s attention shifted to the note held in the servant’s hand. He reached out, taking the message and swiftly opening it. His eyebrows furrowed slightly as his gaze scanned the contents, the words on the page sparking a mixture of intrigue and concern.

"Who gave you this note?" Kyren inquired, his voice tinged with urgency.

"I don’t know, Your Highness," the servant responded, his tone respectful as he bowed. "The person was wearing a robe and requested that I deliver it to you urgently."

"Very well, then," Kyren nodded, dismissing the servant with a wave of his hand. The note he held in his grasp contained a concise message, revealing a tempting opportunity to uncover the identity of the individual responsible for the initial malicious rumours surrounding Anna within the palace walls.

The perpetrator would be revealed if the grand duke immediately went to a room located far from the ballroom. The urgency of the situation compelled him to act swiftly.

Despite the thorough investigations, the true instigator behind the rumours managed to elude capture. While some maids who were found spreading the gossip faced the consequences, the mastermind behind it all remained elusive.

Driven by a desire for justice and to protect Anna’s honour, Kyren’s resolve solidified. Without hesitation, he hastily made his way towards another exit, his strides purposeful and determined. The grand duke was intent on seeking out the anonymous sender, willing to confront them directly and bring an end to this sordid affair.