114: Allies on her side (part 3)

Allies on her side (part 3)

On a serene Lanarkian winter night, the tall pine trees stood like silent guardians by the tranquil pond, their branches occasionally disregarding the capricious nature of the passing wind, and at other times dancing playfully with its rhyme. The rustling foliage added a soft melody to the night as if joining in the ancient secrets that were being whispered in the stillness.0

Cloaked in darkness yet illuminated by the moon's soft glow, Adela's countenance bore a solemn expression as she sought the inner strength to confront long-guarded secrets, dwelling within the depths of a select few.

"Sir Rauul..." 

She pondered over which matter to prioritize, but Rauul's gaze had already zeroed in on the brooch on her robe.

"This mana stone is truly extraordinary," Rauul proclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"A mana stone?"

He nodded eagerly, a mischievous grin playing upon his lips.

"Indeed, my Lady. This exquisite gem is known as the Empress's Heart. It stands as the darkest object in all of Latora, possessing unrivaled power. It is not meant to be an offensive weapon or a defensive charm, yet it carries a captivating myth... Would you like to hear it?"

Adela took a breath ready to give her consent, but before she could speak, Egon intervened.

"Skip that," he commanded, cutting short the narrative.

Rauul's mischievous smile persisted, his eyes fixed on Adela. "In short, the Empress's Heart possesses the remarkable ability to absorb a Healer's light entirely. Care to take a guess as to why?"

Another existence absorbed the light that Adela emanated leaving no trace behind: Egon von Conradie. 

"…For such a strong attraction to exist, shouldn't the elements involved be polar opposites?" she asked aloud, her gaze drifting towards Egon who appeared mesmerized as he locked eyes with her.

She furrowed her brow when he wiped more beads of sweat from his forehead.

"You possess quite the insight, My Lady," Rauul admired.

She grimaced, turning her attention back to him. "My insight is quite ordinary."

His eyes, each a different color, twinkled with distinct radiance, "Well, as to why you have come to possess the Empress's Heart, Egon here is attempting to prove a point, whether to himself or to you, I am yet to discover."

Adela's cheeks flushed at the implications woven into Rauul's words, she brushed her finger along the surface of the stone and voiced her observation. "It appears to be ineffective. Despite wearing it when you struck Arkin with the needle, my concern for him seemed to counteract its effects."

Rauul arched both eyebrows, his gaze fixed on Adela as if she had overlooked a crucial detail. He reached for her hand once more, urging her to focus intently.

"While the Empress's Heart prevents you from channeling the light outward, concentrate on the sensations you experience within," 

Adela's eyes remained transfixed on their intertwined hands, a tingling coolness spreading through her fingers. She gasped softly as realization washed over her, seeking confirmation in Rauul's face even before she voiced her question.

"Sir Rauul... Could it be possible that you are also a Healer?"

His smile dazzled.

"Sharing this moment here with you... Every sacrifice I made by leaving Kolhis holds no value."

The loyalty emanating from Rauul's eyes sent a shiver down Adela's spine, but it was a realization that struck her too late that had her gasping in surprise once more.

"Are you the Healer who saved my father's life?" She held onto his hand tightly.

Rauul shook his head, "Kaiser's life was never in immediate danger. Our actions were not solely about salvation but rather a transformation we both embraced. Witnessing Grace in that state was a catalyst for my return to Latora."

With each answer from Rauul, Adela's mind was flooded with a cascade of new questions.

"What was it about my mother that compelled you to leave Kolhis and return to Latora?"

Rauul sighed.

"Often, the very thing we try to escape with the greatest urgency is what ultimately catches up to us. And when it does, the collision brings a magnitude of unimaginable suffering,"

Adela's heart sank when he let go of her hands. It was clear that Rauul had experienced his own share of struggles and hardships. She also had to acknowledge that his words referred to her mother's misfortune, a path she wasn't willing to explore at that moment.

"Sir Rauul, I am forever grateful for what you have done for the Archduke. If there is a way for me to repay you, please do not hesitate to ask," 

Rauul's gaze lingered on her hands, a mix of longing and fondness in his blue and black eyes.

"...I cannot stay here without seeking an official audience with the Archduke, but I would like the opportunity to explore your abilities in the future,"

Adela couldn't help but feel grateful for his generous offer. "I will do my best for you," she promised, feeling a flutter of nerves as Egon's intense gaze seemed to penetrate her very being. "...But before you leave, may I ask something of you?"

Rauul placed a hand over his heart and waited.

The Lady's connection with her knight was of the strongest since their essences were intertwined. However, the alliance between the Archduke's daughter and the new Duke of Latora required a test, and this was her chance to seize the opportunity and address the situation involving her sister.

She looked around cautiously, aware that Egon's keen ears were present, allowing them to discuss sensitive topics outdoors.

"It is widely known that the relationship between Father and the King has always been strained, marked by conflicting ambitions and ideologies...Uncle happens to be in father's quarters as we speak, and his earlier remarks suggested that Larissa's actions reflect poorly on our entire family..."

Adela emphasized that her own safety was directly threatened due to her sister's elopement. Involving a Duke in a matter concerning royalty would be deemed inappropriate otherwise.

Rauul frowned, "You should not be held accountable for her perceived transgressions, regardless of whether she was taken away or left of her own accord. Protecting Alkadim's mate had always been his utmost priority,"

A heavy silence enveloped the trio as Adela braced herself for the revelation that would likely be the most difficult for her to accept that night.

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