The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 284: Emerging For A Goodbye

Chapter 284: Emerging For A Goodbye

The night grew late, and a profound stillness blanketed the sky as slumber claimed the city. Anna attempted to close her eyes, seeking solace, but an insistent surge of worry persisted within her mind.

The tumultuous festival event involving the Marquess continued to haunt her thoughts, while Kyren’s impending departure the next day only added to her growing anxiety.

Sensing her restlessness, the grand duke gently inquired, "What’s troubling you, Anna?"

The princess nestled closer in Kyren’s embrace and answered with a voice tinged with concern.

"I can’t help but wonder if the Marquess family holds me responsible for what happened. I can’t get rid of it out of my mind."

Kyren’s reassuring words flowed with conviction.

"Why would they blame you? You did nothing wrong. In fact, your quick thinking and willingness to play along with his delusions as the empress prevented a potentially more harmful situation."

"But my ancestors were among the traitorous lords who caused the empire’s overthrow. While they may have appeared respectful towards you, I cannot be certain of their true feelings towards me."

"You mustn’t burden yourself with such thoughts. I know the Marquess of Sylvere’s family very well. It would have become evident if they held any disdain or reservation about you. They had met His Majesty earlier today. If the Marquess had had any objections or negative sentiments, he would have voiced them freely, just as Lord James did."

Pausing to reflect, Anna allowed the weight of his words to sink in.

"Empress Regina..." she whispered softly. "Tonight was the first time I heard her name. Even the mere mention of it exudes regality. I couldn’t help but imagine her as someone remarkably wonderful and dignified, and I sensed it in how the Marquess addressed her. It felt bizarre to be addressed as her by him."

Kyren’s arm was encircling Anna’s shoulder. He gently rubbed her arm with his hand.

"She truly was extraordinary. Cassian owes its existence to her. It was she who bestowed the surname ’Raychard’ upon my family. The name carries great significance."

The princess leaned in and spoke in admiration, "In the Ro’an language, ’Raychard’ means ’The Most Honourable Men.’ It embodies qualities of integrity, nobility, and respect."

A warm smile graced the grand duke’s face, his eyes sparkling.

He remarked, "I already assumed you would get the meaning."

"I feel truly honoured to bear the surname ’Raychard’ too," Anna replied, her voice filled with sincerity.

Yet, a wistful sigh escaped her lips after that, laced with a hint of disappointment.

"Sometimes, I wish I could erase my past and embody the essence of a true Raychard."

"You’re my wife." The grand duke declared, "You are already and always will be a true Raychard."

Anna’s voice quivered with vulnerability as she shared her painful memory.

"I understand... But my past... my origins... they represent a dark Chapter of my life. The truth is, I never wanted to be an Adhemar. You may think I’m ungrateful, but my father never wanted me either. He kept me locked away, and I could see the disdain in his eyes whenever he looked at me. I often wonder why he kept me with him for so long if he despised me so much..."

Kyren’s eyes filled with empathy as he listened.

"Please don’t say that. Whatever happened in the past, it’s behind you now. You have me, the entire Duchy of Gerhard, and Their Majesties protecting you. Your parents didn’t deserve to live a happy life after treating you so poorly, and I’m grateful that they are no longer part of your life. If they were still alive, I would have marched upon Ardel’s land and taught them a lesson they would never forget."

Anna’s voice carried a mix of sadness and gratitude.

"At least I had Ryan... He was so loving and caring, just like you," she said, fondly reminiscing about her lost brother.

Kyren’s expression softened, his voice filled with understanding, "I’m thankful that Ryan treated you well and saw you as a sister. I’m sorry for your loss."

Anna sighed, her thoughts turning to the future.

"It’s all right now, Kyren. I’ve accepted the fact that they are all gone. What I’m contemplating now is how to move forward, build a life with you, and gain acceptance from the Cassians," she expressed her concerns.

Kyren’s eyes held unwavering determination as he spoke.

"You don’t need to worry about any of that. You can be yourself and pursue what brings you happiness. I will support you in every way possible as long as it doesn’t harm you. As for the matters concerning the Cassians, leave them to me. I will ensure that no one dares to harm you. You have my word."

Anna’s heart swelled with gratitude.

"Thank you, Kyren. I’m so fortunate to have you by my side."

Kyren’s tone carried a gentle reassurance as he urged Anna to rest.

"Now, go to sleep. It’s already late, and I have an early morning ahead of me."

Anna’s voice grew sombre, a tinge of sadness seeping through her words.

"Yes... tomorrow is the day of your departure..."

"Don’t worry. I won’t be gone for long. A month will fly by quickly. Before you know it, I’ll be back by your side."

Anna’s response held a hint of resignation, "Right..."

Sensing her lingering concerns, Kyren offered his support once more. "Close your eyes. Rest peacefully."

"Kyren..." Anna’s voice trembled with vulnerability.

"Hmmm?"

"Can I accompany you tomorrow to see you off?" Her request held a touch of longing.

A smile etched on Kyren’s face as he readily agreed.

"Of course, my dear. I’ll wake you up in the morning."

Anna’s gratitude shone through her countenance.

"Thank you, Kyren. It means a lot to me."

With a final exchange of affectionate words, the princess closed her eyes, finding solace in his arm.

As they drifted off to sleep, they held onto the promise of a reunion in the near future, where their hearts would be reunited once more.

***

Anna opened her eyes slowly. She rubbed her eyes, then noticed the bed beside her was empty.

"Kyren?" she called out.

Silence greeted her. An unpleasant feeling began to wrap around her heart. She called again, but there was no response.

Panic surged through her veins, urging her to act swiftly. She sat up with her chest pounding and scanned the room frantically.

Kyren?" she repeated, desperation creeping into her tone.

Unable to bear the uncertainty any longer, Anna swung her legs over the side of the bed and searched the entire room only to find him unavailable.

The princess then rushed out of the room in a flurry. As she emerged into the hallway, her eyes fell upon Eli, Damon, several servants, and a royal healer, all gathered outside.

"My lady!" Eli’s voice carried a mix of concern and surprise.

The two knights and the royal healer quickly turned their gaze down upon seeing her wearing only her nightgown.

Anna’s eyes darted from one person to another, searching for answers.

"Where is Kyren?" she asked, her voice trembling with nervousness.

Eli cleared his throat before responding.

"His Highness has already gone to the port. They are preparing to depart at any moment."

"What? Why... Why didn’t anyone wake me? I wanted to say goodbye..." Anna exclaimed, her voice filled with surprise and disbelief. Never had she imagined that Kyren would leave without a word.

Eli exchanged a quick glance with Damon, both knights visibly uneasy.

"My lady, we were instructed to let you rest. His Highness thought it would be best not to disturb you."

Anna’s eyes began to well up with tears.

"No... I should have been there. I wanted to see him off..."

The royal healer, taken aback by Anna’s reaction, hurriedly tried to explain, "My lady, His Highness instructed me to treat you as soon as you woke up. He mentioned that you were running a fever..."

"I don’t have a fever!" the princess interjected, her voice cutting through the healer’s words before he could finish. Her heart raced with anxiety.

Realising the situation’s urgency, Anna swiftly demanded her robe from the servants.

"Get me my robe!" she commanded. The servants hurried to retrieve her robe and quickly assisted her in putting it on.

"Sir McQuinn, take me to Port Braska now!"

Concerned for Anna’s well-being, Damon voiced his worries, "But... but, my lady! It’s still early morning, and you’re not properly dressed. It’s cold outside."

"I said, take me there!" Anna’s voice resounded with determination, her eyes filled with unwavering resolve.

Eli stepped forward, trying to reason with her.

"I’m sorry, but His Highness instructed us to prioritise your health and safety. Going out now could be unwise. You might fall ill, my lady."

Anna’s desperation grew, and she felt compelled to make a bold statement.

"If you don’t take me now... if I don’t get to see Kyren one last time before his departure... I will starve myself and never speak to any of you again!"

Her voice echoed through the hallway.

The two knights looked at each other, their faces reflecting their concerns. They knew Anna’s words were not mere empty threats and realised they had no choice but to heed her wishes.

Resigned, they nodded in agreement, silently acknowledging the depth of her emotions.