The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 402: Be Greedy In Love

Chapter 402: Be Greedy In Love

The wedding ceremony commenced as the announcer declared that the bride’s father should bring his daughter into the temple’s hall.

The bridegroom, accompanied by his best man and four other attendants from both families serving as appointed witnesses, stood proudly on the dais, with the officiant presiding at the centre.

Meredith glided down the flower-strewn aisle, her hand held by her father, Lord Grey. A mix of happiness and melancholy was etched on her father’s face as she, his only daughter, was about to become someone else’s wife and no longer solely under his care.

All eyes were fixed on the radiant bride, adorned in a brocaded gown and veil in a soft off-white hue, as she approached the bridegroom, who stood tall and dignified to receive her.

Speech began, vows were solemnly exchanged before the presiding officiant, and wedding rings were placed, sealing their union.

"Kiss the bride!" Eric and the other knights cheered, and the attendees echoed them.

Standing before Alex, Meredith blushed deeply as she awaited the precious moment. The knight, though, seemed a tad nervous to deliver his first kiss as her husband.

"Come on! What are you waiting for? She’s your official wife already!" Jeremiah, Alex’s youngest brother, nudged the bridegroom with his elbow.

Urged on, Alex stepped forward. Gently, he raised his hand and lifted the veil, revealing Meredith’s beauty akin to a summer rose in full bloom. His heart skipped a beat at the sight of her. The cheering voices around them faded, and his focus narrowed solely on her captivating presence.

He tenderly grasped her hands and whispered, "Mer... Thank you for accepting me as your husband. I will forever cherish and love you with all my heart."

"I, too, will forever cherish and love you, my dear husband," Meredith replied radiantly.

Unable to resist her stunning allure, Alex gently embraced her waist and leaned down, placing a soft, loving kiss on her rosy lips.

A thunderous applause filled the temple hall, and the couple snapped back to reality, blushing shyly. Maintaining their composure, they stood side by side.

Lord Grey approached, shook the bridegroom’s hand, and said, "My only daughter is now fully yours. Please take good care of her and love her as much as I do. Meredith may not be perfect, so I leave her in your hands to teach and cherish her from now on."

"Thank you for your trust, father. Fret not, for I shall love and protect her with my life," Alex reassured his father-in-law. Lord Grey hugged him and patted his back, satisfied with the promise.

Alex’s parents then also approached and congratulated the newlyweds. After the blissful moment, the husband and wife descended the dais to greet the king and queen.

"May the blessings of the Almighty shine upon you as you embark on this new Chapter of your lives together," announced King Kyden with a warm smile.

"And may your marriage be a wellspring of happiness, your home a sanctuary of peace, and your legacy one that will endure for generations to come," added Queen Emelda.

The couple bowed respectfully, expressing gratitude for the sovereign’s kind words.

"Congratulations, Sir Jarr. Today marks your journey as the head of your own family. Do take excellent care of the bride, and I hope you both will continue to serve the duchy with distinction," said Eric.

"Thank you, Sir Navin. Your wisdom has long been my guiding light. I look forward to your continued counsel towards virtue and righteousness," replied Alex.

Eric grinned. "I’m eager to provide it."

Sitting in the same row as the king and queen, Kiev stood up.

"My heartfelt wishes for a marriage filled with joy, prosperity, and the promise of a bright future to you, Sir Alex Jarr and Lady Meredith Jarr, and may you be blessed with beautiful offspring soon," he greeted, causing the couple to blush.

"The same goes for you, Your Highness. I hear His Majesty has granted you the honour of Miss Elisabeth Canton as your woman. I hope you, too, will find lasting happiness with her," Alex wished.

Kiev’s lips curved into a smile. "I surely have."

Elis, in an unfamiliar position, could only bow her head. Such royal protocol was uncommon for one of her middle-class upbringings.

"Elis, wouldn’t you mind blessing the newlyweds?" Kiev suddenly asked, turning to her.

Elis lifted her head, seemingly perplexed. All eyes in the hall were now fixed upon her.

"Me? But I... I don’t think I’m fit..." She swallowed hard, unable to complete her sentence. Elis averted her gaze, feeling evidently uncomfortable.

"I would be honoured to receive your blessing, Miss Canton," Meredith said warmly. "You are a wonderful person, and I can see why His Highness holds you in such high regard. Your blessing would surely bring us great happiness."

As Elis’s gaze met Meredith’s, she saw the genuine sincerity that dispelled her doubts. A smile blossomed on Elis’s lips.

"May the heavens smile upon you, granting an abundance of love, wisdom, and prosperity in the years ahead," Elis uttered softly.

"That is just beautiful, Miss Canton," acknowledged Queen Emelda.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I sincerely wish the very best for the newlyweds," Elis replied, respectfully bowing.

Anna, who sat further away, rose with the assistance of Jessy and Rosalie as Alex and Meredith approached. She had chosen the more distant seating, citing her condition as the reason to avoid affecting the others.

A glance revealed her pallid complexion, though she had applied heavy makeup in an attempt to conceal her affliction.

"Are you all right, Lady Raychard? I heard the knights mention you’ve been unwell," Alex inquired, concerned.

"Just a bout of flu that I’m recovering from. Jessy and Rosalie have been a great help," Anna replied.

"I heard the same from Lady Rogers. I didn’t realise your condition was this serious. I wouldn’t have asked you to attend if I’d known," Meredith said, worry etched on her face.

"I wouldn’t have missed this for the world, Lady Grey. Don’t worry. I’ll be better in a few days," Anna assured.

"The weather has been quite chilly of late. Even Princess Laura and Lilith have fallen ill with the flu, so I didn’t bring them. You must rest and take your medicine properly to regain your health, Anna," the queen advised.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty," Anna acknowledged.

King Kyden, approaching, asked, "Is the healer of Gerhard taking good care of you?"

"Yes, indeed, Your Majesty," the princess replied.

Unsatisfied, the king turned to Rafe and Callis, seated in the second row, and summoned the healer.

"Has anything else occurred besides the flu? Anna seems quite weak and affected by the symptoms," the observant king inquired.

"There’s nothing else, Your Majesty," Rafe responded cautiously. "The weather changes have contributed to the effects. As you know, Lady Raychard’s constitution is sensitive, but I can assure you she is healing."

"What about the exercise regimen she was practising? Has that been halted?" the king asked.

"Given her current condition, it has been suspended," the healer replied.

King Kyden turned to Eric, smiling and nodding slightly, acknowledging the knight’s fulfilment of his promise to stop the training.

"Good decision. Don’t rush things when you’re not ready. Take the time to rest and recover, Anna," the king said.

"Yes, Your Majesty," the princess responded.

The guests continued showering the newlywed couple with warm wishes and blessing remarks. Eventually, the organisers invited the monarch and attendees to the grand banquet in the mansion’s hall.

Aside from the praise for the bride and groom, whispers and furtive glances were exchanged, especially among the young ladies, who could not take their eyes off Kiev as he continuously held Elis’s hand, unperturbed by the probing stares.

"I can’t believe he’s so handsome! My lady, he would be a perfect match for you!" Naise, Sarah’s right-hand person and assistant, whispered to the noble lady.

However, Sarah scoffed in response.

"I might have considered him if he hadn’t been so obnoxious and against our plans. But he’s such an arrogant prince, and I don’t like his sister either!"

Her eyes darted towards Callis, linked arm-in-arm with Rafe, smiling brightly at the others.

"Both siblings have such foul mouths, and as my father said, their tastes in partners are so low-standard. Just look at him, going crazy over a lowly maid while his sister chases after a useless, gay healer! Wait until I become the Grand Duchess! I’ll teach them a lesson for humiliating me and my father!" Sarah swore, her eyes filled with scorn.

"What’s your plan, my lady?" Naise whispered.

Sarah’s eyes darted around before she leaned in to respond discreetly, "Has our informant reported anything peculiar?"

"Oh, yes! He said something happened, and he wishes to speak with you directly. In fact, he came as an escort for the concubine," Naise replied in a hushed tone.

"This better be good, Naise. I can’t afford to be caught by the Knights of Gerhard for planting a spy among the royal guards," Sarah reminded.

"He said it’s worth informing you and that he expects good compensation. That’s why he insists on meeting you face-to-face," her assistant added.

"Fine. Inform him to meet me behind the temple after dinner, when everyone will be busy with the dance and celebration. I’ll make up an excuse to slip away," Sarah instructed.

"Yes, my lady."

***

As the king and queen finished their meal, the newlywed couple took to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife. Lord Grey and the Duke of Sanad beamed with happiness, witnessing their children united as husband and wife.

King Kyden then asked his queen for a dance, and the regal couple gracefully twirled, immersed in the beautiful music played by the musicians. It was a joyous event, enjoyed by all the guests.

Kiev did not miss the opportunity to ask Elis for a dance. Despite her shyness, the Mederian Prince’s insistence led her to relent and join him on the dance floor. Kiev was delighted to enjoy the moment without the usual strain.

The other young ladies, though intrigued by him, did not dare approach, knowing of his relationship with Elis. They assumed she was merely a mistress, but the fact that the King of Cassian had bestowed her upon the Mederian Prince made them hesitate to make a move. However, it did not stop them from whispering gossip as they observed the couple throughout the event.

The music ended, and the dancers on the floor applauded with joy. As the musicians were getting ready to start another song, King Kyden suddenly intervened.

"Prince Kiev, you wouldn’t mind if I have a dance with your woman, would you?" the king asked.

Kiev turned to the king, surprised. "You wish to dance with Elis?"

"Yes, if you allow it. I noticed that most eyes were glancing at your close proximity to her, as you were hardly separated. You’ve surely become the limelight instead of the newlywed couple. Why don’t we loosen up a bit, shall we?" the king explained.

Kiev looked around and noticed the furtive glances upon him, quickly averting. A hint of embarrassment filled him, realising he and Elis had been the centre of attention.

"I’m truly sorry. I didn’t mean to overshadow them," he apologised.

"Don’t be. It’s not your fault. Kyren would have drawn the same reaction at any wedding event," the king chuckled. "So, may I?"

Kiev pondered for a moment, then nodded. "If Elis agrees, then I have no objection."

"Ah, so I must ask the lady’s permission. What do you say, Miss Canton?" the king inquired of Elis.

"Your Majesty, I would be honoured to share a dance with you, though I am not a skilled dancer myself," Elis responded, albeit a bit nervously. Rejecting the king’s invitation would be unthinkable for someone like her.

"Don’t worry, just keep it casual and enjoy the moment. Now, take my hand, and I shall lead the dance," King Kyden said with a smile.

Elis curtsied and placed her hand in the king’s while Kiev retreated to his seat. Though he had allowed his woman to dance with the king, his crimson eyes remained fixed on the pair, ignoring the attention of the other ladies.

The music continued with the new song, and the dance began.

"You surely are something, Miss Canton," King Kyden remarked as they danced.

"I beg your pardon, Your Majesty?" Elis responded, puzzled.

"He allowed me to dance with you, yet he never takes his eyes off you, not even for a moment," the king observed.

Elis was about to turn her head to search for Kiev when the king interjected, "I wouldn’t do that if I were you. Wouldn’t it make him more anxious if he realised you noticed his gaze? That would also send the wrong signal as if you’re asking him to rescue you from me."

"Forgive me, Your Majesty! I never had such an intention!" Elis responded, panicked.

King Kyden chuckled. "Relax and just continue dancing. I was only joking to see your reaction."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Elis acquiesced.

As they danced to the slow rhythm, the king began, "Actually, I asked for this dance so I could speak with you freely."

"May I know what Your Majesty wishes to discuss?" Elis inquired.

"First and foremost, I’d like to apologise for the other day’s incident, where I nearly punished you. It wasn’t my initial intention. Truthfully, I was testing Prince Kiev, and my assumption about him was correct."

"I don’t feel you owe me an apology, Your Majesty. Your judgment is benevolent, and I did make mistakes. But, the assumption you said... I don’t quite understand," Elis said, creasing her brow.

"He loves you very, very much. And he made that clear to everyone tonight, even without stating it outright," the king asserted.

Elis’s face flushed red.

"Your Majesty, I was just a lowly maid who gained his favour. I wouldn’t dare to say he has such feelings for me..."

"I’m not blind, Miss Canton. That man was willing to risk his life for you. The way he looks at you and treats you, I know well how he feels about you."

Elis’s eyes darted to Kiev as the king swirled her body through the dance. She noticed the prince’s intense gaze fixed upon her.

"You love him too, don’t you?" King Kyden guessed, seeing Elis’s glance at Kiev.

"I wouldn’t dare to say that, Your Majesty."

"It doesn’t need words to express one’s feelings, Miss Canton, and you know it too that he loves you deeply. I intended to hand you to him, but I had to create some drama about it so it wouldn’t be too obvious," the king explained.

"Then... did you intentionally lose the duel?" Elis asked.

"Of course not. We fought fair and square, and he won by his ability. Though I already knew he would. I’ve seen his combat skills and prowess during his duel with my brother, the grand duke, so I was certain he would win," the king stated.

"If so, why did you let him challenge you?" she asked again.

"To know the depth of his love for you. The moment he ran to embrace you after the duel, I knew then that nothing would deter him from having you. You are the one for him."

"That’s not quite true, Your Majesty. He is betrothed, and he made it very clear that..." Elis began.

"Miss Canton," the king intercepted, gaining her attention. "He doesn’t look at Anna the way he looks at you. So, heed my advice..."

"What do you mean, Your Majesty?" Elis asked, confused.

"My brother will return from the battlefield soon with proof that Anna is the legitimate heir of Ardel. The kingdom’s army has acknowledged him as their prince consort and pledged sovereignty to Cassian. Therefore, he would demand to revoke her entitlement as the concubine and make her his official wife," the king explained.

"That means... Lady Raychard will become the Grand Duchess!" Elis’s eyes widened.

"Exactly. I can’t deny his demand, as his contribution to this war is tremendous, and he has prevented a major catastrophe for the entire continent. Therefore, I would be granting the title to Anna. But things will get complicated with the impending duel, and having the Grand Duchess as a stake in it, with the probability of being snatched away, is not a simple matter. It involves the dignity of the duchy and this kingdom as well. So, I need you to work with me."

"What do you want me to do? If you want me to hurt him, I’m sorry, I can’t do that! Kiev has done so much for me! Therefore, I can’t betray him! Never!" Elis refused, fear evident in her eyes.

"Who says I want you to hurt him? He’s a good man, and I like him. All I want is for him to be happy... with you," the king said.

"Pardon?" Elis’s blue eyes slightly widened, trying to comprehend the king’s meaning.

"Make him want you wholeheartedly. If I’m right, his desire for Anna is only about due diligence and nothing more. So, let him realise that all he wants is only you, not her or anyone else," The king stated his intention.

"But... how could I? I’m a nobody... I can’t be greedy for him," she hesitated.

"You want him more than you think. Also, it’s not wrong to be greedy in love... It never is."

King Kyden smiled brightly.