The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 324: Sharing The Bed

Chapter 324: Sharing The Bed

Once the door was shut, Kiev, who stood by the bed, turned to face Elis. They locked eyes, their unspoken connection conveying more than words ever could.

The maid sensed a shift in the Mederian Prince’s gaze—different from his usual stern expression. She detected a profound longing in his eyes that stirred something within her, an indescribable feeling.

Kiev found it difficult to tear his gaze away from Elis. Emotions surged within him, intensifying as they were left alone in the room.

A whirlwind of thoughts swirled in his mind, realising that the woman before him was his soulmate, their destinies revealed upon their accidental kiss. He yearned to embrace her and pour out his feelings, but a hesitance held him back.

Suddenly, the Mederian Prince reached out, his hands gently resting on Elis’s shoulders, causing her to flinch slightly.

"Lie down. Get some sleep," he tenderly instructed, guiding her body onto the bed.

He placed her head on the pillow, carefully arranging her legs in a comfortable lying position. Then, he tucked her in, pulling the blanket snugly around her.

Elis was initially taken aback by Kiev’s changed demeanour. They were no longer in the presence of others, yet he remained gentle, unlike his usual self. The Mederian Prince had always maintained a distance from her when they were alone, aware of her unease around men.

Something else also struck within Elis—she had undergone a change of heart herself. While she had always feared men’s proximity, she didn’t experience the same apprehension with Kiev.

It was peculiar to admit, but she had grown accustomed to his touch. She felt safe with him, a sense of security akin to what she felt with Garin, or perhaps even stronger.

Kiev had saved her countless times, and she knew he would never harm her. Despite his power, he had never taken advantage of her, even when he had the opportunity.

Kiev knelt beside the bed, waiting for Elis to close her eyes.

"I don’t feel sleepy yet. Besides, Rafe is brewing the medicinal concoction for me. I should wait," she said in a quiet voice.

"It will take some time for it to be ready. You should get some good rest. Rafe already mentioned that you can take it in the morning after waking up. Don’t worry about it," Kiev reassured her.

Elis ran out of excuses.

"I will sleep then. You should also get some rest," she suggested.

"I’m fine. I’ll wait until you’re fast asleep," Kiev insisted.

"You don’t have to do that," she replied.

"I’m the reason you’re in this condition, so I should take responsibility. I promised Eva that I would take great care of you," he said gently, his voice filled with sincerity.

Elis hesitated, her voice softening. "Kiev..."

"Hmm?"

"Thank you," she said with gratitude.

"You don’t have to thank me."

"But you saved my life once again..." Elis expressed.

Kiev gazed affectionately at his soulmate, his eyes reflecting his deep feelings.

"Elis..."

"Yes?" she responded, curious about his following words.

"I’m sorry I put you through all of this. I promise I’ll make it up to you. From now on, I will always take care of and protect you. You have my word," he declared, determination in his eyes.

"I’m all right, Kiev. I can take care of myself."

"No, I won’t let you face any more trouble. I meant what I said, and I’ll keep my promise," Kiev said firmly.

Elis furrowed her brow, unable to comprehend why the Mederian Prince was so resolute in his words when the situation didn’t seem like such a big deal to her. She was just a mere maid who didn’t deserve such attention from a prince.

"Now, close your eyes. I’ll do the same once you’re asleep," Kiev ordered.

Elis nodded, complying with his request. She closed her eyelids, and after a few moments, her exhausted body stilled, her mind drifting away into the realm of dreams.

***

Rafe stared at the simmering pot, crossing his arms over his chest, lost in his thoughts about the recent commotion at the banquet.

"Something must have happened to her to cause such a traumatic effect," he muttered to himself.

His mind then wandered to Kiev’s possessive behaviour towards Elis. It reminded him of Kyren’s attitude towards Anna, and he couldn’t help but wonder, "Does he like her?"

Rafe furrowed his brow, his hand now propping his chin as he contemplated the possibility.

"It can’t be! He’s so determined to get Lady Raychard! He can’t be falling for another woman while pursuing his betrothed!" The healer dismissed the idea.

Just then, he heard footsteps approaching and noticed Armel entering the kitchen.

"Oh, hello, Mr Amares. Haven’t you slept yet?" the teenager asked.

"I’m brewing a medicinal concoction for Elis. What about you?" Rafe responded in a low tone.

"I’ve just finished helping the servants clean up the hall. The hired staff have all gone back. I came here to get some water," Armel explained.

Rafe nodded, granting Armel permission to fetch a mug and pour water from a container. After quenching his thirst, the teenager offered, "Would you like me to help you serve the concoction to Lady Elisabeth? I’m heading up to the attic anyway, so I can drop by her room."

Rafe agreed, considering it a good idea.

"That would be helpful. I had a little disagreement with Kiev, and I’m not in the mood to see his face right now," he confessed, his voice tinged with frustration.

Armel smiled warmly, his brown eyes reflecting his understanding.

"His Highness may come across as stern and obnoxious, but he’s a kind-hearted man. He simply doesn’t like revealing his true self to others," he explained.

"You seem to know him well," said Rafe.

"I’ve spent quite some time with the Mederians. While I may not have extensive experience, I can tell that they are genuinely good people. His Highness Prince Kiev is just sensitive around others, so he tends to avoid mingling with the crowd. But I’ve noticed a difference when Lady Elisabeth is with him. He appears more cheerful and approachable," said Armel.

The teenager had been instructed to address Elis with such a title during their trip to Rivendelle.

"You should have seen how he behaved after the commotion! He held her as if she were his possession," Rafe expressed with a grunt.

"I can’t comment on your perspective of him. However, in my opinion, I believe he genuinely cares for her. That’s his way of showing concern. Those who don’t know him well might misunderstand his actions," Armel offered his thought.

Rafe remained silent, contemplating the teenager’s words. Sensing the healer’s brooding demeanour, Armel swiftly changed the topic when the aroma of the prepared medicine filled the kitchen.

"Is the concoction ready? If it is, I’ll grab a tray and a bowl right away."

"Ah... give me a moment. Let me check," Rafe responded, turning towards the kitchen and stirring the pot with a ladle.

After a brief inspection, he confirmed, "Yes, it’s done," and turned off the fire.

Armel fetched the tray, bowl, and spoon while Rafe carefully poured the concoction into the bowl.

"Go ahead, take it to her," Rafe instructed.

"Yes, Mr Amares. You should also go back to your room and rest. You must be tired," the teenager said.

Rafe nodded, appreciating Armel’s consideration. The two exited the kitchen and ascended the stairs. As they reached the hallway leading to the rooms, they split up and went their separate ways.

***

Callis closed the door behind her, feeling a sense of relief as she entered the room. Despite the commotion during the banquet, she was grateful that nothing more serious had occurred.

She carefully removed the sling from her injured shoulder, noticing a slight soreness in her movements when assisting Elis to change into her nightgown.

The Mederian Princess freshened up and changed into her nightgown, sitting on the bed deep in thought. Tomorrow, they would be returning to Gantz.

A twinge of sadness washed over her. The visit to Rivendelle had been an incredible experience, and getting to know Rafe’s family had been a true blessing.

Not only had they welcomed her and her brother wholeheartedly, but they had also treated them with kindness and respect. Callis could sense their sincerity, and it warmed her heart.

Lost in her reflections, a thought crossed her mind, reminding her of the gift Jessy had given her that she had stowed away in her luggage.

Curiosity piqued, she went to the cupboard and retrieved the beige box. It was beautifully wrapped, adding to her anticipation. She carried it back to the bed, sitting down again.

"I wonder what this is?" she whispered.

Slowly, she unwrapped the box, revealing a soft, silken fabric. Her fair face flushed a deep shade of red as she realised what it was. It turned out to be a sexy, sheer lingerie set made of high-quality material.

Callis noticed a small note placed at the bottom of the box. She picked it up and read its contents.

’A good wife would serve her husband well. Grab the chance and make him fall in love with you. I wish you all the best, my dear princess.

Sincerely,

Jessy’.

"Oh, Jessy! You’re so naughty!" she exclaimed, her face reddening even more as she understood the underlying meaning behind her nanny’s note.

Callis put the note aside, taking a moment to compose herself. She was ready to put the gift back in the box, but then she remembered Eva’s excitement over Elis’s ’pregnancy’. Her hand, still holding the lingerie, paused in its movement.

"If I keep waiting, I’ll never know when it will happen. We’re now husband and wife, and Jessy said it’s not wrong if we did it... Besides, mother has already started talking about children," Callis reasoned to herself.

"No, I can’t!" another voice emerged from her, like two conflicting characters battling for dominance. "If we did it, brother will surely kill Rafe!"

Callis pondered the possibilities, her eyes narrowing as she weighed her options.

"Brother won’t know! Who’s going to tell him, anyway? My responsibility as a wife is more important than a sister! Besides... if I were to get pregnant, he would have no choice but to accept us and the baby. Rafe, too, would love me and the child," she mused, a determination accompanying her thoughts.

Excitement coursed through the Mederian Prince, and a smile graced her face.

"Let’s do this! Rafe is going to sleep in the same room with me tonight, so I should seize this opportunity!" she decided.

Callis moved behind the dressing screen and began changing her attire, fully intent on her decision. In the midst of it, she heard a knock on the door.

"Callis, it’s me, Rafe. Are you asleep?" a voice called from the other side of the door.

"No, not yet. Come in," she replied, her heart beating a bit faster.

The door crept open, and the healer entered the room. He looked around, unable to locate her immediately.

"Where are you?" he asked, his gaze searching.

"I’m in the midst of changing into my nightgown. I’ll be out in a while," she informed him, her voice slightly shaky.

"All right. I’m going to wash my face and freshen up a bit," Rafe stated, rubbing the back of his neck. Fatigue was beginning to settle in.

"Go ahead," Callis replied, holding back her nervousness.

Rafe went to the bathroom, cleaned himself, and changed into his nightgown. The late hour had quieted the house, with only the sounds of nocturnal creatures echoing outside.

The healer stepped out of the bathroom, ready to finally rest after a long day. Walking towards the bed, he wiped his face with the towel.

"I hope you don’t mind us sharing a bed tonight," Rafe said, hanging the towel on the rack.

As he turned his body to face the bed, his calm expression shifted to one of surprise. His jaw almost dropped when he saw Callis lying sideways, facing him on the bed.

"I wouldn’t mind at all," she said softly.

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