The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 478: A Brief Respite

Chapter 478: A Brief Respite

Both women turned to him, expecting further explanation.

He sighed, recalling Tony, the old gardener’s remarks.

"Come to think of it, the spell is like a curse to him!"

"Spell? What are you implying?" Anna asked, confused.

"I’m not supposed to talk about it..." Damon said, but the piercing gazes from the princess and the governess made it clear he couldn’t escape the topic now that he’d mentioned it.

"Ah! Screw the secrets! Here’s the truth..." the knight started to explain the binding spell between Kyren and the Ro’an princess, as Rafe had told him and his companions.

Helen’s mouth formed an ’O’ as she absorbed the details, while Anna looked utterly shocked.

"...The fact that His Highness is still alive convinced His Majesty the King and Mr Amares that the spell worked, so there’s no way for him to have children with you, my lady," Damon concluded.

Anna took a moment to process the revelation.

"Oh, my! No wonder Her Majesty the Queen was reluctant to tell me!" Helen exclaimed.

"At first, we thought that my lady, being partly Mederian, might possess some magic that could restore His Highness’s condition. But Mr Amares dismissed that idea. He said Jessy confirmed you have no magical attributes and no developed mana line. Even His Highness once mentioned that he couldn’t sense any magic from you," the knight explained, looking at Anna.

"You’re a Mederian?" asked the governess, taken aback as she too glanced at the princess.

"Partly," Damon clarified as Anna remained silent. "Our lady is the daughter of His Highness Prince Kiev’s teacher in combat, who passed away during childbirth. That is precisely why he insisted on having her."

"Ah... so, as the student, he felt indebted and wished to take care of her, the daughter of his master," Helen concluded.

"That’s what His Highness Prince Kiev said," the knight affirmed.

Anna, on the other hand, ignored the matter regarding Kiev, as her thoughts were consumed by the secret revealed by Damon. She didn’t believe that she had only learned half of the truth.

"I didn’t know that the binding spell would have other effects on Kyren! This is all because of her... the destined princess for him!" Anna said, looking down in devastation.

Jealousy crept into her mind, even though the person in question was no longer alive, according to the grand duke.

"Are you aware of her and the spell?" Helen asked, noticing the change in the princess’s expression.

Anna nodded, acknowledging.

"Kyren once talked about her, saying she was his soulmate and that they shared a bond that transcended life and death. He told me that was why he couldn’t feel love, and that his affection for me was out of respect and responsibility."

"He did?" Damon interjected, surprised that Anna knew partly about the secret.

"Yes. It’s true he never said he loves me, not even once. But my heart tells me he does, and that his feelings for me run deeper than he admits. However, he withheld the consequences of the binding spell from me, apart from being incapable of loving anyone," Anna said.

"Dear lord! He should have explained everything to you!" The governess sighed.

Anna fidgeted with the hem of her skirt as she sat in the chair, her hands trembling.

"I know you might think I’m crazy or delusional... that it’s impossible for me, a partly Mederian who inherits no power, to break the spell. But I truly believe this baby belongs to me and Kyren! I can’t explain it or provide proof, but I know!"

Tears streamed down her cheeks.

Seeing her agitation, Helen spoke gently.

"I understand. Perhaps we should stop discussing this for now. You’ve finished your meal, so why don’t you get some rest?"

"But..."

"Nervousness isn’t good for the baby, my lady," the governess cut her off.

Anna acquiesced, realising Helen meant well for her health. If she fell ill, it would only worsen the situation and burden these two people.

The governess helped her to stand, led her to the bed, and tucked her in. It didn’t take long for the weary princess to fall fast asleep.

"Why did you stop the conversation?" Damon suddenly asked from behind.

"She is at a phase where her mind and body can easily be affected by her emotions. We have to be careful. If she gets too carried away, it could lead to a miscarriage. That’s what happened to me," Helen explained.

"I’m sorry. I didn’t know it could cause that. I’m not married and not familiar with this," the knight admitted.

"It’s all right. You’ve done a lot to assist us, Sir McQuinn. I appreciate that," the governess smiled.

For a moment, Damon paused to assess her appearance. She was three years his senior, yet still exuded youth and vitality. Although she had always maintained a serious expression, her smile unravelled her underlying sweetness.

Who could have imagined that beneath her tranquil and collected facade, she had navigated so many challenging life experiences?

"Won’t your comrades be looking for you by now? You’ve been away for quite a while," Helen remarked.

The question lingered unanswered as the knight remained unmoved.

"Sir McQuinn?"

Silence.

"Sir McQuinn!" Helen waved her hand, breaking the stillness.

"Huh?" Damon blinked, returning to reality.

"What are you thinking about?" she asked, curious.

"Nothing!" he replied quickly, embarrassed to have been caught.

"Nothing?"

"Nothing important. Were you asking me something?" he changed the topic.

"Yes... your comrades. Won’t they be looking for you?" she pressed.

"Ah, that. No worries... I can come up with excuses for that," he said.

"I think it’s better for you to return to them. Otherwise, your sudden disappearance would look suspicious. You’re supposed to be on duty, right?" the governess advised.

Damon paused, reflecting on the suggestion.

Their hiding place wasn’t far from the palace; it was situated on the outskirts of Gantz. Although close to the palace, it was discreetly hidden and lacked direct access from the main road. It would require someone familiar with the area to locate it, making it an ideal spot for concealment.

However, Eric and the high-ranking Knights of Gerhard possessed various skills, one of which was tracing. Noah, in particular, with his background as an ex-mercenary, might have the ability to track them.

To mitigate this risk, Damon needed to divert their attention and secure the location in case the Knights of Gerhard were ordered to find Anna.

"Thinking about it again, you’re right. I should go back. But what about you? Won’t the palace servants notice you’re missing too?" he asked.

"Don’t worry about me. Her Majesty the Queen has made it seem as if I requested a long leave to return to my village. No one will suspect anything," Helen replied.

"I see... but still, you’ll be here all alone with Lady Raychard. I’m concerned for your safety," the knight said. "The knights and guards will be searching for her by now. You could be caught."

"This place is safe and hard to track. I’m sure we’ll be fine. Also, the supplies you provided are enough for a few days. I do not need to venture out to replenish them for now," Helen reassured him.

Damon nodded.

"When the search begins, they will commence from the palace and the surrounding areas. Then, when they couldn’t find her, they would widen their search and use various methods to locate her. I’ve scattered deer urine around this area to deter the searching dogs from picking up her scent and have set up tripwires as traps. If an unfamiliar person approaches, they will create a rattling sound to alert you. If that occurs, take Lady Raychard with you and hide in the basement."

"Understood, Sir McQuinn. Thank you again for your help," Helen said gratefully.

"It should be me thanking you. Lady Raychard is someone I truly respect. I may be loyal to the monarch and my lord, His Highness the Grand Duke, but she doesn’t deserve this treatment," he said, feeling regret.

"We might not have an answer to this issue just yet, but what matters right now..." Helen glanced at Anna, who was peacefully asleep, looking at her with care, "...is that she is safe."

The knight agreed.

"I’ll leave her in your care and prepare to leave. I promise I’ll return in the afternoon. Until then, take care."

"We will, Sir McQuinn."

After readying himself, Damon swiftly left the old safe house to return to the palace.

***

As the day passed, Anna was able to rest and rejuvenate her energy in the tranquil environment. Though still affected by the situation, Helen was always by her side, attending to her needs. The brief respite was much needed for her recovery.

Time dragged on, and with little to occupy her, the princess grew increasingly anxious. It was unusual for her not to be escorted or accompanied by the knights.

In the afternoon, a knock rang on the door. Feeling relieved, Helen gingerly approached the door.

"I thought you might take longer! Thankfully, you made it!" she exclaimed in excitement.

The tripwires didn’t ring, reassuring the governess that Damon was indeed at the door. However, as she opened it, the startling sight froze her body.

A large hand quickly grabbed the door side, preventing Helen from attempting to close it.

"Finally, I found you!" the figure exclaimed.

Helen’s face lost its colour. The man before her wasn’t the knight that she had anticipated...