The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 214: Two Heads Are Better Than One

Chapter 214: Two Heads Are Better Than One

Anna’s legs propelled her through the hallway with urgency. Tears after tears cascaded down her cheeks, dampening her puffy complexion. Her eyes, already swollen from a morning filled with relentless weeping, mirrored her anguish.

Overwhelmed by emotions, her mind was shrouded in a fog of confusion. Unaware of her surroundings, she reached the end of the hallway and found herself standing in the foyer.

The princess felt lost, unsure of where to turn or what course of action to take. Succumbing to the weight of her overwhelming sadness, she flopped onto the floor, surrendering to her despair.

At that moment, Kyren, the man she loved deeply, consumed her thoughts. She reminisced about his tender care, his sense of responsibility, and his unwavering protectiveness.

Though he had never professed his love for her and had even claimed an inability to love anyone, Anna couldn’t shake the intuitive sense that he harboured the same emotions within him as she did.

Once again, tears trickled down her face, staining the floor below with her sorrow.

"Why can’t I be with the man I love? Why does everything always get taken away from me? Why? Why?" Anna’s anguished cries reverberated through the walls, unanswered and echoing back to her.

In the distance, Noah emerged, but seeing Anna devastated on the floor, the knight hesitated to intervene.

Despite the princess’s outburst, Kyren remained in the discussion room, vigilant and watchful over Kiev and Callis to prevent them from making sudden moves.

Aware that his knights were no match for the prince, the grand duke took it upon himself to keep an eye on the two siblings. As his wife exited the room, he discreetly signalled Noah to accompany her, concerned about Anna’s well-being in her vulnerable state.

"My lady, are you all right? What happened? Why’re you crying?"

A tender young male voice reached the princess’s ears, pulling her attention. She lifted her head and found Armel standing near her, with Rhen nestled in his sling bag, both looking at her with curiosity and concern.

"Armel!" Anna cried out once more, desperation lacing her voice. "Please help me! I don’t want to leave my husband!"

The teenager approached cautiously, his steps faltering as he noticed Noah standing nearby. The knight’s initial stern expression softened upon witnessing the princess’s tears and desperate pleas. Noah nodded subtly to Armel, silently gesturing him to engage with Anna.

"My lady, please rise. It’s chilly on the floor," the teenager urged with concern.

Anna continued to weep, but Armel persisted, knowing the potential consequences of remaining seated.

"You may fall ill if you stay seated like this. His Highness, the grand duke, would be worried."

Reluctantly, the princess gathered her strength and slowly stood, tears streaming down her face. However, she didn’t want to cause Kyren any further distress.

"I don’t know what to do, Armel!" she managed to utter amidst her sobs. "They want to take me away, and I can’t stop them!"

The teenager contemplated, trying to find the right words to console her. He could sense that Anna was resolute in not following Kiev. Her tears and melancholic words revealed her profound love for Kyren, and her emotions resonated deeply with the grand duke.

Sympathy welled up within Armel as he beheld the princess’s helpless state.

"Please, don’t cry! It pains me to see you like this," he implored.

Rhen, as if understanding the situation, barked. Anna wiped her tears, trying her best to calm down. But the sadness pervading her heart was overwhelming, and she couldn’t control her emotions.

The teenager pondered for a moment. Realising the depth of his indebtedness to Anna, he believed he couldn’t simply stand by and allow her to suffer in such a condition.

How could he assist the lady whom he deeply cared about?

Then, a flicker of recollection surfaced in his mind—the two noble ladies who had appeared during the commotion.

"My lady, would you like me to fetch your friends? It might be beneficial for you to have some company now," he suggested, hoping to support her.

"I don’t know, Armel," Anna replied, still immersed in her sorrow, shaking her head.

"I understand that you’re facing a difficult situation, and it’s truly heartbreaking to see you like this. Honestly, I’m unsure of how I can help you myself. However, my brother always said that two heads are better than one. If you were to discuss this matter with your friends, perhaps together we could find a way to resolve the dispute," he proposed, offering a glimmer of hope.

"I don’t think so! Even Kyren can’t persuade the prince to withdraw his demand!" Anna sobbed, her voice filled with despair.

"I understand your doubts. But, at the very least, I believe having someone to confide in would benefit your current circumstances. Women are often skilled in offering solace through conversation. Personally, I’m not adept with words and tend to be blunt," he admitted sincerely, hoping to convince her.

As Anna’s tears began to subside, she questioned in uncertainty.

"Do you think they can come up with a solution?" she asked in a shaky voice.

"I don’t know, but it’s worth a try," Armel replied.

Anna nodded slowly, her tears still present but less heavy than before. Armel turned his gaze towards the hallway, scratching the back of his head as he surveyed the surroundings.

"Come to think of it, I’m unsure where the parlour is. I heard that’s where they were supposed to wait for you," he admitted.

"Could you take me there instead? I know the way," the princess requested, her voice hopeful.

Armel’s eyes flickered back to Noah, who was attentively observing the situation. Once again, the knight silently granted permission, directing him towards the parlour by pointing with his chin.

"Yes, my lady," Armel responded.

Together, they embarked down the hallway, with Noah following closely as their vigilant escort.

***

Meredith and Alex continued walking hand in hand as they approached the parlour. Aware of the potential consequences, the noblewoman addressed the knight beside her.

"I think you can let go now. Rania would make a fuss if she saw you holding my hand, just like your fellow knights," she whispered.

"Right," Alex responded promptly.

However, although his words agreed with her, his hand seemed hesitant to release its grip, causing Meredith to smile and bite her lower lip shyly.

In an attempt to reassure him, she gently squeezed his hand and spoke softly, "You can hold my hands more in the future. I promise they will be exclusively for you."

"I’m looking forward to that," Alex replied, his grin growing.

With a gradual release, the knight let go of her hands, and they continued walking side by side, both wearing shy smiles on their faces. When they reached the entrance, Sylvia and Rania, who had been waiting, turned their attention towards them.

"Mer! There you are! I thought you were already lost in the mansion!" Sylvia exclaimed.

Rania, too, felt a wave of relief wash over her upon seeing her lady return.

"Oh, my lady! I was getting worried. I thought it would only be a moment! If I had known, I would have followed you," Rania expressed her concern.

"Don’t worry about me. I’m safe and sound here with Sir Jarr accompanying me," Meredith reassured her loyal maid.

"Have you sorted out your matter with him?" Sylvia inquired, curious about the progress of their conversation.

Before Meredith could answer, her attention was drawn to the sounds of footsteps approaching the parlour. She turned and saw Anna, her eyes swollen and red, walking alongside a teenager with brown eyes and hair. She sniffled her nose from the remnant of tears.

"Anna! What happened?" Meredith asked in surprise as she saw the princess’s sad face.

Anna hastened her steps and flung herself into the arms of the noblewoman, crying uncontrollably again. Understanding the depth of her sorrow, Meredith embraced her tightly and gently patted her back.

"It’s all right. Everything will be fine," she reassured her friend, her voice filled with empathy and compassion.

Sylvia’s face was filled with worry as she observed the distressed state of the princess. Meredith quickly assessed the situation and anticipated that Anna’s tears were likely a result of the conflict between the two princes. Sylvia, followed closely by Rania, joined in to offer their support.

"Let’s sit down first, Anna," Meredith suggested, her voice gentle and comforting.

"Yes, Mer is right. It would be best if you calmed down," Sylvia added.

The blonde lady looked at the princess with concern.

The two noblewomen then guided Anna to the settee, helping her find a seat. While remaining close by, Armel positioned himself against the wall, giving the women some space.

Noticing the tears streaming down Anna’s face, Alex furrowed his brow. When Noah approached, he wasted no time in seeking answers.

"What happened, Sir Brooks?" he asked.

Noah let out a sigh, his expression heavy.

"It seems like the Sabel Island royals are getting their way. The evidence, witness, and the law are strongly in their favour," he explained, his tone laced with disappointment.

"Oh, no!" Sylvia exclaimed, her voice filled with distress. "That means she’ll have to go with them!"

Noah’s expression darkened as he confirmed her fear. "I’m afraid so."

Sylvia slumped her shoulders, feeling disheartened by the seemingly unfavourable condition.

"This is the fate of women. We’re always bound to a man. When we’re young, we belong to our father. Then, when we grow up, we belong to the man we’re matched with. How I wish I could change this law and give all women the freedom to choose their own lives," Sylvia lamented, her frustration evident in her voice.

"The law is designed to protect women, Lady Rogers. Many women and children lost their lives during the Laradie plague years ago, which was why our previous king enacted these regulations. Under the Cassian law, men are also prohibited from harming women under their care," Alex explained, attempting to provide some perspective.

"I know! I wish women could have more flexibility to make their own choices! Wouldn’t it be heartbreaking to accept our fate and live with someone we don’t love?" Sylvia argued. "Ah, you men wouldn’t understand!"

"Please, let’s stop arguing. Anna needs some peace. We’re not here to debate the law," Meredith interjected, her voice firm yet gentle.

She then turned to Noah and Alex, addressing them directly, "Perhaps you could wait outside? We really need a moment here."

"Do you want me to go out too?" Armel asked, concerned.

Anna lifted her tear-streaked face and said, "Armel, I want to talk to you first. How did you meet those people, and why did you bring them here?"

Armel hesitated for a moment, his expression shifting uncomfortably.

"You better give a good answer, kid!" Noah admonished. "Every time you meet the lady, you always trouble her!"

Armel bit his lip. His face was clouded with guilt as he averted his gaze to the floor. After a moment, he mustered the courage to speak.

"I’ll explain," he said softly.

"I’ll go and change my attire," Alex interjected, realising that his surcoat was torn in several places. He bowed and excused himself from the room.

"I’ll wait outside for now," Noah said, his tone indicating that he would give the women the privacy they needed.

"Wait, Sir Brooks!" Anna suddenly raised her voice.

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