Chapter 227: The Bell’s Alarm
"Princess Anna is my betrothed, and that alone is reason enough for me to pursue her. My commitment to her is my purpose," Kiev’s voice carried a resolute tone as he responded to Kyren’s question, determined to make his point clear.
The chief scholar, caught off guard by the revelation, couldn’t hide his surprise. His eyebrows furrowed as he sought clarification.
"His Highness’s concubine is your betrothed?" he asked, his eyes widened.
Queen Emelda intervened, her voice calm yet tinged with a hint of weariness. "Yes, Lord Anson. It is a complicated story. We have only discovered this truth ourselves today."
Lord Anson nodded, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. He realised that there was much more to the story than met the eye.
King Kyden then voiced his curiosity, "The Mederians have long been loyal supporters of the empire. It is common knowledge that many members of your clan’s royal family have married into the Ro’an emperor’s descendants and other royal bloodlines. It is rather peculiar to see you engaging with Princess Anna, who hails from the Adhemar bloodline, a rival to the empire."
"Peculiar? The fact that the Grand Duke of Cassian has her as his concubine is even more peculiar than my reason," Kiev retorted, a hint of frustration evident in his tone. "At least I approached her formally, whereas he acquired her in the most unexpected way."
Kyren’s expression changed, giving way to a more serious demeanour.
"Don’t change the subject. The question here is about you, not me," Kyren pressed, his tone stern. "Are you intending to eliminate her due to your loyalty to the empire?"
Kiev’s eyes widened with disbelief.
"Of course not! I am protecting her," he responded firmly.