The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 344: A New Addition To The Friendship

Chapter 344: A New Addition To The Friendship

"Now, I know you three would want to have some uninterrupted time together, so let the rest of us enjoy ourselves in the adjacent chamber," Queen Emelda said understandingly, acknowledging the close friendship shared by Meredith, Anna, and Sylvia.

A delightful array of gifts had amassed in the corner of the chamber, offerings from the queen and the attending ladies to commemorate the special occasion.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Meredith expressed her heartfelt gratitude.

"Take a break for now and join us later. It can be quite overwhelming to be the centre of attention throughout the entire event," the queen kindly suggested.

Meredith’s face lit up with a broad smile, her joy evident despite the overwhelming need to entertain the guests as the main focus of the ceremony. The weight of the evening couldn’t overshadow the sheer happiness she felt in her heart on this momentous occasion.

Queen Emelda gracefully rose from her seat and made her way to the chamber next door, a designated space for her and the ladies to socialise. More delectable food and drinks were served, accompanied by the enchanting melodies of a musical bard.

As soon as the ladies departed, Anna and Sylvia couldn’t contain their excitement and let out a shriek of joy.

"Oh, my gosh! Look at that ring! The diamond is absolutely breathtaking, so stunning and enormous! You’re so lucky, Mer!" Sylvia exclaimed in awe, gently lifting her friend’s hand adorned with the exquisite betrothal ring.

The priceless stone sparkled and shimmered before their eyes. Meredith blushed, feeling a mixture of delight and bashfulness.

"This is only the betrothal ring. Just wait until she receives her wedding ring! She’ll be mesmerised by it all day long!" Anna chimed in, sharing in the excitement.

"It won’t only be the ring that she’ll be fixated on!" Sylvia teased, playfully raising her eyebrow several times.

Anna chuckled, understanding the meaning behind the playful banter. Meredith’s cheeks flushed even more.

"Stop it, you two! You’re making me so embarrassed!"

"We all noticed how Sir Jarr was looking at you tonight. Your betrothed couldn’t take his eyes off you because you looked so stunning! If tonight were your wedding night, he would have whisked you away to your bedchamber for your first night together by now!" Sylvia continued, teasing her friend.

"Sylvia!"

Meredith playfully pinched Sylvia’s cheek, causing her to yelp in pain. Anna joined in the laughter.

"See, Anna? Now that she’s about to walk down the aisle, she’s already bullying me!" Sylvia complained, feigning sadness. "I was only joking! After her marriage, she’ll be fully devoted to her husband and won’t have time to play with me anymore. Hooo!" Sylvia dramatically covered her eyes with her arm, pretending to cry.

Anna smiled.

"If you marry Sir Mills, that won’t be an issue anymore. You and Mer would move to the Duchy of Gerhard, and we wouldn’t be separated. We’ll have plenty of time to spend together."

Sylvia lowered her hand, her usual tendency to pull a sour face when the topic of pairing her with Drystan arose absent tonight. Instead, she appeared surprisingly calm.

"Drystan has his preferences, and I’m not the one he’s seeking," she replied, her voice composed. "And honestly, I don’t have any feelings for him either."

"Drystan? You call him by his first name? Since when did you two become so close?" Meredith asked, taken aback by this new revelation.

"He’s my chaperone for tonight. As you know, my parents couldn’t attend due to unavoidable business matters, and my grandfather is still unwell, so he asked me to represent our family. It just so happened that, out of all nights, I suddenly had no carriage available, and I ended up riding with him on his horse by my grandfather’s approval," Sylvia explained.

Meredith was bewildered by this explanation. "You rode with him? And your grandfather allowed it? Do I hear you correctly?" the noble lady questioned, her astonishment evident.

"It’s true! Even my Uncle Daniel agreed. They entrusted me to his care, so I had no choice but to follow him and no one else," added Sylvia.

Anna and Meredith exchanged curious glances and then examined their friend from head to toe.

"You don’t look like someone who arrived on horseback. Your attire is impeccable, your hair elegantly braided, and your makeup flawless. The truth is, you look completely different from your usual appearance at balls or other events. This time, you exude a sweet and subtle charm," Meredith remarked.

Sylvia blushed, realising her improved appearance. She had caught a glimpse of herself in the grand hall’s mirror, and true to Drystan’s words, she looked enchanting.

Even some gentlemen had approached her, asking for a dance, despite being aware of her identity. In the past, no man would dare come close when knowing that she was the granddaughter of the Marquess of Sylvere.

"I should thank Drystan for this. He helped me fix my hair and makeup as soon as we arrived. I had no idea he was so skilled at it!" Sylvia confessed.

"He did?" Anna and Meredith exclaimed in unison, their surprise evident.

Just then, a knock came at the door. The attending servant opened it at Meredith’s order, revealing a familiar face—Callis stood there, much to their astonishment.

"Hello. I heard all the ladies gathered here to give gifts to the bride-to-be. Would you mind if I join you?" she asked, a little hesitant.

"Oh, sure. Please, do join us. Have a seat, Your Highness," invited Meredith, who promptly stood up along with Sylvia.

"Please call me Mrs Amares," Callis corrected with a gentle smile.

"Ah, right! I forgot! You’re married to Mr Rafe Amares," said Meredith.

Callis gracefully took a seat on the settee. She presented her gift to the bride-to-be, who thanked her and set it aside. The Mederian princess’ eyes wandered around the chamber.

"Where are the other ladies?" she asked, curious.

"Oh, they went to the adjacent chamber. Would you like to join them?" asked Sylvia.

"Hmm... I don’t think so. I don’t know anyone there except for Her Majesty. Can I just stay here? At least, you are familiar to me," requested Callis politely.

"No problem! You’re Mr Amares’s wife. You’re always welcome to join us," assured Anna.

"Thank you. Perhaps, may I know why you didn’t join them?" inquired Callis.

"We are taking a break for now. It’s been quite a happening night. They were all here earlier and went there to socialise and enjoy more refreshments just now. It’s the usual routine for the nobles," replied Meredith.

"Ah, I see..."

"We’re quite casual here and addressed each other by our first names when we are alone, so I hope you don’t mind with it. It’s been a while since we didn’t get together. Meredith or Mer, our bride-to-be here, has been busy with the wedding preparations, and Sylvia, on the other hand, has been taking care of her grandfather. I was the only one with nothing to do except for sleeping and wasting time at the palace," explained Anna.

Callis nodded as she learned of the princess’ friends’ names.

"That’s not true! Weren’t you teaching Their Highnesses Princess Laura and Lilith? I heard that from Her Majesty herself!" interjected Meredith.

Anna waved her hand dismissively.

"It was just a language tuition. It wasn’t too demanding and didn’t consume much of my time."

"Says the expert in the Ro’an language," teased Sylvia, followed by a chuckle from both of the princess’ friends.

"You’ve learned the language?" Callis inquired, clearly impressed.

"She’s incredibly talented at it. Even Lord Hugh Anson, the chief scholar, was not on par with her because Anna’s knowledge surpasses him," Meredith praised.

"It’s nothing much! I just had to prove my worthiness before him and the others," said the princess, recalling the tests she had to endure to gain the title of Kyren’s concubine.

"I wouldn’t be surprised," replied the Mederian princess with a proud smile.

"Pardon?" Anna raised an eyebrow, confused by Callis’s remark.

"Ah, nothing! You seem like a bright person, so I assumed you would be smart enough to master the language," the Mederian Princess quickly covered her slip of the tongue.

Anna’s expression returned to normal.

"Hey, did you notice? I didn’t see Lady James here tonight. Why didn’t she come? Don’t tell me you didn’t invite her," Sylvia asked Meredith.

"This is a formal event, so my future mother-in-law sent an invitation to Lord James’s mansion. His Lordship is here, but she isn’t. Anyway, I’m quite happy she didn’t show up," Meredith replied with a hint of relief in her voice.

"I don’t think she would dare make an appearance before the Knights of Gerhard after today’s incident at the mansion," Callis said.

"What incident?" Sylvia inquired, her curiosity growing.

"She came to Gerhard’s mansion to scold me but got humiliated instead," the Mederian Princess revealed.

"What happened? I was at the mansion! How did I miss that?" Anna asked, surprised.

The Mederian Princess then recounted the altercation she and Rafe had with Sarah, along with the slipping fork incident.

"It wasn’t of much importance. I guess that’s why Sir Navin didn’t report it to you since you were resting," Callis concluded dismissively.

"Oh, my God! How embarrassing! No wonder she didn’t come to your event, Mer!" Sylvia exclaimed, placing her hand over her mouth, shocked.

"How audacious of her to accuse Mr Amares like that! Although everyone used to talk about that gossip, we all knew it wasn’t true," Meredith reassured.

"You heard it too?" Callis asked, seeking confirmation.

Feeling guilty, Meredith quickly responded, "It was an old gossip when His Highness the Grand Duke declared that he wouldn’t ascend the throne and chose a life of celibacy. But trust me, it’s a false rumour! Mr Amares is not that kind of person."

"Of course, he’s not! He’s my husband! Right before Lady James and everyone else, he declared his love for me and kissed me! He even expressed his desire for us to have a child together," Callis defended her husband, her voice filled with conviction.

"Mr Amares kissed you openly? And he said that? How romantic!" Meredith exclaimed, her eyes widening. "I never knew this side of him!"

"You’re so lucky, Mrs Amares, to have a husband who stood up for you," Anna commented with admiration.

"Don’t mention it! Even without him, I could easily have subdued Lady James or given her a slap or two. I was only holding back so Rafe wouldn’t lose face because of my actions. I almost blinded her father with the fork, so it was best to remain composed and avoid causing more trouble," Callis explained, pride in her expression.

"Hah! Serves her right! I’m so happy you did that, Mrs Amares! I can already picture you slapping both of her cheeks. That would be quite a sight! She has been nothing but a despicable woman and an eyesore. We couldn’t do much to her since her father holds influence in the royal council, but someone like you surely has no issues teaching her a lesson. Her face would turn red like a baboon’s butt from your slapping!" Sylvia exclaimed.

Laughter erupted among the group as they imagined the scene.

"You know... I never knew that you all were such warm-hearted people. I’m happy we shared a laugh together. This is quite a rare experience for me," Callis said, wiping away her tears of joy.

"Why? Don’t you have lady friends like us back on your island?" Anna asked curiously.

"I do have... one. She’s a healer, and we’ve known each other since we were little," Callis replied.

"Only one?" Sylvia questioned. "And she’s a healer, too! She must be remarkable! We don’t have a female healer in Cassian."

"She is. Well... not many girls want to be my friends. Either they think I’m arrogant because of my appearance, or they’re jealous of me," the Mederian Princess explained.

"Ah... That explains it. You are undeniably attractive. I saw how Rafe had to hold you and shield you from the men’s prying eyes. They only backed off after learning that you’re married to him," Anna commented.

"Come to think of it, you’ll continue staying in Cassian with Mr Amares. You’ll need to make new acquaintances. If you’re comfortable with it, we can be friends," Meredith offered.

"Yes! An enemy to our enemy is a friend to us! We should stick together! I love how you responded to Lord James and his daughter’s sarcasm. You have my respect!" Sylvia exclaimed, raising her hand in admiration.

The Mederian Princess smiled brightly.

"You would? Oh, this is so much fun! I would love to have new friends in Cassian! Since we’re friends now, why don’t you call me Callis?" she suggested.

The three ladies agreed.

"Callis, if you don’t mind, there’s something I want to ask. It’s about my grandfather, the Marquess of Sylvere," Sylvia then asked, careful with her words.

She had been reserving herself from approaching the Mederians. Upon receiving Eric’s news of their return to the palace, she eagerly awaited the opportunity to meet with Callis and Kiev to ask for their help.

The betrothal ceremony of Alex and Meredith seemed the perfect moment to see them and address the matter.

"Oh, he’s your grandfather? Then, Lord Aaron Pearce, what’s his relation to you? I met him during lunch today, and he said he’s the marquess’ son," Callis responded, intrigued.

"He’s my uncle. He told me that your brother refused to heal my grandfather. If it’s not too much to ask, would you be able to do it? I would do anything in return if you could help," Sylvia pleaded, her eyes filled with hope.

Callis responded hesitantly, "I’m so sorry. It’s not that I don’t want to, but my healing magic is not as strong as my brother’s, and I’m incapable of removing dark magic from anyone."

"Then, can your brother heal him?" Sylvia asked again.

"To be honest, I’m not sure. I’ve never seen him do it, but I know his magic is powerful because he possesses a lot of mana," the Mederian Princess explained.

"Can’t he at least try? My grandfather has sacrificed so much for Her Imperial Majesty and her unborn child. He has suffered for half of his life in a challenging condition. People thought he was crazy when he wasn’t himself, but in reality, he’s a loving man. I just hope I could see him in good health for once," Sylvia expressed sadly.

Callis looked at Sylvia with sympathy. Then, she silently gazed at the green-eyed princess before her, deep in thought.

If it weren’t for the marquess, Angel, Anna’s mother, who Kiev cared so much about, wouldn’t have been born, and Anna herself wouldn’t exist. Perhaps she could persuade her brother to help.

However, Kiev was currently using his magic to heal Elis, and it was impossible for him to attend to two people simultaneously.

"You know what... why don’t you come to the Gerhard mansion to meet him? I’ll try to persuade him during the meeting. He might be firm in his decision, but he’s not a heartless person. Maybe, after hearing your point of view, he might change his mind," Callis suggested after pondering.

"Oh, thank you! Thank you so much, Callis, for giving me this opportunity!" Sylvia expressed her gratitude.

"Please, I’m not promising anything, but we can try. Come to us in two days," said the Mederian Princess.

"Two days? Why not tomorrow? I wouldn’t mind meeting him tonight, but it doesn’t seem appropriate given the time," Sylvia inquired.

"No, my brother is in the midst of something. That’s why he’s not here today," Callis explained, considering Kiev might need some time to replenish his mana after treating Elis. "He won’t be able to attend to you for the moment. So, come on the day I mentioned. He should be available by then."

"Will do! Thank you again, Callis," Sylvia expressed her appreciation.

The Mederian Princess nodded. Just then, a knock on the door rang, and Drystan entered with permission.

"Forgive me for disturbing you, ladies, but I must bring Lady Rogers back home. It’s getting late now," the knight said.

"But it’s still quite early!" Sylvia protested.

"It’s best we leave now. It will get darker soon when most lights are turned off. Your family must be waiting, and I need to ensure you arrive safely," Drystan said, emphasising the importance of their departure.

Sylvia pouted, disappointed by her chaperone’s unwavering decision.

"Go on. Sir Mills is right. Furthermore, it’s not nice for a young lady to wander the streets late at night. Sir Mills may be your chaperone, but he’s not your family. He needs to take care of his reputation, too," Anna advised.

"Thank you for your understanding, my lady," said Drystan, nodding to Anna. "Come on, Sylvie. We don’t have much time," urged the knight to Sylvia.

The ladies giggled upon hearing their friend’s new nickname. Reluctantly, Sylvia bid her friends goodbye and returned to the count’s mansion.

As the night wore on, the sky grew increasingly cloudy, signalling the possibility of heavy rainfall.