The steward and servants of Gerhard’s mansion were taken aback by the grand duke’s and his entourage’s unexpected return in the middle of the night. The anticipation had been that the couple would co back the following morning, considering the lateness of the hour.
However, an even more astonishing sight awaited them as Kyren erged, cradling crying Anna in his arms, followed closely by Rosalie. Anryr, the steward, observed the unfolding scene with a mix of curiosity and concern.
His inquisitive nature drove him to seek answers, to understand the cause of the distress that had befallen the grand duke and the princess.
However, as he caught sight of the grand duke’s darkened expression, he realised that it was not the appropriate ti to satisfy his curiosity.
Recognising the gravity of the situation and the need to prioritise the well-being of his lord and lady, Anryr swiftly set aside his own desires and approached the grand duke with purpose.
His years of service and loyalty had taught him the importance of attending to his lord’s needs, especially in monts of distress or crisis.
With a composed deanour, the steward respectfully positioned himself by the grand duke’s side, ready to offer support and assistance.
"My lord, how may I be of service?" he respectfully inquired, awaiting further instructions.
"Summon Rafe imdiately. I need him to co to my suite now!" the grand duke commanded without hesitation.
"Right away, Your Highness," Anryr acknowledged with a bow, his movents quick and efficient as he set off to fulfil the grand duke’s command.
anwhile, seizing the opportunity, Rosalie discreetly followed her husband, matching his brisk pace. Sensing her approach, Anryr leaned closer, speaking in a hushed voice.
"What is going on? What happened?" he whispered, seeking to understand the events that had led to their abrupt return.
"There was quite a commotion at the palace banquet," Rosalie explained in a whisper. "Although I wasn’t present, from what I heard, the Ardel ambassador accidentally exposed Lady Raychard’s true identity. Now everyone knows she’s the daughter of King Adhemar!"
"What??"
Anryr’s steps faltered as he absorbed the shocking revelation, his eyes widening as he turned to his wife.
"Yes, it’s true. Lady Raychard herself admitted that she was an illegitimate daughter of the king. The revelation sparked fury among the nobles, and they were dissatisfied since His Highness still defended and stood for her despite knowing the truth."
Anryr’s hand instinctively covered his gaping mouth. The tension in his face was palpable as he hung onto Rosalie’s every word.
"Also," his wife continued, "the servants ntioned that Lord Jas, driven by his hatred toward the Adhemar bloodline, refused to respect Lady Raychard and left the banquet in protest. Trailing his departure, other nobles followed suit, abandoning the event."
Anryr’s brows furrowed with concern.
"What about Their Majesties? Did they not intervene or address the situation?" he inquired anxiously, yearning for a glimpse of stability amidst the turmoil.
"Their Majesties left the banquet earlier. That’s why Lord Jas dared to confront His Highness openly."
"Oh, dear! Poor our lady! No wonder she beca distraught like that," Anryr remarked, his concern deepening for Lady Raychard’s predicant.
"She wept all the way back to the mansion. His Highness did his best to console her, but I can only imagine the weight of this obstacle she now faces. It must have been a trendous blow to her," said Rosalie with empathy.
"I had anticipated that such trials would arise, but I never thought it would happen so soon. This would be a difficult situation for both Lady Raychard and His Highness. This is so unfair! They were just on the cusp of finding happiness together." Anryr sighed.
"Indeed. I have never witnessed His Highness so genuinely happy with any other woman. And Lady Raychard, contrary to the preconceptions many held, revealed herself to be a kind-hearted individual. It’s shaful that others rushed to ill perceptions without truly knowing her."
The steward raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised. "But you used to harbour dislike towards her."
Rosalie sighed again, her tone filled with remorse.
"That was before I had the chance to know her truly. I made that mistake when I learned she is an Adhemar because of our common sentints against them. I wish others would take the ti to see her true self before passing judgnt."
"You know, the Adhemar’s descendants were not as wicked as we thought. When the Laradie plague ravaged our land two decades ago, the Ardel King aided us by sharing the cure. Without their support, Cassian would have suffered greatly."
"That help didn’t co free, my dear. All the people knew that our previous king paid a substantial amount of money to secure the cure and that it was the only way to ensure the entire continent was free from the disease. So, likely or not, King Adhemar III had to hand the cure. Otherwise, the plague would keep on spreading!" countered Rosalie.
"Still, a help is still a help. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding it, we cannot change the fact that his assistance played a crucial role in saving countless lives. It’s important to rember that," said Anryr thoughtfully.
"Anyway, in the case of Lady Raychard, it’s unjust to despise and bla her for sothing she has no control over. She shouldn’t bear the burden of the actions of her ancestors. It’s a matter of fairness and compassion," he added.
Rosalie’s eyes sparkled with her accord.
"I couldn’t agree more. After hearing our lady’s stories from the knights, I am grateful that His Highness married her instead of Lord Jas’s daughter. Just imagine if that snobbish noblewoman had beco our lady... Urgh! The thought alone is distasteful," the chief maid grunted as she shook her shoulders in disgust.
Both Anryr and Rosalie had similar opinions. They both rembered that after the palace announced Sarah and Kyren’s betrothal, the noblewoman kept on frequenting the mansion in the grand duke’s absence, started to order around, and boasted as if the place had already belonged to her.
Servants who did not correctly greet her as the ’future grand duchess’ would be severely punished. The noblewoman shalessly changed the rules and adorned the mansion according to her style.
She also began complaining about many things that didn’t match her taste. All of them suffered under her order. Luckily, it didn’t last long when Kyren finally returned and drove her away.
Unlike Sarah, Anna, on the other hand, had neither interfered with the tasks of the servants nor raised any complaints. Each servant who crossed paths with her would be greeted politely with a smile.
Any food or services served to the lady were always welcod with a gratitude gesture, making her likeable among them. If she noticed any of the servants getting sick, she would quickly address the matter to Rafe or Ayden.
It had always been a source of embarrassnt and hesitation for the servants to directly request dication and treatnt from the healer and his assistant since both of them held dedicated positions as aids to the grand duke, the lady, and the knights. This often led the servants to have delays in receiving the necessary dical attention.
However, Anna’s presence brought about significant changes in the mansion. Her attentive and caring behaviour had positively influenced the dynamics within the household. Even Kyren, whose deanour had previously been distant, had softened and beca more approachable since the couple’s reconciliation.
"Please refrain from recalling the experience. That Lady Jas only brought horror to us," Anryr said, a touch of unease in his voice. "For now, please prepare so milk for our lady. I will go and inform Mr Amares as per our lord’s order."
Rosalie nodded in understanding. "Of course. I will prepare it imdiately and send it to His Highness’s suite," she replied.
Both parted ways to continue with their tasks.
***
Rafe’s face reflected his deep concern as he rushed into the grand duke’s suite. His worry was palpable as he quickly approached Anna, who lay on the bed. Kyren sat attentively by her side, and though her tears had subsided, a few sobs still escaped her.
Upon seeing Rafe, Kyren spoke urgently, explaining the situation, "The royal healers have already treated her and administered a calming drug. However, I want you to examine her as well, as you know her condition best."
The healer nodded. He kept his words to a minimum, not wanting to upset Anna further. He had already learned what had transpired from Anryr, and his face held nothing but sympathy for the lady lying before him.
After carefully examining the princess, Rafe broke the silence.
"There doesn’t seem to be anything physically wrong with her. She appears fine, but her pulse is slightly stronger than usual."
Kyren furrowed his brow, concerned by the healer’s observation.
"Could it be that the redies given to her didn’t work?"
Rafe shook his head.
"No, that’s unlikely. We have been using the sa calming drugs prescribed in the palace. They have worked effectively in the past, including when we used them to alleviate her nightmares and panic attacks."
Kyren sighed, his worry deepening. "Then why is she still experiencing such distress? Is there sothing more we’re missing?"
Rafe pondered montarily, his gaze fixed on Anna’s still form.
"It’s possible that her emotional turmoil is affecting her physical well-being. The events of tonight must have been incredibly overwhelming for her," he surmised.
"But she looks calr than before," said the grand duke, concerned etched on his face.
"It’s difficult to asure and understand these matters solely with our naked eyes as this is related to the mind and feelings," added the healer.
Breaking her silence, Anna expressed her gratitude to Kyren and Rafe, "I’m all right. I feel much better now. Thank you for bringing back ho, Kyren. Thank you to you too, Rafe, for looking after ."
Rafe smiled softly.
"You’re welco, my lady. However, it’s important for you to rest and prioritise your recovery. Sleeping will aid your healing process, and you should feel much improved by tomorrow."
Just as the healer finished his sentence, a knock resounded at the door. Rosalie entered the room, carrying a tray in her hands. Her presence brought a gentle calm to the atmosphere.
The chief maid approached Anna, her voice filled with warmth and care.
"My lady, I’ve brought you a mug of warm milk. It will help soothe your nerves and promote relaxation for a good night’s sleep. Please drink it and get so rest."
"Pass it to . Let cool it down a bit," said Kyren.
Rosalie raised the mug and handed it to the grand duke. Kyren gently took it from the chief maid and blew on the drink slowly, ensuring it reached a comfortable temperature. Then, tenderly, he brought the mug’s rim to Anna’s lips, urging her to drink it slowly.
The sight of Kyren’s doting actions deeply touched both Rafe and Rosalie. Witnessing the grand duke’s heartfelt concern for Anna’s well-being, they felt a renewed sense of hope for the couple’s relationship.
Anna obediently drank the entire mug, feeling the warmth of the milk soothing her senses. She expressed her gratitude, her words filled with sincerity.
"Now, lie down and get so rest. I’ll be right here beside you," Kyren reassured her.
Understanding the couple’s need for privacy and space, Rafe and Rosalie quietly excused themselves from the room, allowing Anna and Kyren to share a peaceful mont together.
The princess followed her husband’s orders, settling herself on the bed and soon succumbing to the embrace of sleep. The room was filled with a serene stillness, and as the princess’s eyes closed, a sense of tranquillity resolved over her.
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