The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 306: Meeting The Esteemed Guests

Chapter 306: Meeting The Esteemed Guests

Eric strode into the palace’s main hall of the knights’ quarters, his presence catching the attention of Alex and Luke, who were engaged in conversation.

As they caught sight of their esteemed second-in-command, both knights promptly rose from their seats, bowing respectfully.

"What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be on duty?" Eric inquired as he saw them.

"Sir Brooks and Sir Skyler requested to switch shifts with us as they have evening commitments," Luke explained.

Curiosity sparked within the knight as he sought more information.

"Any idea what they’re up to?"

"Sir Skyler mentioned some errands, but Sir Brooks hasn’t disclosed his intentions. Lately, he tends to favour morning shifts, as he often returns to the mansion and spends his time there when off duty," Alex clarified.

Eric’s eyebrow arched with intrigue.

"He returns to the mansion? For what purpose?"

Both knights shrugged, indicating their lack of knowledge regarding Noah’s activities.

"Very well," Eric conceded. "Now, where is Sir Henderson and Sir McQuinn?"

"They’re still sleeping after last night’s shift," Luke responded.

Eric nodded understandingly, acknowledging the need for rest after a demanding night of service.

"Have your parents sent any response to the letter?" Eric inquired, turning to address Alex.

"Not yet, Sir Navin," Alex replied, a tinge of disappointment in his face.

"That’s weird... We should have received a reply by now," the second-in-command knight mused, his hand absentmindedly caressing his brunette beard.

At that moment, the main hall’s doors swung open, revealing two servants entering the room.

"Apologies for the interruption, Sir Knights, but this servant is from Gerhard’s mansion and bears an important message," the palace servant announced.

Curiosity piqued, Eric inquired, "What is this important message? Has something occurred at the mansion?"

The servant from Gerhard stepped forward and replied, "Indeed, Sir. A group of honourable guests has arrived."

Eric’s brow furrowed as he pressed for more information.

"And who might these guests be?"

"They are Their Graces, the Duke and Duchess of Sanad, accompanied by their entourage. They have just arrived and wished to meet with Sir Alex Jarr immediately. I informed them that Sir Jarr is currently at the palace, and they instructed me to relay the message so he could join them promptly after completing his shift," the servant explained.

Alex’s eyes widened in astonishment.

"My parents are here?"

"Yes, Sir Jarr," the servant confirmed.

"Ah... we were just discussing them! What a coincidence!" Eric exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across his face.

"Since you’re not on shift, you should see them now," he said to Alex.

"Pardon me, Sir, but Their Graces have another request too," the servant hesitantly interjected, catching their attention.

"What is it?" Alex inquired curiously.

"They have asked you to bring Lady Meredith Grey with you," the servant relayed.

Alex turned to Eric, a visible worry etched on his face. Sensing his apprehension, the second-in-command knight swiftly addressed the servant with a response.

"Very well. Please inform Their Graces that Lady Grey is currently fulfilling her duties as the lady-in-waiting for Lady Raychard. However, she will join Sir Jarr as soon as possible. I insist that Their Graces remain at the mansion, and I kindly request you to extend them our utmost hospitality," Eric instructed, ensuring proper arrangements were made.

"Yes, Sir Navin," the servant acknowledged.

Once excusing himself to continue with the task, the servant bowed before departing, followed by the palace servant.

"Why do you seem so anxious?" Eric inquired to Alex, concern in his eyes.

"Well... I didn’t anticipate their arrival so soon. The thing is... I never considered this before, but what if they disapprove of Mer?" Alex expressed his worries.

"Come on! You received an official letter from Her Majesty the Queen herself, endorsing your marriage to Lady Grey! It can’t go wrong! Their Graces wouldn’t dare offend Her Majesty. Besides, your soon-to-be bride is the daughter of Lord Grey, one of the ministers of the royal court. You two are a perfect match!" Luke reassured him.

"Luke is right," Eric chimed in, addressing the knight using his first name, given his off-duty status. "We have already taken care of the necessary arrangements. There’s no need to worry. However, if you’re still concerned, I will accompany you. As the representative of His Highness the Grand Duke, it is fitting for me to welcome them."

"Thank you, Sir Navin. I appreciate your presence. I might get nervous and struggle to find the right words to discuss this matter with them," Alex expressed his gratitude.

Luke couldn’t help but chuckle at his fellow knight’s nervousness.

"So, this is your first time introducing someone you like to your family?" he teasingly asked.

Alex nodded, acknowledging his lack of experience in such matters.

"No need to laugh at him, Luke. Just wait until it’s your turn, and we’ll see how you handle it," Eric interjected, defending Alex.

"Hey, don’t drag me into this! I’m perfectly content being single for now," Luke retorted, playfully raising his hands in defence.

"Yeah... enjoy your solo moments. But when you do meet that special someone, you’ll understand how they can stir your heart and make you feel like this," Eric remarked, offering a knowing smile.

Alex couldn’t help but grin, appreciating his superior’s words of wisdom.

"All right, Alex. Let’s go and meet our Lady Raychard. We’ll see if she can spare Lady Grey for a moment to meet your parents," the second-in-command suggested.

"Wait... now?" Alex asked, surprised by the sudden urgency.

"Of course, now! We don’t want your parents waiting any longer, do we?" Eric replied, emphasising the importance of prompt action.

"Yes, Sir Navin," Alex responded swiftly.

"Don’t worry," Eric reassured him, giving a comforting pat on the knight’s shoulder. "I’ll handle the initial conversation. Everything will be fine."

Alex nodded, still showing concern but finding solace in the support and guidance provided by Eric and Luke. The two knights turned and moved their heels to the door, navigating through their path.

***

The carriage jolted along the cobblestone path, shaking their bodies with each rattle. Meredith’s face was etched with nervousness, evident in her fidgeting fingers and sweaty palms. Occasionally, she stole glances at the carriage window, seeking their whereabouts.

Amidst the unease, Alex reached out and clasped Meredith’s hand, firmly intertwining their fingers. His touch conveyed a sense of comfort and support, accompanied by his reassuring words.

"Don’t be nervous. Everything’s going to be fine," he told her, his voice filled with conviction and a desire to ease her worries.

Meredith couldn’t help but express her anxiety.

"How can I not be? I could have been better prepared if they had given me advance notice. I knew this meeting would happen somehow, but this is too sudden! Even my father hasn’t had a chance to meet with Their Graces to discuss our matters," she confided, her voice trembling, revealing her emotional strain.

Alex instinctively pulled her closer, wrapping his arm around her waist to alleviate Meredith’s feelings. He knew such an intimate gesture was inappropriate for an unmarried couple, but he simply wanted to offer her his support at that moment.

Fortunately, Eric had chosen to ride his warhorse alongside the carriage, accompanying them back to the mansion. Eli, their designated chaperone, had been asleep when they departed from the palace, and the second-in-command knight had graciously volunteered to come with them.

Eric told them not to ride horses to meet the Duke and Duchess of Sanad, who were waiting for them at Gerhard’s mansion since they were bringing Meredith together. If any other knights saw Alex and Meredith thus near, it would definitely be looked down upon and might even result in punishment.

When Alex and Eric arrived at Anna’s chamber to inform her and Meredith about his parents’ arrival and their intention to meet with the noble lady, both women were taken by surprise, particularly Meredith.

She had been ready to provide her ongoing duties as an excuse. Still, Anna, excited about the occasion, quickly agreed to Eric’s request, granting the noble lady a reprieve from her responsibilities to meet her future parents-in-law.

Meredith had initially hesitated, concerned about leaving Anna alone since she was her sole lady-in-waiting. However, the princess promptly summoned Scarlett and Mary, the palace maids who had become Anna’s temporary personal attendants during her stay to accompany her.

The two maids delightedly accepted their new roles, considering it a significant promotion within the palace. Although Her Majesty the Queen had suggested that Anna have more ladies-in-waiting to assist her, the princess decided to hold off on the proposal, understanding Kyren’s discomfort with having other women around them.

Kyren had even personally appointed Meredith, evidence of his faith in the noblewoman. Before making any more decisions, Anna decided to limit the number of aides and get the grand duke’s consent for future assistants. She also didn’t come with Eric and the others since she’d promised Rafe that she would stay at the palace and wait for his return.

As they sat in the carriage, Alex’s other hand gently rubbed Meredith’s shoulder, offering her comfort as she rested her head against his chest.

"It’s going to be all right," the knight said. "I’ve told you about my mother. She’s a soft-spoken and gentle person. I’m certain she will appreciate you. Now, my father... well, he can be a bit stern."

"A bit?" Meredith interjected. "He’s the foreign minister known for being the strictest member of the cabinet. Everyone knows him. If he disagrees with a proposal, he rejects it without a second thought!"

Alex paused for a moment, acknowledging the validity of Meredith’s concerns.

"You’re right," he admitted. "He does have a reputation for being uncompromising. But please understand, it’s because he’s committed to his job and ensuring the smooth functioning of the government in service of His Majesty."

Meredith nodded, her anxiety still present.

"I understand," she replied. "But, I’ve never met him in person. Even my father holds him in high regard, which is why I feel so apprehensive. What if he and your mother don’t like me?"

"I’m sure they will," he said earnestly. "We have the support of Her Majesty the Queen, and Sir Navin has offered his help. That’s why he’s accompanying us. Don’t worry, we’ll face this together."

Meredith found solace in Alex’s words, her spirits lifting slightly. Just then, the sound of the carriage bell echoed, signalling their arrival at their destination.

"I should move to the front seat," Alex suggested, a hint of concern in his voice. "We shouldn’t be caught sitting so close. It wouldn’t be appropriate."

Meredith acknowledged the need for the knight to change his position, and he quickly shifted to sit in front of her.

As the carriage came to a stop at the main entrance, the mansion’s servant opened the door for them to descend. To their surprise, Eric stood before them instead of the driver, his expression stern but without immediate comment.

Once Alex and Meredith stepped out of the carriage, Eric motioned for his subordinate to join him and whispered discreetly, aware of the couple’s close proximity during the journey.

"I allowed you to be with her on purpose because I understand she’s nervous and needs your support. I will turn a blind eye this time, but be warned, don’t let it happen again. After your marriage, you may act as you please as long as you treat Lady Grey with care. Do you understand?" he cautioned.

"Sir Navin, I assure you, nothing inappropriate happened," Alex quickly defended himself. "I was merely trying to comfort her, nothing more."

"I know what transpired in there without having to witness it. You’re talking to an experienced man," the second-in-command knight replied. "But this time, I’m placing my trust in you. Never take advantage of a maiden, my friend. Respectfully treat her with the utmost dignity, as a true gentleman should. Remember, you are about to present her as your future wife to your parents. So, please honour her."

Alex nodded in understanding. "Yes, Sir Navin," he responded, fully aware of the responsibility entrusted to him.

"Now, button up your surcoat," Eric instructed. "That lip tint on your tunic could be misconstrued. Let’s avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings."

Alex glanced down at his attire. His embarrassment was evident as he noticed the smudge of lip tint that had inadvertently transferred onto the fabric during his hug with Meredith. It seemed nothing could escape Eric’s sharp observation.

Taking heed of his superior’s advice, the knight promptly buttoned up his surcoat, covering the stain and ensuring his appearance was impeccable before they proceeded further.

"Welcome back, Sir Eric Navin and Sir Alex Jarr. Greetings, Lady Meredith Grey," Anryr, the steward who came, greeted them as he bowed respectfully.

Alex and Meredith both nodded as an acknowledgement to the steward’s greetings.

"Hello, Mr Foster. It has been a while. How have things been?" Eric asked, a warm smile on his face.

"It’s been a bit quiet without the knights around. These days, I only get to see Sir Brooks. I wish there were more commotion around here so I could have something to nag about. Then only it would make me feel like I’m at work," Anryr joked with a slight chuckle.

"Don’t worry, things will get livelier next week. Lady Raychard, the knights, and our Rafael will be returning for a few days," Eric informed him.

"Yes, I heard about that. Sir Brooks mentioned it to me. By the way, the armour sent by Miss Rania Miller, Lady Grey’s personal maid the other day, seemed to be for a lady. Whose armour is it?" Anryr inquired curiously.

"It’s mine," Meredith responded. "I asked her to send it here for repairs. Since I now work under His Highness the Grand Duke, it seemed fitting for me to utilise the facilities, don’t you think?"

Anryr nodded, understanding her reasoning.

"Of course, Lady Grey. It makes perfect sense. I’ll make sure it gets the necessary attention. I was just curious because I saw her talking to Rosalie, asking for Lady Raychard’s body measurements afterwards," Anryr remarked.

Meredith quickly came up with an excuse.

"Oh, that is just for making new clothes. You know, winter is approaching, and Lady Raychard requires suitable dresses and coats for the season."

Meredith knew that if the true reason for the request were revealed, it would invite more questions and potential interference.

Even Rosalie, the chief maid, was unaware of Anna’s training. The blacksmith had also been given a strict order to keep the matter of altering the armour to fit Anna’s measurement a secret.

"Don’t worry about it," Eric reassured them, redirecting the conversation. "For now, let’s prioritise meeting our esteemed guests. I have yet to greet and welcome Their Graces."

"Ah, yes... The whole family is here," said Anryr.

Meredith’s eyes widened in surprise.

"The whole family is here?" she exclaimed.

"Yes, my lady. They are currently in the grand hall and have just finished their refreshments. Please follow me," the steward informed them.

Meredith swallowed up her nervousness as she glanced at Alex.

"It’ll be fine, my lady," said Eric knowingly. "Alex, take the hand of your beloved and accompany her inside. Let’s go," he instructed, urging them forward.

The quartet entered the mansion, with Eric leading the way and Anryr following closely behind the couple. As they approached the gathering, the steward announced their arrival to the guests.

Suddenly, a beautiful middle-aged noble lady stood up from the settee, her face lighting up with joy as she laid eyes on Alex.

"Alexander, my son!"