Chapter 518: A Knightess’s Second Chance
Eric had just finished giving his full briefing to the mansion’s occupants. The heads and representative of the Pillar Families had already departed earlier, excusing themselves with the need to return to the palace and assist the king in matters concerning that day’s event, together with Lord Grey.
The atmosphere within the mansion was lively. The revelation of Anna’s true identity and the news of the Grand Duke’s incoming heir had stirred great excitement.
Though the initial shock had left many speechless, the household was filled with relief and happiness now that everything was clarified and settled.
When Anna and Kyren arrived, most of the gathering had already dispersed to resume their duties. Only a few remained: Eric, Drystan, and Sylvia.
"I’ve completed the briefing, Your Highness," the second-in-command knight reported respectfully to the Grand Duke after greeting him.
"Where are the other unassigned knights?" Kyren asked, his sharp gaze sweeping the parlour.
"I excused Sir Henderson and told him to rest since he’s down with a fever. He reported that Mrs Amares has taken Lady Athillia with her. As for Sir Skyler and Sir Parker, they’ve decided to assist Sir Brooks and Sir Jarr with their task. Sir McQuinn is currently available at the knights’ quarters."
Kyren gave a short nod.
"Tell Damon to head to the palace and Lord Grey’s mansion. My wife has approved the proposed names for the female attendants’ positions. The selected personnel are to be informed immediately, and I want them here as soon as possible."
Eric smiled, already anticipating Anna’s agreement.
"Thank you, my lady! I’ll notify them and make the necessary arrangements," he said enthusiastically.
"You may accompany Sir McQuinn for the task. Afterwards, you’re free to return to your sister-in-law’s abode. Your family requires your attention as well," the Grand Duke added.
"Thank you again, Your Highness!" Eric bowed deeply, brimming with excitement. "I’ll see to it at once!"
Eric bowed deeply. As he straightened, he turned and strode away with long, buoyant steps, his mood noticeably light.
In the meantime, Anna was already holding hands with Sylvia. The two ladies were delighted to see each other.
"I’m so happy for you, Lady Raychard," Sylvia said, addressing the princess formally in the presence of the Grand Duke.
"I’m happy too, Sylvia!" Anna replied warmly. She lowered her gaze, her hand instinctively resting on her belly. "Everything I went through feels worth it for this child."
Sylvia’s smile faltered a bit, and her expression turned into something more solemn. Her uncle Aaron’s words echoed in her mind; words about his insistence that she should begin trying for a child now, especially since her friends were all expecting.
Soon enough, the entire Sylvere family would press the matter as well. The thought coiled like a burden in her chest.
How could she bear a child with Drystan, when their marriage was nothing more than a facade? When the knight stood at her side, only to appease everyone else?
"What’s the matter, Sylvia?" Anna asked gently, noticing the subtle shift in her friend’s mood.
The noble lady forced a smile, hiding her feelings.
"Nothing of importance," she replied softly.
"She’s just a little worried," Drystan suddenly interjected, stepping closer.
His arm slipped around Sylvia’s waist in a protective gesture, shielding her from the moment’s heaviness.
The noble lady froze at the subtle embrace, startled.
"It’s her uncle, Lord Aaron Pearce," the knight explained with an easy smile. "He’s been hinting that we should start trying for a child now that you, Lady Jarr and Lady Brooks are all expecting."
"Ooh..." Anna’s eyes flicked back to Sylvia with understanding.
"Not that we’re not trying, of course. Hahaha!" The knight added with a laugh, trying to ease the tension.
Sylvia’s heart sank.
Lies upon lies.
Each staged smile, each tender gesture, added to her guilt of their falsehood. And yet... what hurt most was the flicker of light she sometimes caught in Drystan’s eyes, a spark that looked too real. Too genuine. It left her torn between shame and something far more dangerous—hope.
"You’re still newlyweds," Kyren said calmly, his tone both firm and reassuring. "Don’t feel pressured. Take your time and enjoy the moments."
"In that case... may we stay a little longer in this mansion, please?" Sylvia suddenly asked. Her voice was gentle, yet carried a quiet plea. "I know you assigned my husband to watch over my grandfather, but I feel we need more time together on our own."
Drystan blinked, surprised by her request.
Kyren, however, caught the subtle meaning at once. The Sylvere family could sometimes be demanding, and it seemed the innocent young lady was trying to escape that pressure.
"Of course," the Grand Duke replied without hesitation. "I’ve heard the marquess’s health has improved since your wedding, and he plans to return to the march after winter. There’s no need for such vigilance now. We’ll remain here for the season before departing for Gerhard. In the meantime, if you wish to visit the count’s mansion, you may. I’ll see that Drystan is excused from duty when necessary."
"Thank you, Your Highness!" Sylvia beamed, relief softening her features.
In this mansion, she found a kind of peace—servants who did not pry, knights who focused on their duties, and no watchful eyes pressing into her private matters.
Here, she could breathe without fear, feel calmer, and let her guard down. The pretence of being a real couple remained, but it felt less burdensome than when she was with her family.
Anna was equally delighted. Having more trusted friends close by was the best outcome she could hope for.
Drystan bowed gratefully to his lord and lady, thanking them for the grace.
"Come, Sylvie. Let’s inform Mr Foster and send word to your father’s mansion about this," he said, softly taking his wife’s hand.
His heart was unexpectedly filled with joy when Sylvia expressed her wish to spend more time together. Could it be that she had now started to open her heart to him and give him a chance?
Sylvia nodded, agreeing.
"I must go, but I’ll come see you soon, my lady," Sylvia said to the princess. "I know you have so much to share."
"Of course. Go ahead," Anna replied with a bright smile. "In the meantime, I’ll meet with Clara first."
"Oh, she’s in the main hall with Mr Amares and Mr Norman. They’re discussing something, but I don’t know the details," Sylvia explained.
"All right, I’ll go and see them," said the princess, her eyes alight with anticipation.
The two pairs parted ways, each taking their own direction. As Anna approached the main hall, a muffled sob drifted to her ears. She paused, glancing at Kyren uneasily. The cries were distinctly a woman’s—surely Clara’s.
Inside, the knightess sat with Ayden at her side, his hand gently clasping hers. Her shoulders shook as she wept, while Rafe watched with quiet gravity across from her.
"I’m sorry, Dame Verns," Rafe said, his voice low but heavy with regret. "I truly am. I know this isn’t easy to accept, but as I explained... your abilities will never return as they once were. I wish I could do more, but even with all my knowledge and expertise, this is the limit of what healing can achieve."
His expression hardened with frustration at his helplessness.
Clara wiped her tears, sniffling.
"I don’t blame you, Mr Amares. You and Ayden have treated me kindly and have never neglected me. It’s just... when I learned that Lady Raychard is the Khasif, I thought... I thought I could serve her proudly again."
"There are still many ways you can serve her, even if not as her escort," Ayden murmured, squeezing her hand gently. "Don’t let this break you."
"Clara!" Anna’s voice rang out as she hurried in, Kyren close behind. "What’s wrong? Why are you crying?"
Rafe immediately rose and bowed, while Ayden helped Clara into a formal greeting.
"No need for that. You’re still recovering," the princess said quickly, pulling the knightess into her arms and urging her back onto the seat.
Rafe stepped aside, giving space to the imperial couple.
"What’s the matter, Rafe?" Kyren’s tone carried curiosity, though his eyes softened when they fell on Clara. "Why is Dame Verns so distraught?"
The healer lifted his head, solemnity etched in every line of his face. He explained to the imperial couple the outcome of their discussion—that Clara’s condition would no longer allow her to continue as a knightess.
"The fact that she can already walk without assistance is an achievement. But to continue as a knightess... that is far beyond possible," Rafe said, his voice heavy with regret.
Anna’s eyes flickered with gloom.
"I’m so sorry, Clara. You wouldn’t be like this if you hadn’t saved me."
"Don’t say that, my lady!" Clara cried, shaking her head. "If I were to return to that time, I would still do the same! I’m not angry with you. Never! I only wish I could be of more use to you. You are now the Great Khasif, the Empress of Ro’an. Any knight would be honoured to serve you."
Kyren studied the knightess intently. He understood her feelings. As commander of a knighthood, he knew too well the despair of the knights who lost the ability to fight after dedicating their lives to it. For them, it was not just a duty but a pride, and losing it was like losing part of themselves.
And Clara was not just anyone.
She had been Anna’s escort from Ardel, crossing all the way from Constance to Gantz in her most fragile state just to be reunited with her. She had sacrificed herself in the fire against the Bargesians, yet her good deed had gone unrewarded.
Then an idea struck him.
"Perhaps I could ask Prince Kiev to cure you," Kyren suggested. "He returned to his normal state with my mana. Surely, he could heal you with magic."
"Restoration magic requires tremendous mana, Your Highness," Rafe replied at once, concern deep in his voice. "Kiev has only just recovered. To force such a spell now would be dangerous. Repeated overuse of magic can cost him dearly."
"What about your wife? Can she not do it?" asked the grand duke.
The healer shook his head. "As far as I know, Callis never learned restoration magic. Kiev forbade her from it since it could threaten her life."
"I wish I could help," Kyren murmured, his tone heavy with defeat. "But I have yet to learn magic myself. Even Prince Kiev said it would take time before I could grow accustomed to it."
Seeing the devastation in the eyes around her, Clara interjected softly, "Your Highness, Mr Amares... forgive me for saying this, but I don’t want to trouble anyone. If healing me would endanger others, then I don’t want it. I must learn to accept my fate."
"Are you certain about this, Clara?" Ayden asked, worry clouding his voice.
"I am," she answered firmly. "Like you said, if I cannot serve my lady as her escort, I will serve her in another way. I only need to find a place, one that my condition cannot hinder."
"Then... would you consider becoming a trainer of my knights?" Kyren suggested suddenly.
The knightess raised her head in surprise.
"A trainer? But how? My movements are limited."
"You don’t need perfect movement to be a trainer," the grand duke replied. "You would use your experience, observation, and command to guide the trainees. You are a high-ranked knightess with years of discipline, and your skill in commanding your eagle is a rare asset. That alone makes you more than qualified."
"That would be a wonderful idea!" Ayden exclaimed. "It’s within your expertise, Clara, and it would benefit the knighthood greatly."
Clara’s expression brightened, disbelief flickering in her eyes.
"Are you certain about this, Your Highness?"
"Of course," Kyren said with a reassuring smile. "You are the perfect candidate. I have every confidence you will do well. With my heir soon to be born, I must recruit more knights and guards for Gerhard Castle’s safety. You will be kept busy, I assure you."
"Oh, thank you! Thank you, Your Highness! I’m so grateful for this opportunity!" Clara exclaimed, her face glowing with renewed purpose.
"You’re welcome. I trust you will excel. Sir Brooks has already spoken highly of your abilities, and I believe there is still much more in you than we’ve seen," Kyren encouraged.
"I’m so relieved," Ayden added warmly. "I always wanted Clara to be happy, not broken by her condition. You’ve given her a new purpose, Your Highness."
"In that case," Rafe interjected with a teasing grin, "why don’t you make your beloved even happier, Ayden? Your betrothal has yet to be officiated, and you still owe Dame Verns the ring."
Ayden flushed red at the remark, while Clara lowered her head, embarrassed. Thankfully, her darker complexion spared her from showing it as clearly as the healer’s assistant.
"I’ve heard of your relationship. Alex’s marriage was determined, and Drystan’s was expected as well. But Prince Kiev, Noah, and you..." The grand duke raised a brow in jest. "Hmm... seems much love has bloomed while I was away."
"Your Highness! Please!" Ayden exclaimed, flustered.
Anna chuckled softly.
"Since you both have admitted your feelings, make it official. Clara is a special woman. Don’t keep her waiting."
"Certainly, my lady, Your Highness!" the assistant healer replied eagerly while the knightess smiled by his side.
Joy glimmered between the couple, and the air filled with a lighter, happier energy. The conversation shifted to the coming betrothal ceremony of Ayden and Clara, their smiles brightening with every word.
Just then, Rosalie approached with a bow.
"Your Highness, Sir Ashburne has returned. He requests an audience."
"Yes, I expected as much." Kyren turned to his wife. "Anna, shall we—"
But to his surprise, Anna’s head had already tilted against the settee, her lashes resting on her cheeks, fast asleep.
"Oh, dear... she’s drifted off," Kyren murmured with pitying fondness.
"She must be exhausted. Forgive us, Your Highness. We became so caught up in talk, we didn’t notice," Rafe said apologetically.
Kyren smiled softly. This was another of the common pregnancy signs Eric had explained to him, so he wasn’t upset.
"Tell Sir Ashburne I’ll meet him later. For now, I must bring my lovely wife to my suite. She needs her rest."
"Of course, Your Highness," Rosalie answered with another bow.
Carefully, the grand duke scooped his sleeping wife into his arms and kissed her forehead tenderly. Anna was so weary she did not stir in the least.
With deliberate, cautious steps, Kyren carried her away, cradling ’his world’ in his embrace again with a light heart.