The Grand Duke's Soulmate Chapter 510: The Budding of a New Life

"Oh, my love!"

Alex rushed to redith and embraced her gently. She was reclining on the bed, looking pale and worn.

"You’re finally back!" she cried.

The mont she heard his voice outside the door, her heart had leapt, but her body, too weak to rise, had kept her in place. So, she simply waited, letting him co to her.

Alex pulled back slightly, cupping her face in his hands.

"What happened to you? Why did you let yourself get like this?"

redith offered a faint smile.

"I did nothing much, just the usual. I’m not sure why I beca so exhausted. It just started a few days ago."

"Lies," Alex said, his voice tight with worry. "Lady Mills told everything. If you needed help, you should’ve said sothing. I would’ve co back for you!"

She let out a soft chuckle and reached up to touch his face.

"Well... you’re here now, aren’t you?"

The knight let out a frustrated sigh.

"If I’d known, I wouldn’t have waited for the trial to end and co ho much sooner."

At the ntion of the trial, redith’s expression shifted instantly.

"Anna! I an... Lady Raychard and His Highness, Prince Kiev! How are they? How was the trial?"

Alex frowned slightly.

"Didn’t Lady Mills tell you anything?"

redith shook her head, confusion and concern still clouding her face.

"That’s odd. She said she ca by to check on you earlier," Alex muttered, puzzled.

"She did co. But she said nothing except telling to stay in bed and rest. I had breakfast up here, then lay down again because I still felt so drained. I only woke up when I heard your knock."

"I suppose she didn’t want to disturb your rest or risk making you anxious," Alex said gently.

He gently placed a hand on his wife’s forehead, worry rising as he felt the warmth beneath his palm.

"Are you running a fever?"

redith sighed and swatted his hand away.

"I’m fine! Stop fussing and please tell what happened. I’m dying to know!"

Seeing how adamant she was, Alex relaxed slightly. Her determination was a good sign—she wasn’t as weak as he had feared.

"All right," he said, sitting beside her. "They’re back at the mansion, safe and sound."

"Really?" redith’s eyes lit up. "But what about the accusation? You said there was a trial!"

Alex smiled reassuringly.

"I’ll keep it short since you need rest. Lady Raychard proved her innocence. The child she’s carrying is His Highness the Grand Duke’s. Mr Norman arrived just in ti with her examination report to confirm it. Turns out, our lady is already four months along."

"Four months?" redith gasped. "But... she only arrived in Gantz much later!"

"You’re right. She conceived during the journey from the border to here. According to His Highness, it happened while they were aboard the cog ship."

"Oh, my!" redith’s hand flew to her mouth in shock.

She sat there stunned montarily, then turned back to her husband, her brows furrowed.

"But... I thought His Highness had a fertility issue?"

"There’s no issue," Alex said, his tone calm. "Turns out, it was a big misunderstanding."

He went on to explain the truth about Anna’s origins, her soulmate bond with Kyren, and the revelation Jessy had shared — how the previous queen misunderstood the effects of the binding spell. Ayden had fully conveyed this part of the story to the knights before their return.

redith listened in stunned silence, her eyes growing wider with each detail. When Alex finally stopped, she sat there for a long mont, trying to process everything.

"Our lady... is the Khasif?" she whispered at last.

Alex nodded proudly.

"I know you probably have more questions about how this beca so tangled," he said. "Trust , it was also difficult for us to believe it at first."

redith stared at him and said, "Anna... no, I should say Her Imperial Highness! Wait... you said she wore the emperor’s ring! That would make her the heir of the empire. But she’s a woman, so she’s likely to be the empress!" Her eyes grew wider. "Oh, my goodness!"

She covered her face with her hands, overwheld by the realisation.

Alex chuckled softly.

"You’re right. It’s supposed to be Her Imperial Majesty the Empress. But our lady doesn’t want to be called that. She insisted we address her as usual. She’s sensitive about it right now. So, His Highness agreed and ordered us all to respect her wishes."

redith nodded slowly, still absorbing the shock, but a fond smile grew on her lips.

"That sounds like her," she said warmly. "Despite all this, she’s still the sa humble Anna we’ve always known. I imagine she must be just as stunned by the truth as the rest of us."

"Yes, she is," replied Alex.

"I want to go see her," redith said suddenly, her eyes excitedly lit.

Though exhaustion still clung to her, the urge to speak with her dear friend now burned bright.

The knight, however, raised a hand to halt her.

"I don’t think now’s the right ti."

redith frowned. "Why not?"

He drew a slow breath.

"There was an incident when they arrived back at the mansion. Everyone gathered in the foyer to welco them... and sohow, a misunderstanding happened."

"What kind of misunderstanding?" she asked, puzzled.

"Lady Athillia ca down to greet them. Sothing she said during her conversation with His Highness the Grand Duke led Lady Raychard to believe sothing was happening between them."

redith’s mouth dropped open.

"What? That’s absurd!"

Alex lifted a brow.

You don’t think so? Honestly, we were all a bit puzzled about her presence, too. We share the sa thought as our lady when His Highness told us he brought Lady Athillia here to give her a ho and a family.

redith nearly laughed. She scoffed and shook her head.

"I don’t know what His Highness’s intentions are, but I had a conversation with Lady Athillia the other day," redith said. "Even though she didn’t say it outright, I could tell she has no interest whatsoever in our Grand Duke."

Alex blinked, surprised. His wife leaned forward, her tone turning to a whisper.

"In fact, soone else has completely stolen her attention. You could see it from her body language. It was as clear as day! But that person is so clueless, I bet he hasn’t realised a thing."

"Who??" Alex asked, wide-eyed. "She just got here a few days ago! How could she fall for soone that quickly?"

redith smirked knowingly.

"Love is blind, my dear. Sotis the heart makes the decision long before the mind even catches up."

Alex narrowed his eyes at her, amused.

"And how can you be so sure?"

"You’re speaking to the President of the ’His Highness Fan Club’," redith said proudly, straightening her shoulders. "The club started as a reading circle, mostly indulging in romance novels. But eventually, it evolved into a noble cause, naly, adoring His Highness. Apparently, our shared enthusiasm bonded us quite well."

Alex burst into laughter.

"Hah! I forgot all about that. But you’re married now. Doesn’t that disqualify you from being president?"

"Oh, I know," redith replied with a dramatic sigh. "I’m planning to pass the title to soone else next season. It’s winter, after all, our official rest period."

"Right..." Alex nodded playfully. "So, I guess your talent for reading people ca from reading all those novels and mingling with your mbers."

"Exactly," she said proudly. "Though I have to admit, I still can’t beat Anna. Her reading tastes were far more diverse than mine. I stuck mostly to love stories and plays."

"Makes sense," the knight said. "So, who is this person Lady Athillia likes?"

redith gave him a sly smile.

"That’s a secret! The person should be the first to realise it, not you. If I told you now, it might ruin what’s only just beginning, and we wouldn’t want to interfere, would we?"

"Fine! I won’t ask any further," Alex relented.

"As for our lady... even if now isn’t the best ti, I’m sure His Highness is trying to calm her down," redith said. "Maybe I could help clear the misunderstanding. I’m just dying to see her."

Alex shook his head again.

"Leave it to His Highness. What he said earlier has unintentionally raised suspicions about his relationship with Lady Athillia. It’s best if the explanation cos from him. I don’t want you involved, not when you’re still recovering. Rest assured, I’ll explain the rest to you soti later. But right now, there are a few people who are anxious to see you."

"Who?"

Alex smiled warmly.

"You’ll see. Just wait."

He stood up, walked over to the door, and opened it. A mont later, he ushered in a small group who had been patiently waiting outside.

Rafe was the first to approach the bed, looking visibly concerned.

"How are you, Lady Jarr? It took your husband so long to let us in. I was starting to worry sothing had happened."

redith smiled at the sight of the familiar faces. Behind Rafe stood Jessy, Callis, and Kiev, all wearing the sa expressions of concern. Her heart swelled with warmth at their presence.

"I’m all right. Just a little tired," she replied gently. "But thank you all for coming."

"If you don’t mind, may I check your pulse?" asked Rafe.

redith glanced at Alex, who gave a subtle nod. Though she didn’t feel it necessary, she understood the others would rest easier if she allowed it.

"All right," she agreed.

Rafe moved to the side of the bed and gently took her wrist. As he examined her pulse, his expression grew more serious.

"Have you done anything physically demanding recently?" he asked, eyes narrowing slightly.

"No. I was only talking to Alex. Before he ca, I was asleep. Why?" redith asked, puzzled.

Rafe raised an eyebrow.

"Strange. Your pulse is racing like you’ve just run a mile or done heavy labour."

Their eyes t, and before Rafe could imply anything more, Alex quickly raised both palms defensively.

"Nothing happened! We were just talking!" he said, his voice a pitch too high.

Callis blinked, initially confused. But when she noticed her brother struggling to suppress a laugh, understanding dawned on her face.

"Ooohh..." she muttered, a teasing grin forming.

"I believe you," Rafe said with a smirk, waving a hand dismissively. "After all, a man with your build wouldn’t finish that fast."

Alex and redith flushed instantly, their cheeks turning red. Prince Kiev discreetly looked away, biting his lip to keep from laughing. The derian Princess watched the flustered couple with silent amusent while Jessy remained concerned.

Alex cleared his throat, flustered.

"So, what could be causing her pulse to spike, then? Could it be due to an illness? redith said she’s been feeling unusually fatigued, and despite sleeping, she still looks pale and feels warm."

"Let check further," Rafe said seriously, shifting back into healer mode.

He carefully examined redith’s pupils, felt her temperature again, and monitored her breathing. Everything appeared within normal limits, except her pulse.

He frowned, shaking his head slightly.

"There’s nothing definitive from the physical checks. Yes, her body is slightly warm, but still within a healthy range. The rapid pulse could co from various causes, though nothing seems imdiately dangerous."

He glanced at redith with a calm but firm expression.

"A blood test would help narrow it down. It’ll give us a more accurate picture. Would you allow it?"

The request made the noblewoman’s heart flutter with unease. She didn’t want to jump to any grim conclusions—not yet. Especially not when Alex was already so concerned.

She gave a slight nod.

"Of course," she agreed.

"Fortunately, I always carry a few kits for such cases," said Rafe, pulling a small pouch from his inner pocket. Wrapped in a clean white cloth, the parcel was neatly placed on the side table as he prepared to begin the test.

"Do we need to step outside?" Kiev asked.

"There’s no need," Rafe replied. "It’s just a simple blood draw. I’ll wash my hands first."

The healer then headed toward the adjoining bathroom. In the anti, Jessy stepped forward gently.

"Let help you, Lady Jarr. I used to hold Princess Anna’s hand during blood draws. It helps calm the nerves."

The noblewoman smiled at the offer.

"That’s kind of you, Madam Collins, but my husband is here. I’ll be all right."

A flicker of guilt crossed Jessy’s face.

"If only I hadn’t left, none of this would’ve happened," she murmured in heavy regret.

"Don’t say that," redith said quickly. "We all fall ill sotis. It’s not sothing anyone can control."

Sensing Jessy’s deep remorse, Callis said with a soft smile.

"Jessy’s always been like that, soft-hearted like a mother. If you keep turning her down, she’ll feel worse."

"Oh dear! I didn’t an to refuse you!" redith said, now the one feeling guilty.

"I’d recomnd she help," Kiev added gently. "It’s the least we can do, since you’ve cared for my Elis in our absence. We’re truly grateful."

At the ntion of the princess consort, the noblewoman’s face grew sombre. Her gaze shifted.

"About that... I think I owe you an apology," she said quietly.

"What for?" Kiev asked, puzzled.

"Actually..."

redith revealed that she had confined the derian Prince’s wife in her chamber. To prevent the princess from escaping, she had posted his guards outside for security purposes.

Kiev smiled.

"I already know that. Lady Mills told about it."

"There’s more..." There was guilt in her voice, mixed with reluctance, but she went on to reveal everything.

Not only had she done that, but the noblewoman also admitted that she had deceived Elis by claiming the King of Cassian had ordered her confinent.

She told the princess that if she stepped out of the chamber, her husband would be punished. redith even confessed to putting sleeping pills in the princess’s tea when they returned to the mansion due to Elis’s relentless crying.

"I’m so sorry! I had to do it! I just didn’t want anything to happen to her. She could’ve been arrested if she had run back to the palace for you. I had no choice!" she said.

Kiev remained calm, despite her confession.

"What you did was to protect my wife. If I were in your shoes, I might’ve done the sa. So, there’s no need to apologise," he said.

"Thank you for your understanding, Your Highness," said redith, visibly relieved. "By the way, I also asked for help from your two guards the other day..." she added.

The noblewoman then told them about the suspicious perfu and Lady Bridgette Lynn’s odd behaviour.

"How dare she!" Callis exclaid, then turned to her brother. "She was definitely scheming sothing. This has to be Lady Jas’s doing!"

Kiev’s expression darkened.

"Where are they now?" he asked.

"I have them locked up in His Highness the Grand Duke’s private detention. I had no choice since Lady Lynn was about to flee."

The derian Prince nodded.

"You did the right thing, Lady Jarr."

Then, as his eyes t Alex’s, the knight said, "I’ll have the matter investigated thoroughly. We’ll do what is needed to get them to talk."

"Sylvia knew about this. Since you’re all back, I’m sure she’s already inford Sir Navin. She ntioned she would report to him firsthand once he returned," said redith.

"Then I’ll go and see him later to discuss it," Alex replied.

Kiev nodded in agreent.

No sooner had their discussion ended than Rafe returned from the bathroom. His presence imdiately shifted the atmosphere, drawing everyone’s attention back to redith’s condition.

"Shall we begin?" he asked.

The noblewoman noticed Jessy’s expression. The nanny still looked troubled, likely blaming herself for what had happened during her absence.

Not wanting her to continue bearing the guilt, redith turned to Alex.

"You wouldn’t mind if I let Madam Collins hold during the blood taking, would you?"

The knight smiled, understanding his wife’s intent.

"Definitely not."

He stepped aside and gestured toward Jessy.

"Carry on, Madam Collins."

The nanny looked relieved. It wasn’t much, but her life magic could help soothe the blood flow and make the process more comfortable. That, at least, was sothing she could do.

Jessy gently rolled up redith’s sleeve and took her arm. As Rafe inserted the needle, Jessy cast her magic. The blood began to flow steadily into the sample vial through the device.

Monts passed quietly until Jessy’s expression suddenly shifted.

"Wait... I feel sothing," she said, looking confused.

"Feel what?" asked Rafe, his brow lifting.

Alex turned, concerned and asked the sa.

Instead of answering, Jessy paused montarily, as if sensing sothing more deeply. Then, her eyes widened.

"Oh my! Lady Jarr, you’re pregnant!"