The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 364: Sincere Confessions

Chapter 364: Sincere Confessions

Elis’s heart raced with anticipation as knocks sounded at the door. A surge of excitement brewed within her.

"I’ll get it," said Rosalie as she hurried to open it.

When the chief maid opened it, Kiev stood tall and graceful on the other side. Though this was his chamber, the Mederian Prince didn’t barge in; instead, he asked to enter as he was thoughtful about his soulmate waiting inside.

Elis, eagerly awaited him, rushed forward. Tears of joy streamed down her cheeks as she flung her arms around the Mederian Prince in a tight embrace.

Rosalie smiled understandingly. All morning, the woman had anxiously rehearsed how to express her gratitude properly, but now, overcome with emotion, those carefully planned words had been forgotten.

Kiev was surprised by the sudden hug, but as he heard Elis’s muffled sobs and felt her tears dampening his surcoat, he held back his questions and enveloped her, one hand supporting her waist, the other gently patting her back.

"I believe you two could use some privacy. Please excuse me. Do ring the bell if you need anything," Rosalie said tactfully, curtsying before walking away and closing the door, leaving the chamber in silence save for Elis’s quiet cries.

After a moment, Kiev pulled back slightly, raising her chin to meet her downcast gaze.

"Why are you crying? Are you sad?" he asked softly.

Elis struggled to speak through her tears.

"I’m not sad," she sniffled. I’m grateful. You healed all my scars. You’ve been so kind to me. I just wanted to thank you, but I..." her voice trailed off, overcome.

Kiev smiled, relieved.

"You are mine, Elis. It is my responsibility to care for your well-being."

"But this... what you do to me... you have no idea how much it meant to me!" she cried.

"Hush now!"

Kiev gently cupped her cheek, brushing away her tears with his fingertips.

"Stop crying," he said softly. "It troubles me to see you in distress. Others might mistakenly think I’ve wronged you."

Elis nodded, taking a few deep breaths to calm herself. She felt suddenly embarrassed for losing her composure.

"Have you had your meal?" Kiev asked.

"Yes, I ate here while waiting for your return, as you’d instructed," she replied.

"Good." He offered her a warm smile. "Why don’t we take a walk in the garden? I’m pretty sure you have much to discuss with me."

"Have you finished your pressing matters?" Elis asked.

Kiev paused, considering his response.

"I’ve completed some parts, but others will have to wait. So I’m free for the moment." He bowed his head slightly. "Why do you ask?"

Elis averted her gaze shyly.

"I don’t want to be bothering you..."

"You are never a bother to me." His lips curved up reassuringly. "I’m happy to give you my full attention. Let us enjoy some time together."

Before they departed, Kiev reached over and retrieved a cloak hanging on a nearby rack, draping it gently over Elis’s shoulders.

"There, that should keep you warm," he said with a tender smile.

The Mederian Prince extended his arm, offering it to her.

"Shall we go now?"

Elis smiled radiantly and nodded, slipping her hand through the crook of his elbow. Together, they strolled out the door and made their way to the garden below.

The scenery was lovely, though a bit chilly. As they walked, Kiev discretely adjusted Elis’s robe, fastening it snugly to keep her warm. They took their seat on a long wooden bench.

"You look lovely in this attire," he complimented. "Perhaps some jewellery would further enhance your natural beauty."

Elis shook her head.

"This is already perfect. I’m so grateful for your generosity. The boutique owner who came provided me with many wonderful options, thanks to Mrs Foster’s assistance."

Kiev nodded approvingly.

"She has excellent taste. But as my woman, you should want for nothing. I will ensure you have an abundance of fine dresses and accessories in the future."

Elis blushed at his declaration, touched by his obvious affection.

"You’ve already given me so much. I feel quite indebted."

"Nonsense," Kiev said firmly. "As a Mederian prince, I am privileged to shower you with all you desire. You can wear anything you like. But of course, I would love it if you could keep your modesty as usual and keep the rest of your body for my eyes only."

Elis’s face turned a deeper shade of redness at his bold remarks.

"I wouldn’t dream of making demands of you. You’ve already shown me such kindness."

Kiev reached out and took her hands in his.

"Elis, you mustn’t think that way. You have every right to express your needs and desires to me freely."

She looked up at him, uncertainty in her eyes.

"But... you’re my master. Shouldn’t it be the other way round?" she asked.

Kiev creased his forehead, brooding.

"Master? What do you mean by that?"

"Well... you said I’m yours. Doesn’t that mean that I’m your possession?" Elis asked cluelessly.

Sighing, Kiev gave her hands a reassuring squeeze.

"I believe there has been a misunderstanding. When I asked the King to declare you as mine, it was not out of a desire to own you but to take responsibility for your well-being since I can offer you comfort and security. I never meant to make you feel indebted or subservient to me."

"But... I thought..."

"You thought wrong. Elis... You are a human being with your thoughts, feelings and autonomy. I would never presume to treat you as my slave or property, and I am not going to strip away your freedom. Rather, I want to be your protector and companion if you’ll have me. You should feel empowered to express your desires openly, without fear of displeasing me," Kiev cut off.

Elis felt her heart swell at his words. But doubts laced her inner thoughts.

"I don’t understand. Why would you care for someone like me so deeply? After all that I’ve shared with you... You know I have nothing to give you..."

"Because you are special to me," he replied determinedly. "It matters not what you have or don’t have. Your very presence is more than enough. As long as you are by my side, I am content."

"Oh, Kiev!" Elis exclaimed, a surge of affection washing over her as she embraced the Mederian Prince again.

He smiled, sensing her walls slowly coming down.

"I want you to be with me, Elis. And perhaps, someday, you’ll open up your heart to me, accepting me wholeheartedly," he said in a low, tender voice as they embraced.

Elis lifted her face, looking into his eyes.

"My heart?"

"Yes... I want you to desire me... just as I desire you," he murmured, tucking her fluttering hair behind her ear. "I want to hold you in my arms every night. So stay with me, Elis... for as long as my heart beats."

He searched her gaze, a mixture of hope and vulnerability reflected in his expression.

Elis’s heart fluttered with warmth upon hearing his sincere confession. Throughout her life, she had never experienced such genuine sentiment from a man before.

The people of her hometown had always looked down on her due to her status as a former slave. She began to regain some self-confidence only after starting a new life as a maid in Cassian, where she found solace and protection under Garin and the grand duke’s men.

Elis was content with her current living situation and had no desire for more except for a peaceful life and to meet her sister again.

But when the haunting memories of her gruelling past resurfaced, this captivating Mederian Prince, who at first she thought was arrogant and demanding, surprisingly stood by her side, protecting her with his strength and healing the scars of her previous torment.

The walls surrounding her cold heart, once fearful and resistant to any form of attention from men, began to crumble. Even though it felt indulgent, she found herself yearning to hold on to his affection, if only for this moment.

"I will, Kiev. I’ll never leave you," she promised softly.

Kiev’s face lit up cheerfully. He bent down, and his soft, gentle lips pressed against her forehead. Elis was taken aback by the unexpected kiss, her mind racing as the Mederian Prince became bolder in his affections.

"Kiev..."

"Hmm?"

A flush of redness tinted Elis’s cheeks, but the persistent notion had seized her mind since morning, refusing to be silenced. She steeled herself to broach the subject despite her embarrassment.

"Last night... did we... do it?"

Kiev loosened his embrace, pulling back slightly to look down at her bewilderedly.

"Do you think I would take advantage of you when you were unconscious?"

"No, no! That’s not what I meant!" her voice rose, a note of panic edging into her words.

"Then what?" the Mederian Prince asked, his brow furrowing in confusion.

Elis paused, worrying her lower lip before continuing tentatively, "I... I just want to be sure. You said I’m your woman..."

Her gaze dropped hesitantly.

"Elis..." Kiev’s voice was low and serious. "I’m a man of honour. If I ever wanted to be intimate with you, I would ensure you were fully conscious and could remember my touch, and that would only happen with your full consent," he paused, taking a moment to explain himself. "I only asked you to sleep by my side because I don’t want you to run away from me. The thought of you leaving made me worry endlessly about your safety. I only feel at ease when I can see you within my sight."

"Forgive me for the misunderstanding. I’m so sorry for any distress I caused before." She reached up to gently touch Kiev’s arm. "I promise I won’t go anywhere without telling you. I know you’re doing all this to protect me. I won’t go against you, Kiev."

A relieved sigh escaped his lips.

"I feel so much better hearing that." He pulled Elis closer, his embrace tender. "What’s most important to me is that you are here with me."

The couple were immersed in their heartfelt exchange. However, the beautiful moment was suddenly interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps along the pathway.

Kiev and Elis turned to see Emily storming towards the garden where they were, beyond the green hedge; her face twisted with furiousness.

"Emily, wait!" Noah called out, rushing to catch up to her, oblivious to the presence of Kiev and Elis in the garden on a nearby bench behind the rose bushes.

"Let go of me!" Emily shouted as the knight reached for her hand.

"Let me explain!" Noah pleaded, his expression earnest.

"I don’t want to hear it! It’s too late now!" her voice quivered with hurt and anger.

"No, please! Give me a chance!" the knight pleaded, his expression desperate. "It’s not what you think!"

"This isn’t about what I think!" Emily snapped. "This is about you keeping your biggest secret from me! If I hadn’t caught the servants gossiping, I wouldn’t have known you were keeping such a huge matter from me!"

Noah’s brow furrowed in distress.

"Emily, please! I was planning to tell you everything. I just... I haven’t found the right moment yet," he said earnestly. "Trust me, I talked to Dame Verns about it, and she knew. You can ask her yourself!"

Apparently, some servants had been gossiping about Noah during the training after seeing the scars on his back, and the matter reached Emily’s ears.

Her eyes narrowed down with scrutiny.

"When were you planning to tell me, huh? After we got married and had nine kids? Is that it?"

Noah’s eyes widened in surprise.

"M-married? Kids?" he repeated, stunned. "You want me to marry you?"

Emily’s face flushed darker.

"Are you saying you don’t have any intention to marry me? Isn’t that the whole purpose behind your flirtations all this time? Or am I just some kind of amusement to you, like the other women you’ve had?"

"No!" Noah shouted back, his expression pained.

"No?? You don’t want to marry me?" Emily cried, her voice cracking.

"Wait, you’ve got it all mixed up!" Noah insisted, reaching for her hands. "Of course I want you! I’m saying no to your last question! I’m not toying with your feelings. I’m deadly serious about this!"

"Lies! I don’t believe you!" Emily tried to pull her hands away, but Noah held firm.

"I swear it!" His gaze was desperate. "I’m being sincere with you. I do want to marry you! But..." His expression fell. "I’m afraid."

Emily scoffed.

"A knight, bold and strong like you, suddenly become afraid? How laughable!"

Noah’s shoulders slumped.

"I’m afraid that you would reject me. I was accused of m*rder and r*pe, with all circumstantial evidences pointing to me, though I never did it! I couldn’t prove my innocence and had to bear the punishment and shame. Would you still want a man like me after knowing this?"

"You think the accusation is what made me angry? Well... you thought wrong, Noah! It’s the fact that you didn’t want to share it with me hurts the most! I’m not so clueless that I can’t think for myself! I have my own judgment, too! I wouldn’t mind what people say and still want you!"

"So... you don’t mind?" he asked.

"The only thing I mind is you hiding it from me! You told Dame Clara but couldn’t bring yourself to tell me! Ugh!!! How could I have been so st*pid to fall for you?" she yelled, her anger directed more at herself than the knight.

"You fell for me?"

A bewilderment coloured the knight’s face.

"What? Do you think I’m like you? That I’m some promiscuous woman who would chase after any man I see? Of course I fell for you! You knew it and were making fun of me!"

Noah didn’t waste any time and pulled her into a hug.

"Let go of me! Let go, you idi*t, or I swear, knight or not, I’ll punch you in the face!" Emily yelled.

"I won’t let you go!" he stated firmly. "I love you, Emily, and I don’t want you to leave me. Please marry me!"

"What??"

The young woman pushed the knight away.

"I’m serious! I want you to be my wife! I swear I’ll take good care of you and love you wholeheartedly. You’re the one for me!" he sincerely confessed.

"Did you say this to all the other women too?" Emily remarked sceptically.

"Oh, God, no! I swear I never did! I’ve never proposed to anyone!"

The knight then knelt on the ground, holding her hand.

"Don’t leave me, Emily! Please, marry me!" he begged.

"Why? Why should I marry a man who kept secrets from me?"

"Because you have a pure heart! You’re honest, and despite knowing the accusations against me, you still trust me. You’re just angry that I kept it from you," said Noah, full of hope.

"Stand up, Noah!" she ordered him.

"I won’t! Not until you say yes!"

"You’re being ridiculous!"

"Emily... you saw my scars yourself. You know the terrible pain I’ve endured. I know it’s hard to believe, and I have nothing to prove my innocence. But I swear in my life that I never committed that crime. For you not to be bothered by it is truly a blessing for me. I need you more than you think. You might feel I’m strong, but you don’t know how lonely I felt before you came along. So please, don’t leave me!" he begged again.

Emily sighed.

"Are you truly honest with your words?" she asked after contemplating.

"Yes, I am!"

"What about those women you had affairs with?"

"I haven’t had any contact with them since the accusation."

"Well... I hope that teaches you that not every woman is kind. Some would only stay for their benefit. I bet they were using you for their own amusement, too," Emily remarked.

"I learned my lesson well," Noah admitted, head down in deference.

"Now, get up!" she urged.

"You haven’t said yes."

He looked up with puppy eyes.

"I need to think about it!" Emily replied.

"Then I’ll kneel until you say yes!"

"You’re out of your mind!" she yelled.

"Yes, I am! My mind is out for you! I love you, Emily, and I don’t think I can live the same without you!"

Emily took a deep breath and then responded, "Fine! I’ll consider it!"

"I don’t understand. What do you mean by consider?" Noah asked in confusion.

"It means yes, you idi*t! I’m just still angry, which is why I’m cursing at you!"

The knight stood up, his face brightening as he held her shoulders.

"You mean it? Really? You’ll marry me?"

"What kind of f*ol proposes like this! Now I feel even more st*pid for saying yes!"

"Oh, Emily!" Noah hugged her as he expressed his gratefulness, and despite her lingering anger, a small smile formed on Emily’s lips.

"If you ever play with my heart and go after any other woman, I swear I’ll cut off your ’thing’!" she warned.

"I won’t! Mine is yours forever!"

Kiev and Elis blushed, having overheard the explicit conversation.

"What’s going on here?" A hoarse voice suddenly erupted.

Eric appeared, storming towards the couple.

"Let go of Miss Baker, Sir Brooks! You have no right to hold her like that!" he ordered sternly.

Noah released Emily from the embrace, and they both faced the second-in-command knight determinedly, holding hands.

"Sir Navin, I haven’t told you yet, but I just proposed to Emily, and she agreed. We want to get married," said Noah happily.

"I’m afraid that will never happen," Eric responded, looking at the knight with scornful eyes.

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.