The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 395: The Aftermath Of The Pursuit

Chapter 395: The Aftermath Of The Pursuit

Sylvia’s heart raced as the mansion’s gatekeepers hurriedly opened the secure back entrance. Despite Drystan’s instructions for her to wait in her chamber, the noble lady’s overwhelming anxiety made her unable to remain idle.

Determined to seek news, Sylvia sought out the steward, Anryr. He informed her that the knights had gone on a search-and-rescue mission in the forest and that Anna and Kiev had been found. Noah had previously returned and went again with arranged transportation to bring them home. This news brought her a sense of relief.

"Are they the ones coming, Anryr?" Sylvia asked, not yet seeing any arrivals.

"Yes, of course. This secluded path is reserved for emergencies and is off-limits even to the royal guards. It has been open recently only for them," Anryr replied.

Sylvia nodded, anticipation building. Anryr then signalled a servant to notify Ayden and Clara of the knights’ return.

The assistant healer, who had fallen asleep in the treatment room the previous night after attending to Noah, had overslept and only just realised the knights had departed on their mission upon arriving at the backyard. He then went to retrieve the knightess, Clara, to administer her medication.

Though their relationship had grown strained, Ayden continued to attend to Clara professionally. Grateful for his care and wishing to avoid further tension, Clara accepted his assistance without objection.

Soon, the rescue party arrived in two carriages at the back entrance. The gatekeepers quickly closed and sealed the path as they went through, followed by the knights. The guards and gatekeepers then returned to their positions.

Kiev exited the first carriage, followed by Rafe. He then opened the other carriage and went inside. The Mederian Prince carefully lifted the unconscious Anna into his arms, taking her out. Callis and Jessy trailed behind, escorted by the knights, as they walked up to the mansion’s back door.

"Oh, my goodness! What happened to her?" Sylvia cried out in alarm, rushing to her friend’s side.

"Stay back! No one is to touch the lady until it is safe," Drystan warned. "The lingering effect of dark magic could be dangerous."

Understanding the threat from her own grandfather’s experience, Sylvia took several steps back.

"Should we take her to the treatment room?" Anryr asked, concerned.

"No," Kiev replied. "She only needs rest and nourishment, so I’ll bring her to her chamber instead. Also, I want her place off-limits to everyone except my sister and her nanny. I must ensure no one else is affected by the dark magic."

"As you wish, Your Highness," Anryr said, bowing in compliance.

"I can prepare a refreshing concoction. That should help replenish your energy and hers more quickly," Rafe offered.

"That is kind, but only prepare it for the princess. I won’t be needing it," Kiev replied. "Our new companions provided me with some medicinal herbs, which are sufficient. I just require a good rest after this."

"Very well then," the healer agreed, excusing himself to the kitchen.

"We’ll escort you to the princess’s chamber," Noah suggested to the Mederian Prince.

"Only two of you. Don’t make it too crowded, or the royal guards might take notice," Eric cautioned, pointing to Noah and Drystan.

"Please, may I come along as well? I promise I won’t get in the way," Sylvia pleaded.

Noah agreed. Soon, he, Drystan, and the noble lady followed Kiev, Jessy, and Callis to Anna’s chamber while the others remained with Eric.

"Mr Foster, allow me to introduce our guests. This is Mr Saures, Mr Thalgar, and Mr Vaelen. They bravely rescued Sir Mills, Prince Kiev, and Lady Raychard from danger. They will be staying with us for now. So, please provide them with hospitable accommodation," Eric said.

"Oh, thank you so much for your help! The mansion is in your debt. You shall be treated well here," Anryr said gratefully.

"Please, no need for formality. In our tribe, we use only given names, not titles," Saures responded. "It is only reserved for our noble warriors and their families."

"Ah, very well. I shall respect your wishes," Anryr said. "Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll oversee the preparations for your accommodations myself."

The steward then summoned a servant to attend to the tribesmen.

Eric then turned to the remaining knights.

"The rest of you, check on the royal guards and ensure they haven’t noticed anything unusual. We need to keep this discreet while we sort out the situation."

The knights nodded in acknowledgement and quickly dispersed to discreetly monitor the royal guards, maintaining the secrecy of the recent events.

The second-in-command knight then addressed Saures, "I know we all want to pursue the Bargesians as soon as possible. But given the current situation, please give us some time. I’ll call a meeting of the knights afterwards."

"Understood," Saures replied.

The servant then invited the tribesmen and Eric to the parlour for refreshments. Just before they made a move, Ayden arrived, pushing Clara in a wheelchair.

"Sir Navin! Finally, you’re back!" Ayden exclaimed.

"Are they all safe?" Clara interjected.

"Yes, everyone is safe!" Eric assured them.

Clara’s eyes suddenly darted to the three unknown men accompanying the second-in-command knight. Their back were facing her. Somehow, their attire seemed strangely familiar to her.

As the tribesmen turned to look at the assistant healer and the knightess, their expressions shifted to surprise.

"Sss-sky?" Clara uttered, her voice trembling as she looked at Saures.

"Lady Ammara?" Saures exclaimed in disbelief.

The other two tribesmen also appeared shocked upon recognising the knightess.

Eric watched, bewildered, as Clara and the tribesmen’s leader addressed each other by unfamiliar names.

"What’s the matter?" Ayden asked, noticing the fear on Clara’s face. "Do you know them?"

He was about to ask about the whereabouts of the other knights when he heard the knightess’ words, which made him change his questions.

Clara’s lips quivered.

"They... they are my tribesmen!"

"Your tribesmen?" Eric interjected, equally surprised by the revelation.

Ayden’s face immediately fell. He remembered Clara’s story of fleeing her tribe after a murder she had committed. These men would surely try to apprehend her and take her back for judgment, which would likely mean her death.

Realising this, Ayden stepped protectively by Clara’s side, clutching her hand tightly.

"You can’t have her! If you want to touch her, you’ll have to go through me first!" he declared, glaring at the tribesmen.

Saures stepped forward, eyeing Ayden sternly.

"Who are you to her?" he asked firmly.

The assistant healer felt his heart racing as he searched for a plausible excuse. He knew he had to give a good reason to protect Clara from the tribesmen.

’Think, Ayden! Think! Come up with something!’ he urged himself, swallowing hard.

"I am Ammara Cerva’s betrothed. We are engaged to be married!" he suddenly declared.

"What??"

The exclamation of surprise echoed from all the men... including Clara herself.

***

Kiev gently placed Anna’s limp body onto the soft bed. As he released her, a chilling wave of pain surged through him. His brow furrowed in discomfort, but he tried to suppress it.

"We need to talk," Callis said sternly. "How could you not tell me that the ’beast hunting’ you went on with the grand duke was actually about pursuing the Bargesians?"

Kiev was not surprised that his sister had found out by now.

"Who else knows about this?" he asked.

"Almost everyone! Even Lady Rogers knows now. Sir Navin revealed everything yesterday," Callis responded, clearly upset.

"I didn’t anticipate their return. We thought they had died after falling into the ravine," Kiev explained.

The Mederian Princess’s expression grew more concerned.

"And Anna... you said she doesn’t even know she’s pregnant?"

Kiev winced, the pain in his body intensifying once more. He understood that he needed to retire.

"We’ll talk about it later. I must go," Kiev replied.

"But this is important!" she insisted.

"Callis, please... Stay with her, will you? She’ll be fine after today. I need time to gather my strength. Allow me to retreat to my chamber," he requested.

"Princess, His Highness is right. He needs rest. Let him go," Jessy interjected, noticing Kiev’s pallor returning.

"I’m sorry! Please forgive me. You’ve been through a lot, brother. Have a good rest," Callis bowed.

Kiev nodded and left the chamber. Outside, Noah, Drystan, and Sylvia were waiting for him.

"Callis and Jessy will care for Princess Anna now. Please excuse me," Kiev informed them.

"Rest well, Your Highness," Noah said, nodding. "I’ll watch over her."

"Let me escort you. You don’t look well," Drystan said, concern evident in his eyes.

"I’m fine," Kiev insisted.

"Your Highness, please," the knight pressed, remembering the Mederian Prince’s past health scares.

He had seen Kiev vomit blood before and couldn’t shake off his concern, even though the Mederian Prince repeatedly assured everyone he was fine.

"Very well," Kiev relented.

"What about me?" Sylvia suddenly interjected.

Drystan turned to her.

"You should return to your chamber and rest. I’ll come to you after I’ve escorted His Highness."

"All right," Sylvia conceded, not wanting to interfere.

Given that everyone was already on edge and exhausted, she should patiently wait for the situation to calm down and for moods to improve.

The two men moved forward but then stopped in their tracks when they realised the noble lady was following them.

"Why are you following us?" inquired Drystan.

"I’m not! It’s just that my chamber is in this way," she explained.

"I see... then, come along with us," invited Kiev.

A spark of excitement lit up the noble lady’s face. The Mederian Prince led the way, with Drystan walking behind alongside Sylvia.

As they went through the hallway, the noble lady whispered to the knight, "Is it all right if we inquire him about healing my grandfather?"

The knight was then reminded of their main purpose in visiting the mansion – to implore the Mederian Prince to rid and heal the Marquess of Sylvere from the prolonged effects of the dark magic he had endured for so long.

"I don’t think now is a good time," Drystan replied softly, mindful of Kiev’s weakened state and his need to heal first.

"I understand that well. I can wait. It’s just that it’s been on my mind... Since he managed to banish the dark spirit possessing Anna, perhaps he could also cure my grandfather. What do you think?" she inquired.

Drystan took a moment to consider. Her words were valid. Kiev had demonstrated great prowess in wielding Ramios, protecting them with his barriers while battling with the possessed princess and persistently safeguarding her in the forest. No one from the knighthood was able to do what he did.

The knight nodded.

"I know this is our primary reason for being here. Let me discuss healing the Marquess of Sylvere with him later, all right? I’ll inform you of the outcome," he proposed to her.

"All right," Sylvia agreed.

Their progression halted as the noble lady announced, "My chamber is here."

She paused at a pristine white door embellished with a gleaming brass handle.

"Very well. We’ll see you soon," replied Drystan.

Sylvia curtsied to Kiev and the knight. Once she disappeared behind the door, the two men resumed their journey.

Drystan now walked beside Kiev. Suddenly, the Mederian Prince’s steps faltered. His hand swiftly grasped the knight’s shoulder for support as he bent over in discomfort.

Drystan promptly steadied him.

"Your Highness! What’s wrong?" he asked urgently.

"I... I don’t feel well," Kiev’s voice emerged weakly.

He had been enduring the pain for some time, but it had become unbearable. He had expected this to happen as he feared. Thankfully, he didn’t fall before the rest of the knights.

"You need help! Let me get the others!" Drystan insisted.

"No!" Kiev gripped the knight’s shoulder tightly.

"But..."

"Please! Just take me to my chamber," he implored.

Drystan felt a wave of guilt wash over him. If he had known the extent of the Mederian Prince’s suffering, he would have sought medical attention for him much sooner.

"Please, Sir Mills... I can’t bear it any longer. I need to lie down," Kiev pleaded as dizziness and sharp pain coursed through him, causing his body to tremble.

"All right. I’ll carry you on my back!"

Drystan guided Kiev’s arm over his shoulder and carefully positioned the Mederian Prince’s body on his back. Once Kiev was securely in place, the knight straightened up and carried him.

Suddenly, a loud shout echoed down the hallway. Elis came running, followed closely by Armel.

"What happened? Why is he like this?" she exclaimed in alarm as she observed the pale Mederian Prince.

"I believe he’s utterly exhausted. We must get him to his chamber at once!" Drystan explained.

This was his first return to the mansion since the mid-autumn celebration day. He had been away and staying at the Count of Medhir’s mansion upon Kyren’s request to tend to the Marquess of Sylvere.

Unsure of the exact location of the Mederian Prince’s chamber, Drystan surmised it must be one of the luxurious chambers reserved for the mansion’s distinguished guests.

"Please... don’t let anyone see me like this," Kiev pleaded, his breath ragged.

"I know of a secluded path away from the others," Armel said. "Follow me, and I will guide you there."

Drystan nodded, and they hastened to the chamber. Upon arrival, he carefully laid Kiev on the bed. Elis swiftly fetched a basin, filled it with water from the nearby bathroom, and dampened a small towel to cool the Mederian Prince’s fevered brow.

Suddenly, Kiev sat up and grimaced, turning to the side of the bed.

"Urghh!"

Blood spilt from his mouth onto the floor.

"Oh, dear Lord!" Elis exclaimed in horror.

"I’ll summon Mr Amares immediately!" Drystan declared upon witnessing Kiev’s deteriorating condition.

However, before he could rise, the Mederian Prince grabbed his hand, halting him.

"Don’t! Don’t let anyone know I’m like this!" Kiev implored urgently.

"You need help! Don’t be so stubborn," the knight shouted back.

Armel, standing at the bedside, also looked equally alarmed.

"I am... not stubborn! If news about me... being like this... spreads, it will be dangerous! The Bargesians... they are still at large... and possess magic... don’t take any risk!" Kiev explained, his chest heaving with exertion.

"But we can’t leave you like this!"

"This is due to mana depletion... I just need time to restore my energy... No medication or treatment can aid me," the Mederian Prince clarified.

"Then, let’s get Mrs Amares!" Elis suggested.

"No!" Kiev turned to her, his face drained of colour. "Her mana reserve isn’t as vast as mine... Besides... she expended much of it... yesterday. She won’t have much left."

"What should we do then? Please, tell me!" Elis asked, worried.

"I need to rest... that’s all I require," Kiev stated.

Drystan sighed.

"I guess there’s nothing much we can do about this, Miss Canton. It’s his body, and this effect is due to his magic usage. He would know best how to get through it," Drystan said to Elis. He then turned to Kiev and told him, "Rest well, Your Highness."

The Mederian Prince nodded weakly.

Then, unexpectedly, he inquired, "The young lady just now... she’s the granddaughter of the Marquess of Sylvere, isn’t she?"

"Yes, she is," the knight responded succinctly.

"I overheard your conversation with her," Kiev paused, gathering his breath before continuing, "I’m sorry, but... I cannot help her. If I were to attempt to dispel the dark spirit’s influence once more, it could lead to my death," he confessed.

"Don’t worry about it, Your Highness. I won’t be asking you to do that. It’s not a crucial matter. Just have your rest and focus on recovering quickly. No need to think of anything else," Drystan reassured him.

"Close your eyes, Kiev. I’ll stay by your side," Elis said gently, holding his hand.

The Mederian Prince nodded. Gradually, his eyelids drooped, and he drifted into slumber.

Armel cleaned and removed the bloodstains as Elis and Drystan gently tended to Kiev, refreshing and changing him into a clean nightgown.

Exhausted, the Mederian Prince was lost in sleep, uninterrupted through the entire process. Once assured of his comfort, Drystan and Armel quietly excused themselves and left.

Later, the knight made his way to Sylvia’s chamber. Gentle knocks on the door prompted the noble lady to open it and greet him.

"How is everything?" she inquired.

"His Highness Prince Kiev is resting," Drystan replied, purposefully omitting the details of the Mederian Prince’s predicament from her knowledge.

"He must be exhausted," Sylvia mused.

"Yes..." Drystan nodded.

He hesitated momentarily before gazing into the noble lady’s eyes. Then, he made up his mind and steeled his resolve.

"Sylvie," he began.

"Yes?" she responded.

"His Highness overheard us earlier... and he has given his response," Drystan carefully relayed.

"Really?" Sylvia’s eyes widened with hope. "What did he say?"

The knight shook his head slowly, conveying the message with his body language. The noble lady’s hope quickly faded.

"Why?" she questioned.

"He has his limitations, and attempting it would risk his well-being," the knight explained solemnly.

"I understand..." Sylvia’s eyes fell. "It’s all right. At least we tried."

Despite her composed words, the knight sensed her disappointment.

"Sylvie," he called to her once more.

"Yes, Drystan?" she looked up at him.

"Do you trust me?" he asked abruptly, his gaze fixed on her. Their eyes met.

"Of course I do. You’ve always been there for me," she affirmed.

"With all your heart?"

"With all my heart," she confirmed.

"In that case... let’s go with your plan."

"My plan?" she asked, confused.

"Yes. Let’s get married."