CHAPTER 533: A REASON TO STAY

Eli’s body slumped to the ground after Damon cut him free from the post. Before anyone else could react, Athillia hurried forward and threw herself at his side, untying him.

"Sir Henderson!" Her voice shattered into sobs as she held him tightly.

Gasps spread among the men as, following Cassian custom, no maiden should hug an unmarried knight so closely.

Dazed and weakened, Eli momentarily forgot propriety and instinctively tried to soothe her.

"I-I’m fine, my lady..."

"No, you’re not!" Athillia wept harder, arms tightening around his neck.

"I truly am—ah!"

Eli’s reassurance turned into a sharp grunt as her hand brushed against the raw welts across his back.

Athillia flinched at once, horror flashing across her tear-streaked face.

"I’m sorry! Do... does it hurt that much?" she asked, worry emerging in her tone.

The young knight forced a faint smile.

"Not really. Just like an ant bite," he murmured, half in jest.

Her tears welled up again. She could see through his feigned bravado, feel the strain in his breath and the pallor in his face.

"You’re lying!" she cried, cupping his cheek with one hand, the other gently brushing through his hair. "Look at you! You’ve only just recovered from your fever, and now you’ve suffered the lash because of me!"

Her gaze lingered on him, sorrow deep in her eyes, while Eli, still panting, tried to hold back the pain with dignity.

Then, a hardened voice came cutting through the hush of the gathered crowd, "Athillia! What are you doing?!"

The cry made her jolt. The Bargesian Princess and the rest turned to see Kyren and the Marquess of Roland striding into the circle. The grand duke’s expression was puzzled, while the marquess’s face had darkened with severity.

"Un–uncle Mattin!" Athillia gasped.

She hadn’t expected them so soon. Her uncle had said he would be occupied for the entire day. So why was he here now, and at this exact moment?

At once, the assembled men and ladies bowed to the two lords, all except Anna, whose eyes lit with relief at the sight of her husband returned from the palace.

"Get up and move away from him at once!" Matthew’s voice rose, though he fought to keep his tone measured. "You’re a maiden! You cannot hold him like this!"

A flush of embarrassment burned through him as the sight of his niece clinging to her escort was laid bare before them.

Only then did Athillia look around and realise that every eye, from those who had just risen from their bows and curtsies, was fixed upon her and Eli.

"You’re back, Kyren!" Anna exclaimed as she came quickly to her husband’s side.

Her movement, filled with warm welcome, momentarily softened the heavy air pressing over the training ground.

"I thought you said you would be long at the palace?" she asked.

"I thought so too at first," Kyren replied, his gaze shifting briefly over the scene before him. "But we concluded the discussions sooner than expected, thanks to Lord Aaron Pearce and his brothers, Lord Chris and Lord Daniel. The latter two have agreed to accompany Sir Ashburne and the Duke of Greene on their mission to Constance, Ardel. They will depart soon."

"Ah... I see." Anna nodded.

The grand duke’s tone then hardened as he turned his attention back to the occurrence, demanding Eric.

"Now, explain what has happened here, Sir Navin. Upon my arrival, Anryr informed me that something untoward had occurred."

"Yes, Your Highness."

The second-in-command knight bowed and recounted the entire incident to his lord. Matthew’s expression darkened further with every word, especially upon learning that Athillia had nearly drowned.

"How dare you! You almost got my niece killed!" he roared to Eli, fury shaking his voice.

The Marquess nearly lunged at the young knight, his fist clenched, but he restrained himself out of respect for Anna and Kyren, his wrath simmering just beneath the surface.

"He didn’t mean it, Uncle! I swear!" Athillia cried, terrified that Matthew would not let this slip so easily.

"He has already been punished, Lord Silas," Kyren interjected, meant to temper the storm.

"The punishment is not enough!" Matthew snapped back. "It should be far harsher than this!"

Eli bowed lower in silence, remorse carving deep into his features. He had endangered Athillia’s life. Though he had saved her, he felt no right to defend himself.

Besides, the Marquess of Roland was known for his unyielding discipline, even to his own men. Leniency was not a trait often spoken of him.

"Then... would it be acceptable if I delivered a punishment to Sir Henderson myself, one that would satisfy you, Lord Silas?" Anna’s voice cut off the argument.

Both Kyren and Matthew turned to her at once. The Marquess bowed, his respect for the Khasif evident even in the heat of his anger.

Athillia’s hand clutched Eli’s arm, her eyes wide with alarm. What did Anna mean by punishment? Would Eli be tormented further for his mistake?

Her heart lurched painfully at the thought. This couldn’t be! She couldn’t believe the empress, who had always held the knight in her regard, would truly wish him harm. Yet, the doubt tore at her inside.

Then, from the crowd’s edge, she caught Meredith’s gaze. The lady’s eyes softened knowingly as she discreetly shook her head, a subtle hint to remain silent.

Athillia’s lips parted, still trembling with protest, but before her words could form, she noticed Callis, Emily, and the other ladies, offering the same gesture, urging her to trust in what was unfolding.

Confusion filled her mind, but a faint hope shone through despite the fear—surely this ’punishment’ wouldn’t be as cruel as she initially thought.

"If it is fair, then I will accept," Matthew conceded after a pause.

Kyren raised a brow, curious.

What was Anna planning?

But when he looked at her, he caught the glimmer of certainty in her eyes.

The princess turned her gaze to the pair kneeling before her. Her lashes lowered softly as her eyes caught Athillia’s hand resting firmly on Eli’s arm.

What Meredith had whispered to her earlier now stood plain before her, and there was no mistaking it. Affection had tied this pair together, hidden yet clear as day.

"Sir Henderson... what you did was a grave mistake," Anna began.

"I acknowledge it, my lady," Eli answered at once, bowing his head in solemn deference.

"Athillia is not just Lord Silas’s niece, but she holds a special place in my heart. She is my husband’s saviour, and I owe her a great debt. Having her life disregarded in such a way is no light matter..."

The princess’s words fell heavily, carrying both reproach and meaning.

Eli remained silent, shoulders squared, though still shaken from the lashes. He accepted her caution without protest.

Ten strikes had been lenient; in truth, he had expected more and would have endured them to preserve his dignity as a knight.

Athillia’s fingers clenched against her skirt, her throat tight with unspoken words. She wanted to cry out in Eli’s defence, but Anna’s calm yet commanding voice kept her rooted in place.

The crowd stayed hushed, waiting to see what the princess would decree next. Even Lord Silas, whose anger simmered still, held his tongue, for Anna’s judgment bore weight no one dared to dismiss.

"For that, I want you to dedicate your life to her. I want you... to be her chaperone," Anna declared.

Murmurs rippled through the gathering. Matthew’s eyes widened, his face hardening in disbelief. The rest wore looks of equal surprise, except for Meredith, who lowered her gaze and hid a knowing smirk behind her hand.

"Ch–chaperone?" the Marquess repeated sharply. "Chaperone for what?"

Anna turned gracefully, meeting his gaze with calm conviction.

"I wish for your niece to serve as my lady-in-waiting."

Matthew blinked, thrown.

"But... that would mean she must marry into Gerhard! How does this connect to Sir Henderson’s punishment?"

"I know well the custom," Anna replied evenly. "Yet Lady Athillia has only just come of age. Discussing her marriage now would be too premature. Such matters demand time, deliberation, and proper alliances. And she is new here, unfamiliar with Cassian traditions and surroundings. Forcing her so swiftly into a match would be cruel. An official chaperone will allow her to remain by my side with dignity, while fulfilling her role as my lady-in-waiting."

The Marquess’s brow furrowed, his thoughts struggling to catch hold of this sudden turn.

"But why this role? And why so sudden?"

Anna’s smile softened.

"It is not sudden. I have considered it carefully. In truth, I wish not only for her, but also for Lady Sylvia Mills to serve as my ladies-in-waiting," She turned to her friends with a warm, earnest look. "At present, I have only Lady Meredith Jarr, who, like myself, now carries a child. Surely, we will need more help in our condition, and I would have more trusted companions at my side."

As her words settled, the gathering shifted their eyes between Anna, Athillia, and the knight kneeling nearby.

Meanwhile, Sylvia offered a gentle smile of acknowledgement. The matter of her service had long been discussed and agreed upon.

Indeed, Drystan, eager with joy at the honour, had gone to the Count of Medhir’s mansion to bear the good news, which explained his absence from the assembly.

The Bargesian Princess’s lips parted in astonishment, her heart racing at the demand.

Eli’s gaze flickered briefly toward her before dropping again, concealing the sudden flutter stirring in his chest.

Strange... for something spoken as a punishment, it hardly felt like one.

"It would be an honour for her to serve you, my lady," Matthew said. "However, as you mentioned, my niece is young, new to this kingdom, and unfamiliar with our customs. A lady-in-waiting should have discretion, refinement, and skills in diplomacy and management. I worry she may not be prepared yet."

Anna met the Marquess’s doubt with a steady, confident smile.

"Lady Athillia has all the qualities I require. She is trustworthy, quick-witted, and capable. At such a young age, she has helped Cassian win two battles, journeyed alone from the south to the north, and secured peace by ensuring Barges cannot attack us for years to come. Tell me, my lord, who else could have accomplished all that on her own?"

Her words struck a deep chord, and Matthew faltered into silence. Though his heart still wavered, he couldn’t deny that his niece’s accomplishments were undeniably remarkable.

Anna then pressed gently to convince him.

"This is not merely for my sake, Lord Silas. It is for her as well. Now that her true identity is exposed, there will be whispers, suspicion, and even scorn. I have endured such shadows myself and know too well the sting they carry. Your march lies far away, and she would be left alone, with no solace. Here, at least, she has friends who will stand by her."

Matthew exhaled heavily, his gaze shifting from his niece’s tearful face to the kneeling knight.

"I am grateful for your generosity, my lady. But what troubles me is your appointment of Sir Henderson, who has failed in his duty once. How can he assure us that such a failure will not repeat?"

Anna’s eyes grew still.

"Sir Henderson may not be perfect, but haven’t we all learned from mistakes to improve? I think today provided him with an important lesson, and by making him the official chaperone of Athillia, he would take full custody of her and honour that duty with his life. If that still isn’t enough, then I will give you my personal assurance of her safety as the Khasif. Would you still doubt me then?"

Matthew’s breath caught at the remarks.

The invocation of Anna’s Ro’an title was no casual flourish. It was solemn, binding, and sincere.

"I would never dare, my lady!" The marquess declared.

Kyren, who had allowed Anna to take charge of the situation temporarily, suddenly interjected.

"I have no issue if you wish Athillia to be one of your ladies-in-waiting, Anna. But Sir Henderson has another engagement. Perhaps I should remind you and everyone that he has been nominated as a marriage candidate for the Princess of Galicia, as proposed by His Majesty the King. With that in mind, he cannot serve as a chaperone."

"Ah, yes! I recall that now!" the marquess said. Turning to Eli, he added firmly, "If he is to marry the princess, then naturally he cannot become a chaperone. Best appoint another knight for the role."

Athillia’s breath caught. The words struck her like a cold wind, and the hand she had unconsciously kept near her chest tightened into a fist. She lowered her gaze quickly, hoping no one noticed the shadow of sorrow dimming her eyes.

Eli, however, noticed—and his heart clenched. A sharp and undeniable warmth stirred in him as he realised how deeply her reaction mattered to him.

"I know of the proposal," Anna said, glancing at the young knight. "But as far as I’m aware, Sir Henderson has not yet given his reply."

Eli raised his head, his decision already made.

"With all due respect, my lady, Your Highness, and my lord," he interjected, "I would like to give my answer now."

The grand duke’s gaze deepened on him.

"And what would it be?"

"I do not wish to marry into the Galician royals. Please let His Majesty know I cannot accept the nomination," the young knight declared with conviction.

The shock spread through the onlookers almost instantly.

"Why?" Kyren pressed.

Eli’s gaze shifted to Athillia, who looked back at him with an expression that grappled between disbelief and a faint spark of hope.

"Because I do not believe I would be happy there," he said firmly. "My heart is fixed here, not in Galicia. I would rather remain in Cassian, serving as Lady Athillia’s chaperone. I want to redeem myself and make amends... truly and wholeheartedly."

"Are you certain?" Kyren’s tone hardened. "If I deliver this answer to the king, there will be no turning back. You will lose this chance forever."

"I am certain, Your Highness," Eli replied. "I cannot pretend otherwise. I already know what I want, and I will not be happy denying it."

A heavy silence lingered. Kyren sighed, while Anna and Meredith exchanged a secret smile.

"All my knights refuse," the grand duke muttered. "Garin claims he is too old for the princess, Luke insists he is not ready to surrender his bachelorhood, Damon has his own plans... and now you, the one I most expected to accept, also decline. Who else can I put forward?"

Anna’s lips curved into a smirk as she turned to her husband.

"Oh, don’t trouble yourself too much, my dear. Didn’t you say the sons of noble families could also be considered? Your knights have chosen their own paths, and you, of all people, wish them to be happy. Besides, aren’t there still others within the duchy to fill the role?"

Kyren exhaled, considering her words. If he forced Eli to comply, the result would only poison him for life. The knight’s resolve was plain, written across every line of his face.

At last, the grand duke nodded.

"Very well. I accept your rejection. I will pass the matter back to His Majesty and let him choose other candidates."

Relief washed over Eli, but then...

"However," Kyren continued to his wife, "there is one more matter. Has anyone asked Athillia herself if she is willing to become your lady-in-waiting, Anna? We should respect her choice. She came here for her uncle, after all."

"Ah! You are right! I nearly forgot!" Anna exclaimed.

Stepping forward, she approached Athillia with a gentle smile.

"Rise, Athillia."

The Bargesian princess obeyed, still unsteady on her feet. Anna brushed away the last of her tears with one hand and clasped her fingers with the other.

"We have not known each other long, yet I already feel comfortable with you, as if you are a dear friend. If it does not trouble you, would you be willing to serve as my lady-in-waiting? That way, you may have a reason to stay."

’A reason to stay...’

The meaning felt more profound than what it portrayed.

Athillia blinked, her lashes lowering as a brooding look crossed her face. Was it truly a reason or a chance she had never dared to ask for?

"Sir Henderson just gave up a royal match for the chance to be by your side. Doesn’t it mean something?"

Anna withdrew with a lingering smile. The words struck the Bargesian Princess, but she still hesitated.

Her gaze darted to Eli, who remained unmoving and silent. Her heart began to pound as she looked at him, as if daring her to reach for what she thought was forbidden.

"I... I’ll stay!" she declared, her voice trembling but eyes shining clear. "I’ll stay and become your lady-in-waiting, my lady. It will be my greatest honour to serve you!"

"Thank you, Athillia," Anna said warmly. "And welcome to Gerhard’s family."