The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 188: Just The Two Of Us

Chapter 188: Just The Two Of Us

Kyren’s solemn expression matched the weight of his words as he gently lifted Anna and settled her on the settee. He wiped away her tears tenderly, his actions filled with regret.

"How could you resort to such a dangerous action? Do you realise the risks you put yourself in?"

Anna’s tear-streaked face revealed her remorse, her voice laced with desperation, "I’m sorry, Kyren! I know I’m stupid! Please forgive me!"

Sensing the need for privacy, Anryr gestured for the others to leave the main hall. Soon, only the couple remained, surrounded by a stillness that allowed their words to carry the weight they deserved.

"Stop crying. I won’t go. I won’t do anything you don’t want to," Kyren requested, his tone softening as he tried to reassure her. Though disappointment lingered in his expression, he emphasised his commitment to respecting her wishes.

His voice grew firmer as he continued, "I will heed your request for as long as there’s peace. However, if the Bargesians ever attempt to attack us, I won’t be able to tolerate it. I am the protector of this kingdom, and it is my duty to keep it safe. Please understand." Kyren’s protective instincts emerged, reminding Anna of his responsibility as the grand duke.

The princess’ sobs continued, her emotions overwhelming her. She clutched onto Kyren’s hand, seeking solace and support in his touch. Between her cries, she spoke up, relenting to the grand duke’s authority.

"I understand. If the Bargesians ever go against what they said, then I won’t stop you anymore."

Kyren’s lips closed as he contemplated the situation before him. While the notion of the enemies refraining from taking action seemed too good to be true, he understood the fragility of the present moment. The recent confrontation and Anna’s desperate act had profoundly impacted both of them.

At that moment, Kyren consciously decided not to prolong the matter. Concern etched into his features, and he expressed his remorse as he changed his attention.

"Did I hurt you anywhere? I pushed you hard just now. I didn’t mean it." His words carried a mix of guilt and worry as he acknowledged the physicality of their previous argument.

As her tears began to subside, Anna looked into Kyren’s eyes, seeing the genuine heartfelt mirrored within them. She reached out with her free hand, gently placing it on his cheek, her touch carrying forgiveness and understanding.

"No. You didn’t hurt me," Anna whispered. "I know you didn’t intend to do it. It wasn’t your fault. If there’s anyone to blame, it should be me," Anna said, trying to calm him down.

Kyren sighed in defeat and muttered, "What do I do with you?"

Anna’s heart sank as the grand duke’s words echoed with a sense of resignation. She couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt as if her desires and struggles were causing him constant difficulties. The weight of wanting to stay out of trouble, not to burden him further, settled heavily upon her.

Anna looked up and said, "Can’t we just return to Gerhard? I don’t think staying here would be any good for me. The nobles... they all hate me. Mer and Sylvia too..." The princess didn’t finish her words as her heart throbbed painfully, realising that she had lost her two friends.

"Don’t think about them or anyone else anymore. We’ll return to the duchy, and you’ll never have to come back here again," Kyren assured her.

Anna felt relieved that the confrontation had been over, and her husband agreed to her request. Her tears subsided, and she formed a grateful smile on her lips.

"Thank you. I appreciate your patience with me. I’m sorry for the trouble I’ve caused you every time, and I promise I’ll make it up to you. There’s nothing more that I want other than being with you and having our own family," Anna said to Kyren.

The grand duke’s expression changed at the mention of starting a family.

"Aren’t we enough?" he asked as his gaze fell to the floor after a moment of silence.

"What do you mean?" Anna asked, confused.

Kyren’s voice remained low and sombre as he clarified his stance. "I’m saying, aren’t only the two of us enough as our own family?" There was a hint of sadness in his eyes as he spoke.

The princess was taken aback. She looked determinedly at her husband as she said, "But... I thought you would want to have children someday."

"I don’t," Kyren replied bluntly.

Anna’s mind raced, trying to process his reply. Her husband’s statement surprised her, and a piercing pain stabbed her heart at his confession. Her voice shook slightly as she asked the question that weighed heavily on her heart, "Is it because of me?"

"No, it’s not!"

The grand duke’s gaze never wavered as he met her eyes. His expression was full of emotions.

Confusion and disappointment filled the princess’s heart, mingling with a sense of loss. She had always assumed that starting a family was a natural progression of their bond, a dream they would share together.

The idea of not having children left her feeling adrift, as if a future she had envisioned had suddenly disintegrated before her eyes.

"But I thought..." Anna’s voice faltered as she struggled to find the right words to convey her feelings.

Kyren’s expression hardened. "Anna, there are certain matters you don’t want to go through with, and you’ve made that abundantly clear to me today. The same goes for me, as there are things that I don’t want, one of which is having children."

Frustration clouded Anna’s mind at his demand. She had hoped that her love for him and their shared experiences would lead them to a common understanding. The image of Kyren’s gentleness with other children replayed in her mind, confusing her further.

"But I’ve seen how you interact with Laura and Lilith," she added. "You’re caring and gentle with them, and I can see clearly that you like children. It’s conflicting witnessing that and hearing you say you don’t want it."

His voice remained firm, almost cold. "That’s different," Kyren retorted. "I can care for and be kind to children without wanting to have my own. For as long as we live, there will be just the two of us."

Anna’s lips trembled as she fought back the tears threatening to spill again. She knew she couldn’t question his decision any further, just as she had made it clear to him that her demands were non-negotiable.

"I understand," the princess replied softly. "I won’t question your decision again. If that’s what you want, then so be it."

Kyren’s heart felt crushed. It may have seemed like he had won his demand, but her reply stabbed him and made him bleed inside. He didn’t understand why seeing her retreat like that was so painful.

He wanted to hug her and tell her the exact reason, but a disheartening feeling overwhelmed him as he realised that no woman would be willing to stay with a man who could not give her a child. His pride had taken hold of him, enveloping the grand duke in a cold and distant demeanour.

Deciding to avoid further discussion on the sensitive topic, Kyren spoke up, "I have to go. The knights are waiting for my next instructions. Don’t worry, I’ll abort all the plans as you want. Rest for the day, and I’ll decide when we will depart to Gerhard. I’ll keep you informed."

The grand duke was about to call Rosalie to accompany Anna and lead her to the suite when suddenly Rafe emerged from behind the walls. The healer, who had been listening to the conversation, sighed in frustration.

The healer’s presence surprised Anna amidst her swirling emotions. She looked up at him, tears staining her cheeks, her voice choked with sorrow.

"Your Highness, let me accompany her," said the healer.

"Noted. Please look after her for the moment," Kyren agreed.

He was concerned that Anna might do something that could hurt herself if left alone.

"Don’t worry. I’ll take good care of her," said the healer, understanding the situation.

The grand duke nodded and moved away, leaving Anna to mend her heart.

"You... you must’ve heard us," the princess uttered with a disappointed expression.

Rafe’s expression softened, his eyes filled with empathy. He approached her gently.

"Unfortunately, I did," he admitted.

Ashamed, the princess bowed and looked away.

"This is all my fault! Everyone must hate me now. I’m so stupid!" she cried.

"No, you’re not. I don’t think anyone would hate you... at least not me, and I understand why you’re doing this," he reassured her.

Anna’s tears continued to flow.

Feeling a sense of compassion and a need to navigate from the current surroundings, Rafe suggested, "Why don’t we take a walk to my office? There’s a little garden next to it, and the scenery is beautiful. I don’t think you’ve been there before."

Anna hesitated momentarily as she wiped her tears, unsure if she had the strength to face the outside world. But as Rafe continued to offer his support, she felt a flicker of uncertainty.

"I don’t know," she whispered, her voice wavering. "I’m not sure if I want to."

"Let’s start by taking care of yourself. Have you eaten anything yet?"

Anna shook her head, realising that she hadn’t given much thought to her own well-being amidst the emotional turmoil. A slight pang of hunger rumbled within her, reminding her of her physical needs.

"I haven’t had my breakfast either," Rafe admitted. "I’ll have the servants send the meals to my office. Let’s have a chat while we eat. It’s been a while since we’ve spent time together since you were away at the palace."

A faint smile formed on Anna’s lips as she realised that Rafe’s company would offer a respite from the overwhelming emotions that had consumed her. She recognised the importance of having someone to confide in, someone who would listen without judgment.

"Thank you, Rafe. I’d love to do that."

With a gentle grin, the healer encouraged her, "Come. We can take a walk together. It will help clear your mind, even if just for a little while."

Anna nodded weakly, finding solace in the healer’s understanding and support. She knew that healing would take time, but in that moment, she saw a glimmer of hope that she wouldn’t have to face her challenges alone.