G. Kitsune
patreon
The Soul Reborn: From Silence to Sovereignty Chapter 28
🕑 Added 2025-06-06 12:22:46 +0000 UTCChapter 28: Don’t Threaten the Archduke’s Heart
The silence laced with tension that lingered throughout the hall was quite enjoyable. Watching them squirm as that loudmouth was thrown out as if her title meant next to nothing in front of the duchess’s whims.
I leaned in next to Noah and whispered with the sweetest tone, allowing my voice to carry throughout the room.
“Hey, hubby…” I said with a sly smile. “Can I get a few of those big guys as my daily guards?”
Some of the nobles stiffened at my words. Of course I said it just loud enough so at least those close enough to us with high noble titles could hear clearly.
The fear that started blooming in the eyes of all those present was intoxicating, wondering what I would do with them and if they were possibly next.
So I couldn’t help saying, “I can only imagine.” A villainous grin spread across my face. “What fun I could have with them around.”
Noah looked at me with mixed emotions that I could only recognize as amusement and adoration.
“Sure,” he said simply. “Tomorrow we’ll go down to the barracks, and you can pick a few to your standards.”
My grin widened.
“I only want the most loyal ones.”
He nodded, totally being my perfect partner in our little play. “I’ll bring ten I’d trust with my life; you can choose from them.”
"I sat there and watched the faces of everyone in attendance grow extremely pale. It was my victory; I would never let these people strike first."
Without missing a beat, I turned my body fully so that Noah and I were face-to-face while still straddling him. I placed my arms around his neck, pulling him into me until our lips locked.
The gasps in the room were like fireworks exploding. I’m pretty sure I heard a few women faint, and the men looked on with jealousy. None of their women would ever be so bold and forward towards them.
Noah didn't hesitate to match my level of enthusiasm to show everyone just how much we loved each other and how fucked they were if anyone tried me in the future.
When I peeked in the direction of all those who were attending, every single eye was staring at me as if I were some anomaly that had never been seen before in this world.
How right they were, hehe.
I love it!
This wasn’t a kiss born of etiquette or ceremony, but a claim that he’s mine and there’s nothing you can do about it.
I caught Livia out of the corner of my eye watching, her face still as neutral as ever; she’s no fun at all. But at the same time her eyes didn’t leave the scene.
So I did the first thing that came to mind, and I winked at her, getting a slight reaction with a smirk developing on her cute little solemn face.
Turning back to everyone, I thought to myself, I will be the one in charge from now on, so watch yourself if you want to live a good life.
With all my knowledge of every fantasy book I’ve ever read, I took my shot at all these nobles like I just became a new inmate in a prison. Instead of knocking out the toughest guy, I just claimed him as mine.
Now I was their warden. Who wants to be thrown in jail?
After the excitement of the night, Noah and I had to christen our new room.
It was hot and heavy, full of tension that exploded into passion. The second time around was a lot more enjoyable, allowing myself to be dominated to his heart’s content.
I loved every second of it!
He was a lot more aggressive this time. I could feel the weight of his body pound into me with force, but I just wrapped myself around him, accepting the ride with all my heart.
“You’re so obsessed with my body, Noah.” I whispered close to his ear in the most seductive way possible.
While looking into his eyes, it was like he shifted to a higher gear. Let’s just say I found out just how much he loved me, but even though he was so much rougher, Noah always made sure I was alright before committing fully.
Which I found so cute! How’s he so lovable?
The man who was mine in every way possible devoured me that night, and I couldn’t have been more thrilled by the experience.
Bright and early the next morning a soft knock echoed through the bedroom.
Blinking my eyes open, adjusting to the light of the room, I notice someone at the door.
“Come in, Livia,” I said casually, still under the covers, understanding only one individual could be knocking on my door this early.
She stepped in with her usual neutral expression, holding a small notepad and a tray of tea.
Of course the room was a mess with clothes thrown on the floor from our hot and heavy night. But Livia didn’t even react to it as if she had expected as much.
Just as I claimed, Noah, she was also one of my people, so it’s appreciated that she looks the other way in situations like this.
Livia didn’t even steal a glance at the naked man who was clinging to me in bed, granted the very comfortable fur blanket was covering our bodies.
Noah simply gave her a nod and stayed quiet, his hand brushing gently along my hair.
“Report,” I said, brushing some strands out of my eyes.
Livia set the tray down and opened the notepad.
“As you requested last night,” she said smoothly, “I made rounds through the eastern, western, and garden wings of the estate. I spoke casually with some of the staff, loitered around gathering areas, and took mental note of who speaks freely when they think no one is watching.”
I couldn’t help but sit up straighter, while Noah’s outstretched arm still rested behind my back, “And?”
“Three maids spoke poorly of you from what I could see last night.” She said it without even blinking. “One referred to you as ‘spoiled’ and said you would tire of your position within a year. Another claimed you had no noble blood and weren’t worthy of your seat. The third…”
She paused.
“What?” I pressed.
“She implied that if something were to happen to you, the Archduke might return back to his senses.”
Noah’s body tensed behind me.
Livia closed the notebook and calmly added, “I’ve already memorized their faces.”
I met Noah’s gaze, his jaw clenched slightly. He grabbed my hand and interlocked it with his, squeezing it tightly.
“You’re certain?” I asked Livia.
She nodded once, “Word for word.”
I leaned back against Noah’s chest, sighing with both satisfaction and bloodlust.
“Good girl, we’ll deal with them tonight.”
Noah said nothing at first and then mumbled into my hair.
“I’ll make examples out of them.”
A smile widened on my face, but at the same time I planned to make my presence known once again tonight. I’m Archduchess Seraphina; you’ve got no right to judge me!
Let the whole estate learn if they speak ill of me… They’re not just defying the power of this land but choosing death.
Before we could have any fun with the three little traitorous maids, who clearly needed a lesson in pain and humility, we had a more pressing task to handle this morning.
We entered the central hall, where ten towering men stood in perfect formation. Each one looked like they could split a mountain in two with their bare hands. Of course I’m exaggerating a bit.
These were Noah’s elite men, the best of the best, and now I was going to pick a few as my personal guards.
I stepped forward, chin high with arms crossed. Noah walked just behind, like a silent shadow, his presence solid and unshakable.
The men stood at attention without moving as I spoke.
“Who here would willingly swear their loyalty to me, not as the Archduke’s wife, but as your Archduchess?”
I looked each one of them in the eyes, trying to find any slight hint that their feelings weren’t genuine.
“This isn’t a demand. I won’t chain loyalty to fear or force. If your heart doesn’t agree, you can leave now.”
There was silence for a while as they looked at each other.
Then, five of the ten men stepped back and saluted Noah before walking out of the hall.
I let them go without a word; if they weren’t my people, I didn’t want them.
But the five who remained? Let’s see whose worthy enough. My thoughts were so bold I couldn’t help but reflect on myself. At the same time, this is for my safety, so I can’t mess around.
“Alright,” I smiled, satisfied as I looked at the five still here, “Names and specialties?”
The first man stepped forward, who was tall and heavily armored; he had a calm air about him.
“Kellan Myre,” he said evenly. “I am a defensive specialist. My job is to keep the important ones alive with this here shield.” He slammed the enormous-sized shield to the ground.
His words struck a nerve, and defense is something very valuable for someone in my position.
I smiled and gave him a nod. “Next.”
A huge man lumbered forward, towering over the rest with reddish-brown hair and a monster of an axe leaning off one of his shoulders.
“Name’s Bors,” he said bluntly. “I don’t talk too much, but I follow orders given without hesitation. I kill whatever needs killing. You say jump, I already landed.”
His presence radiated power, raw and terrifying. Yet somehow I felt like I could trust him.
I honestly didn’t even care about the other three because these first two were already perfect. I have an axe that radiated strength and a shield that reminded me of a character from a game I once played. What else could I desire for my protection?
Finding the first two very appealing for what I wanted, I put a stop to the introductions.
“Kellan Mare, from now on you're my shield. I hope I can trust my life in your hands.”
He stepped forward and bowed deeply, “Understood, your grace, I will protect you with my life or die trying.”
I turned to Bors.
“You’re my axe; whoever I tell you to kill, do it.” I said, commanding, realizing this was the type of guy who would accept orders such as these.
He grinned at me with viciousness; it was obvious Bors enjoyed getting permission to cause pain to others.
“Gladly, my axe is yours!” His voice rumbled as he knelt next to Kellan.
Noah, who was watching the whole scene silently, finally smirked.
“Solid picks.”
“Of course,” I said smugly. “I would only pick the best.”
I turned to Kellan and Bors.
“You’re my people from now on, not just in service, but in loyalty. My enemies are yours, and your mission is my safety, if you ever betray me… well.”
I smiled sweetly.
“Let’s just say I’ve already got plans for that too.”
They didn’t flinch, nodding in affirmation, seeming resolute to follow my orders.
I turned back to Noah and took his hand with a victorious grin.
“Alright, love. Let’s deal with those maids now.”
Noah leaned in with glimpses of unrestrained fury bubbling up within his glare as I mentioned the maids who threaten my well-being.
Later that night, after we’d shared a quiet dinner together, the real show was about to begin.
Every maid in the estate was summoned to the grand hall, an expansive room with large pillars and high vaulted ceilings. Torches lit the space in a golden glow, but despite the warmth, the air was ice cold with tension.
Let’s just say I enjoyed seeing fear on their faces, if only that would stop them from doing anything stupid in the future.
I sat casually on a large couch next to Noah, who had his arms wrapped around me protectively. My body was leaning back against his as if he were my own personal cushion, one leg over the other as I looked down at all those who had entered this place.
On one side stood Kellan Myre, a literal wall of a man with a strong, measured presence. His calm demeanor radiated control. In contrast, Bors stood opposite him with his arms crossed and a massive axe strapped across his back. He was my blunt instrument of destruction, and it was obvious to everyone in the room. He was itching for blood, and they knew it.
That was his appeal in my choosing him. As long as he was loyal, I loved the fact he would probably freak out anyone who approached with just a glance.
Every maid in the household stood at attention, their faces a mix of nervousness, confusion, and dread at what would come.
Noah stood up, his presence immediately silencing every whisper in the room.
He didn’t need to shout.
“There are snakes,” he said with lethality, his voice carrying through the space, striking each and every heart present. “Rotten apples, cowards who think speaking behind closed doors means they can’t be heard.”
He didn’t look at me, but I felt his words burning through the crowd for my sake.
“Let me make something crystal clear: when I said not to harm or defy the Archduchess, I meant it.”
Noah took a step forward, his arm slid from around me, but his presence still felt like a wall shielding my back.
“Yes… Seraphina is my weakness,” he said without any shame. “Because I love and trust her more than anyone else.”
There was movement in the crowd, maids shifting uncomfortably, eyes moving between me, Noah, and my two guards, who had grins that could kill a person.
“When someone tries to harm her, whether verbally, physically, or emotionally, it’s not just an insult to her but a direct attempt to stab me in the heart, and I won’t tolerate that.”
Then, he called out three names.
Each one a snap of the whip across the room, “Mirelle, Anise, and Corinne, come forward.”
All three women flinched and screamed as they tried to run, escaping from a fate they definitely didn’t want.
Of course they didn’t get far with Noah’s men surrounding this place for such an action. They grabbed the maid’s mid-flight and threw them to the marble floor at our feet.
Their knee scraped loudly on the ground. One of them sobbed like her life was over, and honestly, she’s not wrong about that. The others trembled as they looked up at me and Noah with pure horror written on their faces.
I tilted my head slightly, eyes narrowed. Noah looked at me as if asking what I wanted to do.
"Would you like to speak, Sera?” He said much softer in a complete contrast to his previous words.
My smile grew slow and wicked.
“I would.” My body rose from the comfortable couch, and I stepped towards the three who went over the line. Of course I’m sure there are more, but unlucky for these ladies, they were found out.
Looking down from above over the three sniveling maids begging for mercy, I only felt contempt for them.
“Did you think I wouldn’t find out?” I said, my voice sharp as I glanced at the other maids in the room, each one suddenly avoiding my eyes. “You thought it was safe to whisper behind my back, spread lies, and make threats. Like I was just some useless lady who is a clueless doll playing dress-up?”
I took a few steps forward, my tone tightening. “You know nothing about me!”
None of them answered.
They were obviously too afraid to even look me in the eyes, their heads buried into the ground, hoping maybe I would forgive them?
I stood upright again and looked at Noah.
“I promised I wouldn’t hurt myself again like I did with that slap on my disgusting sister,” I said aloud, “I’ll keep it.”
Then my gaze fell on Kellan and Bors.
“But I never said anything about my guards.”
