The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 407: A Malice On Set

Chapter 407: A Malice On Set

Sarah clenched her fist and bit her lower lip, her expression brimming with contempt. The news delivered by her father had abruptly dimmed her once bright morning just as she was about to commence her work at the office.

"Hah! I had believed Lord Morro would be a stepping stone towards a better position for me! Who would have imagined he was our sworn enemy?" Lord James scoffed. "And that concubine... it turns out she’s the true heir to the Ardel throne."

"It’s not confirmed yet! That was merely what the Grand Duke mentioned in his letter," Sarah retorted.

"If it’s penned down, it must hold truth. He wouldn’t risk stating it in his report to His Majesty the King without substantial evidence or witnesses," Lord James asserted.

"I will not stand by and watch her become the Grand Duchess of Gerhard! That position is rightfully mine, always has been," Sarah sneered.

"Calm down!" Lord James raised his voice. "Even if you protest, you can’t change it. We are already in an awkward position with His Majesty for our discord with her. Fortunately, your brother joined the expedition with the Grand Duke. His Majesty may weigh his merits and show leniency towards our past insolence."

"No, father! Kyren is meant for me, not that woman from a treacherous lineage! His Majesty must not sully the esteemed Raychard bloodline by accepting her! The enemy should never infringe upon the Cassian throne! Never!" Sarah exclaimed. "Furthermore, she’s a promiscuous woman!"

"Lower your voice! We are not in a position to make such damning accusations," cautioned Lord James.

"I have a witness! While our Grand Duke soaks in blood, fighting for the kingdom’s peace, she frivolously mingles with the knights at Gerhard’s mansion without shame. She has also violated noble ethics by engaging in affairs with various men!" Sarah accused.

"What?? Are you certain about this? How did you find out?" inquired the minister, visibly surprised.

"I grew suspicious when she opted to return to the mansion eagerly instead of remaining at the palace. To safeguard the dignity of the duchy from this woman, I planted a spy among the royal guards to monitor her. My doubts were confirmed. She keeps secret lovers around her!"

"This is a grave accusation, Sarah! You cannot make such claims without concrete evidence and witnesses," her father remarked.

"I know that, father! That’s why I’m investigating further. The spy may hesitate to come forward and expose the concubine’s transgressions openly as she holds the knights in her hand. She could potentially instruct them to harm my witness without leaving a trace at any moment."

"In that case, how do we report this to His Majesty?" asked Lord James with alarm. "We cannot allow such a heinous act to continue. The dignity of the royal family is at stake!"

Sarah held her head high, her lips curved in disdain.

"I have my plan. While I gather the incriminating evidence, you must keep this matter quiet. I will ensure that everyone sees through her meek and innocent facade. She will pay dearly for her crimes."

The chief lady-in-waiting then strode towards the door.

"Where are you going?" asked Lord James.

"To speak with Her Majesty, the Queen," she replied.

"Do you intend to report this to her? I doubt she will believe you," said her father.

Sarah smiled once more, though her expression was hollow.

"No, I’m not reporting this. I’m taking action that will lead to something much bigger. Soon, that worthless concubine will know her place, which is definitely not by the grand duke’s side!"

***

Queen Emelda stirred her soup with a solemn expression as the king sat beside her. The regal couple was partaking in their breakfast.

"What are you contemplating, my dear?" asked King Kyden as he noticed his wife’s gloomy demeanour. "Is it about the children?"

The queen shook her head.

"I checked on them this morning, and they have recovered from their flu. The governess has sent them back to their lessons to continue their interrupted education."

"Then what troubles you so?" the king inquired. "Has someone or something worried you?"

This time, Queen Emelda nodded.

"It’s about Anna. She didn’t seem herself last night. She wore heavy makeup, which is most unlike her, and her demeanour... I believe she is more unwell than Sir Navin reported."

"I noticed that as well," said King Kyden. "I had suggested she come to the palace so we could tend to her, but she refused, insisting she wished to stay at the mansion."

"I had thought she would only return there temporarily for a few days. It seems she plans to stay until Kyren’s return," the queen observed.

"I believe you’re right. She likely feels more comfortable and at home there," the king agreed.

"Anna has a kind heart. She may not want to burden us, so she chose to stay at the mansion," Queen Emelda interjected.

King Kyden smiled.

"You know her well. It is her compassion and selflessness that have captured our hearts. She is most worthy to be the Grand Duchess of Gerhard, as Kyren desired."

"I support your decision, my king. But what of Prince Kiev’s claim? He already has Miss Canton as his companion. Will he still seek to duel Kyren for Anna?" asked the queen, who was aware of the report’s content from the grand duke to make his concubine the Grand Duchess.

"Ah, do not worry about that. My plans are progressing as I wish. Soon, Miss Canton will fully captivate his heart. By then, he will no longer think of Anna," the king revealed.

"You are indeed a master strategist!" the queen exclaimed. "I suspected you were up to something when I heard of your duel with the prince. Did you take the opportunity to instruct Miss Canton further according to your plan during the dance last night?"

"How did you deduce that?" the king asked, surprised.

Queen Emelda smiled.

"We have been married for many years, my king, and I learned your way of tactics. You should have observed Prince Kiev. His eyes were shooting with daggers as you danced with Miss Canton."

"Jealousy can blind a person," the king remarked. "I saw how he refused to release her hand afterwards. The prince is possessive, but when it comes to his woman, he melts like butter. I witnessed how he treated Miss Canton last night, preventing other men from approaching her yet attending to her tenderly."

"Yes, he is much like Kyren, besotted with Anna. I hope they all find happiness. Of course, Anna will need to become more assertive if she is to be the Grand Duchess. Being too meek and gentle could invite others to take advantage of her."

The king placed his hand on his queen’s and gave it a gentle pat.

"I would not worry about that. She will learn when the time comes. Judging by her character, I do not believe people can easily manipulate her. She is quite firm and stubborn in her decisions, you know."

"I hope you are right," the queen said.

Just then, a knock came at the door, and the waiting servant quickly opened it at the king’s order. Sarah entered, carrying a rolled parchment. Seeing the king and queen at the table, she curtsied.

"Greetings to the Sun and Moon of Cassian," she said, bowing her head. "Forgive me for the interruption. I did not realise His Majesty was here with Her Majesty, the Queen."

"It’s all right. I didn’t plan to have breakfast with the Queen this morning, as I thought I wanted to run through some reports first, but she asked me to dine with her," the king said calmly.

"You’re always busy. It’s better to fill up your stomach before getting preoccupied," the queen interjected.

Sarah smiled.

"It’s wonderful to see the monarch having such a close relationship and caring towards each other."

"What brings you here, Lady James?" asked the king.

"It’s the routine for Her Majesty, the Queen. I usually remind her of the day’s schedule during her morning meal," said the chief lady-in-waiting.

"Ah, I see. Please, be seated and carry on," ordered the king.

Sarah sat and opened the parchment, reciting the contents written upon it. Once finished, she rolled it back and placed it in the casing.

"You’ve quite a full day as well, my queen," said the king.

Queen Emelda fell silent, her eyes focused on the tea in her cup.

Noticing the queen’s lack of response, Sarah inquired, "Your Majesty, are you all right?"

The queen’s wandering mind snapped back to the present, and she returned her attention to her chief lady-in-waiting.

"Yes?"

"His Majesty the King stated that you have a busy day, too," Sarah remarked.

Turning to the king, the queen replied, "Ah, yes, my king. There are a few events I must attend to."

The king smiled, knowing what occupied his queen’s thoughts.

"Worrying about Anna’s health again, is it?" he asked.

Queen Emelda looked down.

"I simply don’t want Kyren to think we’ve ignored or failed to care for her as he entrusted before his departure."

Hearing the king mention Anna’s name caused Sarah’s anger to flare, though she quickly masked it with a façade of composure as she listened to the monarch’s concern for the princess.

"Perhaps I should speak with her and persuade her to return to the palace after another week at the mansion. What do you think, my king?" asked Queen Emelda.

"You know she wouldn’t agree to that. She has made up her mind to stay at the mansion," the king replied.

Hearing this, a malicious plan quickly built up in Sarah’s mind.

"Your Majesties, forgive me for interrupting, but may I suggest something?" she said.

The regal couple turned to her, seemingly surprised. They both knew Sarah was not on good terms with Anna, given that the princess had married Sarah’s former betrothed.

"Do tell," said the king.

"Since Lady Raychard does not wish to stay at the palace, why not send assistance to her at the mansion?" Sarah suggested.

"Assistance? Meaning?" asked Queen Emelda with interest.

"Your Majesties are concerned for her well-being, so we can send the royal healer and a few female attendants to look after her. That way, you can concentrate on your duties without worrying, as she would be well taken care of," the chief lady-in-waiting explained.

"The mansion already has Rafe, one of the best healers in Cassian, and his assistant, so the royal healer is not required there. The suggestion of sending female attendants, however, could be considered," the king contemplated.

Queen Emelda’s eyes brightened.

"Yes! The mansion lacks female servants, and with Miss Canton no longer serving as the maid, only Rosalie remains. It would be better to have a few more women attending to the princess," she said.

"But Sir Navin, as the representative, might refuse since Kyren has a rule against accepting female servants at the mansion and duchy," the king noted.

"Lady Raychard’s well-being is the priority here. He wouldn’t defy a direct order from Your Majesty, as she is under your care," said Sarah.

"You seem to care. I thought you disliked her," probed the king.

"I’m simply fulfilling my duties as the chief lady-in-waiting for the queen. Her Majesty’s concerns are also mine. If it’s affecting her emotions, I should take action as her right-hand person," Sarah stated.

King Kyden nodded, agreeing that the suggestion would benefit Anna and ease their minds.

"Then, let’s send a few female attendants to Gerhard’s mansion, shall we, my queen?" he asked.

Queen Emelda pondered for a moment before responding.

"I agree."

Her approval brought a smile to Sarah’s lips, but the queen’s following words slightly disrupted her plan.

"Don’t send too many, as it may make Anna uncomfortable. Also, I want the two maids who served her at the palace before, as she was quite close to them. Oh, I can’t recall their names!"

"Miss Mary Mason and Miss Scarlett Holt, Your Majesty," Sarah interjected.

"You remember!" said the queen delightedly.

"Of course, Your Majesty. Remembering the names of those who serve you is part of my duty as the chief lady-in-waiting. You had lent them to Lady Raychard during her last stay, and I made the arrangements as per your order," said Sarah.

"Then, can you arrange to send them to Gerhard’s mansion again at my order? I’ll write to Sir Navin to inform him, and I’m sure he’ll accept since Anna is familiar with them," said the queen.

"Of course, I’ll arrange it as soon as possible, Your Majesty," Sarah replied.

Despite the queen’s meticulous choice of attendants disrupting Sarah’s initial strategy, a sly grin slowly spread across her features. Being entrusted with the arrangements had provided her ample opportunity to set her intricate plan into action.

And soon, something bizarre would definitely happen...