The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 414: A Duel For Love

Chapter 414: A Duel For Love

As their eyes turned toward the voice, they were met with Kiev’s handsome figure. Beside him stood Elis, slightly out of breath, her robe untidy and loosely tied from her hurried rush to the courtyard.

The couple had been sharing a sweet time, with Kiev admiring Elis as she proudly showcased her new dress, recently completed by the boutique. The intricate design and high-quality fabric delighted him, reflecting his satisfaction with her appearance.

Their moment was interrupted by Jessy, who discreetly slipped away from the commotion to fetch Kiev. She was concerned that the argument would drag on and keep Anna anxiously outside, and the nanny knew the princess wouldn’t want to return until the matter was resolved.

"Didn’t you realise you’ve left your ill lady vulnerable to the cold while you bicker?" Kiev said, addressing the two quarrelling knights. "I heard your argument about authority and rules from afar, yet you’ve forgotten your primary responsibility here." His sarcastic tone silenced them.

Eric turned to Anna, noticing for the first time how she shivered, her hand held tightly by Meredith. He had been too caught up in his anger towards Noah to see her discomfort.

"I truly apologise. My lady, as I said before, please return to your chamber," he urged.

"She won’t leave until this matter is resolved," Kiev interjected before Anna could speak. "You should know her character by now."

The crowd agreed in silence. Until a resolution was reached, the princess wouldn’t budge, fearing for the safety of both knights.

"I want to resolve this quickly, too, but they disagree," Eric admitted.

"Not entirely," Kiev replied. "They only disagree on the divorce part."

"So, you knew about that," Eric said, his tone defensive.

"How could I not? Your voices carried all the way here," Kiev pointed out.

Eric felt a flush of embarrassment. The commotion had clearly drawn attention, and while Anryr had dismissed the curious servants, the guards and gatekeepers must have overheard the argument. Gossip would spread quickly, tarnishing their reputations.

"I didn’t want to interfere in your internal affairs, as it doesn’t concern me," Kiev continued. "However, since Princess Anna’s condition is at risk, I would like to make a suggestion. That is—if you’re willing to listen."

Eric hesitated. Although Kiev was technically just a guest, he was of royal blood and well respected. His previous actions had proven him trustworthy and capable of resolving issues within the mansion, making him a reliable ally in this tense situation.

The second-in-command knight finally relented.

"Please do. I believe you have the fair judgment to lead us to a good solution," Eric said.

Noah remained silent, feeling a mix of hope and uncertainty. He wasn’t close to the Mederian Prince. Still, he trusted Kiev, especially after the Mederian Prince broke up his previous fight with Eric when he brought up his proposal to marry Emily.

Kiev turned his gaze toward Noah, aware of the knight’s background from the stories he had heard during his time in the mansion. He knew about Noah’s troubled past and his recent relationship with Emily.

Despite the knight’s questionable reputation, Kiev found himself intrigued by Noah’s skills, resilience, and determination. If the knight could channel his energy positively and change his attitude, he could become a respected figure.

As the Mederian Prince stepped forward, he noticed Noah holding Emily close. The knight’s body language sent the right cues; he was clearly in love and terrified of losing his wife.

Kiev understood that fear all too well, as he felt the same for Elis. However, he also felt the need to be fair to Eric and the others, given the trouble Noah’s actions had caused.

"Disobeying the master’s order is punishable according to the rules. There’s no escaping that," he began.

Emily trembled as she whispered, "No..."

"But," Kiev continued swiftly, "...since he is already married and has consummated his union with the woman he claims to love, we should give him a chance."

"What do you mean?" Noah asked, anxiety creeping into his voice.

"You said that she is everything to you, and you want to protect her with your life. So, prove it! Win your woman in a duel against Sir Navin. Shouldn’t that be the greatest honour for a man of dignity, especially a knight like you?"

"A duel?" Eric echoed, surprised.

"Yes, just as your grand duke proposed to me. If Sir Brooks wins, he gets to keep his marriage to this woman. If not, he will have to divorce her," Kiev explained.

"This isn’t fair! You’re suggesting this just to hurt my husband!" Emily cried.

"I’m not," Kiev replied calmly. "Remember, Sir Brooks broke the rules. So, Sir Navin has the right to separate you from him, as the marriage was against his consent. However, I’m proposing a way to allow him to remain with you out of compassion."

Knowing he wouldn’t have any other better option than this, Noah agreed.

"He’s right. I would be honoured to protect my marriage by winning a duel," he said. Turning to Eric, he asked, "What say you, Sir Navin?"

Eric pondered momentarily before responding, "That would be the best solution. However, I want to add another condition."

"Name it!" Noah urged, ready to fight for his love.

"If you win, we will follow Prince Kiev’s suggestion, and I’ll approve your union respectfully. But if you lose, not only will you divorce Emily, but you’ll also leave the knighthood for good and never see her again," Eric declared.

"What??" Anna exclaimed in shock.

"I’ve tolerated his behaviour for years, losing respect from my comrades and those around me. Did you see how they argued with me just now because of Sir Brooks? Everyone pities him, but no one cares about my dignity. He knows how to manipulate the situation to his advantage, and I don’t want to deal with him any longer!" Eric stated firmly.

"But that’s only if he fails. If he wins, he should be allowed to resume his duties after a lashing punishment," Kiev interjected, his eyes brightening as he saw the second-in-command knight beginning to relent.

"Yes, I agree," Eric replied confidently.

"Let’s do this today at the training ground!" Noah declared.

Emily grasped her husband’s arm and looked up at him, panic in her eyes.

"No, Noah! Don’t do this! You’ll get hurt!"

"No, Emily. This is what I must do! I will gain respect, and no one can deny our union ever again. So please, don’t hold me back!"

"But—"

"Trust me. I’ll win this duel for you... for us. Am I not your husband, the one who should be protecting you?" Noah persuaded her.

Emily’s eyes fell, tears spilling down her cheeks. Her husband’s determination was unwavering; deep down, she knew this was the best way to resolve the matter.

Suddenly, Anna interjected in frustration, "Why must we settle this through violence? Can’t we negotiate a more delicate approach that doesn’t involve fighting?"

"A duel is not violence, my lady. It’s a respectable way to resolve a dispute. Remember back at the camp when we had a brawl? You said that after we returned from the campaign, you wouldn’t hold us back from fighting," Eric reminded her.

Anna pursed her lips, recalling her words. It was true that she did mention it then to get them to reconcile. But she hadn’t expected Eric to remember and force her hand regarding the duel.

"Fine! But as the lady of this mansion, I must watch the duel to ensure it’s fair!" she decided.

The knights sighed. The thought of having Anna present at the training ground again filled them with anxiety, reminding them of the previous incident.

Kiev knew the princess wouldn’t change her mind, so instead of arguing, he said, "In that case, I’ll be there as well to keep an eye on you. After all, I’m the one who suggested this duel. Do you all agree?"

"Agree!" the knights responded in unison, their spirits lifting with the Mederian Prince’s support.

Kiev smiled smugly and turned to Anryr, giving instructions.

"Get a thicker robe for the princess. Also..." He paused, considering her pregnancy, before adding, "Make sure her seat is padded and comfortable. Bring the duvet, pillows, cushions, leg rest, and a bed warmer."

All eyes turned to Kiev, surprised by his attentiveness to Anna. Elis, watching silently, felt a pang of jealousy. She knew she shouldn’t feel that way, but it was hard to ignore how deeply his man cared for the princess. Suddenly, Kiev took her hand, making her look up in surprise.

"You’ll sit close to me, won’t you?" he asked affectionately, adjusting her robe and tying it carefully. "Get another robe for my Elis as well. I don’t want my woman to get sick too," he added his order to the steward.

Caught off guard by the sudden command, Anryr snapped to attention. Simultaneously, the knights exchanged glances, speechless at Kiev’s behaviour. How could he be so attentive and caring to two women simultaneously?

"Ah, yes! Right away, Your Highness!" Anryr responded, hurrying off to fulfil the orders.

With the stakes set, the mansion was poised to witness another duel for the sake of love again.

***

The two combatants stood facing each other on the training ground, their gazes filled with determination. Garin, appointed as the herald, stood between them.

In the spectator area, Anna sat covered not just in a robe but also under a duvet, surrounded by cushions and small pillows for support. Her legs rested on a leg rest, and a bed warmer filled with hot coals beneath the duvet ensured her comfort. Jessy remained by her side as usual.

Anna felt utterly ridiculous as she sank into the plush, padded seat wrapped in quilt layers. Anryr and the servants seemed to have brought nearly everything but a mattress and bed pillows. Kiev had been insistent about her comfort, repeatedly asking for more cushions until they piled up like a fortress around her.

Though Anna wanted to refuse all these comforts, she stayed silent, remembering Kiev’s warning that if she declined his provisions, he would carry her to her chamber and tie her to the bed.

Callis, who had been called up with her husband, Rafe, couldn’t help but cover her mouth in amazement—not only at the recent news about the duel but also at Anna’s condition. She understood why Kiev was being cautious, so she decided to remain silent. On the other hand, the healer appreciated the Mederian Prince’s attention to the princess.

At the other end, Ayden and Clara sat pouting. Their heads turned in different directions, arms crossed as they bickered about the contestants—Clara supporting Noah, and Ayden clearly on Eric’s side.

Meanwhile, the knights sat solemnly in the front row as they anticipated the event. Emily, whose tears had subsided but still wore a sad expression, sat with Meredith and Sylvia.

As everyone settled, Garin asked the two contestants, "Are you ready?"

"I’m ready," Eric replied, clad in full armour with his hand gripping his sword.

"Can you give me a moment? I want to see my wife," Noah said.

Garin nodded, and the knight ran towards Emily. She stood up, looking dazed as he approached. Noah swiftly embraced her, and the young woman’s heart sank further into sadness. Tears threatened to spill again from her red-rimmed eyes.

"Noah!" her voice choked.

"Don’t be sad. This will be over soon. Whatever happens, stay strong, my love," he said gently.

The knight released her and lifted her face, gazing into her eyes. An unspeakable sadness was reflected there, and Emily felt it, too. She wished to ask him, but Noah interrupted her before she could speak.

"Give me a lucky kiss, will you?" he said, forcing a smile. She nodded weakly.

Ignoring the onlookers, Noah bent down and pressed his lips on hers. Their brief intimacy left others blushing, prompting the crowd to look away.

Watching from the field, Eric gazed at them with contempt, muttering under his breath, "Jerk!" He still believed Noah was taking advantage of the young, naïve woman.

"Give him a break, will you?" Garin interjected.

Eric pressed his lips together, studying the couple again. Something about Noah’s display of affection felt surreal, as if he were genuinely in love with Emily. However, the second-in-command knight quickly brushed aside the thought.

Noah returned to his position on the training ground, preparing for the impending duel.

"So, are you ready?" Garin asked again.

Both men nodded, but before the herald raised his hand to signal the start, Noah interrupted.

"Wait! One more thing!"

"What now? You’re delaying this duel! Are you having an ulterior motive or something?" Eric reprimanded.

"Just one word with you, Sir Navin. Please! I won’t ask for more after this," Noah insisted.

Eric sighed in annoyance but ultimately relented, realising this might be the knight’s last chance to speak. He gestured for Noah to approach, and Garin respectfully stepped back to allow them some privacy.

"What is it you want to talk about?" Eric asked.

Noah met the second-in-command knight’s gaze, his eyes reflecting remorse rather than fear.

"I apologise for everything I’ve done to you over the years, but I swear I never r*ped or killed the slave," he began.

Eric rolled his eyes. "Do you really have to bring that up now?" he scoffed.

"I just want you to know I’ve changed and never want to return to being who I was. It’s fine if you don’t accept my apology, but I have a request, and I sincerely hope you can fulfil it."

"What do you want?" Eric asked, trying to sound indifferent.

Noah glanced down briefly before gathering his resolve to look Eric in the eye. "If I lose, will you take care of Emily?"

"She’s already under my care. You don’t need to worry about that," the second-in-command knight replied.

"No, I mean... care for her like one of your own. She’s an orphan and has never had the chance to feel the warmth of a family. I don’t want her to be alone," Noah said earnestly.

"Fine! From now on, I’ll treat her like my sister."

"Also..." Noah hesitated. "If she ever gets pregnant with my child, can you care for the baby too, since I won’t be around?"

Eric frowned.

"Are you implying that you expect to lose this duel? Why do I get the feeling you think you might?"

"I’m not! I’m just acknowledging the possibility. I need to know my family will be taken care of and protected. Will you be their guardian?" Noah pressed.

Annoyed, Eric replied, "Fine! I will! Now stop delaying this duel!"

A genuine smile spread across Noah’s face. "Thank you, Sir Navin. I appreciate it."

Eric felt a familiar pang of doubt. Was Noah truly sincere to Emily? Had he really fallen in love?

"I’m ready now!" Noah called out to Garin, shaking the concern about his wife from his thoughts.

The knight returned to his position, and Garin looked to Eric for confirmation.

"I’m ready, too," Eric said.

Garin nodded, raised his hand, and announced, "Let the duel begin!"