The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 230: Loss Of Power

Chapter 230: Loss Of Power

"Leave us for now, Miss Canton. I need to speak to my sister," Kiev ordered Elis firmly.

"Yes, Your Highness," the maid replied, bowing respectfully.

After guiding Callis to a seat on the settee, she quietly closed the door behind her, granting the siblings a moment of privacy.

Kiev’s eyes filled with concern as he gently held his sister’s trembling hands in his own.

"Are you all right?" he asked with worry.

"I think I would feel much better if you could heal my shoulder," she admitted, her eyes pleading.

Determined to ease his sister’s pain, Kiev nodded resolutely.

"All right. I’ll do it now. Please reveal it so I can mend the fractured part," he said confidently.

Callis unbuttoned her clothes with a slow and careful motion, exposing her injured right shoulder. Kiev placed his palm gently upon it, expecting the familiar surge of healing enchantment to flow through him.

But to his surprise, nothing happened. The healing light that usually accompanied his magic failed to manifest.

Confusion furrowed Kiev’s brow as he searched for an explanation.

"This is strange," he murmured. "Why can’t I heal you?"

"Why, brother? What happened?" asked Callis, confused.

Kiev sighed, his frustration palpable.

"I don’t know. It seems like my mana is being blocked," he replied, his gaze fixed on his palm, willing his magic to work.

He flicked his finger, attempting to produce fire, but his magic remained unresponsive.

"Why can’t I use them? This has never happened before!" he exclaimed, his surprise mirroring his sister’s confusion.

Callis instinctively covered herself.

"It’s fine if you can’t heal me. I can endure the pain. I’ll be better with time," she assured him.

Kiev’s expression softened, filled with remorse.

"Forgive me, Callis. I don’t know what has gotten into me. I supposed to be able to protect and heal you."

Callis pondered for a moment before a thought crossed her mind.

"Could it be because of the golden barrier of the grand duke?" she suggested. "Remember, you experienced a burning sensation when your lightning attacks were deflected by it. That had never happened before, brother. I don’t think the barrier was solely for protection. I could sense a strong power emanating from it."

"You’re right," he acknowledged. "I was about to ask you the same thing. I suspect there’s a hidden magic within him. Furthermore, his tracing magic ability is peculiar too."

"Why didn’t the others see his barrier and the following incident? You heard what Mr Amares said," Callis questioned, her brow furrowing with concern.

"Are you sure they’re not lying?" Kiev questioned.

"No, I don’t think so," the Mederian Princess replied, her tone resolute. "Even Her Majesty the Queen said the same thing. They seemed utterly confused when you suggested that the grand duke was a magic practitioner. The burly knight with brunette hair denied it, but he did explain the grand duke’s ability to detect magic usage. If he wanted to lie, he wouldn’t have revealed that."

Kiev nodded, acknowledging the validity of her point.

"You’re right," he admitted. "There must be something going on with him that no one around him seems to know. That could explain what happened earlier."

"In that case, if the duel continues, you won’t have a chance to defeat him! His physical prowess is proven to be enormous!" Callis interjected, her voice filled with worry. "We could lose Princess Anna to his hands."

A sense of urgency washed over Kiev as he realised the gravity of the situation.

"Oh, no! This is not good!" he exclaimed, his mind racing to find a solution. "We have to think of something! Until my powers are returned, we need to postpone the duel."

The siblings shared a moment of deep concern, their worries intertwining over the safety of Princess Anna, whom they had vowed to protect at all costs.

***

"What’s the matter? Is the food not to your liking?" the queen inquired, noticing Anna barely eating her meal.

Concern was etched across her face as she observed the princess’s sombre expression.

Anna lifted her gaze and turned to the queen, momentarily snapping out of her wandering thoughts.

"No, not at all, Your Majesty! I just don’t have much appetite right now," she replied.

"I understand that you must be feeling sad and worried about everything that’s happening right now," Queen Emelda empathised, conveying genuine understanding. "I also sincerely apologise for what transpired during the event last night. I was not there to protect you. His Majesty nearly fainted from the drinking, and we had to leave early. I would have stayed by your side if I had known about the situation. I have reprimanded the ministers involved, and they will never behave in such a manner towards you. Please let me know immediately if anyone ever tries to mistreat you again."

Anna expressed her gratitude. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I truly appreciate your actions."

The queen’s voice carried a hint of disheartenment as she continued, "I am also frustrated by this turn of events. After all, you have been through, you are now faced with this duel. I genuinely wish for your happiness, Anna. Rest assured, I promise that Kyren and His Majesty will resolve this matter for you."

"You’re right, Your Majesty," Meredith chimed in, her voice filled with confidence. "His Highness the Grand Duke is the best knight in Cassian. And even though His Highness Prince Kiev possesses magic, I still have full faith in him."

Sylvia nodded in agreement.

"Me too," she added, her voice reflecting her unwavering trust in the grand duke.

The queen smiled.

"I am glad to hear such confidence from you," she expressed, her words carrying a soothing tone. "And I pray that things will be better afterwards. So, please let aside your worries for the moment, Anna."

The princess nodded lightly, thankful for the queen’s concern for her.

"The flowers you brought are beautiful. I’ve never seen such an exquisite shade of rose," praised the queen, changing the topic to a more lighthearted subject.

Sylvia grinned as she replied, "The retired gardener, Mr Tony Lambert, gave them to us when we visited the Crown Prince’s quarters."

"Oh, you went there?" the queen inquired, curious about their visit.

"Forgive me for asking, Your Majesty, but is the place prohibited from visiting?" Meredith asked cautiously.

The queen shook her head gently.

"No, of course not. Anna can always go there with her companions. It’s just that the place has no new owner yet," she explained, a tinge of sorrow colouring her face.

"I should’ve worked harder so the place could be occupied someday. How I wish it could happen sooner," the queen lamented, her voice filled with regret.

"Oh, Your Majesty, please don’t be sad about it. I’m sure it’ll happen when the time comes," Anna reassured her.

"Yes, I’m hoping to conceive an heir for Cassian soon. Pray for me, my dear," the queen requested, her tone vulnerable.

"Of course, Your Majesty! You’re still young and vibrant. I’m sure God will allow it soon," Meredith supported her, offering encouragement.

The queen smiled and then shifted the conversation, "Speaking of babies, what about you and Kyren, Anna? Have you been trying?" she asked.

Anna’s eyes widened, almost choking on her drink. She quickly placed the glass on the table and wiped her lips, her gaze darting to Rafe, who was also present at the luncheon.

The healer interjected before the princess could reply, coming to her rescue.

"I am still treating Lady Raychard’s body, Your Majesty. It appears that she has a weak constitution, so the matter of conceiving shouldn’t be the main concern for now," he explained, providing a convenient excuse to divert the conversation.

Anna breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for Rafe’s quick thinking. It spared her from sharing her details in a public setting. She silently thanked the healer, her eyes conveying her gratitude.

"Then, you should treat her faster and ensure she’s healthy enough to conceive a baby for Kyren. Even if the child can’t be an heir to the Duchy of Gerhard or Cassian, we would still be so thrilled to have a new addition to the family," the queen insisted, her voice filled with anticipation.

Rafe nodded, his voice low as he responded, "Yes, Your Majesty. I will work diligently on that."

Keeping the burden of the grand duke’s procreation matter within him was a secret the healer carried with immense weight. The knowledge that Anna couldn’t bear a child for Kyren due to a circumstance beyond her control resonated deeply in his conscience. Seeing the princess unknowingly caught in such a complex and entangled position only intensified his feelings of guilt.

"I’m sure I will be kept busy when that happens," Meredith interjected with a smile.

Curious, the queen asked, "Oh, why is that, Lady Grey?"

"Forgive me for not informing you earlier, but His Highness the Grand Duke has appointed me as Lady Raychard’s lady-in-waiting. So, after this, I would be with her mostly," Meredith revealed, her excitement evident.

"Is that so?" the queen responded, pleased by the news. "Congratulations, Lady Grey, on your appointment."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Meredith replied gratefully.

Considering the noble lady’s circumstances, the queen then raised an important question.

"Given your position, you should accompany Anna and return to Gerhard with her. However, as a maiden living here in Gantz with your father, who holds a position in the royal council, it would be difficult for him to simply move to the duchy. How do you plan to be in Gerhard without a guardian?"

Meredith blushed shyly but spoke with conviction, "I have already thought about it, and I believe this appointment is a blessing for me."

Curiosity piqued, Anna urged, "Care to explain, Mer?"

"Well... actually... I’m planning to get married," Meredith confessed, a mix of excitement and nervousness in her tone.

Sylvia couldn’t contain her excitement and said, "Don’t tell me that the knight has already asked for your hand in marriage?"

Meredith’s cheeks flushed further.

"Wait... which knight are you referring to? How come I don’t know about this?" Anna’s confusion mirrored in her voice.

Sylvia grinned mischievously, explaining, "I had suspicions from the first time we met Lady Raychard at the palace. I saw how he glanced at Mer when we arrived. Then, after she met him, she had this peculiar expression all over her face."

Anna pondered for a moment, retracing Sylvia’s memories. Suddenly, realisation dawned upon her, and she recalled the moment vividly. Her eyes widened in surprise.

"Oh, my! You... and Sir Jarr?" Anna exclaimed. "Is this true, Mer?"

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