"Anna wants to return to the mansion?"
King Kyden arched an eyebrow as he listened to the news shared by his wife, Queen Elda. The monarchs were enjoying a leisurely afternoon tea in the grand parlour of the king’s court.
"That’s what she told . She ntioned it would only be for several days, and she plans to go once Rafe Amares returns, which is next week," replied the queen.
"Rafe is not here?" the king inquired again, his curiosity piqued.
"No, he went back to his hotown, Rivendelle. Anna explained that he wanted to introduce his new wife to his family. And surprisingly, Prince Kiev decided to join them," Queen Elda responded.
"Hmm... I guess lunch will have to wait then," King Kyden replied with a smirk, diverting the conversation.
"Lunch?" Queen Elda raised an eyebrow inquisitively.
"Lord Anson has been requesting to have lunch with the derians’ royal siblings. It’s been a while since he last t them during the duel at the arena," the king explained.
Queen Elda nodded in understanding.
"Ah, yes... He was quite eager to hear more about the stories surrounding the Ro’an direct descendants. Prince Kiev only briefly ntioned it before."
The king continued, "The sa goes for the other ministers. Even though I haven’t officially announced the derians’ arrival at the palace, the news has swiftly spread. During our eting, the ministers caught wind of Prince Kiev and Princess Callis’s visit, and I confird it. Now, they are all interested in eting the siblings in person."
"That’s to be expected. Having the derians visit Cassian for the first ti after the empire’s collapse is bound to garner attention, especially considering their relation to Her Imperial Majesty, the last empress herself. Their arrival should ideally be celebrated. Are you planning to inform the ministers about the purpose of their visit?" Queen Elda asked.
The king pondered montarily before responding, "Most likely, they have already heard rumours about the reason. I shouldn’t lie about it."
Queen Elda agreed, "I concur. It’s best not to deceive them. They must be curious about why a derian prince is betrothed to the Princess of Ardel."
"Officially, Anna is not recognised as the Princess of Ardel despite being King Adhemar IV’s daughter. Lord Morro, the ambassador, ntioned that an illegitimate child cannot inherit the royal title," said the king.
The queen expressed her confusion, "That’s peculiar... When we first t Anna upon her arrival at the palace, she introduced herself as the Princess of Ardel. She seed certain about it. Why would she claim to be one if she is not recognised as part of the royal family?"
"Perhaps she wanted to simplify matters. Admitting to being an illegitimate king’s daughter is not an easy topic to discuss. It concerns her dignity. Princess or not, the title is rely a formality. She is still the daughter of a king and a princess to her father," the king speculated.
"Right."
"I suppose it was her way of being upfront with us and preparing us for what would co. It’s better to be transparent than to keep secrets that may cause trouble later on. We have already accepted her for who she is," King Kyden added.
"I agree. However, I’m still curious about their betrothal. I asked Anna before. She claid her family arranged it, and she knew nothing about it. She had never t Prince Kiev until now," the queen voiced her lingering curiosity.
"That is interesting. I, too, am eager to know the reasons behind it. A derian and an Ardelian coming together does seem unusual considering the clan’s allegiance to the empire, doesn’t it?"
Queen Elda gave a contemplative nod.
"Perhaps there’s more to it. Could it be that they are soulmates? Princess Callis fell head over heels for Rafe, declaring him her soulmate after only a few days of eting," the king wondered.
The queen seed uncertain. However, she noted, "I’m not entirely sure about that, Your Majesty. But Anna doesn’t look like she is attracted to Prince Kiev at all. Aren’t soulmates captivated by each other?"
"Rafe wasn’t aware of it at all. He was so surprised when Princess Callis explained her action."
The king then chuckled, finding amusent in the fact that the soulmate declaration had led the derian Princess to marry the healer of Gerhard.
"It doesn’t matter. We will soon find out the truth."
He was confident that through his planted ’spy’, Arl, he would uncover the secrets held by the derian Prince. With Callis now married to Rafe, it would be easier to gather more information.
King Kyden smiled, joyed by the unexpected turn of events.
"It seems like Prince Kiev has already accepted his sister’s marriage by following Rafe to Rivendelle. That’s quite a rapid change of perception for such a stubborn prince," he remarked.
Queen Elda shook her head gently.
"Not exactly. Anna ntioned that Prince Kiev intends to learn more about Rafe and his family before deciding whether to accept the marriage. That’s why he agreed to accompany them. Initially, it was Rafe’s invitation. It appears that Prince Kiev is giving Rafe a chance to prove his worthiness for Princess Callis."
A smile graced King Kyden’s lips. He could sense that these developnts were leading to sothing positive, reaffirming his correct decision to get the pair married.
"What are you thinking?" Queen Elda inquired, her gaze fixed on the king as he smiled.
"I have a feeling that sothing good will co out of this. Rafe may not be strong physically, but he possesses great eloquence and has managed to persuade Prince Kiev on his own. That’s quite clever indeed, considering how stubborn the derian Prince is. I believe Prince Kiev is already starting to accept his new brother-in-law, albeit silently, due to his pride," King Kyden explained.
"Really? Do you truly think so?" Queen Elda sought confirmation, her eyes bright with anticipation.
"Yes, I’m quite certain. Why else would he willingly follow Rafe and make an effort to get acquainted with his family? You know what... I think Prince Kiev already likes Rafe," declared King Kyden confidently.
"That’s wonderful! If they can reconcile as soon as possible, it would be fantastic! With this marriage, Cassian has established ties with the esteed derian clan. Since Rafe is a mber of Gerhard’s knighthood, it’ll be a good rapport for the duchy. Regaining the people’s confidence in the grand duke following the incident at the banquet is crucial. We should announce it to everyone as soon as possible!" exclaid Queen Elda excitedly.
"My queen, you always possess a keen insight into my actions," King Kyden replied with a smirk.
"You have always been a strategic thinker, my dear. When you first told about the sudden marriage, I knew there was more to it than t the eye," the queen responded, her admiration evident in her voice.
"My foremost intention was to save Rafe. He is a crucial figure, and losing him is not an option. When I saw an opportunity to address the issue and seize it, I couldn’t let it slip away. It was as if fate itself had orchestrated this perfect solution," he explained.
"None of this would have happened without your intervention, my king. We wouldn’t have arrived at this outco if you had chosen a different path. We should be grateful for your brilliant idea," the queen acknowledged.
"I wouldn’t have considered any other option. It is in their best interest to be married, not only for their own sake but also for the benefit of Kyren. A derian Princess marrying the esteed healer of Gerhard will undoubtedly captivate the people’s interest, drawing their attention back to our grand duke," the king expressed.
"But wouldn’t people, especially the nobles, believe it would be more suitable for Princess Callis to marry Kyren and beco the grand duchess? Her lineage and status undeniably make her a worthy candidate for such a position," Queen Elda raised a concern.
King Kyden smiled once more.
"I wouldn’t worry about that."
"Why not?" the queen inquired.
"Princess Callis demonstrated her willingness to defy her brother for the sake of Rafe. If she could stand up against her own family, do you think the people of Cassian would intimidate her and make her waver in her choice? I highly doubt it. She declared Rafe as her soulmate, rember?" he responded.
"I understand now. You’re absolutely right. Although I don’t know Princess Callis personally, I have heard stories from the Knights of Gerhard. They speak of her cunning nature and exceptional combat skills, comparable to a high-ranking knight’s. She is not soone to be underestimated," Queen Elda acknowledged, her respect evident in her words.
"I told you she is quite unique. We’ll just have to sit back and observe how she handles those who disagree with her and claim Rafe is not a suitable match. It’s bound to be interesting," King Kyden remarked.
"Very well, I will follow your suggestion, my king. Now, returning to the main question, are you granting permission or not?" Queen Elda inquired.
"Oh, you an Anna’s return to the mansion?" the king recollected.
"Yes, she wished to tell you personally since you are her guardian now. However, she didn’t want to disturb you directly due to your recent workload. That was why she approached and relayed her request so I could inform you," the queen explained.
"I don’t see any issue with it since it will only be for a few days. Please convey my consent to her. Have the royal guards accompany and protect her during her stay until she returns to the palace. Also, before they return to the mansion, tell Prince Kiev and Princess Callis to attend the lunch with the ministers and . That includes Rafe as well," King Kyden instructed.
"You want him to co over too?"
"Of course! Rafe is Princess Callis’s husband now. He should be accompanying her to the official event," said the king.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I will relay the ssage and have Charles make the necessary arrangents. Thank you, my love," Queen Elda responded.
"Just a simple ’thank you’? Where is the kiss of gratitude?" the king teased.
Queen Elda stood up and approached the king, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. King Kyden eagerly awaited the requested kiss.
As the queen leaned in, her lips veered toward his ear, whispering seductively, "Perhaps, if my king is not too busy tonight and pays a visit to the queen’s quarters, I’ll show a more aningful gesture of gratitude."
King Kyden’s blue eyes widened, and a naughty grin spread across his face. He fully understood the playful insinuation.
He swiftly caught hold of Queen Elda’s slender waist, pulling her onto his lap, causing the queen to yelp in surprise.
"Oh, I will definitely not be late tonight. But for now, let comnce with my initial act," he declared, tilting his head down to seal their lips in a passionate kiss.
At that mont, they were imrsed in their happiness, unaware of the unforeseen events that would transpire as a consequence of the granted permission.
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