The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 69: [Bonus - ] Unveiling Her Story

Chapter 69: [Bonus Chapter] Unveiling Her Story

"Commander, the cog ship is ready for loading. We’ll arrange the goods and horses transfer immediately. I’ve spoken to the shipmaster, and he recommends departing tomorrow morning. What’s your order?" Eric asked.

Kyren looked up from the map he was studying, noting that the rest of the entourage had already disembarked from the boat. Anna was still asleep, so he had stayed behind to keep an eye on her.

"We’ll follow the shipmaster’s recommendation. Anna requires a layover, so please charter a nearby accommodation for our night stay," Kyren ordered, his voice firm and authoritative.

"Yes, commander," the second-in-command knight acknowledged, nodding in understanding. He quickly relayed the order to the rest of the team, who sprang into action to make the necessary arrangements.

With the accommodation for their night stay confirmed at a nearby inn, Kyren carefully picked up his sleeping wife, hoisting her body gently so as not to wake her. Despite his efforts, Anna’s sensitive nature caused her to stir awake as she felt herself being carried.

"Where are we?" she asked, still groggy from sleep.

"We’ve arrived at Carlan Wharf. We’ll be spending the night here," Kyren replied as he continued to stride towards the inn not far from the boat.

The lights from the building and the surrounding area had already been lit, casting a warm glow in the gathering dusk.

"If you’re tired, close your eyes and sleep some more. You didn’t get much rest yesterday," he suggested as he tried to help her calm down and rest.

"It’s fine. I’ve had enough sleep. You don’t have to carry me around. I can walk," the princess insisted, trying to be independent despite feeling weak.

"You’re not well and still shivering. It’s my duty to take care of my wife. Listen to me, and don’t argue," Kyren demanded, his tone gentle but firm. He knew that Anna’s stubbornness could worsen her condition, and he wanted her to rest and recover quickly.

Anna pursed her lips, knowing her husband wasn’t happy with her condition. She didn’t want to upset him, so she let him continue carrying her without further objection.

They boarded an entire large inn, and Kyren lifted Anna to the second level. When they entered the room, the commander gently laid his sick wife on the bed and lit the light.

"You must be hungry. I’ll ask the innkeeper to bring up something quickly," he said to her, who was already sitting.

He left her alone for a while before returning. They were served a decent dinner shortly after, and the inn workers moved in their luggage.

"Bring up the bathwater and towels an hour from now," he ordered the workers.

They quickly nodded and bowed before leaving the room to continue their tasks.

As was customary when Anna was ill, Kyren took charge of feeding her. He would gently scoop the food onto the spoon and bring it to her lips, ensuring she ate enough to regain strength. Although the princess was used to her husband’s attentiveness, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of guilt for the added burden that her illness placed on him.

"Let me wash you up. You’ll sleep better once you feel refreshed," Kyren offered, shifting his focus to helping Anna feel more comfortable. The arrangement for their bath had been made.

"It’s all right, Kyren. I can manage it myself. You need to rest, too. Why don’t you sit back while I bathe?" Anna suggested, not wanting to be a further inconvenience to her husband.

"I have a better idea. Let’s bathe together. We haven’t done it for quite some time," Kyren proposed, removing Anna’s clothes.

The princess blushed at the touch of her husband’s calloused fingertips on her skin. She wanted to refuse but knew it would only upset her husband, and she couldn’t bear to appear ungrateful for his efforts. So, she reluctantly nodded her agreement.

As Kyren lifted Anna’s body and stepped into the tub, she instinctively gripped his firm biceps. The water sloshed over the edge as they descended, but the warmth of the bathwater immediately eased her tension.

Anna sank into the tub, bending her knees, while Kyren positioned himself behind her. He picked up the soap and began to lather it onto her shoulder and neck, his piercing blue eyes lighting up as he touched her bare skin.

Breaking the silence, the commander spoke with a hint of bitterness in his voice, "The last time we were like this, you were hurt too," he said, his fingers continuing to work the soap into her skin. Then, he poured the water onto her body, rinsing the bubbles. As he saw the condition of her skin, his eyebrows wrinkled.

"I don’t like seeing the bruises and scars on your body, Anna."

She bit her lips upon hearing the statement.

"I’m sorry for being weak and ugly." Her words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken emotion.

"No, I don’t mean that," he replied earnestly.

"You don’t? Forgive me for mistaking you," she said softly, disappointed in herself for assuming her husband was criticising her appearance. She couldn’t help feeling inadequate beside him, with his striking looks and charming personality. It seemed like he deserved someone more beautiful than her.

But her husband quickly reassured her.

"I don’t hate you for being fragile, and you’re not ugly," he said, his arms wrapping around her from behind.

"When I see your bruises and scars, it hurts me because I feel like I’ve failed to protect you. I can’t stand to see you in pain. I just can’t."

He paused for a moment, then whispered in her ear. "You haven’t been telling me everything. We’ve promised each other to be better husbands and wives. So, talk to me."

His words struck a chord within her, and she realised she had kept her pain to herself. She leaned back into his embrace, feeling his warmth and comfort.

"I’m sorry," she said again, "I didn’t mean to shut you out."

"Tell me what it’s all about. What’s causing your fear? Who has hurt you? I swear if anyone has harmed you, I’ll skin them all alive. Just say who they are and where they’re located," he demanded.

Anna felt her throat tighten as she sensed the ominous tone in her husband’s voice. She had witnessed his violent outbursts twice before, both times because of her actions.

Knowing Kyren’s behaviour, she knew that revealing her true identity as the Princess of Ardel and Kaizer Ronan’s treachery to him could potentially trigger a devastating war between Cassian and Ardel. This would severely impact many people, particularly the Knights of Gerhard, whom she deeply cared for. The responsibility of preventing such a catastrophic event lay in her hands.

No! She couldn’t allow this to happen!

However, Anna couldn’t remain silent and increased Kyren’s anxiety. It was crucial to avoid testing the commander’s patience and attentiveness towards her. Therefore, she needed to choose her words wisely and reveal only what was essential to alleviate his worries.

"I’ve been through a traumatic experience due to a shipwreck," she began, taking a deep breath. "Two years ago, my family and I were on a ship that sank during a storm. I was the only survivor."

Kyren’s hand, which had been absentmindedly wandering over her skin, stopped abruptly. He remembered the story Anna had told him about her brother’s death two years ago at the marigold field.

"Your brother was on the ship too?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Anna nodded.

"Yes. He was presumed dead, but his body was never found. Only my parents’ remains were recovered," she said, her voice breaking as tears welled up in her eyes.

"Where were your parents planning to take you?" he asked again.

It was difficult to imagine a fragile girl being taken on a voyage. Her parents must have known that it wasn’t the best idea for her to travel.

"We were on our way to the Kingdom of Sabel."

"That’s far from the continent. For what purpose?"

Anna paused for a moment as she needed time to reveal the reason. Slowly, she turned around to face her husband.

She looked him deeply in the eyes, opened her mouth and said, "Please don’t be mad at me, Kyren..."

A glint of worry was written all over her face.

"What’s wrong?" he asked.

His bright blue eyes were fixed on her.

"I... I was engaged. My parents had arranged for me to marry a man who lived there. They were sending me off for my wedding."

Anna’s eyes welled up with tears.

Kyren froze at the revelation. He didn’t expect to receive this news. Knowing that his wife had once been promised to another man made him uneasy. It took a moment for him to digest the information.

"This betrothed of yours, did he ever come looking for you after the incident?"

"He came once during the funeral, but I was too sick to meet him. My family arranged everything, and I never saw his portrait or knew anything about him. Shortly after that, bad things started happening, and the rest is history," Anna replied, her voice heavy with emotion.

Kyren listened intently. His brow furrowed in concern.

"What about the fire? You mentioned it and you ran away from bad people," he inquired softly.

Anna took a deep breath before answering.

"Bandits broke into my house and kidnapped me. They took me to a remote location, and a fire broke out one night. I managed to escape but was later caught by slave traders," she explained, her eyes downcast.

"I see," Kyren said, nodding slowly. "Do you remember anything about the bandits? What did they look like, or where were they from?"

Anna shook her head sadly.

"I don’t remember much except for their leader. He had a horrible scar on his face. But the rest of them, I couldn’t say for sure."

Kyren’s face darkened at the mention of the bandits. However, he quickly shifted his expression, knowing now was not the time to react to them.

"It must be hard for you. Then, we do not need to travel by ship. I’ll cancel everything tomorrow morning," said the commander.

Anna shook her head firmly.

"No, Kyren. I don’t want to. You’ve already done so much for me."

"But you’re traumatised. I can’t let you be in fear throughout the journey."

Anna inhaled and looked at her husband’s face.

"Then don’t let me. Instead, help me face it. I need to let go of this trauma sooner or later. It’s been two years, and I can’t keep holding on to the past."

After thinking momentarily, Kyren voiced his concern, "Are you certain about this? You don’t have to put yourself through this for anyone else. Your health matters most to me."

Anna smiled softly, appreciative of his care.

"I’m certain. I want to confront it and move forward, and I know I can do it with you by my side."

Despite her assurance, Kyren still hesitated with her decision. He furrowed his brow as he pondered it further.

Sensing his unease, the princess grasped his arms and looked up at him with determination in her eyes.

"Trust me, Kyren. I’m doing this for myself. So please, help me. As long as you’re by my side, I believe I can get through this," she continued, her voice unwavering.

The commander’s response was immediate.

"Of course I will. You’re my woman, and I’ll never leave you," he said, pulling her close and embracing her.

As he held her, he felt a surge of pride for his wife. This petite lady, who seemed so fragile, was much braver than her appearance suggested.

It took a strong will and an unbreakable desire to face one’s trauma, and Anna had both.

He kissed the top of her head, promising himself to be there for her every step of the way.

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