The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 238: The Ladies Plan for A Meaningful Memory

Chapter 238: The Ladies Plan for A Meaningful Memory

"You don’t have to worry about anything. I will accompany you during your stay in the palace," Rafe assured Anna as he relayed the order from the King of Cassian. The directive was for her to reside in the palace while Kyren was away temporarily.

Anna sought solace in their presence on the settee between Sylvia and Meredith. Despite her heart feeling heavy with sadness at the impending separation, she understood and accepted that it was the grand duke’s duty to defend the kingdom’s security.

Sylvia, sensing Anna’s inner turmoil, offered words of comfort.

"It’ll be fine, Anna. We’ll come to the palace every day to keep you company. You won’t feel lonely, and before you know it, His Highness will be back to you," she said, wrapping her arms around the princess and gently rubbing her shoulder in a consoling gesture.

Anna turned to her friend, a wistful smile gracing her lips.

"Thank you, Sylvia. Your support means a lot to me," she expressed her gratitude, appreciating the reassurance and understanding offered by her loyal friend.

"Great! I shall always be by your side. After all, I am now your lady-in-waiting, my lady," Meredith declared, expressing her commitment to the princess’s service.

Anna, however, insisted on preserving their familiar relationship.

"Mer, just call me Anna as you always have. There’s no need for such formalities," she requested.

Meredith hesitated, considering the implications.

"Well... Mr Amares is a member of the knighthood, and I should address you properly before him," she explained, grappling with the appropriate etiquette.

Rafe, observing the interaction, interjected casually, "Don’t worry about me. I don’t mind, as long as my lady is comfortable with it. Besides, you were friends before becoming my lady’s lady-in-waiting," he reassured, emphasising the importance of Anna’s comfort.

The princess supported Rafe’s sentiment, affirming her preference.

"Yes, Mer. I feel much more comfortable that way," she agreed, appreciating the subtle approach.

Meredith smiled, accepting the compromise.

"All right then. At least not in front of His Highness. As a serving officer, I still need to maintain certain protocols in the presence of the lord," she clarified, acknowledging the need for propriety.

Anna reciprocated the understanding.

"That is acceptable. Thank you, Mer," she expressed her gratitude.

Rafe, satisfied with the outcome, concluded his role.

"That will be all, my lady. Please take the time to rest. If you need anything from the mansion, do let us know. Sir McQuinn and Sir Henderson are here to assist," he informed.

Anna nodded in acknowledgement.

"I suppose His Highness is already busy with the preparations since I don’t see him or the other knights. There must be a lot to do," Sylvia speculated, recognising the demands on Kyren’s time.

"Yes... I noticed that too... Is he with the admiral, Rafe?" asked Anna.

After Kyren had come to inform Anna of his impending departure, the grand duke had vanished from sight. The healer, who was privy to the whereabouts of the grand duke and his knights, swiftly responded to conceal their absence.

"His Highness and the other knights have gone to attend to matters concerning the mansion," the healer explained, attempting to alleviate any concerns. "Since his departure was sudden, several arrangements need to be addressed. Rest assured, he will return very soon once everything is sorted."

"I see... thank you for informing me, Rafe. I was worried that the departure had been expedited, and he left without saying goodbye," Anna said, her face clouded with mixed emotions.

"Do not worry, my lady. The preparations will take some time, and he will depart according to the planned schedule. He will surely come back to see you before he leaves," Rafe reassured the princess, aiming to alleviate her anxiety.

Anna nodded, acknowledging his words. Rafe then excused himself and left the princess to her thoughts. As the healer departed, the princess’s gloomy expression remained fixed. She couldn’t help but think about Kyren and the upcoming separation.

Although she had experienced similar situations during her time in the camp, her feelings were different this time. She was reluctant to let him go, and her feelings were overpowering her in a way she wasn’t accustomed to.

"Stop wearing that sad face, Anna," Meredith advised, trying to lift her friend’s spirits. "His Highness would feel guilty leaving you if you keep pouting like that."

"I’m sorry, Mer. I can’t help but worry about him," Anna confessed.

Meredith understood the depth of Anna’s feelings and offered her support. She knew the princess’s upcoming separation would be difficult, but she would do her best to support Anna and help her stay strong.

"I think, instead of dwelling on sad thoughts, why not seize this opportunity to create a beautiful and meaningful memory with His Highness? That way, he’ll carry it with him while he’s away and will be eager to return to you," Meredith suggested with a hopeful tone.

"A good and meaningful memory? Like what?" Anna inquired, curious about the idea.

Sylvia’s eyes lit up with excitement.

"Yes, Mer! What a brilliant idea! Anna, did you know that tomorrow is the mid-autumn festival? The city will be filled with vibrant celebrations! Your proclamation date was intentionally scheduled around the festival. You and His Highness should take this chance to attend!"

"A mid-autumn festival? I’ve never experienced one in my entire life!"

Anna’s face brightened with enthusiasm. However, her excitement quickly waned.

"I don’t think Kyren and I can go. He’s swamped right now, and it wouldn’t be appropriate to attend a festival when he’s about to embark on war."

Sylvia sympathised with Anna’s concern.

"I’m sorry. I didn’t consider that before suggesting it. Please forgive me."

Meredith interjected, offering a solution, "Even if you can’t go to the festival, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a wonderful time together. He will be returning at night, right?"

Anna nodded.

"Yes, he said he would return to me no matter how late it is."

"In that case, you should plan something special for him," Meredith proposed, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes.

"What should I do?" Anna asked, seeking guidance.

Meredith’s eyes twinkled as she replied, "You know... intimacy between husband and wife. Now that he’s about to leave, you should put in some extra effort to make sure he remembers you."

Blushing, Anna responded shyly, "We’ve always been intimate."

She was well aware of Kyren’s passion and desire for her every night.

Meredith chuckled, shaking her head.

"I’m not talking about the usual. I mean adding a little more spice to your encounters," she explained, eagerness in her tone.

"Spice? What do you mean?" Anna inquired, her curiosity piqued.

A mischievous grin appeared on Meredith’s face as she shared her ideas. As she explained, Anna’s cheeks turned crimson from the explicit details.

"Oh, my! Mer, where did you learn all this?" the princess exclaimed, embarrassed, as she placed a hand over her chest.

Meredith smirked, feeling quite pleased with herself.

"Well, wasn’t I the former president of the book reading club before I turned it into the fan club of His Highness the Grand Duke?" she admitted, a subtle laugh escaping her lips.

"Ah, now I remember! She’s the champion when it comes to reading romantic novels. It’s no surprise she knows these things," Sylvia remarked, recalling Meredith’s expertise in the genre.

"But you’re a maiden!" Anna exclaimed.

"Shouldn’t a maiden learn about it before getting married?" Meredith replied confidently. "After all, it’s meant for the pleasure of the husband. There’s nothing wrong with understanding it."

Sylvia teased, "Come to think of it, I believe Sir Jarr will be quite surprised when he discovers the true Mer."

Meredith smirked.

"Oh, I’m going to make him drool. I’ll turn that stoic man into a puppy, begging and howling for me," she declared boldly.

Anna’s face grew even redder as she listened to their conversation. She suddenly remembered the candid remarks exchanged among her husband’s fan club members when she had previously met them.

It became clear why they were so open and unconventional in their discussions about men—Meredith’s influence had advanced their perspectives.

"I don’t think tonight is a good time," Anna hesitated. "Kyren must be tired from work and likely return late."

"Tired? From what? The preparations? He can’t be tired from that!" Meredith protested.

"He had a confrontation with Prince Kiev at the mansion earlier, followed by a duel at the palace today, and now he’s off to his tasks. He’s been through a lot, and I don’t want to disturb him while he’s resting," Anna explained.

"His Highness is renowned as the best knight in Cassian and has an incredible stamina. He won’t succumb to tiredness from those mere activities. Besides, it’s often said in books that a satisfying intimate experience can clear a man’s mind and enhance his performance in his work," Sylvia confidently remarked.

Anna’s voice trembled as she expressed her concerns, "But... but what if he doesn’t want to?"

Meredith’s eyes sparkled with determination as she reassured Anna, "Oh, no, he won’t resist if you follow my advice. Trust me, no man could say no to the allure of what I shared with you."

Anna hesitated, feeling uncertain.

"Are you sure? I’ve never done anything like that before."

Sylvia chimed in, encouraging Anna, "That’s all the more reason why you should give it a try! He’ll surely remember this enticing memory when he’s away from you and can’t wait to return."

Meredith’s determination remained unwavering as she declared, "Yes! Now, let me ask a servant to come and take your measurements. I know a few boutiques that can provide the perfect dress according to your size."

"A dress?" Anna questioned, surprised.

"Of course," replied Meredith confidently. "But not just any dress. It’ll be an exquisite night dress."

"But I already have nightgowns. Even though I didn’t bring any clothes, the palace always provides them for me," the princess replied.

"Oh, my sweet, innocent friend. Just as men require their swords on the battlefield, you, too, need something equally captivating for your cause. This dress will captivate your husband and make him surrender to you."

Sylvia suggested, "Shouldn’t she try on the dress for fitting? If we plan to go boutique shopping, it will take us at least a day to visit all the stores. It’s already noon, and considering the hour, we might not have enough time to make good selections from all the boutiques."

Meredith smiled and assured them, "I have a better idea! I’ll order the boutique owners to come here instead with various choices. It’ll save us the time!"

"That’s a brilliant suggestion, Mer! We should get some perfumes and makeup, too!" exclaimed Sylvia.

Anna, still hesitated, asked, "Are you sure about this? Would they come?"

"Are you kidding me? This is an order from the palace! None of them would refuse it. Besides, it would be an honour to serve the beloved woman of the Grand Duke of Gerhard! Now, let’s get to work, Sylvia!" said Meredith.

Sylvia chimed in with enthusiasm, "Definitely, Mer!"

Meredith reached for the bell on the table and rang it, signalling for a servant to come.

Anna gulped nervously, torn between her embarrassment and her friends’ excitement. She took a deep breath, realising that their intentions came from a place of support and love.

Slowly, she allowed herself to embrace the idea, willing to explore new possibilities to strengthen her bond with her husband.