The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 503: A Young Knight’s Apology

Chapter 503: A Young Knight’s Apology

"Achoo!"

The sound of sneezing echoed in the chamber. Athillia quickly wiped her runny nose with a handkerchief, her small hands visibly shaken.

"Oh, dear!" Emily sighed. "I think we should call a healer to look at you."

"No! No healer, please!" the Bargesian Princess implored.

She was still pale from the drowning incident, but her condition had improved significantly after Emily helped her with a warm bath.

Previously, the young woman was surprised to see Eli carrying the Bargesian Princess, crying and drenched, shivering under the young knight’s cloak.

They were accompanied by the seriously looking Armel and had entered through the mansion’s back door and bumped into Emily on the way.

The young knight had requested a healer, but Athillia adamantly refused, not wanting anyone to know about her near-drowning in the pond behind the mansion.

Worried about her well-being, Emily volunteered to assist, and Athillia agreed, understanding she needed support from another woman in her situation.

With Armel’s adept knowledge of the mansion’s layout, they managed to evade the eyes of others on their way to the Bargesian Princess’s chamber.

"Achoo!" Another sneeze escaped Athillia.

She rubbed her already red nose. Emily stood up from the bedside and retrieved another thick blanket from the cupboard. Carefully, she tucked it around the princess to warm her.

"Thank you," Athillia said appreciatively.

The young woman sat beside her, placing a hand on her forehead.

"Your temperature is a bit high. I think you might have a fever. Let me put a wet cloth on your forehead. That will help."

Athillia nodded slowly, allowing Emily to leave for the bathroom. Before long, she returned with a basin of warm water and a clean cloth.

Carefully, she dipped the cloth into the basin, wrung it out, and then placed it on the Bargesian Princess’s forehead.

"Thank you again," Athillia said softly.

"You’re welcome," Emily replied. "Rest for now while I brew some medicine for you."

She patted the princess’s hand gently.

"Wait!" Athillia suddenly pulled the young woman’s hand, startling her. "Please don’t go!"

The bedroom fell into sudden silence, and a glimmer of sadness shone in the Bargesian Princess’s eyes.

"What’s the matter?" Emily asked gently.

Athillia hesitated. It had been quite a while since she felt such care from a woman.

She longed for her mother, who was far in the south. The thought that her mother might have already died in the hands of her notorious father weighed heavily on her, crushing her spirit.

She knew she would never see her again in this life—the only woman who had loved her unconditionally.

"I... I just don’t want to be alone..." Athillia admitted, her voice breaking as tears fell.

Emily studied her closely, feeling that more was hidden beneath the excuse. Her womanly intuition warned her of this.

However, probing deeper would be disrespectful, considering that this person was an honourable guest of the grand duke, and she shouldn’t interfere in matters beyond her concern.

Nevertheless, Athillia was still a young girl, and she could sense her need for delicate attention.

"All right, then. I’ll keep you company until you fall asleep. Is that fine with you?" she offered.

Athillia nodded, a small smile breaking through her tears. Emily smirked back, wiping the Bargesian Princess’s tears away.

"Now, we don’t want this pretty face to get puffy, do we? So, no more crying," she said playfully.

Athillia’s heart warmed at Emily’s comforting words. She held the young woman’s hand tightly, reluctant to let go. Even for just a moment, she wanted to feel cared for and loved, despite being in a foreign land.

The Bargesian Princess didn’t know much about Emily; they had hardly spoken during her stay. But through the young woman’s meticulous care and sincere gaze, Athillia sensed kindness.

Not once did Emily comment on the scars that marked her skin. In fact, she tended to her gently and with great consideration.

In just a short time, Athillia felt comfortable and at ease in the young woman’s company.

"Lady Brooks..." the Bargesian Princess broke the silence.

"Yes?"

Athillia couldn’t help but notice something. Despite Emily’s diligence in attending to her, the young woman looked quite pale.

"Are you all right? You look a bit worn out yourself," she said with concern.

Emily placed her palm on her cheek, rubbing it slightly. Was it that obvious?

These days had been hectic, and she could hardly sleep or rest well without Noah by her side.

Her mind was consumed with worry for him. Although the accusations against the knight had been cleared and the honour of the Knights of Gerhard was restored, the unease persisted as the ordeal that had befallen Anna and Kiev had not been resolved. fre eweb\(n)ovel(.)co(m)

Not seeing Noah for days felt like torture. Still, she understood that this was her husband’s duty, and she should support him in his responsibilities as his wife.

"I’m all right. Don’t worry about me. It’s you we’re concerned about right now. Next time, be sure to watch where you step. Never wander off alone without Sir Henderson. He’s your escort and should always be you," Emily advised the princess.

Athillia nodded, choosing not to disclose the whole truth about the incident apart from the fact that she had fallen into a freezing pond while Eli wasn’t around. Fortunately, Armel had been there to call for help during that moment.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the bedroom door.

"That must be Sir Henderson. He’s been waiting outside for you and surely wants to see you. May I let him in?" Emily asked.

Athillia hesitated but then nodded. She remembered how panicked she had felt upon waking in Eli’s arms, thinking the Bargesian army had caught her. She had screamed and thrashed wildly until the young knight shouted back to calm her.

When she realised the person holding her was Eli, shame washed over her, and tears fell. She couldn’t explain her fear; it wasn’t him she was afraid of.

But her lips were sealed by overwhelming sadness in that fragile moment. Thankfully, neither Eli nor Armel had mentioned it.

Emily opened the door, revealing the young knight, just as expected. However, she was shocked to see him still in a dishevelled state.

"Why haven’t you changed?" she asked, bewildered by his dampened appearance.

"I couldn’t leave. I needed to know how Lady Athilia is. May I come in?" he asked politely.

Emily turned to look at the Bargesian Princess.

"She is just about to sleep. I think it would be better for her to rest," she said.

"I’m all right, Lady Brooks. Please let him in," Athillia called out after overhearing their conversation.

"Very well, my lady," Emily acknowledged, opening the door wider and stepping aside.

"Oh, by the way, Armel is also here, and he brought freshly brewed medicinal tea. He said it’s good for colds. Can he come in, too?" the knight requested.

"Ah! I was about to brew the same! Thank goodness Mr Chester is quick on his feet. He’s always helpful in situations like this," Emily replied, relieved.

She turned to Athillia and said, "Mr Chester brought a medicinal beverage for you. I recommend taking it before you sleep. May I let him in, too?"

"Mr Chester? Who is that?" Athillia asked, curious.

"He’s the boy you met at the pond," Eli explained as he stepped inside.

The Bargesian Princess swiftly recalled the young teenager who seemed to be around her age.

"Oh! Him..."

Athillia nodded, allowing Armel to enter. No sooner had she granted permission than the teenager walked in, carrying a tray of beverages.

"Put it on the table, Mr Chester," Emily instructed.

"Just Armel, Lady Brooks. I feel like an old man being called that," the teenager replied with a grin.

Emily let out a subtle laugh.

"All right, then, if you insist. I like the name ’Chester’. Don’t mind me if I mix it up later on."

"Why don’t you go and get some rest now, Lady Brooks? You don’t look so well yourself," Eli observed, noticing her pale countenance.

"I’m fine. I’ve just had less sleep these days," she insisted.

"You do need some rest, Lady Brooks. Sir Brooks won’t be happy seeing you in this condition," Armel interjected, placing the tray on the table. "Let Sir Henderson and I attend to Lady Athillia from now on. You’ve helped a lot."

"But... you’re both male, and being in this room without a chaperone doesn’t seem fitting for a lady," Emily hesitated.

"That cannot be helped. We lack female attendants in this mansion. Lady Jarr is unwell, and Lady Mills has filled in her spot to manage the mansion’s matters. Mrs Foster is swamped with work all over the mansion, helping Mr Foster. This winter is exceptionally colder than the last, and they’re preparing for a potential blizzard in the coming days," Eli explained. "Nevertheless, I would feel guiltier if I asked you to stay, seeing how pale you are."

"Sir Henderson is right. There are two of us, so it should be fine. After all, Sir Henderson is Lady Athillia’s escort. She is his responsibility, and I was there during the incident. I feel obligated to help," Armel added.

"They’re right. You need to lie down. I feel better already, so you may leave," Athillia said.

Emily had been kind in attending to her and making her comfortable. It felt unfair to force the tired young woman to continue accompanying her.

Feeling the weariness settle in, Emily relented.

"I guess you’re right. I do need some rest. Please look after her."

The two young men nodded in agreement. However, suddenly...

"Lady Brooks... before you go..." Athillia paused, struggling to voice her request.

"Yes?" Emily replied.

"The thing that happened... and what you saw... could you not tell anyone about it?" Athillia asked.

Emily pressed her lips together, recalling the scars on the Bargesian Princess’s body and her torn clothes. Eli had mentioned he had to rip Athilia’s clothing to help her breathe.

Surely, the young knight and Armel had seen her in that vulnerable state. Their downcast eyes were enough to confirm the young woman’s suspicion.

"Of course. I won’t speak of it to anyone," Emily assured her, understanding how crucial this was to Athillia’s dignity.

"Thank you!" the Bargesian Princess said in relief.

As Emily closed the door and left, Armel approached the bed, bringing the medicinal tea.

"Drink this, Lady Athillia. It will help with your cold and fever," he said.

"You know my name?" Athillia asked, surprised.

"Yes, I do. I greeted you when you arrived at the mansion. Perhaps you didn’t notice me in the crowd," Armel replied.

"I guess so," she nodded, accepting the tea.

She drank it in one go; it was bitter, but she didn’t mind. The last thing she wanted was to get sick, especially after the unexpected incident.

After taking the empty teacup from her, Armel stepped back and approached Eli.

"Go on... speak to her. You said you wanted to talk," he whispered.

The young knight seemed reluctant.

Armel sighed.

"You know you need to sort this out, like it or not. You’d better do it before it’s too late. I’ll stand against the wall and won’t interrupt. Don’t worry. I’m a tight-lipped person, and whatever it is, I’ll keep it to my grave," he swore.

Eli glanced back at Armel, contemplating for a moment. After Armel urged him again with a scowl, he surrendered and stepped forward. Relieved, the teenager moved to the wall, giving them space to converse.

"Are you feeling much better now?" Eli asked as he approached the bed.

His voice was no longer as stern as usual. Instead, it was gentle and polite.

"I’m all right," Athillia replied curtly.

Athillia turned to Eli, wondering what was on his mind.

"If you think I’m a spoiled brat, you are wrong!" she declared.

"I never said that!" the young knight replied, alarmed.

"’Arrogantly carrying yourself’... That’s what you called me. Doesn’t that mean the same?" she sneered.

Eli sighed, realising his fault in openly addressing her that way.

"Look... I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it. I swear! I just got carried away because it’s so peculiar for His Highness the Grand Duke to involve himself with any woman, let alone bring one home," he admitted.

"Well, for your information, Sir Knight, I’m neither here to wreck anyone’s marriage nor to laze around like a freeloader!" Athillia shot back, her voice filled with indignation.

"Then why did His Highness bring you here, and who are you really?" Eli pressed.

"I..." Athillia paused, her eyes darting momentarily to Armel.

Shouldn’t he have exposed her by now? Why did it seem like Eli was still clueless about her identity?

The teenager looked away, pretending not to know anything.

"Aren’t you going to say anything?" Athillia asked him.

"Who? Me?" Armel replied, pointing to himself in surprise.

The Bargesian Princess stared at him intently, her heart racing with nervousness. What if the teenager suddenly spilt the beans? For a moment, she regretted probing him.

"I don’t have anything to say," Armel insisted.

"Nothing?" she asked again, surprised.

"Nope! I have no idea what you want me to say. If you’re implying that I heard something, trust me, I didn’t! My puppy was barking so loudly that I couldn’t hear anything else!" Armel fibbed confidently.

Lies!

Athillia could see through his not-so-great cover-up. Growing up among deceitful people who schemed for power and wealth had sharpened her instincts. Just a glance told her that Armel was not a skilled liar.

On one hand, she was glad her secret remained safe. But on the other, she felt a twinge of suspicion.

What if this teenager had a hidden agenda and tried to blackmail her later?

Then again... why wait?

Now would be the best time to hint at his objective, but she didn’t see that coming. Armel’s gaze was as clear as water, with no hidden motive.

Athillia’s sight returned to Eli. For a moment, she was astonished, as she didn’t expect the young knight to be staring at her with his blue eyes, and it was no longer with a scornful look. Rather, he was curious.

"I... I’m on a quest!" she said quickly, offering an excuse, as it was the only response she could think of while the young knight waited for her reply.

"What quest?" asked Eli again.

Athillia cleared her throat and averted her gaze.

"You’ll soon know. Lord Kyren... I mean... your grand duke will let you know when the time comes," she said.

The knight nodded. If this was related to Kyren, it was best not to probe further.

"Fine. I apologise for accusing you wrongly. It’s just that... you’re a pretty lady, and a pretty lady hanging around an attractive man like His Highness... what else can others think?" he explained, offering a reason for his earlier hostility.

Athillia looked back at Eli, her eyes wide.

"You think I’m pretty?"

"Of course you are! Fair skin, reddish-brown hair! Even your eyes are almost the same hue of brown, just lighter! And your height... I find it kind of cute!" Eli blurted out.

As usual, the young knight couldn’t keep his thoughts to himself.

"I thought you said I’m not half as pretty as your lady," the Mederian Princess remarked.

"I was angry, and when I’m angry, I tend to speak recklessly. She and you are different. Beauty isn’t only about looks. I respect her deeply for who she is and what she’s done for me and my companions. But you are not the same. I don’t know much about you, other than His Highness brought you back from the battlefield. Yet, honestly... I do think you’re pretty," he explained.

Athillia’s cheeks flushed shyly. It had never crossed her mind that Eli would notice her appearance so closely.

However, the young knight, previously proud of his observations, suddenly felt awkward seeing the redness on the Bargesian Princess’s face.

’Oh no!’ he exclaimed inwardly.

This must be one of those moments when he shouldn’t have vented his thoughts.

The young knight was indeed skilled at observing people, but he was a complete failure when it came to recognising the right moment to speak his mind or to remain silent.

Embarrassment ate away at him, making his ears redden and warmth spread through them. He thought she must believe he was a pervert for describing her appearance in detail. Now, how could he escape this awkward moment?

Just then, like being saved by the bell, Emily knocked at the partially opened door.

"Lady Brooks! I thought you went to rest?" Armel said, surprised to see her return.

A look of excitement filled the young woman’s face, unlike before.

"His Highness and Lady Raychard are on their way back! Sir Navin just returned to alert us of their arrival! Everyone is required to greet them! Hurry and come down to the foyer!" she exclaimed.

"Thank goodness Lord Kyren is back!" Athillia added. "I’m going down too!"

She quickly got down from the bed and hurriedly went to the dresser.

At that moment, Eli and Armel, who were previously thrilled with their lord and lady’s return, exchanged glances, both sharing the same concern—what would happen when Anna met Athillia?