The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 343: The King And The Healer’s Discussion

Chapter 343: The King And The Healer’s Discussion

The knights and the Mederian Princess were prepared to rise and bow but were dismissed by a gesture from the king, who wished to dispense with formalities.

"I’m glad to see you’re enjoying the banquet, Princess Callis," the king addressed the Mederian Princess warmly.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Please, call me Callis. I have chosen to leave behind my royal title and adopt my husband’s surname and title," she explained graciously.

"Ah, I see... So it should be Mrs Amares now," said the king with a smile.

"Callis will do. I am now one of your loyal subjects," she replied.

"I’m happy to hear that. How’s the food? Is it to your liking? The duke and duchess had paid much attention to the meal. Though it might taste differently from your island’s cuisine, they hope it will satisfy your palate," asked the king.

"Yes! They are absolutely delightful! I am truly having a splendid time, Your Majesty," Callis replied, her eyes gleaming with contentment.

"Where’s your brother, Prince Kiev? He didn’t come?"

"He has some matters to attend to. So, I’m here to represent him as well," the Mederian Princess replied.

"I see... If you don’t mind, I would like to steal your husband for a moment, just for a light chat," the king requested, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Of course, I don’t mind at all. Please, be my guest," Callis graciously consented.

"Perhaps you could join my queen and the other ladies in the bride-to-be chamber while you wait," the king suggested.

Callis looked around, surprised to find herself the only woman in the grand hall as all the other ladies had departed.

"Why did they leave?" she inquired, curious.

"It is a customary betrothal practice for the women to gather separately from the men to present gifts to the bride-to-be," Rafe explained.

"Oh, I had no idea," Callis admitted, her expression softening.

"That’s all right. You are not obligated to join them if you don’t feel inclined," Rafe reassured her.

"But I want to! I am your wife now, and I should learn Cassian’s traditions and customs. Besides, I brought a gift for Lady Grey and should start making friends too," Callis insisted.

"Then, let me escort you there if Your Majesty doesn’t mind giving me a moment," Rafe said, seeking the king’s approval.

"Of course, please do. I will be waiting at the balcony. Join me there afterwards," the king directed, pointing toward the mentioned location.

Rafe nodded in acknowledgement, and the king departed from the group.

"Don’t rush for it. His Majesty might have a few things to discuss with you. Take your time," Callis smiled warmly, offering her gentle advice.

"Thank you for your understanding. I hope you, too, have a wonderful time with the ladies. Come now," Rafe replied, taking his wife’s hand.

The couple gracefully left the grand hall as the knights watched in awe.

"Why don’t we also move to another chamber where we can converse freely? I have prepared special drinks and food for all of you," Alex suggested to his comrades, a hospitable gleam in his eyes.

"Ah, excellent idea! I prefer a more relaxed environment myself. Let’s go and raise our glasses!" Eric exclaimed, readily agreeing.

The men stood up, and Alex led them the way to the designated chamber, where camaraderie and celebration awaited them.

King Kyden stood gracefully by the balcony railing, his gaze following the enchanting scenery of the illuminated garden. In his right hand, he held a glass, its contents a deep red hue liquid, halfway filled.

Just as the king immersed himself in the moment, Rafe appeared, approaching with a respectful bow.

"Forgive me for keeping you waiting, Your Majesty," the healer apologised.

"It’s fine, Rafe. I am thoroughly enjoying the serene beauty of the landscape. It’s a rare occasion that I find such relief and solitude," King Kyden replied, a sense of tranquillity in his voice.

Rafe’s eyes fleetingly glanced at the glass held by the king, a hint of concern flickering in his expression.

"Are you drinking again, Your Majesty?" he inquired.

"Don’t worry. This one is a non-alcoholic beverage. Since Anna’s banquet, I have refrained from consuming any alcoholic drinks, thanks to Emelda’s persistent nagging. She would undoubtedly throw a fit if I did."

"I must agree with Her Majesty the Queen. You’re not a good drinker, and the effects would not bode well for you," Rafe concurred.

A smile laced the king’s lips.

"Let’s focus on the main thing that I want to know. Tell me, Rafe, has the maid, Miss Elisabeth Canton, left?" said the king, shifting their attention to the topic they had convened for.

"No, Your Majesty. She’s still at the mansion," replied the healer. "Actually, something happened to her today."

"Oh? What is it? Do enlighten me," ordered the king.

Rafe took a deep breath and began recounting the incident that unfolded at the plaza, involving Elis, Kiev, himself, and the Knights of Abinair.

"Wait, you’re telling me that Miss Elisabeth Canton is a former slave?" the king interjected, clearly taken aback by this revelation.

"Yes, Your Majesty," confirmed Rafe. "She belonged to the Count of Abinair of Dracor. However, during our last campaign, His Highness, the Grand Duke, formed a business alliance with the count and, as a result, released Elis and the other slave women. We did send her back to her hometown, but she ended up here at Gerhard’s castle, seeking help. I didn’t tell you about her past because His Highness asked me and the knights not to talk about it as it touches upon her dignity."

The king’s expression softened, his remorse evident as he responded, "I would have done the same, Rafe. We are well aware of the atrocities inflicted upon slave women in Dracor."

Intrigued by the unfolding story, King Kyden urged the healer to provide further details. He wanted to understand how Elis found her way to their kingdom.

Rafe continued, delving into the maid’s unexpected connection with Clara, Anna’s escort from Ardel. The king listened attentively, nodding occasionally as he listened to the tale.

"She’s quite a remarkable and loyal person, it seems. No wonder Kyren keeps her as his maid," the king remarked.

"Actually, His Highness, the Grand Duke dismissed her on the day the Mederian siblings arrived. Her appointment was solely based on Sir Skyler’s recommendation, as His Highness was absent from Gerhard’s castle at the time. However, Kiev personally requested that she be lent to my wife, given Callis’s injury from the fight with the knights," Rafe explained.

"Prince Kiev might have already known she was his soulmate. That could be why he requested her," King Kyden speculated.

Rafe hesitated momentarily before responding, "I doubt that, Your Majesty. Although Kiev asked her to play the role of his wife at Rivendelle, he didn’t show much attention to her then. It seemed to me that he was using her as his shield from other women. But everything changed after the incident that night when Elis was choked. I believe he realised his feelings for her after their kiss... I mean, when he blew air into her mouth."

A naughty smirk danced across the king’s face, revealing his amusement.

"So, I suppose it was you who played Cupid and brought their connection to light," the king said with a lighthearted tone.

"I never had such intentions. It was an emergency, and he happened to be holding her at the time," the healer explained earnestly.

"Don’t worry, I’m not blaming you," the king assured him, chuckling softly. "It’s just interesting how he didn’t seem to notice earlier, unlike your wife. Aren’t the Mederians able to recognise their soulmates right away?"

"I find it quite peculiar as well. Unfortunately, I have no idea."

"Very well, it’s not that important. Now, does Prince Kiev know that his soulmate was once a slave?" the king inquired.

"I don’t think so. Why do you ask?" Rafe responded, curious about the king’s line of questioning.

"I can’t help but wonder... Would Prince Kiev still desire her once he learns about her past?" the king voiced his concerns. "Don’t misunderstand me. I hold no judgment towards Miss Canton. What she has endured is truly unfortunate, and we cannot undo what happened to her."

"I believe he will. He displayed tremendous affection and care toward her, and he was protective of her throughout the day. He surprised me when he swiftly followed her, fearing for her safety when she went to the plaza with only the carriage driver. Right now, he is tending to her in his bedchamber."

The king’s eyes widened in bewilderment.

"You allowed him to take her to his bedchamber?!" he exclaimed.

Rafe quickly raised both his hands, attempting to calm the surprised king.

"They are not alone! I swear I didn’t let them be! I asked Mrs Foster, the chief maid, to accompany them!"

A sigh of relief escaped the king’s lips.

"Thank goodness! If rumours were to spread about an unmarried couple spending the night together in a bedchamber in Kyren’s mansion, it would undoubtedly tarnish his reputation, not to mention mine as well!"

"I understand, Your Majesty. That is precisely why I took precautions. As of now, Kiev is using his magical abilities to treat Elis. Hopefully, she will show signs of improvement by tomorrow," Rafe reassured the king.

King Kyden nodded, appreciating the efforts taken to maintain decency. However, his thoughts turned towards a different idea.

"Nevertheless, I must intervene and take action in this situation," the king declared. "Remember when I mentioned having a plan?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Rafe responded, intrigued. " Yes. I’d like to know if you’re willing to share."

"No," the king replied, raising his pointed finger and wagging it firmly. I will not reveal it to you just yet. You will soon find out... very soon."

"Very well, then," Rafe acquiesced. "I will patiently await your plan. Is there anything else you would like to discuss?"

The king shook his head.

"That will be all. You may rejoin your comrades. Thank you for the information. You are excused."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. It is an honour to serve you," Rafe said, bowing respectfully before departing to rejoin the group of knights.

The king’s lips were filled with a satisfied smile as he meticulously outlined his plan, confident that it would yield the desired results.

***

The knights erupted in laughter, thoroughly entertained by Eric and Eli’s dramatic display. The second-in-command knight carried on with his exaggerated voice, captivating the crowd in the chamber as they enjoyed their drinks.

Eric continued his story, saying, "Oh, wait! That’s not even the best part yet! After kissing her... Rafael declared, ’I shall make her bear my child in no time! Would you like to witness more of our intimacy?’"

Using his body language, the second-in-command knight mimicked Rafe’s romantic gestures, holding Eli’s waist, who played as Callis during the pair’s altercation with Sarah.

The young knight added his own dialogue in a soft, feminine voice, saying, "Oh, my dear husband! Yes, let’s do it now!"

The men burst into mischievous laughter again. Even Noah, who was typically reserved, couldn’t help but stifle his chuckles by looking down, trying to hide his amusement.

Initially hesitant to join the group, he had only relented due to Garin’s persistent insistence.

Simultaneously, Garin and Drystan’s eyes filled with tears of laughter, their amusement uncontainable.

"Hey... she didn’t say that!" Damon interjected, trying to keep the story grounded in reality.

"Of course she didn’t," Luke replied, grinning. "But we all knew she desired it just by looking at her."

The laughter resumed, filling the air with their boisterous merriment.

Alex wiped away tears of joy and exclaimed, "Goodness, I wish I had witnessed it myself!"

"It was truly marvellous, I assure you! I have never seen Rafael behave like that. I am convinced he has fallen for his wife," Eric remarked, finally releasing his hold on Eli’s waist and smiling.

"Boy, telling this amazing tale has surely left me parched," he said, reaching for the glass on the table and taking a sip of his drink. Just as he was enjoying his beverage, Rafe entered the chamber.

"What amazing tale?" the healer inquired, catching the knights off guard.

Shocked, Eric choked and then sprayed the drink in his mouth, inadvertently dousing Eli’s face. Laughter erupted once again as Rafe stood there in confusion.