123: The Lady is no coward (part 2)

The Lady is no coward (part 2)

As her words hung in the air, all eyes were fixed upon Extermizer in Adela's hand.2

The king's eyebrows raised slightly, his eyes studying Adela for a moment before hint of a smile appeared on his thin lips, granting her a subtle permission to proceed. It was one of those rare moments when she truly felt herself and her uncle bound by blood.

Her heart swelled with pride as she approached Bastian who looked at her with a flabbergasted expression. With a steady hand, she raised Extermizer high above her head and watched its blade gleam in the radiant light.

"Bastian von Conradie, you have demonstrated unparalleled courage, exceptional skill, and unwavering devotion to the kingdom of Emoria. Your actions have proven you to be truly deserving of the highest honor."

Lowering the sword, Adela lightly touched the flat side of the blade to Bastian's shoulder. Her eyes sparkled with pride as she met his gaze.

"Rise as a knight, Sir Bastian von Conradie," her voice resounded with authority. "May your sword remain steadfast, your heart ever bold, and your loyalty to Emoria unwavering." She recited the words she had heard her father say countless times before with a fluency befitting such a momentous occasion.

Bastian stood almost as tall as his brother. The gratitude that shone in his eye was raw and heavy as he nodded respectfully to the beautiful Lady whose hand trembled under the weight of a sword not meant for her.

Adela smiled at him.

You and I are much alike, Tian.

The key to changing their fates lay in the refinement of Emorian laws. She dreamt of a more inclusive and equitable society where individuals like herself and Bastian could unfurl their featherless wings and soar not by relying on the assistance of others, but because the very fabric of society had been redesigned to support and uplift them.

"Kaiser," the king addressed his brother, "Accompany me back to your quarters before you deal with the prisoners, for I am feeling unwell." He threw a cold glare at Egon. "This is far from over. The truth about Larissa shall be confirmed by the Crown Prince himself, Sir Egor..."

Kaiser did not reply, his disapproving stare fixed on Adela's hand as he silently retrieved his sword from her. His eyes surveyed the reception hall. "Follow me," Kaiser commanded the knights and royal guards who obediently filed out of the hall in an orderly manner. Within moments, the space around Adela emptied leaving only the two newly appointed knights.

Adela released the breath she had been holding. When she looked up at Bastian, his gaze revealed a multitude of emotions, some of which stirred realizations she did not want to acknowledge. She curtsied respectfully before him, purposefully ignoring Egon, and then she turned and walked away.

With the matter regarding Larissa partially resolved, her attention now returned to her father's debt.

"Adelaide..."

Her mate's voice called out to her as she hurried outside. Adela feigned ignorance, pretending not to hear him.

"You're running away again," he remarked condescendingly.

She halted in her tracks, turned around, and approached him with angry steps. He was murmuring nonsense about mountain goats again when she reached him.

"Did you transfer ownership of the lands you purchased from my father to Arkin?" Adela questioned with an accusatory tone.

Egon's brow furrowed in confusion. "What are you talking about?"

Adela's eyes sought Bastian but he avoided her gaze. "...Arkin came this morning and threatened Father, bragging about having the choice to either burn Lanark or sell it to the noblemen."

"I have no knowledge of this," Egon replied sincerely. "I didn't make that decision."

"Arkin is already acting recklessly... Using this against Father goes beyond anything you've done so far!" Adela's frustration mounted.

"Uncle... He's gone to such lengths... He spoke of wanting his son to inherit everything he possesses, but I won't let him use the lands I bought against you. I'll find a solution... Don't worry," 

Don't worry?

"I won't worry, Sir Egon, I shall take action," 

Adela curtsied once more then turned around, deciding to make a swift exit. As the guards opened the door for her, she was taken aback to find Arkin pacing back and forth in the corridor. He froze in his tracks, his eyes widening in surprise as if she had been the one seeking him rather than the other way around. 

"...Is your conscience starting to trouble you?" she pondered aloud.

"My conscience is as unburdened as that of my birthmother. I have no regrets," Arkin retorted bitterly.

She approached him, her tone softening as she attempted to bridge the gap between them. "You want to punish Father, but can't you see how this will impact both our families... Can't we discuss this, Arkin? Like siblings should..."

He stared at her with crazy eyes, his emotions running high. "What are you even talking about? Can you begin to comprehend the twisted position I find myself in right now?" He ran his hands through his hair, his hazel eyes disoriented. "Of course, they will pay for what they've done to me!"

"...Maybe we should refrain from speaking with each other for a while,"

His face reddened, the color deepening to a shade nearing purple. "You... You speak of justice and claim to represent it, but in the case of Kaiser de Lanark, you're the embodiment of injustice. You're just trying to protect him!"

She shook her head, vehemently denying his accusation. "No... That's not true... You're acting hastily, and it's the last thing you should do. Each step must be taken with caution."

"I'm taking what rightfully belongs to me!" he shouted.

"Lanark is Father's Archduchy! Regardless of what that piece of parchment says, he devoted his entire life to this land... As if you haven't witnessed any of it! How absurd!"

"Whatever I do to his precious land will pale in comparison to what he's done to me!" Arkin seethed.

"Your actions will bring suffering upon so many people. You're not thinking clearly, not considering how this will backfire on our parents... on yourself!"

"You were right. There's no point in discussing this with you," Arkin retorted.

She raised her chin high. "Leopold is manipulating you. You've become a pawn in someone else's revenge."

As Arkin glared at her next, a warning sounded in her head.

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