The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 424: A Union Of Empathy

Chapter 424: A Union Of Empathy

Sylvia gazed at her reflection in the tall mirror, dressed in a beautiful white wedding gown.

The soft silk cascaded gently down her frame, accentuating her with delicate elegance. The sheer veil on her head was adorned with intricate embroidery, creating a shimmering aura around her.

Her makeup was simple yet elegant, enhancing her natural radiance. The tiny freckles on her face didn’t seem like flaws; in fact, they made her look even sweeter.

Today was the day—Sylvia and Drystan’s wedding day.

"You look gorgeous, Sylvia! Wait until Sir Mills sees you! He’ll fall head over heels for you!" exclaimed Meredith, her face bright with joy. "I can’t believe you’re finally getting married, and just a few weeks after mine! Had I known, we could have had a double wedding ceremony!"

Sylvia blushed slightly.

"Come on, Mer! You know this wasn’t planned, and we had to rush things because of my grandfather’s health. I don’t even have a proper betrothal ceremony."

"I know. I wish it could have been grander, but look on the bright side. His family sent you a betrothal ring, at least," Meredith said, holding Sylvia’s shoulder and raising her left hand, adorned with an amethyst engagement ring.

Sylvia smiled as she admired the ring on her finger. Despite the Count of Medhir’s family not wanting to hold a betrothal ceremony to expedite the wedding, Drystan’s family insisted she had the ring as a symbol of their betrothal. She accepted it, as it would have been inauspicious to refuse such a gift.

"Mer is right. You look wonderful, Sylvia. You didn’t indulge much in the wedding preparations like Mer, but the dress looks perfect on you," Anna added.

Today, she felt much better than usual. Having Mary and Scarlett around had truly helped Jessy look after her. The nanny now had more time to rest after caring for Anna daily, taking turns with Callis to accompany her and assisting whenever she felt unwell, whether it was due to nausea or fatigue.

"I trust my mother’s choice. Thanks to your mother-in-law, too, Mer. Both of them had a great time preparing everything together, so I thought I’d let them be," Sylvia said.

"You could have joined them much earlier if you hadn’t been busy looking after me. I’m so thankful that Her Majesty the Queen sent over Mary and Scarlett to help out. They arrived just in time for you to have your moment to get ready for the wedding," Anna replied.

"I’m also grateful that this ceremony is being held in a much humbler setting. Otherwise, I would feel overwhelmed," Sylvia admitted.

"You’re the granddaughter of the Marquess of Sylvere, one of the pillar families of Cassian. You could have demanded more," Meredith said.

"No, Mer. I’m delighted with this. Having only selected people for the occasion is truly a blessing. Imagine if all the girls from the fan club were here. I would have already lost my patience and gotten a headache. Their attendance at your wedding ceremony was an eye-opener for me," Sylvia said.

"Did the girls bother you that much, Mer? I’m sorry I wasn’t around at that time and arrived a bit late. The truth is, I vomited on the way, and we had to stop somewhere to clean up and change my attire. Please forgive me," Anna replied.

Meredith reminisced about the gossip the ladies had shared in her bridal chamber, mostly revolving around Anna and Kiev.

"Ah... don’t mention it. The girls were just engaging in unimportant small talk. You know how they are," she said, concealing the details.

"They got all worked up and excited upon seeing His Highness Prince Kiev, thinking they’d have a chance to dance with him. It turned out he only had eyes for Elis the whole time. He even looked anxious when she danced with His Majesty the King. It was hilarious!" Sylvia giggled.

"Speaking of His Highness Prince Kiev, I saw him with the knights outside, but I didn’t see Elis around. Did he come without her?" Meredith asked.

"I believe so," Anna replied. "I haven’t seen Elis around the mansion lately, and I heard she’s sick. Sir Navin mentioned she wouldn’t be attending, and she sent her regards to you."

"It’s fine if she’s not well. But..." Sylvia paused, pondering. "Isn’t it strange for His Highness to attend this ceremony without her? They’re always together like lovebirds. If Elis is unwell, His Highness usually takes care of her."

"Did they have a fight or something?" Meredith guessed.

"I’m not sure. But even if they did, Prince Kiev wouldn’t leave her alone. He cares about her a lot," Anna said.

"Not just care... he’s madly in love with her! Isn’t it obvious?" Meredith replied.

The three ladies laughed together. Anna, in particular, prayed that the couple’s love would flourish further and that the Mederian Prince would abandon his desire to continue duelling with her husband for her.

Just then, there was a knock at the door of the bridal chamber, and Callis emerged, smiling brightly at the bride.

"Sorry, I’m a bit late! I was so busy attending to my husband. He was so excited to be the witness of the wedding that he kept asking me to fix his appearance," she said.

"It’s fine, Callis. The bride is all ready now," Meredith assured her.

Turning to Sylvia, Callis clasped her hands together and exclaimed, "Oh, Sylvia, you look beautiful!"

The Mederian Princess was truly mesmerised by the elegant wedding gown worn by Sylvia.

"You think so too? I bet you would look even more beautiful than me in a wedding dress," Sylvia replied.

Hearing this, Meredith discreetly pulled at the bride’s sleeves. Sylvia turned, scrutinising her friend for the gesture, but then recalled that Callis and Rafe’s marriage had been made in a rush and proclaimed by the king without a proper wedding ceremony.

"I... I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to tease you or anything! I swear!" Sylvia said, trying to make amends.

Callis, aware of the bride’s intention, remained calm.

"Don’t worry about it. I don’t mind. I know my marriage was different from others, but I’m quite happy since I got to marry my soulmate. Furthermore, we will have a proper ceremony based on Mederian customs once we return to the island. My brother has agreed that Rafe and I will follow him home for the visit, so I’ll still get to wear my wedding dress eventually!"

"Return? When? Does this mean he won’t proceed with the duel anymore?" Anna asked, her eyes glittering with hope.

Callis looked at her, a bit surprised.

"As far as I know, the duel is still on. My brother said we would only return after winning. Rafe and I would follow so we could meet my parents, and he could get to know them," the Mederian Princess explained.

"He hasn’t given up yet?" Meredith asked. "What about Elis?"

They all thought that with the woman by his side, Kiev would forget about Anna.

"That... I can’t comment. For all I know, he cares for both Elis and you, Anna," Callis replied.

Anna sighed.

"I appreciate what he did for me, Callis. But there’s no point in continuing this duel. My heart is always with Kyren, my husband."

Callis looked at Anna, her crimson eyes briefly darting to her still-flat stomach, bringing a sense of sadness to her heart.

She felt that if Kiev won the duel, the baby would be separated from its father, which seemed cruel. However, she could never voice this to her determined brother, as she knew Anna’s safety and the baby she carried were far more critical.

"Don’t hate him too much, Anna. My brother might appear selfish, but he has his reasons for whatever he chooses to do, whether it’s for you or Elis," Callis said.

Anna didn’t answer. Deep down, she knew Kiev was a good and responsible person, but there was no chemistry between them as a couple. She could see the difference in his gaze toward her—one devoid of romantic feelings—compared to the way he looked at Elis.

Thus, there would be no meaning for him to uphold and honour the betrothal they once had. Moreover, Elis would be hurt if they were together.

Anna couldn’t fathom how this would work between them, as she cared deeply for Elis and understood just how much the woman needed Kiev as a life companion—more than she ever could.

"Hey, let’s not dwell on that for now, shall we? Today is a joyful event, and we should be celebrating! So, why don’t we focus on other things?" Meredith suggested, trying to ease the tension. She quickly changed the topic and asked Callis, "Ah! How’s your relationship with Mr. Amares going? Has it advanced to the next level?"

"Haa! I’m also curious! Right now, you’re still staying in different chambers, aren’t you?" Sylvia added.

Callis blushed. The progress of her relationship with Rafe had been steadily improving rather than developing rapidly. Lately, the healer had shown more affection, holding her hand and never missing the opportunity to hug and kiss her when it was time to return to their chambers.

Rafe was never in a rush for intimacy and was always gentle. His sweet and subtle courtship gradually deepened their love. Their bond, strengthened by respect and understanding, was far more meaningful to both of them.

"I see that’s definitely going somewhere, judging by your blush!" teased Meredith, making Callis look down in embarrassment.

"We’re still taking our time to get to know each other well. Rafe feels this is the best time for a proper courtship. We want to experience that like a normal couple, even though we’re already married, and I feel content with it," she explained.

"What about intimacy? Since you don’t live together like other married couples... has anything developed further in that area?" Sylvia asked, curiosity piqued.

"Sylvia!" Meredith poked her again.

"What?? I’m about to get married! Shouldn’t I learn a thing or two from the experienced ones? You just got married a few weeks ago, so you wouldn’t have enough knowledge. Plus, Anna hasn’t been with His Highness the Grand Duke for a while, so I don’t want to upset her by asking. Callis is the most preferable choice," Sylvia replied.

"It’s all right, Mer. I’m fine with the question. It’s just that..." Callis blushed again before saying, "We haven’t gone that far yet, but Rafe has already said that after the duel is over, he wants us to move in together. So, I guess it will happen soon," she said, smiling.

"That’s wonderful, Callis! Rafe is indeed a gentleman and a well-planned person. You’re sure to have a happy life with him," Anna said.

"He is. The fact that he has accepted me and begun to care for me is already a blessing. He’s kind and tolerant of my antics, and I couldn’t ask for more," said the Mederian Princess, her eyes twinkling as she recalled Rafe’s gentle touch and sweet words.

"That is so fortunate for you. The same goes for our Sylvia, too. She also has an understanding husband," Meredith added.

"In what way?" Sylvia laughed.

"Sir Mills agreed to hold the wedding here, at the Count of Medhir’s mansion, rather than at his home in Oldmie. That’s one of them," stated Meredith.

"Are there any rules about that?" Callis asked, intrigued by Cassian culture.

"It’s not a rule, per se. Rather, it’s more of a tradition for weddings to be held at the bridegroom’s family residence instead of the bride’s. But Drystan tolerated this since my grandfather cannot travel in this weather," Sylvia explained.

"Haa... yes, that’s thoughtful of him," Callis replied, glancing out the window. "Winter began just the day before your wedding."

Sitting on a chair, Anna looked up at the windowpane as well. Outside, the scenery was becoming colourless with the changing season. The trees stood bare, and a chill wind blew through the air, creating a whistling sound as it brushed against the glass.

"I hope Kyren will return safely soon," she murmured.

"He will, Anna. He definitely will," Meredith reassured her.

Very soon, a knock came at the door, and Denise, Sylvia’s mother, entered with a smile.

"Are you ready now, dear?" she asked.

Sylvia nodded. "Yes, mother."

Denise scanned her daughter from head to toe. Sylvia gleamed in her wedding dress, and a sense of sadness unexpectedly tickled her heart as she saw this. Her only daughter, who was also the granddaughter of the Marquess of Sylvere, was about to be handed over to a man to embark on a new journey of married life.

Tears trickled down her cheeks without her realising it.

"Mother, please don’t cry!" Sylvia said, noticing Denise’s cry.

The Countess quickly wiped her face with her handkerchief.

"Forgive me. I’m not sad. I just can’t believe this day has finally come. We kept urging you to get married, and you refused so many times. It’s still a wonder to me that you finally accepted a man, especially one chosen by your grandfather," she said, sniffling her tears away.

Sylvia smiled, but inwardly, she knew this was all an act—a pact made between her and Drystan to salvage the situation.

"What can I say? It’s the best for me, Mother."

"It is, indeed," Denise nodded. "Oh, hurry up! They are all waiting for us, and Their Majesties will arrive soon. By the way, we’ve also changed the venue to the grand hall instead of the temple outside for the solemnisation ceremony."

"Oh, why so?" asked Meredith.

"The wind suddenly gets stronger outside, so it’s much safer and warmer to hold it inside," Denise explained.

"Oh, look! It’s snowing!" Callis suddenly exclaimed, pointing to the window. All eyes turned in her direction.

"This is auspicious! The first snow fell on your wedding day, Sylvia! You’re sure to have a wonderful life with Sir Mills!" Meredith said excitedly.

Sylvia smiled again, masking her inner thoughts.

"Let’s get going, mother. We don’t want the others to keep waiting," she urged.

"Yes, definitely!"

"I’ll wait at the guest chamber," said Anna. "I don’t want His Lordship, the Marquess, to get sick if he saw me."

"Thank you for your understanding, Lady Raychard. I appreciate it," said the Countess, agreeing.

Accompanied by her mother, the bride stepped out from the bridal chambers, followed by Callis and Meredith. At the same time, Mary and Scarlette, who waited outside the door, escorted Anna to the guest chamber.

Soon, the bride’s entourage was greeted by the female family members of the count and marquess as they continued to make their way to the grand hall, where the groom and other attendees awaited.

As Sylvia entered, she spotted Drystan, handsomely clad in his groom’s attire, accompanied by his male family members and friends. Her heart raced as she took in his dashing figure beneath her veil.

Drystan was wearing a tailored dark blue suit adorned with silver embroidery, complemented by a crisp white shirt. His polished boots gleamed, and he exuded a confident charm that made him even more attractive.

When Their Majesties, the King and Queen of Cassian, arrived, the solemnisation ceremony began, led by a monk chanting prayers.

Once both consents were received, the monk announced the newly formed bond of the married couple after the ring exchange.

Among all the attendees, Liam, the Marquess of Sylvere, was the happiest person in the grand hall. His memories came and went by from time to time, but today, he was sane enough to know that his only granddaughter was marrying the knight he favoured.

"From this day onwards, she is yours, and you are responsible for her," the monk declared. "You may now kiss the bride."

Drystan turned to Sylvia at his side. He gently lifted her veil, his heart pounding as he saw her up close. Throughout the ceremony, he had been too nervous to pay much attention, but now he took in her beauty.

His Adam’s apple bobbed as he gazed at his pretty wife, looking back at him with a soft expression. Her makeup was simple, and her freckles were visible, but to him, they were perfect.

At that moment, he felt she was the most attractive woman he had ever seen. But she didn’t truly belong to him; as agreed, they were bound by a contract marriage that would last for a year.

"What are you waiting for? Kiss the bride already!" Eric exclaimed, bringing Drystan back to his senses.

Sylvia blushed as their families and friends began chanting and clapping, encouraging them. Drystan suddenly encircled his arm around Sylvia’s back and pulled her close, their bodies colliding.

Sylvia swallowed hard. Was he really going to kiss her?

Looking up at Drystan, she felt anxious about his next move. Quietly, the knight leaned down and asked in a hushed tone, "Do you trust me?"

"Yes," she replied curtly.

"Then, follow my lead," he instructed.

He held her chin, his fingertip grazing her lips as he tilted her head to face away from the crowd. Then, he bent down and pressed his lips against his own finger, creating the illusion that he was kissing her, even though their tender, pink mouths never actually touched.

Claps and cheers filled up the grand hall, celebrating the couple.

And so, another union was formed—not by their hearts, but by a sense of empathy and care for the one they loved.

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