The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 264: Saved By The Prince

Chapter 264: Saved By The Prince

Kiev and Elis walked together, weaving through the lively crowd. As they reached the carriage, the maid began to arrange the purchased items with the assistance of the carriage driver.

"My Lord, please don’t wait. You may go ahead and accompany Lady Naver since she’s alone at the moment," Elis suggested.

"Very well. Please join us as soon as you can," the Mederian prince nodded in agreement.

With a parting nod, Kiev left Elis to her task, his steps slowing on the cobblestone path. After halfway walking, his attention was suddenly captured by a captivating play unfolding on a stage erected in one of the open spaces of the plaza near the path he took.

The crowd gathered around, comprised of children, youngsters, and adults, all eagerly engrossed in the performance. The play depicted the tale of the great war that had taken place fifty years ago, showcasing the valour and heroism of the northern warriors who had saved the last empress. Kiev was drawn to the storyline, his eyes fixed on the actors and the vivid portrayal of the historical events.

For a brief moment, Kiev allowed himself to be transported into the narrative, captivated by the performances. The play served as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Cassians and their respect for the Ro’an Empire.

As it reached the conclusion, the audience applauded in joy. The Mederian Prince, realising that he had lost track of time, turned away from the stage, intending to find his sister. However, his steps faltered when he noticed Elis had yet to pass him.

Perplexed, he murmured, "What took her so long?"

Kiev knew that Elis would have taken the same route he stood on to return to his sister. Yet, she was nowhere to be found.

A tinge of worry crept into his thoughts as he contemplated the possible reasons for Elis’ delay.

"Did she get lost or encountered some troubles?" Kiev wondered aloud, his brows furrowing with concern.

Driven by his growing unease, the Mederian Prince made a swift decision. He turned back towards the path leading to the carriage, retracing his steps through an isolated alley—a shortcut he had taken previously with Elis.

As he walked halfway down the alley, his attention was abruptly captured by a sight that made him freeze in his tracks.

***

"My, my... what a beautiful maiden you are. I have never seen you at any ball or social gathering. Perhaps, may I know which family you come from?"

A man, exuding an air of superiority in his fine attire, flashed a grin that caused Elis’s feet to freeze in place. To her dismay, it wasn’t just one man; there were three of them.

Confronted by their unwelcome attention, Elis’s hands began to tremble with fear. She mustered her courage to speak, "Gentlemen, please allow me to pass through."

The second man, keenly observing Elis’s hands, remarked, "Judging by her rough hands, I highly doubt she hails from a noble family."

With a mocking tone, the third man added, "Did you steal the dress from your lady to attend this festival, my pretty-faced girl?"

The maid clenched her fists, summoning her inner strength.

"I did not steal anything! This dress is mine!" she asserted with defiance.

The man who had initially spoken took a step closer, his smirk widening.

"Well, well, feisty, aren’t we?" he teased, his tone filled with condescension.

The first man continued to belittle Elis, asserting, "I bet she came here, all dressed up in a stolen fine dress, hoping to catch the eye of a man of high status. Women of lower status will go to great lengths to climb the social ladder to live in luxury."

The second man joined in, chuckling as he remarked, "I wouldn’t mind if she wanted to be my mistress."

Undeterred by their derogatory comments, Elis countered with determination, "Stop it! I am not here to entice any man. I am here to serve my lord and lady!"

Unfazed by the maid’s response, the first man turned to his companion, conversing separately.

"You’re lucky you’re not a Cassian like me. The law binds me, and I cannot touch a maiden before marrying her," he sighed.

His two friends erupted into laughter, mocking his predicament.

"Perhaps you should consider migrating to Galicia. There, you might find more freedom when it comes to women," one of them suggested, furthering their jest.

Elis listened to their banter with frustration and anger. She despised how they reduced her worth to mere objects, a painful experience she once had gone through.

"Let me pass through! If you refuse, I will scream!"

The maid’s voice trembled with defiance and fear as she issued her threat.

The third man sneered and responded mockingly, "Go ahead! No one would hear your screams in this secluded corner. The authorities are preoccupied with the bustling crowd. They wouldn’t even notice your cries for help."

Elis’s body shook with increasing trepidation upon hearing his intimidating remark. Sensing one of the men closing in on her, she instinctively took backward steps, only to find herself cornered against the unyielding wall of the nearby building.

Emboldened by his companions’ presence, the man spoke daringly, "Why don’t we have some fun? It’s a festive occasion, and we should revel in the spirit of celebration. Nothing too serious... just an opportunity to get better acquainted, don’t you think?"

"No! Stay away from me!" Elis exclaimed, her voice filled with desperation and a plea for escape.

Ignoring her outcry, the man continued his advance, encroaching upon her personal space. Fear constricted Elis’s movements, rendering her immobile as she found herself surrounded by the menacing trio.

She screamed for help, but the men didn’t budge. They erupted in laughter, their amusement fueling their sinister intentions.

However, a commanding shout from behind them abruptly interrupted their cruel intentions.

"Step away from her!"

Startled, the three men turned around, their eyes widening as they beheld a hooded figure hurtling towards them with purpose.

"Seems like someone wants to play the hero," the second man jeered, attempting to undermine the impending intervention.

The hooded figure, undeterred, responded with unwavering resolve, their voice filled with authority, "Don’t make me repeat myself. I don’t want to cause a scene as this is a public place."

Elis’s heart leapt with recognition as she heard the familiar voice.

Her plea escaped her lips in a desperate whisper, "My Lord! Save me!"

Tears streamed down her cheeks, her lips trembled.

The man who had been close to Elis sneered, tauntingly remarking, "Why should I step back? She doesn’t wear a ring. It appears she does not belong to you!"

Kiev’s gaze hardened.

"She’s mine!" his voice thundered with possessiveness and determination.

The second man retorted mockingly, "You’re hiding your face under that hood. You must be so hideous that even this maiden has no interest in you, and you must have concocted this story to console yourself."

The Mederian Prince scoffed at the man’s words.

"Ugly, you say?"

In a swift motion, he removed his hood, revealing a countenance of striking handsomeness that left the group bewildered. His attire, crafted from the finest materials, further emphasised his regal presence.

"None of you three can match my appearance," Kiev stated confidently. "I have the freedom to choose any maiden I desire with my look, and at this moment, my interest lies with her."

Elis seized the opportunity as the men remained captivated by the Mederian Prince’s appearance. She forcefully pushed aside the one blocking her path and hurriedly made her way to Kiev.

Desperation fueled her actions as she grabbed hold of his arm, seeking solace and security in his embrace. Kiev, in turn, enveloped her trembling form with his protective hold.

"Let’s leave this place," suggested the first man with apprehension. "He appears to be a high-ranking noble lord. We could find ourselves in serious trouble."

His companions, recognising the validity of his words, quickly followed suit and retreated from the scene.

Knowing that the immediate threat had dissipated, Kiev turned his attention to Elis. With a firm yet gentle tone, he addressed her, "Let’s go."

He turned to their path, placing a reassuring hand on her back, guiding her away from the scene.

The pair hurriedly made their way out of the alley. Elis felt a profound sense of relief wash over her as she escaped the clutches of the men, her heart still racing from the fear and adrenaline of the encounter.

As they continued walking, the maid noticed that Kiev maintained his hold on her, not releasing her from his protective grasp.

"You should be more careful next time, Elis," said the Mederian Prince.

Uncertainty clouded her thoughts, and she mustered the courage to speak up, "It’s Miss Canton... and... you can let me go now."

Kiev abruptly halted his steps, turning his head to face the maid. His deep red ruby eyes gleamed as he stared at her.

"I have saved you on multiple occasions," he stated firmly. "I even granted your request to heal the little princess and keep it a secret from Their Majesties. Shouldn’t I deserve the same privilege as my sister? Despite all the troubles she caused you, you still allow her to address you by your first name, yet you insist on maintaining this ’Miss Canton’ formality with me?"

Elis’s eyes widened. A mixture of emotions swirled within her.

"I... I’m sorry," she stammered with genuine remorse. "I didn’t mean to offend you, my lord. I just thought... we’re not that close, and we’ve only just met, so I..."

Interrupting her, Kiev asked, "So is it still ’Miss Canton,’ or can I call you Elis now?"

The maid hesitated momentarily, then replied, "You may call me Elis as you please. But, now... please, let me go. We’re already far from them."

The Mederian Prince’s expression turned resolute as he firmly responded, "I’m sorry, I can’t do that. I am revealing my face to the public, and if I don’t hold onto you, maidens will swarm around me, seeking my attention. For now, you should be my shield."

True to Kiev’s words, people began to stare at them as they approached a path bustling with crowds. Notably, the women’s eyes were drawn to the Mederian Prince, scrutinising him with keen interest.

Some even attempted to move closer for a better look. However, when they noticed Kiev’s arm encircling Elis’s waist, none of them dared to approach. It was evident to onlookers that this exquisite man already had a woman by his side.

Breaking the silence as they walked, Kiev spoke up, "Aren’t you going to thank me for saving you again?"

Startled, Elis blushed, embarrassed that she had forgotten to express her gratitude.

"Ah... yes! Thank you for saving me, my lord," she said sincerely.

Kiev’s tone shifted, and he spoke casually, "You know, I could have easily crushed those men or even killed them in an instant. But as an honourable guest of His Majesty the King, it would be questionable for me to engage in a public fight over a maid of Gerhard. That would put me in an awkward position."

"Yes, my lord," Elis replied obediently.

Kiev continued, his words carrying an air of possessiveness, "I don’t like anyone else touching my belongings or those who are connected to me. Since you serve my sister, you fall under my jurisdiction. Do you understand?"

"Yes, I understand," the maid replied, acknowledging her position.

"Good. So, you owe me greatly this time, Elis. Therefore, I want you to return the favour. Until the day I return you to the grand duke, you shall serve me as well," Kiev stated decisively.

Elis’s heart sank as she realised she had little choice but to comply.

"Yes, my lord. From now on, I am at your disposal," she said, resigning herself to her new task.

A brief moment of excitement flickered in Kiev’s eyes, quickly replaced by a stern expression to hide his joy. Deep down, however, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of comfort he had never experienced before with a woman outside his own family.

***

As they arrived at the café, Kiev scanned the area for his sister, Callis, only to find her missing. Frustration crept into his voice as he grunted, "Now, where has she wandered off to? I specifically told her to stay put!"

Elis also turned her head, searching for the Mederian Princess, and her eyes caught sight of Callis at a flower stall opposite the café. To her surprise, there was a familiar man behind the Mederian Princess, placing a flower delicately on her hair.

Before Elis could say anything, she heard Kiev’s voice rise in exclamation, "What the h*ll!"