The Grand Duke's Soulmate

The knights watched solemnly in silence, the only sounds being the grand duke’s anguished cries filling the dark atmosphere beneath the cold winter wind.

Here, in this secluded place, far from prying eyes, Kyren could finally let his guard down—the same place where he had mourned his fate upon learning of the binding spell and its consequences from his mother, the former queen.

Eric sighed, recognising the alarming nature of the situation. It would have made more sense if Kyren had lashed out in rage, a reaction they were familiar with and knew how to handle. But this... this was beyond words.

The grand duke had never displayed such vulnerability. He had always presented himself with pride and strength, and his commanding presence intimidated others.

Now, he was shattered, stripped of his confidence. His chest heaved in a suffocating void of despair as tears streamed down his face.

"Retreat to Lady Raychard’s chamber and stay on guard. I’ll handle this," said the second-in-command knight. "Also, inform Rafael that the ladies can accompany her for the night."

"The ladies? But His Highness never said he allows that. You haven’t even asked his permission," Drystan pointed out.

"I don’t have to. I already know his answer," said Eric. "Now, off you go!"

"Yes, Sir Navin!" both knights responded in unison.

The cold air billowed softly, producing white fog from Eric’s breath. As the surroundings fell silent again, he approached the grand duke cautiously.

Kyren turned his head slightly, acknowledging the presence of his right-hand man before looking away, wiping the tears from his cheeks with the back of his hand.