As Anna, accompanied by Alex and Drystan, approached her room, an attendant ca and intercepted them with so news.
"Apologies, my lady, but there are two ladies who wish to see you. They are currently waiting in the parlour," the attendant inford her.
Curiosity piqued, Anna inquired, "Who is it?"
"It’s Lady redith Grey and Lady Sylvia Rogers. They ntioned that you know them," the attendant responded.
Anna’s eyes widened at the ntion of the nas, and Alex’s expression mirrored her surprise.
"r and Lady Rogers?" Anna contemplated aloud. "Why would they suddenly want to see ?"
She pondered montarily and then decided, "Very well, I will go and see them." Turning to Alex and Drystan, she asked, "Would it be possible for both of you to escort to et them?"
"Of course, my lady," Drystan promptly replied.
The servant bowed respectfully and followed the princess and her two escorts from a short distance. As they reached the parlour, Anna spotted redith seated on the settee, patiently awaiting her arrival. By her side sat Sylvia, and standing nearby was Rania, redith’s personal maid.
redith turned her head, her face lighting up with a broad smile as she caught sight of Anna. However, her grin faltered slightly as her gaze trailed to Alex standing behind her.
Sensing the potential need for privacy, Drystan asked the princess, "Shall we wait outside?"
"There’s no need for that. You both can stay," Anna reassured them, wanting their presence during the eting.
The servant who had accompanied them discreetly closed the door, granting them the desired privacy. redith and Sylvia rose from their seats. redith curtsied to Anna, and Sylvia followed suit after a mont of hesitation.
"r, there’s no need for you to curtsy to . I am not a noblewoman," Anna insisted, her voice gentle yet firm. The two knights exchanged knowing glances, aware that Anna had decided to conceal her royal status for safety reasons, as discussed earlier.
"Of course I do! You are His Highness’s wife!" redith retorted.
"How are you doing now, r? Have you fully recovered?" Anna inquired, genuine concern lacing her words.
"I am fine, truly. You need not worry about . In fact, it is you I am concerned about. I have heard the news. Is it true that you will beco His Highness’s concubine?" redith’s voice held a mixture of worry and curiosity.
Anna smiled. "It is, as I am his unofficial wife."
"But how is this fair?" redith exclaid, her disbelief evident. "Just because of what happened to you, His Majesty wants to bestow such a title upon you! It’s unjust! You didn’t ask for those terrible things to happen!"
"So you’ve already heard," Anna interjected.
"My father inford . He was present in the throne hall when you underwent the tests and when His Majesty made his decision. I simply can’t wrap my head around it! That’s why I ca today, to see you," redith explained earnestly. "Furthermore, I brought Sylvia along. She owes you an apology for the chaos she caused."
Sylvia smiled hesitantly, her remorse evident. "I... I... I am truly sorry for my actions the other day! r explained everything to . If it weren’t for you, she would still be languishing in the dungeon, and perhaps all the fan club mbers would have faced dire consequences," Sylvia expressed regretfully.
"Oh, hush! I didn’t do anything extraordinary," Anna replied modestly. "I was fortunate that His Majesty was willing to listen to and provided an opportunity to clear up the misunderstanding."
"Nevertheless, I am imnsely thankful for what you did," Sylvia insisted earnestly. "You have no idea how nervous I was during His Majesty’s interrogation. He himself said that if it hadn’t been for you, he would have detained us all!"
"I’m relieved that everything worked out well," Anna replied.
redith’s disappointnt remained palpable. "I still find it unjust. My father even ntioned that your grandfather was a renowned scholar from Engarth, and he was astounded by your command of the Ro’an language, surpassing even Lord Anson, the chief scholar. You co from a family of knowledge and prestige in Ardel. If you had not fallen into the clutches of those slave traders, you could have beco the esteed Grand Duchess of Gerhard," she expressed sincerely.
"r told that, too! It’s truly remarkable that you possess such skill. Not everyone can master the language of the kings, let alone beco an expert in it," Sylvia chid in, emphasising her admiration.
Anna chuckled softly.
"Shouldn’t both of you be angry with , considering that I stole away the man you both admired?" she teased, lightening the mood in the room.
"Ah! I admired His Highness for his charm and talent! I’m not so petty as to be jealous of you for marrying him," redith responded sincerely. "Now, I understand why he chose you over the other won. You have a heart of gold, and even after what we did to you, you still extend your hand in friendship and help and my friends. It is I who should be ashad of myself. I hope we can still be friends after all that has transpired."
"Of course, I want to be friends!" Anna exclaid. "You were the first to offer to be my friend when I arrived in Gantz. You also stood up for at the boutique, rember? I will never forget your kindness."
redith’s smile widened, reflecting her relief and happiness. "In that case, I have a request, and I hope you will consider it," she said.
Anna asked with curiosity, "What is it?"
"I would like to beco your lady-in-waiting once you attain your new title," redith revealed, her gaze focused on Anna.
"What? r! You never ntioned this to before," Sylvia interjected, surprised by the revelation.
"I know. I haven’t shared this with anyone yet because I wanted to ask Anna first," redith explained to Sylvia.
"Lady-in-waiting? But for what purpose?" Anna questioned, a hint of confusion colouring her voice. "I am not the grand duchess. There is no official need for such a role."
"Yes, there is," redith persisted. "Since there is no legal wife of His Highness, you will unofficially assu the responsibilities of the grand duchess. You must correspond with the nobles regarding matters concerning the Duchy of Gerhard. Having as your lady-in-waiting would be imnsely beneficial, as I am well-versed in etiquette and protocol. Moreover, I want to ensure you are treated with the respect and dignity you deserve."
Anna contemplated the proposition, recognising the validity of redith’s argunt.
"You’re right. I would need so help in navigating the intricacies of Cassian culture. I am not yet accustod to it."
"But, r! If you beco Lady Raychard’s lady-in-waiting, it ans you will have to accompany her and live in the duchy! You will be separated from your family, and furthermore... it is not common for us to leave our territory unless we are married into another," Sylvia pointed out, her concern evident.
redith’s gaze flickered briefly towards Alex, their eyes locking for a fleeting mont before she averted her gaze. The knight was obviously surprised by the statent.
"Then, that ans I just have to find a suitor in Gerhard," she mused aloud. "I’m sure His Highness wouldn’t mind. There are plenty of eligible bachelors among his knights. Mr Rafe Amares and even his assistant are available too!"
As redith ntioned Rafe and Ayden as potential candidates, a subtle tension tightened Alex’s face, almost imperceptible to the others. Anna’s eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected words from the noblewoman.
"Are you serious about this, r?" Sylvia asked.
"Absolutely! I would be delighted if soone from Gerhard would be willing to marry and bring happiness to my life," redith responded earnestly. "I’m not that young anymore, and I’ve reached a marriageable age. It’s only natural for to consider my future."
Anna considered redith’s words for a mont before speaking.
"I won’t interfere in your personal life decisions. Marriage is indeed a significant step, and making such a choice indicates maturity. I will convey your request to His Highness and seek his approval."
redith’s face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you so much, Anna! So, after this, I will address you as Lady Raychard again!" she exclaid happily.
Anna chuckled, her warmth shining through. "Only during formal events. I still want you to address as Anna in our casual interactions. After all, we are friends, aren’t we?"
Giggles filled the room as the ladies shared a lighthearted mont. When their eting drew close, redith and Sylvia politely excused themselves to return ho.
As redith passed through the doorway and went to the corridor, Alex, standing aside, suddenly followed her.
"Lady Grey, can I see you for a mont?" he requested.
redith discreetly signalled Sylvia and Rania to walk ahead, creating a brief distance between them. She turned to face the knight, her expression severe and her lips devoid of a smile.
"What is it that you want from ?" she inquired, her eyes stern and unwavering.
Alex t her gaze, his tone hinting at concern. "Are you truly serious about your decision to seek a suitor from Gerhard?" he asked.
"Yes, I am. Why do you ask?" replied redith, her voice reflecting determination.
"Marriage is a profound commitnt. It should not be taken lightly or cast aside easily if you change your mind. It is not a ga," Alex cautioned, his words weighted with sincerity.
redith’s eyes flashed with a touch of anger. "Who said I am playing a ga? I am deadly serious about this!" she asserted.
"If you are pursuing this to gain favour with His Highness..." Alex began, his voice trailing off.
redith interrupted him. "I am not! Please do not misunderstand . This is not so ploy to pursue His Highness. I would never do such a thing to Anna. I respect her, and all of this is for her sake. She saved my life, and I’m indebted to her," she explained firmly.
Alex hesitated montarily, then continued, "Then, what about the suitors..."
"That is none of your concern," redith interjected firmly.
"But... what you said... the other day..." Alex fumbled, his words filled with uncertainty.
redith’s gaze bore into him. "And hasn’t it been made clear already that you do not want ?" she questioned, her voice tinged with a hint of pain.
"What??" Alex exclaid in disbelief.
"Yes! You ran away when I confessed my feelings to you! Clearly, you weren’t interested in , so why bother now that I want to marry soone else?" redith responded, her words tinged with frustration.
A wave of realisation washed over Alex’s face.
"So you are serious about the marriage..."
"Of course I am! I will find soone from Gerhard who genuinely appreciates my feelings. As for you, Sir, thank you for saving , but I believe this is where our connection ends. Please excuse ," redith declared firmly, beginning to walk away.
Alex stood there, petrified. His mind raced to find the right words. Realising that redith was already departing, he gathered his thoughts and ran after her.
"Lady Grey!" he called out, desperation evident in his voice.
redith turned to face him, her expression guarded. "I have nothing more to say to you, Sir Jarr," she stated firmly.
"Wait! Please, listen to first!" Alex pleaded, his voice filled with urgency.
"Humph!" redith turned her head away, her resolve unyielding. "It’s too late now!"
With those words, the noblewoman continued on her way, refusing to look back.
"Oh, dear! What should I do?" Alex’s face twisted with anxiety as he watched redith walk away. With a heavy heart and a sense of disappointnt, he returned to Anna and Drystan, joining them again.
"Forgive , my lady, for leaving just now. I had sothing to discuss with Lady Grey," Alex apologised, his tone filled with remorse.
"Oh, no worries at all! In fact, I just received an invitation to have lunch with Her Majesty and my nieces. I will be joining them, and neither of you is required to accompany . It’s an all-girls event," Anna inford them, a smile gracing her lips.
The attendants, already present, stepped forward to accompany Anna, and soon they departed, leaving Alex and Drystan alone.
As they stood together, Drystan approached Alex with curiosity.
"So, what did you talk about with Lady Grey?"
"Nothing of great importance," Alex replied nonchalantly.
Drystan raised an eyebrow. An interest was apparent in his expression.
"Hmm... about what she ntioned earlier, marrying into Gerhard... do you think she’s genuinely considering it?"
"Yes, she is," Alex confird, his voice tinged with resignation.
Drystan’s eyes glead with a mischievous sparkle.
"Well, in that case, perhaps I have a chance. She doesn’t seem to be overly selective. I may not co from a noble bloodline, but my family has a rchant background," he mused.
Alex’s glare intensified, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "Just shut up!" he snapped, unable to hide his jealousy.
Drystan’s grin widened, relishing in his friend’s reaction. "Oh, co on! I think I might try to court her," he declared playfully.
Alex’s frustration seethed, but he could only respond with a resigned sigh, knowing that his chance with redith seed to slip further away.
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