The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 73: The Departure and The Arrival

Chapter 73: The Departure and The Arrival

The entourage boarded the cog ship early the next morning. Holding Anna’s hand, Kyren walked along the wharf towards the vessel awaiting them. The princess had donned a hooded robe to shield herself from the chilly breeze.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" the commander asked her for the last time before boarding, staring with a mixed expression.

He was worried that the journey would be too much for her.

"Yes, I am. I trust you will be with me till the end," she replied, eyes shining with determination.

The princess felt a lingering sense of nervousness and shivered slightly. Nevertheless, she was determined to conquer her fears and move past her traumatic experience.

She recognised this was a crucial opportunity to become a stronger and better person, not just for herself but also for her devoted husband.

As Kyren observed his wife’s response, he couldn’t resist a slight smirk. Having been with Anna for a while, he knew she had a strong sense of conviction and wouldn’t easily back down from her decisions.

The commander gallantly walked up the ramp and boarded the ship alongside his wife.

Once onboard, Kyren turned to his second-in-command knight, Eric, who came to report and asked, "How’s everything?" He kept his hand around Anna’s waist, holding her gently while his other hand held hers.

"The stables are full, and we’ve stocked up on enough food and water. Sir McQuinn and Sir Parker are currently overseeing the horses to keep them calm. We’ve also loaded other materials and belongings since yesterday," he said. "All preparations are finished, and we’re ready to depart. The shipmaster is waiting for your instruction," informed the knight.

"Excellent. We should make a move without any delay," ordered Kyren.

The knight nodded and respectfully relayed the message to the shipmaster, who promptly ordered the crew to lift the anchor and release the mooring ropes.

The ship glided away from the dock and into the shimmering sea, illuminated by the morning sun. The water sparkled like a thousand diamonds, and the cool autumn breeze blew gently.

It was a perfect day to embark on a journey to Gantz.

Kyren gazed at the boundless expanse of the blue sea stretching out before them, captivated by its vastness. The scenery was breathtaking, like something out of a painting. Although he longed to share it with Anna, he was aware of her current condition.

"Let’s go to the cabin. You can have some well-deserved rest," he suggested, hoping to ease the tension he could sense in her.

However, the princess shook her head, declining. Although her hands still trembled, she refused to reveal her vulnerability to him. Instead, she aimed to project resilience and demonstrate her determination to conquer her inward anxiousness.

"I’m all right, Kyren. I had plenty of rest last night and don’t feel like lying down for now," she said. "Can we just sit there? I would like to have some fresh air," she suggested, pointing to a shaded area on the ship’s deck.

Kyren followed her gaze and spotted a canopy that had been set up, a small table and chairs placed underneath.

"I see what you mean," he replied. "All right, let’s go there and sit." Holding her hand in his, the couple walked to the place.

Kyren and Anna were seated, admiring the picturesque view, while the crew diligently worked to ensure a seamless voyage.

One of the older crew members grumbled due to a recent altercation with his colleagues. As he walked, he stumbled over a pail of water, causing it to spill onto the floor. Thankfully, he didn’t fall to the ground.

"Who in the blazes left this filthy pail here?" he angrily yelled.

Another crew member quickly spoke up, trying to calm him down, "Take it easy, seadog Grimm! Just move it aside. I’ll take care of it later," he said, his tone placating.

The old seaman scowled at him, his voice boomed across the deck, laced with disapproval as he scolded the young man for his indolence.

"Ye scallywag! Back in my day, ye couldn’t even slack off for a moment without feelin’ the sting of the cat-o’-nine-tails," he ranted, his voice gruff and rough.

The young seaman, cowed by the older seaman’s anger, quickly surrendered.

"Aye, aye! I’ll do it now," he muttered, grabbing a mop and starting to clean the deck with haste.

As he worked, the old seaman continued to grumble, regaling anyone nearby with tales of the hard times he had endured in his youth. His words caught the attention of Anna, who was sitting not far away.

Kyren, on the other hand, looked uneasy at the loud noise. When the old seaman noticed his discomfort, he realised his mistake and quickly approached to apologise.

"I humbly beg yer pardon, me lord. I was just correcting one of me crew members for their recklessness," the elderly seaman said, his voice low and respectful.

He bowed to the commander, showing deference to him.

As instructed by Eric, the shipmaster kept the guests’ identity a secret from the crew, leaving them unaware of who Kyren was. All they knew was that their guests were of great importance.

"Please refrain from repeating such actions in front of the lady, as she is not feeling well," cautioned the commander.

"Aye, aye, my lord! Beggin’ yer pardon," the seaman nodded repeatedly. He then turned to Anna and expressed his regret while bowing.

"I don’t mind at all. You were doing your job," replied the princess with a smile.

"Ye be a gracious lady, me lady," the seaman said, his voice filled with admiration and respect. Had it been the usual noble guests, he would have been reprimanded harshly.

As the old seaman was about to express his gratitude, he was struck by the appearance of the petite lady before him. Her shimmering green eyes left him in awe, causing him to blink several times to ensure he wasn’t dreaming.

He stammered, "Green... green eyes..." in fear as he looked at Anna.

Kyren noticed the old seaman’s awkward expression and inquired, "What are you murmuring about?"

The old seaman’s body suddenly gave out, and he collapsed to the ground, his hands clasped together in a show of supplication.

"Have mercy, Your Imperial Highness," he begged, his voice shaking with fear. "Forgive me for me impertinence, I beg ye."

Anna was taken aback by the sudden change in the old man’s demeanour. "What are you saying?" she asked, confusion etched on her face. "Why are you addressing me like that?"

The spectators around them looked on in astonishment, unsure of what was happening.

Kyren, however, was quick to intervene. He stood up abruptly, his face contorted with anger.

"Why are you addressing my wife with an imperial title?" he shouted, "You have disrespected His Majesty, the King of Cassian, for calling someone who is not bestowed with such a title! I demand that you stop addressing her in that way immediately!"

The old seaman looked up at the commander, his eyes filled with remorse.

"Take me word for it, me lord. I would never disrespect His Majesty, the king," he replied, his voice low and humble. "But I also hold the lady in high esteem, no less than any king on this continent. She be a noble lady, and I cannot help but address her with the respect she deserves."

"You dare to say that! Do you really want to die?"

Kyren looked at him with scornful eyes.

"Nay, me lord! I swear on me mother’s soul that I be tellin’ ye the truth. This lady be the descendant of the Ro’an Emperor!" the seaman exclaimed, his voice earnest and pleading.

***

The castle’s throne hall was majestic, featuring towering stone walls adorned with ornate tapestries and banners showcasing the king’s coat of arms. The space was illuminated by natural light pouring in through open windows, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.

The king’s throne, located at the far end of the hall, was an impressive sight to behold. It towered above all else, made of polished wood and embellished with gold and jewels.

The king sat upon it, his face tense and his eyes darting around the room, anxiously awaiting the arrival of his intimidating guest.

The air was thick with tension, and the only sounds that could be heard were the soft rustling of the tapestries and the echoing footsteps of the guards pacing along the walls.

The king was anxious and worried, as he was keeping a secret from his incoming guest, one that could have dire consequences if it were to be revealed.

As the minutes ticked by, Kaizer’s anxiety grew, and he fidgeted nervously in his seat, his eyes fixed on the door, waiting for the person’s arrival. Finally, it creaked open, and his heart skipped a beat as his guest entered the room.

A chill emanated as the man’s imposing figure walked onto the red carpet, followed by two escorts coming to Kaizer, who sat on the throne. The king couldn’t describe the eerie feeling he felt on the guest’s arrival, but the fear instilled in him made all his hair stand on end.

Had the king been aware of the man’s impending arrival, he would not have dispatched Brone and his best men to Cassian this morning.

Startled by his chamberlain’s news, the king was tempted to decline the guest’s request for an audience. However, he was informed that the man insisted on meeting him and knew he was available.

Kaizer had encountered this guest before, at the funeral of the previous king and queen. He remembered the man’s imposing presence, standing motionless in his hooded cloak. No one dared to question or instruct him to reveal himself as if he possessed an aura that instilled dread in those around him.

The former ruler of Ardel, King Adhemar IV, had never encountered this individual. However, Kaizer, then the Prime Minister of Ardel, observed how the late king’s demeanour shifted considerably after receiving the first proposal letter from the man through his representatives.

Although he could feel his blood run cold now, Kaizer was still arrogant. The man wore a fine, tailored grey suit covered with a black robe. The fabric hugged his lean, well-built frame, and he stood boldly before the king at a little distance.

Kaizer demanded, "I would appreciate it if you could show some respect by revealing yourself. As you know, I’m no longer the regent and now the official king of this kingdom."

Beneath the lowered hood, a chilling expression was etched on the man’s face. He slightly opened his mouth and uttered," Forgive me for my rudeness, Your Majesty. As you wish, I will reveal myself to you."

His soft, velvety speech travelled to the king’s ears.

Slowly, his slender hands were raised, pulling the hood to the back, displaying a man with a striking figure and long, flowing white hair that cascaded down his back like a waterfall of silk.

His skin was pale as snow, giving him an ethereal, otherworldly appearance. But it was his eyes that drew the most attention, for they were a deep, mesmerising red, like gleaming rubies set perfectly in his face.

Kaizer’s jaws almost dropped at the sight. The man before him, whom he thought was intimidating, appeared so gracious and gorgeously beautiful. This was his first time encountering someone as charming as him.

"Come closer," ordered the king.

The man obeyed and approached the throne with a smooth stride. His movements were graceful and fluid as if he were gliding across the floor.

His features were sharp and angular, giving him an air of mystery and intrigue. Besides his looks, he had a captivating allure that was impossible to resist.

"You’re..." Kaizer’s eyes fell on the man’s beautiful face. Captivated by his look, the king couldn’t finish his words.

Please forgive my sudden appearance and lack of introduction. My name is Prince Kiev Naver of the Kingdom of Sabel."

The king snapped back to reality when he heard his name. A sudden thought emerged in his head.

He began to consider the possibility that the prince might pose a potential threat to him. Therefore, he couldn’t allow himself to be swayed by his outward appearance.

"Yes, we met two years ago," said Kaizer, recalling his familiar name.

During the late king and queen’s funeral two years ago, the prince attended while wearing a hooded robe, much like he did today, and Kaizer never saw his face. Given the sombre occasion, there wasn’t much conversation between them.

"May I know why you came here?" inquired the king.

The beautiful man looked at the king sharply with shimmering eyes.

A thin smile spread on his lips as he requested calmly, "I would like to see my betrothed, Princess Anna."