The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 321: My Soulmate!

Chapter 321: My Soulmate!

As night fell, the atmosphere in the Amareses’ residence grew livelier with the commencement of the banquet. The esteemed guests began to arrive, including Baron Navin, Eric’s father, a distinguished noble figure of Rivendelle, who had also been invited.

The attendees assembled in the main hall and took their seats. Rafe and Callis, the celebrated couple, were the centre of attention at the main table.

Elis, who had been convinced by her ’sister-in-law’ to partake in the banquet, was accompanying them on their right, sitting alongside Kiev. Baron Navin, on the other hand, found his place next to the Mederian Prince.

The healer’s parents, followed by Jason and Nick, were seated on the couple’s left side. Among the other guests were the mayor, clergy, town council members, merchants, and townsfolks, all of whom either had blood ties or friendships with the Amares family.

The ceremony began with a speech delivered by Louis, the event host. He expressed sincere gratitude to all the attendees for joining the celebration on such short notice. Louis then proceeded to introduce Callis, Kiev, and Elis to the crowd.

Continuing his address, he expressed deep appreciation to His Majesty the King for the royal decree blessing Rafe with a gracious wife. This proclamation added significance to the couple’s union, emphasising the honour bestowed upon them.

As the speech concluded, the eagerly anticipated moment arrived—the exchange of rings between the bride and groom. It was a memorable highlight of the ceremony, and everyone applauded.

Louis then raised his glass for a toast, and the rest of the attendees followed suit, celebrating the couple’s joyous occasion. Callis also lifted her glass, but Rafe quickly intervened, "Don’t drink. It’s not good for you."

The Mederian Princess looked surprised at her husband’s response.

"But this is a celebration for us. Shouldn’t we have a toast with them?" she questioned.

"Alcoholic beverages can have significant effects on women’s fertility. It’s best if you refrain from drinking," Rafe explained.

Callis blushed at the mention of it. However, Eva, who had noticed the interaction between her son and daughter-in-law, swiftly interjected, assuring them, "Don’t worry, Rafe. I’ve already arranged for a non-alcoholic drink for her and Elis. They’ll have Rosebeat instead, which won’t have any side effects. I’m having it as well."

Relieved, the healer expressed gratitude, saying, "Oh, you did? Thank you, mother! That’s so considerate of you."

Eva smiled and shared the credit.

"You should thank Kiev for that. He specifically requested it from me before the banquet began. He is meticulous about every detail. Did you know that he even personally selected the ingredients for tonight’s meal at the market? I wouldn’t have known if it weren’t for the market’s vendors informing me! He’s such a loving brother."

Rafe shifted his gaze towards Kiev, who exuded an air of calm and composure. Curiosity filled his mind as he pondered the thoughts that occupied the Mederian Prince’s enigmatic demeanour.

Despite Kiev’s staunch personality that often clashed with his own, Rafe recognised the underlying sense of responsibility that lay beneath his nonchalantly handsome face.

As much as the Mederian Prince’s occasional arrogant remarks annoyed him, the healer couldn’t deny the genuine love and care Kiev displayed towards Callis.

Louis turned to Rafe, breaking his train of thought, and asked, "Shall we?"

The healer nodded in agreement, and the toast continued. Glasses were raised high as everyone joined in the celebratory gesture.

The banquet then continued into a grand feast. The tables were adorned with exquisite linens, ornate centrepieces, and elaborate tableware, creating an atmosphere of elegance. The menu boasted an array of delectable dishes, including succulent roasted meats, fresh fish, vibrant fruits, crisp vegetables, and mouthwatering pastries.

Drinks flowed freely, and the attentive servants hired for the occasion busily attended to the guests’ needs. The air was filled with the melodic tunes played by the bards, adding a lively and enchanting ambience to the ceremony.

As the banquet progressed, several other guests took the opportunity to deliver speeches, offering words of wisdom, blessings, and well-wishes for the newlyweds. These heartfelt expressions added an extra layer of meaning to the joyous occasion.

Once the meal had concluded, Eva and Louis took Rafe and Callis on a tour, introducing them to the guests and facilitating connections with their respective families and friends.

Meanwhile, Kiev remained composed, calmly sipping his drink as he observed the event. A sense of satisfaction washed over him as everything aligned perfectly with his plan. Baron Navin, seated beside him, initiated a conversation.

"I never imagined that Rafe would marry into a Mederian clan and such a prestigious royal family," the Baron remarked.

Kiev gently corrected him, saying, "Actually, it’s the other way around. It’s my sister who has married into the Amares family. We come from a patriarchal community where women are expected to follow their husbands upon marriage."

The Baron contemplated Kiev’s response, then inquired further, "But your status is higher. Don’t you mind seeing your sister wedded to a man of middle class?"

The Mederian Prince smiled, responding with conviction, "Status holds no significance regarding the union of two souls. In Mederian culture, we believe that love and genuine connection are the most important aspects of a marriage."

The Baron chuckled, finding familiarity in Kiev’s words.

"You speak just like my son, Eric. He expressed similar sentiments when he told me he wanted to marry Rachel."

Kiev nodded slightly, having been introduced to the Baron and informed of his connection to the knight.

"Ah, yes. I remember your son, the brunette knight," the Mederian Prince acknowledged. "I had the opportunity to spar with him before. He proved to be a formidable opponent, strong and skilled. He possesses the qualities of a leader. Of course, his swordsmanship could be further polished."

Baron Navin’s eyes widened with surprise.

"What an honour! I had no idea you had that chance with him, Your Highness! He can be quite stubborn and often bothers Rafe. They have been friends since childhood. I hope he didn’t give you much trouble."

Kiev reassured the Baron, "No, he didn’t trouble me at all. It was an excellent sparring session, and I look forward to future encounters."

The Baron smiled with delight, his gaze drifting towards Rafe and Callis, who were conversing with the guests.

"I truly hope your sister finds happiness with Rafe. He is a bright young man and a talented healer. He had the opportunity to become the chief royal healer, but he chose to follow His Highness the Grand Duke out of loyalty. Nevertheless, he has a promising future ahead of him."

"I share your anticipation," Kiev replied, his eyes also fixed on the couple.

Baron Navin raised his glass.

"A toast to the newlyweds!"

Kiev nodded in agreement, and they both took a sip, joining in the celebratory toast. The bard tuned into a fast-tempo song, filling the crowd with excitement.

"Rafe, ask your wife to dance with you! Newlyweds should share their first dance!" Nick urged, his voice carrying through the cheering crowd.

Rafe’s cheeks flushed with a hint of embarrassment at the guests’ enthusiasm.

"Urmm... Callis... the thing is... I’m not good at dancing," he hesitantly said to his wife.

"It’s all right. I can lead you. Just hold on to me," Callis reassured her husband with a bright smile, extending her hand towards him. The healer reciprocated, taking her hand as they made their way to the dance floor.

With Rafe’s right hand on his wife’s and his left hand placed on her back as instructed, the Mederian Princess began teaching him the dance moves.

"One... Two..." she counted, and Rafe followed the rhythm.

At first, it was a bit awkward, and he nearly stepped on her feet, but Callis swiftly adjusted to avoid any mishaps. After a few moments, the healer began to find his stride and follow the steps.

"You’ve got it already! See... it isn’t so hard, is it?" Callis exclaimed, her smile radiant as they danced.

"Thankfully, I have a great teacher," Rafe responded with a small laugh.

"And I have a smart student!"

Callis joined in the laughter, and they held each other, dancing with the joy and brightness of a bride and groom. The guests watched in astonishment at the couple before them.

"They are married by the royal decree and have only just met, yet they seem so affectionate towards each other," whispered one of the relatives to Eva, who observed the dancing pair.

"I believe they are a perfect match. They are meant to be together," the middle-aged woman replied happily.

The nearby guests nodded in agreement.

As the song ended, the bard continued playing, transitioning into a slow, sentimental melody. Rafe and Callis locked eyes, still in their dancing pose, and held each other.

"Perhaps another dance?" the Mederian Princess broke the silence.

Rafe nodded.

"This is a slow dance, so the steps are slightly different... and you have to hold me closer," Callis explained.

"Like this?" Rafe took a step nearer.

"Um... better like this," the Mederian Princess responded, adjusting her hand and wrapping it behind his waist, their figures now intertwined.

Rafe felt his breath catch as he experienced the warmth of his wife’s body against his own. Instinctively, he wanted to create some distance, but Callis’s grip on his waist remained firm.

"Don’t let go," she whispered to him, her voice reminiscent of the words she spoke at the graveside when he poured out his emotions over the loss of Lisa.

Rafe relented, his hesitation fading away, and he reciprocated by embracing her fully.

"I won’t," he assured her.

His response brought a smile to Callis’s face, and they began the dance, swaying to the gentle rhythm with a newfound connection.

From a distance, Kiev’s previously calm and composed red ruby eyes now glared at the dancing couple. Anxiousness began to gnaw at him, but he knew there was nothing he could do to stop Callis and Rafe from continuing their dance amidst the bustling banquet. Baron Navin had left the table to engage in conversation with the other guests.

Suddenly, Eva’s maid approached with a tray, interrupting the scene.

"Your Highness, my lady, pardon me for interrupting," she said, capturing the attention of the couple.

"I have prepared this soup as per Mrs Amares’s order since my lady appears quite pale and lacks appetite. It should help to replenish your blood and enhance your health," the maid explained as she served a hot, steaming bowl before Elis.

Elis glanced at Kiev, her hesitation evident. It was clear that she hadn’t eaten much from the banquet despite the Mederian Prince’s urging, as her anxiety still lingered from the morning incident.

"Go on. Have it," Kiev encouraged her.

Elis looked down at the bowl. The aroma of the soup was enticing, but it failed to ignite her appetite.

"It would be impolite to refuse the host’s kind gesture," the Mederian Prince pressed. "You’ve barely eaten anything. Remember what I told you earlier."

"Yes, Kiev," Elis reluctantly acquiesced, realising she had no choice but to comply.

She thanked the maid and slowly picked up the spoon, dipping it into the soup and bringing a spoonful to her mouth. She took a sip, finding the taste to be fine. Continuing to eat, she scooped a piece of what appeared to be meat from the soup and took a bite.

However, as she chewed, her forehead creased in confusion. The taste of the ’meat’ was different from the regular one she used to consume. Her mind raced, trying to determine what it could be, until suddenly, realisation struck her. Her eyes widened, and her face turned pale as if she had seen a ghost.

The spoon fell from her hand, clanging against the bowl, causing the soup to splash. Kiev turned to her, surprised by her reaction. He looked at Elis, seeing an expression of horror on her face.

Concerned, he asked, "What’s wrong?"

There was no response. She didn’t even blink, her body frozen in place.

"Elis... Elis!" Kiev called out to her again, but still, there was no answer.

He pushed her shoulder, but all he heard was a choking sound coming from her throat as she struggled to breathe. Panic washed over the Mederian Prince as he realised that his ’wife’ was unable to breathe properly. He stood up and shook her shoulders.

"Take a deep breath!" he urged.

But Elis’s complexion grew even paler, her body trembling. Kiev took the initiative to rub her back and pat it briskly, thinking that she was choking, but his efforts proved futile.

"Breathe, Elis! Breathe!" he shouted, his voice growing louder with urgency.

The loud yelling caught the crowd’s attention. Sensing something was amiss, Louis signalled the bard to stop the music.

"Come on! Breathe!" Kiev shouted again, now in a state of panic.

Elis’s face turned blue. The Mederian Prince hit her back harder, desperately trying to get her to breathe again. If her body failed to respond, not even his magic would be able to save her.

Rafe and Callis abruptly stopped dancing when the music halted. They were taken aback as they witnessed Kiev’s distress and Elis’s condition. Sensing the danger, the healer rushed over urgently. The guests, too, were surprised, wondering what had happened to the Mederian Prince’s wife.

"What happened?" Rafe asked as he approached.

"She’s not breathing!" Kiev exclaimed.

"Is she choking?" the healer asked, seeking confirmation.

Kiev placed his palm on Elis’s neck, channelling a spark of mana as he closed his eyes to assess her condition. Thankfully, no one noticed that he was using his magic.

"No, she’s not! She’s in shock!" he declared after identifying the underlying cause.

"Lay her down on the floor!" Rafe instructed.

Following the healer’s order, Kiev carefully laid Elis’s body on the hardened floor and took a seat beside her. Louis and Eva rushed over, joined by other concerned guests.

"Give us some space!" Rafe shouted, alerting everyone to take a step back.

Placing both hands on Elis’s heart, he began pumping, but she remained motionless, her eyes wide open.

"It’s not working! Blow air into her mouth! Now!" Rafe shouted again, continuing his chest compressions.

"Got it!"

Without wasting a moment, Kiev, who was already in a seated position, leaned down, latching his lips onto hers and blowing air into her mouth. As their lips touched, a surge of current coursed through the Mederian Prince’s body.

His eyes widened, feeling a strong pull coming from Elis. His hands trembled as he held her shoulders, and his heart screamed the words he could barely contain from the shock – ’My soulmate!’

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