The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 221: Ladies-in-waitings’ Altercation

Chapter 221: Ladies-in-waitings’ Altercation

The two contestants stood resolute, their gazes fixed upon the King and Queen of Cassian, awaiting the following command.

"I apologise, but I didn’t catch your name earlier. Could you please introduce yourself again?" the king inquired to Kiev.

"I am Prince Kiev of the Kingdom of Sabel, and sitting there right now is my younger sister, Princess Callis," the prince replied respectfully as his hand pointed to Callis.

Curiosity piqued, the king pressed for further information. "And your family name?"

"Naver," Kiev responded, revealing his noble lineage.

The queen’s face contorted slightly with interest. The name ’Naver’ resonated in her mind, triggering a sense of familiarity, but she couldn’t quite place where she had heard it before.

Puzzled, she turned to her husband, hoping for some clarity, only to find him closing his eyes, a furrow forming on his forehead as he grappled with his condition.

"Your Majesty, are you all right?" the queen asked, her attention shifted entirely to her husband, sensing his unease.

King Kyden opened his eyes and nodded, his expression determined.

"I’m fine," he assured her, pushing aside his inner turmoil for the moment.

Redirecting his gaze toward the two princes standing before him, King Kyden raised his voice and declared, "Let the duel begin!"

The air in the arena crackled with anticipation as the stage was set for the clash between Kiev and Kyren.

And so, the swords began to be raised...

***

Tears trickled down Anna’s cheeks, her worry consuming her from within. The weight of the situation was becoming overwhelming.

"Calm down, Anna. Everything is going to be fine!" Meredith reassured her, rubbing her back gently in an attempt to comfort her.

"I’m worried, Mer! I saw how Prince Kiev fought with the knights! I’m scared! What if... what if something bad happens to Kyren?" Anna’s voice trembled with anxiety and fear.

Meredith halted their steps, turning Anna to face her directly. She spoke with firmness, trying to clear the princess’s jumbled emotions.

"Look at me. You’re letting your emotions overpower you again. You need to regain your clarity. Remember, it was you who requested this duel. Stop succumbing to anxiety! Have confidence in your husband. You live with him, and you know how strong he is. Don’t let fear cloud your judgment, as it has done before."

Anna’s voice wavered as she responded, "I’m sorry, Mer! I don’t know what’s gotten into me. I can’t seem to control myself."

Sylvia held Anna’s hand, showing her unwavering support.

"He will be victorious. We believe in him, and so should you!"

"Thank you, both of you. I wouldn’t be able to face all this without you," Anna expressed her gratitude, feeling the warmth of their friendship.

Meredith smiled warmly.

"Remember what you said to me? That’s what friends are for."

"Long live the Grand Duke’s fan club!" Sylvia chimed in, injecting a touch of lightheartedness.

A small laugh escaped Anna’s lips, momentarily lifting the weight of her worries. In that moment, she couldn’t help but appreciate the presence of her two dear friends, whom she had never imagined she would have.

"Well, well, well... What do we have here?" a sudden voice erupted in the cloister, abruptly ending the three ladies’ moment of joy.

Their eyes darted towards the source of the sound, and their hearts twisted as they recognised the familiar but unwelcome faces before them—Sarah and her ladies-in-waiting.

"Isn’t this the president of the useless reading club who went to prison last time?" Sarah taunted, her words dripping with annoyance as she laid eyes on Meredith.

"Shut up!" Sylvia suddenly yelled, surprising everyone present with her uncharacteristic outburst, fueled by her anger at Sarah’s provocation.

"Oh, my! This one surely doesn’t know how to behave like a noble!" sneered Naise, Sarah’s assistant, relishing the opportunity to add rage to the fire.

"Perhaps someone of her level is not fully educated yet," added Bridgette, another lady-in-waiting of the queen, joining the mockery.

Sylvia’s eyes blazed with a fiery determination as she retorted with unwavering confidence, "Educate yourself better, Lady Lynn! I am a count’s daughter, and my mother is from the Marquess of Sylvere family. My first name, Sylvia, is based on my mother’s family surname, which signifies the importance of me. I can assure you that I am fully well educated. So, if you want to talk about titles, status, or education, I suggest you reflect upon yourself in the mirror before attempting to engage me in conversation!"

Sylvia’s audacious remarks rendered Bridgette and the other ladies-in-waiting speechless, effectively silencing their attempts at belittling her. Anna turned to Meredith, seeking confirmation, but the noblewoman only gestured with her eyes, signalling Anna to wait and observe the unfolding situation. Encouraged by the silent support, the princess turned her attention back to Sarah and her entourage.

"What do you want, Sarah?" Anna asked, her voice steady and composed, refusing to be intimidated by the chief lady-in-waiting’s presence.

"It’s Lady James," Evelyn, another lady-in-waiting, interjected, correcting the name Anna had used to call their leader.

"If you wish to maintain formality, we can certainly do so. However, I kindly request that you properly respect the Honourable Royal Concubine of Gerhard. I haven’t witnessed any curtsies from your group towards her," Meredith calmly stated, emphasising the importance of acknowledging Anna’s position.

"And who are you to give us such an order?" snarled Naise, her tone laced with defiance.

"I am now the lady-in-waiting of Lady Raychard, recently appointed by His Highness the Grand Duke," Meredith responded swiftly, asserting her new position.

"We are Her Majesty the queen’s ladies-in-waiting! Our rank is higher than yours. You have no right to order us around," Sarah retorted arrogantly.

"I do not claim to outrank you personally," Meredith calmly replied, "but the lady I serve holds a higher status than all of you combined. She is a member of the royal family, deeply cherished by His Highness the Grand Duke. Perhaps, Lady James, you and your companions should revisit your etiquette lessons. Furthermore, if she chooses to address you by your first name, it is well within her rights to do so, given her elevated status."

The air grew tense at Meredith’s remark. The ladies-in-waiting, including Sarah, were momentarily silenced, their previous arrogance subdued by the reminder of proper etiquette and Anna’s elevated status within the royal hierarchy.

Sarah’s face burned with humiliation, her pride warring against the realisation that they were in the confines of the palace. She clenched her fists, struggling to contain her anger.

However, the memory of the grand duke’s menacing grip around her neck sent shivers down her spine, fueling her fear of the potential consequences if this situation escalated further.

Reluctantly, Sarah swallowed her pride and curtsied, her actions signalling her submission. The other ladies-in-waiting, who had glanced at each other hesitantly, followed suit, recognising the need to comply and avoid further trouble.

Anna nodded in acknowledgement, her heart filled with gratitude towards Meredith for her swift and intelligent response and Sylvia for her cunning words. She had known firsthand just how sharp Sarah’s tongue could be, and she was pleasantly surprised by how effectively her two friends had subdued them.

Meredith gestured for the group to step aside.

"Now, ladies, please excuse us. The Honourable Royal Concubine of Gerhard has other obligations to attend to."

The three ladies continued on their path, leaving Sarah and the ladies-in-waiting seething with anger and frustration.

The chief lady-in-waiting’s anger turned towards her companions as she questioned Anna’s presence.

"Why is she still here? I heard she was already gone!" she exclaimed.

Attempting to clear up the situation, Evelyn responded, "She did leave, my lady. We are unsure why she has returned, but her presence can only mean one thing."

Curiosity sparked in Sarah’s eyes.

"What does it mean?"

"It means His Highness, the Grand Duke, must also be here."

Sarah’s mind raced, trying to make sense of the situation. She had assumed that the embarrassing incident from the previous night had led the couple to leave the palace promptly. The fact that they had returned now intrigued her. There must be something important happening, something she needed to uncover.

With a slight finger gesture, Sarah called Naise closer, indicating her desire for a private conversation. Her assistant approached and awaited her instructions.

"Find out why they’ve come back," Sarah commanded, her voice laced with determination and curiosity.

"Yes, my lady," Naise replied with a bow, accepting her assigned task.

As Naise turned, her gaze was captivated by the ethereal presence of a woman with cascading white silken hair and striking ruby-red eyes. She walked gracefully, accompanied by a maid with serene blue eyes, neatly tied black hair, and a loyal servant trailing behind.

Naise couldn’t help but notice the sling that was draped over the woman’s shoulder, suggesting a recent injury.

Sarah and the ladies-in-waiting gasped in awe at the mesmerising beauty of the woman, their eyes wide with admiration. They remained enchanted, unable to tear their gaze away from her as she approached.

Sarah’s attention, however, was soon drawn to the uniform and badge worn by the maid beside the captivating woman, noting the maid’s gentle and calming expression.

"Your Highness, are you certain you don’t mind missing the duel? It has just started. Only Armel remains on His Highness Prince Kiev’s side as a spectator," Elis cautiously inquired.

Wearing a confident smile, the Mederian Princess responded, "Ah, don’t worry! I have witnessed his skills in battle on numerous occasions. He will surely emerge victorious. After all, we are just taking a little break so I can tidy myself a bit."

Elis promptly sealed her lips. Though secretly rooted for Kyren’s triumph, she understood the need to remain respectful and refrained from voicing her opinion, mindful of the princess she served.

"We shall return to the arena shortly. I simply require your assistance in adjusting my hair. The sling tie keeps causing discomfort due to entanglement," Callis requested.

Approaching Sarah and the ladies-in-waiting, the Mederian Princess nodded and smiled as a gesture of respect. Elis and the servant curtsied, but Callis urged them to hasten their pace.

Both quickened their steps, complying with the princess’s request. Bridgette couldn’t help but voice her astonishment as they left, "Who is that stunning woman? I have never beheld such beauty!"

However, when she turned her gaze toward Sarah, she noticed the chief lady-in-waiting’s furious expression. Her anger was evident because Bridgette had praised another woman who was more beautiful than her.

"Naise!" Sarah called out, her voice filled with urgency.

Naise promptly responded, "Yes, my lady?"

"Swiftly uncover what is transpiring! I want to know why an unfamiliar guest has suddenly appeared in the palace and why the Maid of Gerhard escorts her!" Sarah commanded, her concern evident.

A wave of worry washed over Sarah.

The woman she had seen possessed an irresistible allure that could captivate any man, and it was apparent to anyone that she hailed from a noble lineage. Sarah couldn’t help but wonder if the grand duke intended to make her a candidate for his legal wife, which struck a fit of jealousy in her heart.