The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 482: A Change of Heart

Chapter 482: A Change of Heart

The princess quickly hid her hand behind her back.

"Lady Raychard said she got scratched by the stone wall while escaping through the secret passage," Helen said.

"That doesn’t look like a cut from that. The texture of the passage wall is jagged. It wouldn’t produce such a sleek, clean cut. That couldn’t have come from a knife either, as it resembles a narrow slice, like a sharp, shattered object that accidentally grazed you. If I’m not mistaken, that could be from the broken bowl in your chamber."

"The broken bowl? My lady, did the porridge that Lady James threw hit you?" Damon asked, alarmed.

"Sir McQuinn!" Anna cried out, trying to stop him from making further remarks about Sarah.

After all, they were speaking to her brother. Criticising his sister would only make their situation worse.

"Did Sarah hurt you?" Adam asked Anna, his expression darkening.

"Such a thing never happened!" she denied, turning her face away from the admiral.

Adam replied in a low, solemn tone, "You’re not good at lying, my lady. There’s no need to pretend it didn’t happen. Surely, she wanted to crush you for taking the man she’s yearned for all these years."

"I never took Kyren from her! He was never hers to begin with!" Anna fought back. "I never wanted to escape! But she threatened to hurt my child!"

Unable to hold back her feelings, tears streamed down her face.

"Why is this happening to me? Why? I just want to live peacefully with Kyren! But my life keeps falling apart! Why can’t I be happy with the man I love?" she sobbed.

At this, Helen hugged the princess, sensing her turmoil. Pregnancy had made Anna more sensitive, and her emotional struggles were overwhelming.

Adam looked at her with remorse.

"I’m sorry for what my sister did and everything that happened to you. I truly am. I know how cunning my sister and father can be, and I completely disagree with their actions."

"Why aren’t you taking their side? I thought you would support them since they’re your family," Damon said.

"I would support my family if they were in the right. But in this case, they are wrong... completely wrong. Yes, Lady Raychard is pregnant, and we don’t know who the father is since His Highness the Grand Duke denied being the father. However, this should have been investigated further before simply accusing someone of infidelity. Everything is based on hearsay without solid proof or witnesses," Adam remarked wisely.

"How come you have a different perspective on this, Admiral James?" the governess asked, surprised.

"Because I know my family well. They’re seizing this opportunity to get back at His Highness the Grand Duke. What was once a childhood affection has morphed into a malicious obsession and wild ambition. My sister wants His Highness for herself, while my father desires her to be the queen of this kingdom. Ever since Sarah was young, she has been groomed and put on the faith that she was meant for the title and that His Highness was rightfully hers. That’s why she couldn’t handle it when the betrothal was annulled."

"Why did you let her have such a belief? Did you agree to this?" the knight asked.

"I never did. I often conflicted with her and my father about it, but my opinions always fell on deaf ears. Unlike Sarah, I didn’t grow up basking in my father’s wealth or receiving special treatment. As the firstborn and heir of the family, I was taught to be strong and resilient to carry on the legacy of the James family. I was sent to His Highness as his study buddy and training partner from a young age. My father desired to forge a strong connection with the royal family. I was used as his pawn, too, but I suppose it didn’t turn out exactly as he wished. Mingling with His Highness has shaped me into who I am, and I don’t regret it."

"Honestly, she’s been fixated on marrying His Highness and hasn’t let it go," Damon added.

"True. She is consumed by an overwhelming desire, driven by possessiveness towards His Highness, completely forgetting that love cannot be compelled. I have not only been a peer to the Grand Duke but also served as his trusted companion. From the very beginning, I sensed that he had no interest in her, or any other woman for that matter, until you came into his life, Lady Raychard. When he first met me after returning to Port Braska, he revealed a side of himself I had never witnessed before. He spoke with pride about his marriage to a wife who is truly unique, one beyond compare."

Anna felt her heart sink. She should have been happy for the praise. However...

"But Kyren hates me now... He hates me! He doesn’t want me anymore!" she cried, her body shaking.

"I’m not so sure about that," Adam replied. "If he truly hated you and wholly believed you betrayed him, you would already be dead. His Highness does not spare traitors."

"When I left the palace, he was still isolating himself in his bedroom, refusing to see anyone or eat anything. We didn’t know how to help. Even Sir Navin advised us not to provoke him," Damon explained gloomily.

"Kyren... Kyren isn’t eating?" Anna suddenly asked, her eyes widening as she turned to the knight.

Damon looked down.

"We tried to persuade him, but it was futile. He hasn’t touched any food or drink since the incident."

"Oh, no!" The princess jumped up from the bed, releasing Helen’s hands. "I need to go to him! He’ll get sick if he doesn’t eat!"

She stepped toward the door, but the admiral quickly halted her.

"Rather than focusing on his well-being, you should prioritise your safety and that of your baby," he said. "Going to him is like walking into a lion’s den. My father, sister, and their supporters will likely seize this opportunity to impose heavy punishment on you upon capture. You and your baby won’t be safe!"

Adam’s warning made Anna hesitate. She wanted to rush to Kyren more than anything, but the admiral was right—her child would be in danger if she followed her heart.

"Then... how do we resolve this issue? Lady Raycard can’t be hiding forever!" Helen asked.

"For now, there’s no other option. The best course is for her to flee. I can’t consider this place safe for her anymore. If I can find you all, then the high-ranking Knights of Neblim will too," Adam said.

"You want me to run again? Now?" Anna asked, surprised.

"If you want to stay alive, you must," Adam replied firmly. "Staying here offers no guarantee of safety. Besides, your escape from detainment already paints you as guilty."

This shocked Anna, and even Helen struggled to accept the suggestion.

"How can we do that in broad daylight? Your knights are searching for her. We’ll be caught in no time!" the governess exclaimed.

"Don’t worry. I’ll help you. I know a shortcut to the border of Galicia. There’s a secret tunnel in the mountainous area that leads to a sanctuary with an oasis at its heart. The passage is long, taking about two to three days, depending on your speed. It’s a safe haven, with fruit trees and fresh air. His Highness and I discovered this place during our training together. You’ll be safe there."

"You’re going to help? But why?" Damon asked.

"Because I don’t want His Highness to regret his actions later. I’ve seen him genuinely happy with you, Lady Raychard. I believe there’s still time to rectify this and uncover the truth. Until then, you need to stay safe."

"But... but... Kyren—"

"My lady, I know you’re heartbroken and your thoughts are with His Highness. But I wouldn’t suggest this if there were another way. I let you sleep so you’d have the energy for this journey. Trust me. I’m not lying or making this up. You know how dire the situation is."

Helen approached Anna and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Admiral James is right. I don’t think he’s deceiving us. If he wanted to, he could have signalled his men to catch us immediately when he found us. But he didn’t, and he insisted on letting you rest. I was confused at first, but now I see his intention."

Tears streamed down Anna’s face. She knew what must be done, but the thought of leaving the man she loved was unbearable. Would there be another chance for them to reunite?

"For how long do I have to hide away?" she asked, her voice breaking.

"I don’t know. It could be days, weeks, or even months... there’s no telling. But I promise to investigate this matter thoroughly," Adam assured her.

"I’ll accompany her! She’s my responsibility!" Helen insisted.

The admiral nodded.

"Of course. She will need care from another woman in her condition. Your assistance is essential."

"I’ll go too! I can’t let you take Lady Raychard without backup!" Damon urged.

"Sorry, but you can’t. As I said, the journey takes days. If you suddenly disappear for that long, Sir Navin and the other Knights of Gerhard will come looking for you. He’ll find us all, and it will jeopardise the entire plan," Adam explained, knowing well the knights’ loyalty towards Kyren.

Damon sighed in frustration but understood the admiral’s insight. Anna’s safety was at stake, and he couldn’t take that risk.

"So, what do we do now?" Helen asked.

"Prepare the essentials and take only what you need. Once we reach the sanctuary, I’ll find the rest of what you require," Adam ordered. Turning to Damon, he added, "As for you, Sir McQuinn, return to your post and act as if nothing happened."

"But... how do I know she’ll be safe?" Damon asked, hesitating to comply.

"In this situation, I’m more than capable of getting her to safety. I’ll ensure she is unharmed. I swear it upon my name and title, Adam James, Admiral of Cassian," Adam vowed.

"Then I accept that as a knight’s oath, Admiral," Damon replied.

"Please do. By law, we are defying the orders of His Majesty, the King of Cassian. So whatever happens, do not get caught!" the admiral warned.

"Yes, Admiral!" the knight complied.

Preparations began, with Helen and Damon gathering the items they would need for the journey. In a short time, everything was ready for departure.

Adam led Anna towards the door, holding her hand in his gloved one. As they stepped outside, the princess saw the ruins of what had once been a part of the safe house’s complex. The devastating scenery mirrored her feelings.

Must this be the only way for her? She had run from Ardel, escaped from slave traders, fled the palace, and now she was about to embark on another escape. When would it end?

"Admiral James..." Anna said softly.

"Yes, my lady?"

"Thank you for supporting me and for doing this. I never expected a member of the James family to be the one to save me," she said gratefully.

"You’re most welcome. As I said, I’m doing this not just for you, but for His Highness’s sake as well."

"I know. You are one of his close friends. Perhaps if you had met him before seeing me after the accusation, you might not have believed in me," Anna said sadly.

"I doubt that," Adam replied.

The princess blinked, then looked back at the admiral.

"Why do you say that?"

"Sir Navin isn’t the only one who knows how to read people. I may not be as skilled as him, but I have some talent in that area too," Adam said gently.

"I appreciate it, Admiral James. You’ve turned away from what your family desires just to save me. I feel so indebted. If there’s any way I could repay your kindness..." Anna paused, then stared at the ground.

She realised she had nothing to offer, as she was already in a desperate situation and relying on the admiral for the escape.

"If you feel that way, then perhaps... grant me a wish," Adam suggested, smirking after momentarily staring at her.

Anna lifted her gaze and looked at him, surprised.

"A wish? What is it that you desire?"

"I’m not sure. But maybe... who knows? There may come a time when the tables turn, and I’ll find myself in need of your help. Would you grant it then?" he asked, smiling.

It seemed a lighthearted request, and Adam didn’t appear serious about it. Perhaps he was trying to ease her heart before they departed.

However, feeling resolute, Anna replied, "Yes. With all my heart! As long as it’s within my power, I shall grant it to you."

"So shall it be. You owe me this one," Adam said, sealing the little deal that seemed insignificant.

They set off, with Damon promising to escort them only to the edge of the nearby forest before going their own ways.

Adam led the path, followed by Anna and Helen, with Damon looking out behind them. When they reached the forest’s edge, they stopped, and the knight handed the cloth parcel he carried, containing their belongings, to the governess and the admiral.

"Take good care of Lady Raychard. I wish I could accompany you and protect her, but Admiral James will be better suited for this task from now on. Please forgive my shortcomings, everyone," he said.

"I will, Sir McQuinn. Please don’t apologise. You’ve done so much for us. Thank you for everything," she replied.

"You take care of yourself, too. Please be careful and don’t slip up," Adam reminded him.

"I will." Damon nodded.

Anna gazed at the knight with a heavy heart, unable to utter any words.

"I should be going now, my lady," Damon said. "This is where we part ways."

Sadness reflected in the knight’s eyes, knowing he could no longer care for Anna as he wished. He had to rely solely on Adam and Helen now.

For a moment, silence enveloped them, broken only by the cold wind rustling through the leafless trees and the chirping of winter birds.

It was time to say goodbye. The farewell was quick and bittersweet, as they had to depart before the sun dipped below the horizon.

Anna’s heart felt heavier than before after Damon left. Somehow, her heart protested this decision. She wasn’t guilty. So, why should she run away?

With each step trudging the forest’s path, the weight of her feelings grew more and more until she could no longer bear it.

Anna thought about this thoroughly and finally made up her mind. Suddenly, she halted her movement and called up to Adam.

"Admiral James..."

"Yes, my lady. Is something wrong?" he asked, turning to her.

Helen also felt weird about her behaviour, as this was no time for procrastinating.

Instead of answering the admiral, the princess asked, "You swear you will protect me, won’t you?"

"Yes, I do," Adam replied, puzzled by the sudden question.

She saw the determination glint in Anna’s emerald eyes, one that wasn’t there before.

"Then, take me back to the palace," the princess decided.

The admiral and the governess gazed back at the princess, completely astonished. What on earth had got into her?