The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 281: A Hallucination Of Past Memory

Chapter 281: A Hallucination Of Past Memory

"Father!" Chris exclaimed as he caught sight of his father, who was on his knees on the ground.

"Your Imperial Majesty! Please forgive me! I couldn’t save His Imperial Majesty!" Liam cried out, his voice filled with desperation. He repeatedly banged his head against the ground, deep in remorse.

The sudden and distressing sight left the princess and the grand duke bewildered, their faces reflecting their confusion and concern. Sensing Anna’s unease, Kyren swiftly moved to her side, wrapping a protective arm around her waist, drawing her closer to his chest.

"Quick! We must leave Engarth immediately! The enemies are breaching the palace walls! We have no time to waste!" the Marquess urgently declared.

Panic laced his voice. His eyes darted anxiously from left to right, fear etched across his features.

The shout of fear from the Marquess sent shockwaves through the surrounding crowd. His sons, concerned for their father’s well-being, attempted to lift him from the ground.

However, their efforts proved fruitless. Liam remained resolute, begging on the ground and insisting Anna follow him to safety.

Confusion clouded the princess’s face as she questioned the situation.

"What’s happening? Why is he referring to me as Her Imperial Majesty?" she asked, seeking answers amidst the chaos.

Kyren, furrowing his brow with worry, shook his head.

"I don’t know," he replied.

Daniel, wearing a serious expression, spoke up.

"His sickness has returned. He’s experiencing hallucinations," he explained, his gaze fixed on his distressed father.

"Father, please calm down! The war is over. There are no enemies now," pleaded Daniel, who was now kneeling beside and trying to reason with his father.

But the Marquess refused to be swayed, his conviction unyielding.

"No! I must bring Her Imperial Majesty to safety! I made a promise to His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor! That treacherous lords want to harm her and the child she carries!" he shouted, his words filled with desperation and paranoia.

The commotion began drawing more attention from the onlookers. Their gazes were fixated on the scene. The Marquess continued to resist his sons’ pleas, his words becoming garbled and nonsensical.

He persistently addressed Anna as the last empress of the Ro’an Empire, further adding to the confusion and intrigue surrounding the situation.

"Take him to the nearest inn, away from prying eyes. It’s best if he’s not seen like this," Kyren ordered, his concern evident in his voice and expression.

"Yes, Your Highness," responded Chris, acknowledging the instruction.

"Father, please come with us. It’s not good for you to remain on your knees like this," pleaded Aaron, his voice tinged with worry.

But the Marquess remained stubborn, refusing to budge.

"No! I will not go! Not until she is saved!" he declared adamantly, his gaze fixed on Anna.

Tears rose as he begged, "Your Imperial Majesty, please come with me! I’m begging you! Our armies are outnumbered, and there are few northern warriors left! Please!"

Anna’s concern deepened as she looked between the unwavering Marquess and her husband, uncertain how to respond to his plea. The weight of the situation pressed upon her, and she struggled to find a solution.

As the commotion escalated, more people began to take notice. Their activities came to a halt as their focus turned towards the Grand Duke and the Marquess of Sylvere.

The royal knights rushed closer, sensing something amiss in the conversation between Liam and Kyren. The Knights of Gerhard, who noticed their sudden movements, followed suit.

Drystan, closest to the grand duke and his wife, approached swiftly, his curiosity piqued by the unusual sight of the Marquess kneeling before Anna.

"Your Highness, what is happening?" he inquired.

The Marquess, tears still in his eyes, turned to face Drystan, a sudden smile lighting up his face.

"Oh, my future grandson-in-law is here! Quick, come and help me, Sir Mills! Her Imperial Majesty needs us! We must bring her to the northern part of the continent. It’s the only safe place for her now!" he urged.

Drystan’s confusion deepened.

"Her Imperial Majesty? Whom are you referring to?" he questioned, seeking clarification.

The Marquess’s smile wavered, replaced by a look of indignation.

"Where are your manners?! Don’t you recognise Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Regina? How bold! Kneel before her!" he shouted.

His outburst left Drystan feeling embarrassed at the crowd.

"Father, please regain your composure. This lady is not Her Imperial Majesty the Empress. She is Lady Anna Raychard, the Honourable Royal Concubine of Gerhard," Aaron explained, his voice laced with concern.

"I am a northern warrior! How could I forget the face of the empress I have sworn to serve? This is Her Imperial Majesty! We must save her from them. It’s dangerous now!"

Liam’s loud shout caught the attention of the king and queen on the stage, causing them to turn their gaze towards the commotion.

Overwhelmed by a flood of jumbled memories, the Marquess became increasingly restless, his tears continuing to flow. Concerned for his safety, his three sons held him firmly, fearing that he might attempt something dangerous in his state of distress.

Concerned that it might draw more attention and endanger the marquess, Kyren ordered, "There’s no choice. Drag him now!"

"Wait! Hold on," Anna interjected. "We shouldn’t resort to dragging him. There’s a better way. Please, allow me to persuade him."

The three sons of the Marquess understood the princess’s reasoning and agreed with her suggestion. Following Anna’s instructions, they released their grip on their father, allowing her to approach him.

Stepping forward with determination, she addressed the Marquess in a firm tone.

"Liam, rise, my valiant warrior," she ordered.

The Marquess, accustomed to obeying the commands of his Empress, immediately complied.

"Yes, Your Imperial Majesty!" he responded, standing upright as if he were in the presence of Empress Regina herself.

Anna continued her charade, giving clear instructions to the Marquess.

"Now, take my hand and lead me to safety. This young knight by our side shall guide us," she gestured towards Drystan.

Knowing the plan, the knight caught Anna’s wink and seamlessly played along. "Ah, yes! This way, my lord," he responded, assuming the role of their guide.

"Yes! Yes! We should go now! Hold on to me firmly, Your Imperial Majesty!" Liam exclaimed, gripping Anna’s hand tightly.

Kyren observed the Marquess’s behaviour with concern but refrained from commenting. Anna’s improvisation had successfully convinced Liam to move, which was their immediate goal. Trusting Anna’s ability to navigate the situation, Kyren let her play continue, hoping it would lead them to a safer place.

Drystan led the way, guiding the group into the nearest inn. Following the Grand Duke’s command, the Marquess was escorted to a vacant room, ensuring their privacy and safety.

The inn was promptly cleared of other customers, creating a secure environment. Liam’s three sons accompanied Kyren and Anna, followed by the knights.

Once they reached the room, the Grand Duke took charge.

"All of you, please wait outside," Kyren directed. "Let me and the lady handle the Marquess for now."

Respecting his authority, the group complied. Kyren quickly gave an order to Drystan before the knight left.

"Summon the royal healer," he whispered, emphasising the situation’s urgency.

"Yes, Your Highness."

With a nod, Drystan’s long stride rapped the floor hastily, adhering to the grand duke’s command.

As the door closed, the room fell into a momentary silence, offering a brief respite. Still under the impression that he was protecting the Empress, Liam spoke up.

"Please, Your Imperial Majesty, have a seat," Liam urged, gesturing towards a nearby chair.

Anna, thinking on her feet, decided to divert his attention.

"Why don’t you lay down first, Liam? You seem like you need some rest," she suggested, attempting to shift the focus away from herself.

The Marquess shook his head.

"I’m perfectly fine. It’s you who needs some rest. You’re with a child," he stated with concern. "Is the baby all right, Your Imperial Majesty? I remember your pregnant belly being larger."

Anna found herself momentarily at a loss for words, unsure how to respond. However, Kyren unexpectedly joined the act.

"The baby is fine," he said, placing his hand gently on Anna’s stomach. "It’s in good health."

Anna turned to Kyren, her surprise quickly melting into understanding as she recognised his improvised support. The subtle nod from the grand duke confirmed their unspoken agreement, urging her to continue playing her role as Empress Regina.

"Thank the heavens! We finally have an heir after all these years. I would be consumed by guilt if I failed to protect you and the baby!" exclaimed the marquess, visibly relieved.

Suddenly, a wave of curiosity washed over him, and he turned to Kyren.

"Wait... Who are you?" he queried, catching the Grand Duke off guard.

Kyren, taken aback by the unexpected question, momentarily stumbled for words. However, Anna quickly intervened to provide a plausible response.

"He is one of my trusted escorts," she said, maintaining the façade. "We were departing Engarth together, remember? He has been with us throughout the entire journey."

A flicker of recognition crossed the marquess’s face.

"Ah... yes, I remember now! Thank you for your service," he acknowledged, his relief returning. "From now on, I will ensure your safety. Rest assured, we will reach the northern region without further troubles. I should go and check the surroundings," Liam declared, ready to take action.

"Please, there’s no need for that," Anna urged.

Confusion clouded the Marquess’ expression.

"Why not?" he inquired, genuinely puzzled.

Searching for a plausible explanation, Anna’s eyes darted around the room. Then, an idea struck her.

"Because... we are currently aboard a boat," she said.

Liam’s confusion deepened.

"A boat?" he asked back, his brow furrowing.

The princess nodded firmly.

"Indeed, we are. We are en route to the northern region," she asserted, trying to sway his doubts. "Our other escorts are stationed outside, diligently guarding the vessel. There is no need for concern."

Understanding slowly dawned upon Liam.

"Ah... I see," he said, acknowledging her reasoning. "Well, then, would you mind lying down? You need to get some rest for the baby’s health," he said.

"I will rest, but this is your room," Anna replied gently. "I’ll return to mine to get some rest."

The marquess’s confusion grew.

"This is my room?" he questioned, perplexed. "Why are we in my room?"

"We were discussing the escape route earlier," Anna explained. "Now that we’ve finished, it’s time for us all to rest before we arrive at the port. Please, go ahead and get some sleep."

The Marquess hesitated, concerned about leaving Anna alone.

"But how can I rest knowing you’re still awake?" he expressed.

"Don’t worry," Kyren interjected. "I will personally escort Her Imperial Majesty to her room."

Anna nodded in agreement.

"That’s right. Liam, follow my order and get some sleep. I need you to rest and wake up in good condition to continue protecting me," she instructed firmly.

"Yes, Your Imperial Majesty," the Marquess acquiesced. "Then, I will rest now."

Liam settled into bed as Anna pulled the blanket over him, a gesture of care and gratitude. The Marquess expressed his appreciation, acknowledging her nurturing nature.

"Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty. You have always been a caring empress," he said gratefully.

"Close your eyes now. I will see you tomorrow," Anna whispered tenderly.

"Right," the Marquess replied. Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, he spoke again. "Your Imperial Majesty..."

Anna turned her attention to him.

"Yes?"

"Thank you for remembering my name," he said sincerely. "It is an honour to be called by you again."

"Of course, I would remember you," Anna replied, her voice filled with warmth. "You are my northern warrior, my saviour."

With a content smile, Liam closed his eyes. Anna and Kyren patiently waited until they were sure he had fallen asleep. Then, quietly, they walked out of the room and joined the group waiting outside, leaving the Marquess to rest.

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