The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 451: Love’s Bold Request

Chapter 451: Love’s Bold Request

Time passed as they all waited in the throne hall. Everyone was seated in the audience’s seating except for Kiev, who preferred to stand, his posture tense with anticipation.

At this moment, no one initiated any conversation; their mutual interest was fixed solely on the examination results.

The Knights of Gerhard were not worried about the outcome. Rafe had well-informed them that Kiev had healed Elis. This gracious act deepened their respect for the Mederian Prince.

He had proven that his affection for Elis was genuine, demonstrating kindness and a willingness to accept her for who she was without question. His commitment to seeking justice on her behalf only solidified their admiration.

The door swung open, and Elis entered with the two midwives, their demeanour calm and collected. Kiev quickly approached her, wrapping her in a protective embrace, unwilling to let go until he was sure she was safe.

Elis smiled reassuringly, indicating she was fine and nothing unexpected had occurred.

"Your Majesty, we are here to convey the results of our examination on Miss Elisabeth Canton," one of the midwives announced, bowing respectfully to the king.

The Count of Abinair and the other knights rose from their seats and gathered, eager to hear the outcome.

"Proceed," King Kyden ordered steadily.

"From our thorough examination, there is no slave tattoo on her back," the midwife reported.

The knights smiled as the result was expected so... but not the count.

"What? It can’t be!" he shouted in disbelief.

King Kyden was also taken aback but quickly recalled the occurrence at the arena during the duel between the Mederian Prince and Kyren when Callis had healed Kiev after his injury. Understanding dawned on him; no wonder Kiev and Elis had been so confident and unyielding regarding the examination.

"It’s true. Miss Canton also doesn’t have any scars, which slaves typically bear from torture," the other midwife added.

"You’ve got to be kidding me! She was a slave that my knights had for their amusement! I bought her to fulfil their manly desires!" the count protested again.

Kiev’s fists clenched, anger surging within him, but the midwife continued calmly, "That is not possible, my lord. According to our inspection, Miss Canton is a chaste maiden and has never engaged in s*xual intercourse."

"What? A chaste maiden?" King Kyden exclaimed, bewildered. "Are you sure about this?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. Her hymen is still intact. We checked twice on this," the midwife confirmed.

The findings left the men in the throne hall in stunned silence. They knew well that a slave woman would typically endure s*xual assault, and it was inconceivable that any would remain a virgin after being subjected to such a life.

The only explanation for this remarkable situation seemed to be Kiev’s healing magic, which had not only removed scars but also restored her body to its previous state.

"Does this mean... you two... never did it?" King Kyden asked Kiev, curious about their relationship.

Elis’s face burned with embarrassment, and she quickly averted her eyes. Kiev felt the heat rise to his ears, matching her discomfort.

The Knights of Gerhard exchanged surprised glances, recalling how determined the Mederian Prince had been to have Elis sleep with him starting from the night after the duel. Yet here they were, confirming that nothing had happened between them despite having shared a bed ever since.

"Elis is someone special to me. It should happen only when she is ready for me," Kiev declared firmly after clearing his throat.

His statement made the knights bow their heads and smile mischievously, exchanging knowing glances. Witnessing such a daring and fierce Mederian Prince exhibit gentleness toward his love was intriguing.

Kiev had the power and opportunity to demand what many would consider a natural progression in their relationship, yet he chose to restrain himself and respect Elis instead.

"I don’t believe this! Hand her to me, and I’ll check it for myself!" demanded the Count of Abinair.

"Take an inch forward, and I swear my fist will shove into your mouth. Do you really want to feel it?" Kiev threatened, glaring at the Count with fierce intensity.

"Enough!" King Kyden shouted, rising from his throne.

He dismissed the two midwives with a wave, not wanting them to witness the altercation further.

"The examination has been fully conducted, proving that Miss Elisabeth Canton here is not your previous slave. Therefore, this case is dismissed!" he announced firmly.

"What?! You can’t do this, Your Majesty! This is unfair! You are obviously protecting the knights because they are your people!" the count protested.

"Silence!" King Kyden yelled back, his patience wearing thin. "You came to me, whining about such a crime befallen your men, yet they admitted that they first committed a crime by r*ping and k*lling a slavewoman and framed Sir Noah Brooks for it out of jealousy!"

The count’s shoulders hunched under the weight of the king’s statement. His eyes darted around, fear evident as he realised the implications of what was being said.

"I wasn’t involved! I didn’t know my knights were the perpetrators!" he exclaimed in desperation.

"That’s precisely why I’m letting you go!" the king replied. "But if you keep pushing me, I will not hesitate to bring you forth in this matter. They are the knights serving under you, and you, as their master, should be accountable for it! However, as justifiable as it should be, I will not place the blame on you for something you didn’t know or were involved in."

The count’s expression shifted from fear to relief.

"What about my remaining knights?" he asked, his voice concerned.

"They, of course, will bear the consequences! They will all be punished for their crimes!" King Kyden decided, his tone final.

"No! Your Majesty, please have mercy!" the count pleaded, panic setting in.

The king’s gaze hardened.

"Mercy must be earned, count. Your knights’ actions have not only harmed others but have also tarnished the honour of the knighthood. Justice must be served," the king’s voice filled the throne hall as the implications of his verdict sunk in.

"I’ve already given my mercy by not committing you as well! Or do you want to take their place and serve your responsibility as their master? Decide now, Count of Abinair!" King Kyden’s voice urged as he continued.

The count’s eyes widened in disbelief, his mouth falling silent as he processed the weight of the king’s ultimatum. All eyes in the throne hall were fixed on him, awaiting his response.

"Well?" the king pressed again, brooking for the count’s answer.

"I shall not take responsibility for what I didn’t do! Never! It’s not my fault! I didn’t conspire with them!" Count Abinair replied hastily, scrambling to extricate himself from the predicament.

"Good! I suggest you keep this matter to yourself. If the word spreads about your knights committing such a crime, it would tarnish your reputation and your business in Gantz, and we don’t want that to happen. I still welcome you to continue your trading here, but you and your escorts need to follow the rules of the kingdom... if you know what I mean," King Kyden warned with a piercing gaze.

The count gulped hard. The king’s statement was clear; his knights would never return to Dracor again, and to provoke the king further would only invite disaster.

"Fine! Your Majesty," he relented.

His darkened eyes then turned to the Mederian Prince.

"You win, Your Highness! I don’t know what kind of sorcery you made, but you and your mistress will never get away!" hissed the count to Kiev, his tone dripping with resentment.

The Mederian Prince’s anger flared at the word ’mistress’. It grated on him, a disgraceful label that belittled his bond with Elis.

"Elis is not my mistress! She is my beloved!" he shouted angrily.

The count smirked as he managed to annoy Kiev again.

"Who cares! Beloved... vixen... temptress... they are all the same!" he sneered, his eyes glinting with malice.

Kiev’s fists tightened, ready to unleash his fury at the count, but before he could act, Elis stepped forward. Her voice rang out with unexpected strength, emboldened by his declaration of her as his beloved.

"Say whatever you want! That wouldn’t change my love for him! The whole world can trample on me with those hurtful, degrading titles, but I don’t care! I love Kiev, and I will stand by his side till the day I die!"

Kiev momentarily froze. His eyes turned to Elis, who had tears lining her cheeks as she confessed her love in front of everyone.

He had been waiting for these words for so long, and now she had bared her feelings before all. His heart warmed, yet a sadness lingered, knowing she had been looked down upon and insulted. It broke him further to see fresh tears rolling down her face.

"Elis..." His lips quivered, and his heart ached at the sight of her cries.

Then, a determination rose within him. There could be only one way to stop this taunting, once and for all!

Turning to the King with his solidified resolve, he declared, "Your Majesty! Elis is not my mistress! She shouldn’t bear this disgrace or any other again in the future! So, I demand you to proclaim us as husband and wife!"

A stunned silence filled the air; none had anticipated he would take such a drastic measure.

"Kiev! What are you doing?" Elis asked, alarmed, holding onto his arm tightly.

"I should’ve done this from the beginning! When I asked His Majesty to bestow you to me, I didn’t intend to put you in such a low position. People would continue tormenting you and calling you names, which I hate. You are someone dear to me, Elis!"

Elis shook her head in disbelief.

"I... I couldn’t be your wife! You’re betrothed, and I was just a maid!"

The Mederian Prince gazed into her eyes, guilt gnawing at him.

"No, Elis! Forgive me for keeping this from you. The truth is, you’re my soulmate! So, your rightful place is at my side as my wife!" he confessed.

"What??"

The knights were speechless by this revelation. Yet the king smiled.

"Ironic, isn’t it? I couldn’t sense you, but I guess God heard my prayers and had mercy on me, so He sent me directly to you. I found out about it when we were in Rivendelle," Kiev continued.

Elis blinked, still processing his confession. Memories flooded back—the story he told about losing his sense of connection to his soulmate due to his cultivation of mana in the mountains, all in a desperate attempt to bring Anna back to his island. She remembered how he had explained that the only way to find out who his soulmate was would be by kissing her.

Then, she recalled the emergency air-blowing treatment he had performed when she was choked in Rivendelle. No wonder Kiev had changed after that incident and became so interested in her!

"You mean... all this time? You knew?" she asked.

Kiev nodded, his eyes earnest.

"I have realised it since then," Kiev confessed, his gaze sincere. "I was attracted to you before, but I couldn’t explain why. Perhaps the little remaining senses lingered, but it wasn’t enough to make me discern you. However, you’d always been more than just a maid to me. You’re my soulmate, Elis, and I want everyone to know it."

The tension in the hall shifted, filling the crowd with astonishment. The knights exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of surprise and realisation.

It seemed that Rafe had been keeping this a secret since his return from his hometown. No one had anticipated that Elis was Kiev’s soulmate, and suddenly, everything fell into place.

His protectiveness over her during her moments of illness, the way he had rushed to her side every time she faced trauma, the willingness to duel with the king, the fierce determination in his revenge, and the passion behind every word he uttered to her—it all made sense now.

"Kiev! I—"

"Don’t reject me again, Elis! I beg you! Please, marry me! Be my princess consort! I love you!" Kiev’s voice cut her off, desperation tinging his words as he coaxed her.

Sensing the moment’s gravity, Eric signalled the knights to step back, understanding that this was a pivotal time for the couple and they should not interrupt. The Count of Abinair opened his mouth to make a remark but was met with the menacing glares of Garin, Alex, and Noah, who stood protectively behind Kiev.

King Kyden watched with a smile, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. It seemed the path he had paved was nearing its destination. If Kiev married Elis, the chances of him continuing his pursuit of Anna would likely cease, ensuring the princess remained in Cassian for good.

Elis hesitated, her heart racing. She felt the weight of the decision pressing down on her. Her heart said yes, but fear crept in—what would be the fate of a maid marrying a prince? Would society accept their union?

She looked up at King Kyden for a moment, searching for guidance. He met her gaze with a gentle smile, slowly blinking as if to convey encouragement. It was as if he were telling her to follow her heart’s desire.

’It’s not wrong to be greedy in love... it never is.’

The king’s advice echoed in her mind. It was time for her to muster her courage and claim what was supposed to be hers.

"Yes! Let’s get married!" Elis declared, her voice ringing clear and strong.

A wide smile etched itself on the Mederian Prince’s lips. It felt like an eternity waiting for her response. Kiev turned to the king, his excitement bubbling over. "Proclaim us now, Your Majesty!"

"Wait, what? Now?" King Kyden asked, bewildered as he processed the request.

The knights shared the same astonished expression, glancing between the Mederian Prince and the king.

"Yes! I will not let my Elis be insulted again! Not even for a moment! By the time I walk out of this throne hall, I want her to be treated with respect as my Princess Consort. Just now, before I brought her in here, she was humiliated by the disparaging remarks by Her Majesty the Queen’s ladies-in-waiting! That should never happen again!" Kiev asserted, his voice resolute.

Elis was surprised by Kiev’s decision, but she began to understand his reasoning as he explained his intention. It became clear that this was yet another way for him to care for and protect her, just as he had promised. His willingness to face potential challenges on her behalf revealed the depth of his commitment, reaffirming her trust in him.

"Is this true?" King Kyden turned to Elis, concerned.

"It is, Your Majesty. Mrs Amares was there and witnessed the whole incident. Lady Evelyn Harper, Lady Nancy Glenn, and Lady Sophia Lawrence mocked me, throwing words I could never imagine a noble should use," she replied.

Elis refrained from mentioning that those same ladies had also mocked Kiev and Anna; she didn’t want to escalate the situation further. Instead, she focused on minimising the issue’s impact, as Kiev had highlighted.

The king grunted, his expression darkening. Such behaviour, even towards a lowly maid or commoner, should never happen, especially in the palace!

"Prince Kiev and Miss Elisabeth Canton... Are you sure about your decision? If I make this proclamation, you will be legal husband and wife. There is no withdrawing from it," the king warned, responding to the Mederian Prince’s demand.

Kiev held Elis’s hand tightly, their eyes locked in a silent promise.

"We are sure, Your Majesty," he declared.

"Then..."

"Your Majesty, wait!" Elis suddenly exclaimed, causing Kiev’s heart to lurch.

He feared she might change her mind at the last minute.

"Your sister is outside. If we are to be married, she should be here for the proclamation. She’s your family," she insisted.

A wave of relief washed over the Mederian Prince. "Of course. Your Majesty, may I have my sister, who is waiting outside to be present?" he requested.

"Oh, she’s here? Then, good! Tell her to come in," the king allowed.

"I’ll go and get her," offered Alex, turning on his heels toward the door with the king’s permission.

The Count of Abinair stood up, disdain evident on his face.

"I believe I’m not required to be here anymore. I’m not interested in being part of this romantic occasion..."

"Sit down! I’m not done with you yet!" the king ordered, his voice turning firm suddenly.

Fearing the king’s wrath, the count retreated to his seat, sealing his lips with a solemn look.

"Your Majesty, please call upon Rafe Amares as well. He’s my family member, too," Kiev added, not forgetting his brother-in-law.

"Then, I guess we have to wait for his arrival," King Kyden replied.

"Pardon me for interfering, Your Majesty," Charles interjected, stepping forward. "Mr Amares is currently having an audience with Her Majesty, the Queen."

"Oh, really?" the king asked." Haa... no wonder his wife is also here."

"Yes, he was summoned together with Lady Bridgette Lynn," the chamberlain explained.

"Great! Call them all to the throne hall. I want my queen and all of her ladies-in-waiting to be present!" King Kyden demanded.

Charles nodded, immediately adhering to the order, and moved to carry out the king’s wishes.

Kiev turned to Elis, their gazes locked together, sharing certainty. Soon, all would witness the union of their love, a moment that would forever change their lives.

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.