The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 271: An Unexpected Order

Chapter 271: An Unexpected Order

King Kyden’s face contorted with surprise as he absorbed the explanation presented before him. The grand duke’s group and the Mederian siblings had interrupted him while he delved into the day’s documents within the confines of his private library.

Yielding to Kyren’s insistence, he reluctantly set aside his readings and focused his attention on the pressing matter raised by him and the group.

"I request the Grand Duke, Rafe Amares, Prince Kiev, and Princess Callis to stay. The rest of you, please depart," commanded the king.

Unable to contain her concern, Anna interjected, "But, Your Majesty... we also wish to know the outcome. Rafe is not only my healer but also a dear friend."

King Kyden responded with a measured tone, "I understand your concern. However, let only the involved parties partake in the discussion now. The rest of you will be informed of the outcome."

Respecting the king’s order, the remaining group members bowed and curtsied before exiting the private library. As Luke closed the door behind them, Damon turned to Drystan with a troubled expression.

"What do you think will happen now? It doesn’t make sense that His Highness Prince Kiev is placing blame on Mr Amares!"

Contemplating the question, Drystan responded with a hint of understanding in his voice, "It may seem perplexing, but I can comprehend his perspective."

"What do you mean?" Eli inquired curiously.

Drystan explained, his voice filled with understanding, "His Highness Prince Kiev is protecting his sister. Although she caused the problem, he cannot bear to let her face the consequences. You’ve heard how it would affect his sister. With Mr Amares bound to her, she is willing to do anything for him, even offering herself completely. If such a thing were to happen, it would tarnish the princess’s dignity as she is not married to him. That is what he fears, and it drove him to act in the way he did."

The knight’s head shook slowly, realising that his situation was not as dire as he initially thought. It turned out that Rafe’s predicament was even worse. The healer had become entangled as someone’s soulmate without his knowledge.

Damon’s eyes widened as the realisation dawned on him.

"Now I understand! He did mention it’s a complete surrender of heart, body, and soul. Oh, boy! Mr Amares is truly fortunate to have such a beautiful princess willing to give herself so completely!"

"Damon! It’s not fortunate if your life is hanging on the thread! The Mederian Prince wants to kill Mr Amares because of it!" Alex scolded.

"Ah... right! Forgive me!" said the knight, scratching the back of his head guiltily.

Noah observed the unfolding scene with keen interest. He positioned himself slightly apart from the others, crossing his arms over his chest as he leaned against the hallway wall.

Meanwhile, curiosity sparked within Meredith, and she couldn’t help but ask Drystan, "How did you come to this conclusion? What makes you think that is His Highness Prince Kiev’s intention?"

Sylvia, too, was intrigued, eager to understand the reasoning behind the knight’s assumption.

Drystan replied, drawing from his personal experiences, "I, too, have a sister whom I cherish deeply. When she chose to marry the man she loved, I couldn’t remain idle. I became anxious, worrying that he might not be worthy of her and unable to treat her well. I tried countless ways to keep them apart, not out of hatred for him but out of a desire to protect my sister from potential heartbreak. Well... maybe I did hate him a little for taking away the apple of my eyes."

Drystan’s words carried the weight of his love and protectiveness for his sister, allowing others to glimpse the reasons behind his understanding of Prince Kiev’s actions.

"Do you still hate him for that?" asked Luke, who listened attentively to Drystan’s story.

"Not anymore after my sweet nephew came along. Turns out, my brother-in-law was a good father and a big help to my sister when the baby was born. He’s loving and caring towards his family. But I still keep an eye on him."

Sylvia found herself mesmerised by Drystan’s statement. She had never expected a man who seemed to enjoy the company of attractive women to be fiercely protective of his sister.

"I suppose all we can do now is wait for the decision," Garin said, breaking his silence. "Let’s hope for the best outcome."

Nods of agreement rippled through the group. Their expressions were clouded with uncertainty and anticipation. They understood that the fate of their healer rested in the hands of King Kyden’s judgment.

All they could do now was hope that the decision would be favourable.

***

Kyren’s voice was determined as he spoke up, refusing the Mederian Prince’s demand, "I won’t give up on my healer. Rafe is a valued member of my knighthood, and none of this is his fault!"

Kiev’s brows furrowed as he asserted his stance.

"Even though it’s clear that my sister made the mistake, I cannot allow her to bear the consequences. The Grand Duke owes me a debt, and I want him to repay it. I saved his life, and now I ask for the life of his healer in return. A life for a life! That’s fair enough!"

The king turned to his brother, a questioning look in his eyes.

"You owe him?" he asked, seeking clarification.

Kyren sighed.

"We ventured out to eliminate dangerous beasts near the mansion recently. Prince Kiev joined us because he believed they posed a threat to Anna. During the beasts’ attack, he saved me twice."

Kiev interjected, adding his perspective, "I decided to partake in the beasts’ hunting as it contributes to the safety of my betrothed."

The king’s expression grew contemplative as he responded to both princes’ explanations.

"Why should you concern yourself with mere beasts? I can always send the royal guards to eliminate them. Furthermore, Anna is staying at the palace, not at the mansion until you return."

Kyren countered, "Anna might want to return to the mansion at times, and taking precautions in advance is crucial for her safety. We have agreed that she is allowed to go back if she wishes. Her knightess, whom my knight saved from Ardel, is currently recuperating there due to injury. Anna might want to visit her, as they are close."

The king nodded in understanding.

"I see... It surprises me that you both can work together and mutually agree on this aspect. But it’s good to hear that you have established such collaboration," he remarked, acknowledging their efforts.

As the Mederian Prince and the grand duke exchanged glances, it became evident that their story and excuses regarding the ’beasts hunting’ were well-coordinated and convincing. The seamless nature of their explanations suggested a prior agreement between them.

Callis and Rafe, their expressions clouded with uncertainty, stood in silence, awaiting the judgment of the King of Cassian. The weight of guilt hung heavily on the Mederian Princess’s shoulder, knowing that her actions had caused her predicament.

The king’s gaze shifted from the Mederian Princess and the healer, and he contemplated. He understood the complexity of the situation and the emotions at stake.

After a moment, the king finally spoke.

"Based on what has transpired, it is clear that this bond between Rafe Amares and Princess Callis cannot be severed," the king began.

But before he could continue, Kiev interjected firmly, "It can! Mr Amares must die! That’s the only way!"

"I mean, if we want to maintain the lives of them both," continued King Kyden.

"My healer’s life is as important as your sister’s! How can you simply suggest to kill him?" Kyren retorted to the Mederian Prince.

"He’s just a healer! You can find another healer in Cassian. If they don’t satisfy you, I can replace him with a better healer from my island! State your requirement, and I shall issue an order immediately!" said Kiev.

Consumed by his desperation to sever the soulmate bond that his sister had forged, Kiev found himself willing to do anything to prevent her from experiencing the anticipated suffering. In his mind, there was no room for tolerance or acceptance of the potential pain that lay ahead for Callis.

His love for his sister, fueled by a deep sense of responsibility and protectiveness, drove him to take drastic measures. The thought of witnessing Callis endure a sorrowful existence haunted him, pushing him to the brink of his resolve.

Kyren immediately objected.

"That’s not going to happen!" he declared, unwilling to let harm befall his healer.

"Princess Callis will bear the burden, leading a sorrowful life forever due to the soulmate declaration. You’re still young, and the fact that you will suffer alone for the rest of your life due to your actions is devastating," said the king as he looked at Callis.

"I don’t mind, Your Majesty. It was my own decision. I willingly forged the bond through the ritual, and I am guilty of not informing Mr Amares about it, thus entangling him in this predicament," replied the Mederian Princess, her voice filled with a sense of responsibility.

"You don’t, but I do! You have no idea of the pain it brings! Once you experience it, you’ll be in tears for the rest of your life, living in constant misery!" Kiev’s voice rose as he directed his frustration towards his sister.

Growing weary of their conflicting demands, King Kyden ordered, his tone commanding. "Enough! We shall resolve this matter now!"

All eyes turned towards the king, anticipation filling the room as they awaited his decision.

"This is a difficult situation, but after considering all factors, I have reached a fair judgment," the king announced.

Curiosity brimming, Kyren couldn’t contain his impatience.

"What would that be, Your Majesty?" he asked eagerly.

"A life for a life and a heart for a heart."

The grand duke and the healer exchanged puzzled glances, struggling to comprehend the king’s muttered words.

"Kyren Raychard, the Grand Duke of Gerhard, and Rafe Amares, the healer of Gerhard..." the king spoke, raising his right hand.

"Yes, Your Majesty," both men responded in unison.

"Kneel before me, as I shall now issue my royal decree," the king commanded, gesturing with his hand.

Following the king’s order, both men knelt on the ground, bowing their heads in deference.

As King Kyden’s words echoed through the room, a satisfied expression slowly coloured Kiev’s face, revealing a sense of triumph in his eyes as he believed the king’s order would align with his desire.

On the other hand, Callis felt tense and horrified as the weight of the king’s statement settled upon them. Her face paled, her eyes widening in terror, as she interpreted the king’s words to imply the execution of the healer.

Silence gripped the room for a brief moment as the tension rose.

"This is my order. Rafe Amares, you shall marry Princess Callis today and Kyren, you shall be the witness!" the king’s resonant voice filled the room, solidifying his decree.

All present in the room lifted their gazes to the king, their eyes widening in shock at the unexpected order.