The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 290: Getting The Brother-in-law’s Consent

Chapter 290: Getting The Brother-in-law’s Consent

"Stay behind me," Callis said with a hint of concern as they approached the door to Kiev’s chamber.

"But why?" Rafe questioned in confusion.

"It would be best. We don’t know what could happen once he opens the door. He might pose a threat to you," the Mederian Princess explained.

"Callis..."

The healer looked at his wife’s worried expression. The memory of Kiev’s aggressive behaviour from the previous day filled him with unease. However, being told to hide behind her wounded his pride as a man.

"I am your husband. I should take the lead," the healer insisted.

"I understand that, but please trust me on this for your safety. I’m not joking, and I’m speaking from experience," Callis warned, her tone serious.

"What do you mean? He can’t be that dangerous, can he?" Rafe questioned, his doubt evident.

The Mederian Princess sighed, her mind drifting back to haunting memories of the past.

"He can be if he wants to. There was once a suitor who became enraged and tried to harm me after I rejected him. That man ended up with broken hands and legs and had to be carried away from my island. I never heard from him again, so I don’t know if he survived his ordeal. So, please. Let’s take some precautions," Callis recounted with concern.

Rafe swallowed hard, his throat feeling dry as he absorbed his wife’s story. His heart pounded with anxiety, realising the potential danger they might face.

"Then... I better stay behind you. I still need my hands and legs to work," the healer conceded, quickly changing his stance and positioning himself behind his wife.

"Thank you for your understanding. Stay close to me at all times," the Mederian Princess requested.

"So, are you ready?" she asked, raising her hand to knock on the door.

Rafe took a deep breath. His mind raced with various thoughts, but he promptly pushed them aside. Despite the lingering fear, he knew deep down that this was the proper course of action. Being a well-educated person had taught him the importance of doing what was right.

"All right. Let’s do this," the healer finally replied, his voice determined.

Callis couldn’t help but smirk at his response.

"Don’t worry. I’ll protect you," she assured him.

The healer couldn’t argue with her confidence. He had witnessed firsthand the Mederian Princess’s skill in combat during her encounters with the Knights of Gerhard. Her prowess was exceptional, having defeated Eli and matched Luke, a high-ranking knight.

After several knocks, the door creaked open, revealing Elis on the other side, much to Callis’s surprise.

"Your Highness!" the maid exclaimed almost loudly but quickly lowered her voice to a whisper, preventing Kiev from hearing. She held the door partially closed to ward him off catching sight of his sister.

"What are you doing here?" Elis asked in a hushed tone, her surprise apparent.

Her eyes widened further when she noticed Rafe peering from behind Callis.

"Mr Amares! You’re here too?" she asked, her voice filled with astonishment.

"Hi, Miss Canton. It has been a while," Rafe greeted politely, raising his hand to say hello.

The maid nodded in response, acknowledging his greeting.

"We came to see my brother. Is he inside?" Callis asked in a quiet voice, matching the hushed tones of the conversation.

"He is, but I’m not sure if now is a good time..." Elis hesitated.

"Why? What happened?" Callis inquired curiously.

"He got drunk last night, and he’s been wearing a stern expression all morning..." Elis explained.

"Ah... that means he’s sober now. He would still be drunk if he’s laughing or telling tales," the Mederian Princess remarked knowingly.

"Really?" Elis asked to confirm.

"Who is it?" Kiev’s voice echoed from inside the chamber; his curiosity was piqued as to the identity of the guests.

The maid creased her forehead, her apprehension evident.

"Tell him I want to see him," Callis instructed firmly.

"Are you certain about this, Your Highness? I don’t want to be scolded. His expression changed when I mentioned your name this morning," Elis whispered hesitantly.

"Just do it!" Callis urged with determination.

"Your Highness, someone wants to see you," Elis announced.

"I know there’s someone. I asked, who?" Kiev’s voice rang again in a firm tone. Elis’s shoulders flinched by his tone.

Impatiently, the Mederian Princess pushed the door wide open to reveal herself.

"It’s me, brother... Callis," she said.

With unwavering determination, she stepped into the chamber. Following her advice, Rafe closely tailed behind her.

"With my husband, Rafe Amares," she added.

A sudden silence enveloped the chamber as Callis and Rafe entered. The chilling intensity of Kiev’s gaze felt like a wintry breeze that penetrated their bones.

"I better leave first," Elis said, sensing the tension in the air.

"Stay," the Mederian Prince ordered, his voice firm. "You may only leave when I dismiss you."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Elis obediently remained near the door with her head lowered in compliance.

"What do you want?" Kiev’s question shattered the uneasiness in the chamber.

"I brought her back so we can resolve our issues," Rafe interjected, his voice steady despite the palpable tension.

"Why? Are you returning her after satisfying your lust for her on your wedding night?" Kiev’s words dripped with cynicism.

"Brother!" Callis raised her voice in annoyance.

"Excuse me. That didn’t happen," the healer said. "We... we haven’t consummated our marriage."

A tinge of redness coloured his ears. Callis blushed in response. She then cleared her throat and spoke up.

"We came here to talk to you, brother," the Mederian Princess stated firmly. "And also to return your dagger."

Callis placed the dagger that Kiev had thrown the previous day on the table. It had been given to her by Alex when the knights helped bring her unconscious husband back to his chamber.

"Talk about what?" Kiev asked, avoiding eye contact with his guests.

"We want to seek your consent for our marriage," Callis replied.

"My consent?" Kiev scoffed, a derisive chuckle escaping his lips. "Since when does it matter? Didn’t you already marry him yesterday despite my objections?"

"Brother, please listen first..." the Mederian Princess pleaded.

"There’s nothing more to say..." Kiev declared coldly. "Leave now."

"Brother, please!"

Callis’s voice wavered with emotion.

"I have nothing more to say to you. I had said enough yesterday," the Mederian Prince remarked firmly, his tone resolute.

Callis’s gaze dropped to the floor, her expression sombre. She understood her brother’s stubbornness, realising that changing his mind would be nearly impossible.

"Your Highness, please allow me to speak," Rafe implored suddenly, his voice calm but determined. "I am the one who insisted on obtaining your consent."

Kiev looked at Rafe.

"Why?" he questioned.

"Because family matters to me. They always have," the healer replied sincerely.

The response left the Mederian Prince momentarily speechless. Silence settled in the chamber as he closed his lips, contemplating Rafe’s words.

"I understand that you have reservations about me and feel I am undeserving of your sister. Furthermore, given the circumstances of our marriage, you believe it to be entirely improper..."

Before Rafe could finish, Kiev cut off.

"It was improper! My sister... a Mederian Princess, got married, but not at the temple’s altar! Not with her parents present! Not in a ceremonious event! She didn’t even wear a wedding dress!" Kiev’s anger flared as he stood up from his seat. "How much insult has she endured just to follow her heart? How do I explain to our parents when I return to our island without her? That she decided to abandon her family and marry a stranger? Does that sound believable to you?" His voice resonated with frustration and hurt.

Callis took a step forward, facing her brother. Fearing for her husband’s safety, she warned, "Don’t hurt him! I know you’re angry with me, but if you do anything to harm him, I will not sit still!"

Kiev let out a small laugh, amusement flickering in his eyes.

"Do you think you can win against me, Callis?" he challenged.

The Mederian Princess nervously swallowed, the look on her face confirming that the answer was a ’no’.

"Don’t worry. I have no intention of turning you into a widow. That would be devastating," Kiev reassured her, his tone softening slightly.

"Please, I come in peace, and I do not wish for you siblings to fight because of me," Rafe pleaded earnestly. "I understand you objected to the marriage out of concern for her. She is, after all, your sister, and it’s understandable to be wary of a stranger."

"Rafe..." Callis’s voice faltered, her worry apparent.

"It’s all right, Callis. Let me handle this. Have faith in me," Rafe reassured her, mustering his confidence to take control of the situation.

Reluctantly, the Mederian Princess nodded, placing her trust in him.

"Seems like someone is getting intimate now that he’s calling my sister by her first name," Kiev teased disparagingly.

"Brother, stop it! He’s my husband! He has the right to call me that," Callis snapped.

"You don’t know what he truly feels about you, Callis," the Mederian Prince retorted with scepticism.

"Look, Your Highness... if you’re concerned about my feelings for her, then please let me explain," Rafe addressed Kiev directly, his gaze steady.

All eyes in the chamber turned to the healer, awaiting his explanation.

"Honestly, I find Callis to be an incredibly gorgeous lady. She is undeniably beautiful, and of course, as a man, I feel attracted to her," Rafe began, his words sincere. "However, I am fully aware of my status and position. I did not dare to make any attempt to court her. Furthermore, she was my patient, and it would have been highly unprofessional to act on any personal feelings given our connection."

Kiev remained silent, his gaze fixed on Rafe, absorbing his words. Throughout the years, all the suitors who had approached Callis had bragged about their status, wealth, strength, and good looks, emphasising their compatibility with her, except for this man.

"I was truly taken aback when Callis revealed her feelings for me at yesterday’s festival. I never imagined that such an incredible person would have a deep affection for me. Upon reflection, I feel truly honoured to receive such love and admiration. With her beauty and grace, I am sure she had countless suitors who were more suitable, but against all odds... she chose me."

Kiev responded mockingly, "So you think you’re special now?"

Rafe shook his head earnestly.

"No, Your Highness. To be honest, I worry that I may not live up to her expectations. I am uncertain about what the future holds, but I have come to terms with my feelings and decided to proceed with this marriage."

Curiosity laced Kiev’s voice as he questioned, "Why would you accept her? Is it solely because she is beautiful and a princess? Or is it because of the royal decree?"

"I must admit, as a loyal citizen of Cassian, my allegiance lies with His Majesty, the king, and I could never refuse a royal decree issued by him. However, I also believe in the power of fate and that everything happens for a reason. I see this union as my destiny and am willing to accept it wholeheartedly, embrace it, and make the best of our future together. That is why I seek your consent, so we may be officially married according to your customs and truly become a family."

Kiev’s heart stirred, touched by the sincerity and down-to-earth approach in Rafe’s words. This was the first time he had witnessed a man seeking his approval with such genuine honesty.

"You claim to accept her, but how can you truly live with her without love? It seems like you’re merely going with the flow like weeds being blown by the wind," Kiev remarked.

Rafe maintained his composure and replied, "Your Highness, if I may say this..."

"What?"

"You came here for your betrothed, and upon meeting her, she made it clear that she did not love you and desired to be with His Highness, the grand duke. Yet, you insisted on pursuing her and even engaged in a duel to win her. If you emerge victorious, you will claim her as your wife and live with her..."

Kiev interrupted, "And what does that have to do with you?"

"If you have the confidence to marry a woman who clearly doesn’t love you and spend the rest of your life with her, why do you doubt I can live with Callis? In my case, at least, she loves me, and I’m attracted to her. That’s already a much better situation than your relationship with Her Highness Princess Anna," Rafe asserted.

Kiev responded, taken aback by the healer’s words, "Your words are cunning, Mr Amares."

"I am simply stating the facts," Rafe replied calmly.

"But how can I trust that a stranger won’t hurt my sister?" the Mederian Prince laid his doubt.

"You trusted me enough to choose me as your mediator before," Rafe reminded him. "You acknowledged that I am rational, with good judgment and an unbiased perspective. You held me in high regard despite our recent meeting. Where is that confidence now?"

Rafe’s words hung in the air, and Kiev fell silent, contemplating the healer’s calm demeanour and unwavering stance.

"Still... it’s not enough! This is a matter of my sister’s lifetime," the Mederian Prince retorted.

"In that case," Rafe suggested, "come with us to Rivendelle. It’s my hometown, and it’s a two-day journey from here. I was planning to introduce Callis to my family as it’s customary for the newlyweds to meet the parents. You can see them for yourself and decide whether I deserve her. I have nothing to hide."

Kiev scoffed, "Huh! Go to your hometown? Do you think I can walk around in broad daylight, asking people about you? I would have to conceal myself in a robe, hiding like some kind of a criminal all day."

"Why so?"

Rafe’s ears caught Callis’s sigh. He turned to her, seeking an explanation.

"Brother has always struggled with being in public. He would attract attention from ladies due to his good looks, while men would look at him with disdain, fearing he would steal their women," Callis explained, her voice laced with empathy.

Rafe nodded in understanding. "Ah, I see... His Highness, the grand duke faces a similar situation."

The three of them fell silent, contemplating. Rafe’s words had sounded sincere to Kiev, but he still yearned for evidence and witnesses to satisfy his curiosity about his new brother-in-law.

The healer’s offer to visit his hometown tempted the Mederian Prince. It could provide an opportunity to investigate further, get to know Rafe better, and determine whether he was suitable for his sister.

Suddenly, an idea sparked in Kiev’s mind as his gaze landed on Elis, who stood near the door.

"I think I have a way," he spoke up.

"How?" Callis asked, curiosity colouring her voice.

"I have my methods," Kiev replied.

"Mr Amares, I appreciate your seemingly sincere words and efforts to gain my trust. Therefore, I will follow your suggestion. However, I have one request."

Rafe looked at him attentively. "What is it?"

"You and my sister shall not live together Until I am confident in you and ready to hand her over to you," Kiev declared firmly. I will not allow you to touch her until I am fully convinced of you."

"Brother!" Callis exclaimed, a mix of surprise and protest in her voice.

"I agree," Rafe responded.

"Wait... Rafe! How can you agree? Shouldn’t a wife be with her husband?" the Mederian Princess retorted.

"It is a reasonable request. We can wait until His Highness gives his permission, and then we can live together," said the healer.

Callis looked torn, but she trusted in Rafe.

"Fine. I’ll follow your decision."

"Good," Kiev stated decisively. "Let us make preparations to depart tomorrow."

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