134: Loving fathers

Loving fathers

"Calm down, Adela. Andreas is never far," Larissa said, standing behind Adela now.1

Adela suppressed her nerves. Memories of Egon's comparable words resurfaced in her mind, the pressure of the dagger's hilt digging into her palm. Holding her breath, she observed as the commanding figure of a cloaked man entered the room then closed the door and secured it with a bolt.

"I swear upon my life to protect you, Larissa," Adela vowed, a fierce resolve igniting within her.

Simultaneously, both girls drew in sharp breaths as the man gradually pivoted in their direction.

"...Is it truly surprising that the Archduke possesses knowledge of his daughters' whereabouts?" Kaiser's voice resonated lowly as he spoke, his hands sweeping the hood of his cloak away from his head.

"Your Excellency," Adela curtsied with a hint of trepidation for her father.

His eyes shimmered with emotion as he locked his focus on Larissa. His attention shifted to Adela, his piercing stare narrowing as he noticed the dagger clenched in her hand, prompting a furrowed brow.

"I should have knocked..." he murmured apologetically, acknowledging his intrusion.

The Archduke took a deliberate step forward, his aura taking over the room. His voice held dominion over the air as he addressed Larissa.

"Your sudden absence has stirred quite a commotion. Is this an appropriate location for you to find yourself in at this moment?" 

Larissa's eyes dropped to the floor, burdened by a profound sense of guilt.

Raising his hand, the Archduke silenced Adela who was poised to speak in her sister's defense. He strode closing the distance between himself and his daughters.

"When precisely did you mature, Larissa..."

Larissa's tongue was bound, her eyes glistened as she glanced up at her father's evocative countenance, a facet of him he seldom revealed to anybody.

"It feels as though it was just yesterday when you were scurrying around the mansion. Observing you was akin to witnessing a delicate fragment of myself. I perpetually harbored the fear that my precious girl would stumble and endure pain," he nostalgically confessed.

Adela's eyes burned with unshed tears.

"When your private tutoring began, my concerns shifted. I worried about whether the rules in this kingdom would be too demanding for you. Whether your position would confine you and hinder your free-spirited nature as you gradually stopped your lively escapades," 

Adela's heart pulsed with empathy for her sister, for the weight of her father's words surpassed any notion of punishment.

"...Larissa, I may not have expressed love to you as frequently as I should have, but the fear that accompanied a father's love intensified as you matured,"

Kaiser's eyes shifted to her tightly clenched hands.

"I believe that this fear will only grow worse as we move forward. I am just beginning to grasp how these concerns are assuming a more profound form now," he paused, his gaze flickering towards Adela before returning to Larissa. "My daughter is now fully grown, ready to embark on her own journey and build her own family. It means that her happiness, her safety—these are aspects I have to protect from a greater distance now."

Larissa's cheeks were wet with the trails of her tears as her father delicately enfolded her chilled hands within his own.

"Don't ever let these words escape your memory, Larissa. No matter the distance that separates us, your love remains within my heart. Even in moments when I cannot lay eyes on you, I will forever stand by your side, ready to lend my strength and support. Remember, in my gaze, you shall forever be my cherished young one,"

She lifted her gaze towards him, her voice still caught in her throat, her senses seeking solace in the warmth of his fatherly touch.

"Each day presents a fresh opportunity for you, Larissa. Never feel trapped in a situation where you no longer wish to remain," he offered a gentle pat on her hands. "Leave the past behind. Do not burden yourself with yesterday and look back only to cherish joyful memories. The trials you encounter today might just be disguised blessings..."

Kaiser continued his counsel, his voice filled with wisdom. His gaze traced the contours of Larissa's face as she averted her eyes and once again lowered her head.

"My daughter possesses the strength to triumph over the most daunting challenges. When self-doubt creeps in, recall my belief in you," he encouraged, giving her hand another comforting pat. "Lift your head with confidence and persevere. The members of House de Lanark carry a legacy of pride, Larissa. We were not born to lower our heads or be diminished by others. Do you understand me?"

She raised her head, her eyes conveying the depth of her need for the words he imparted. "...I crave to possess your fortitude, Father," her gaze met her sister's tear-filled green eyes, "I'd give my all to possess the indomitability of Adela..."

He shook his head, his blue eyes ablaze. "You are my daughter. You are Adelaide's sister. You already embody our nature."

Kaiser de Lanark drew his daughter's face closer to his lips and bestowed a tender kiss upon her forehead right between her eyes. A faint smile graced his tear-filled eyes as he lovingly adjusted her flowing, wavy locks.

"Your Excellency, Sir Arkin is en route to this location," the Count's urgent voice intruded from beyond the door, accompanied by insistent knocks.

Kaiser's eyes locked onto the door, his expression turning stern. "Count, dismiss any of my guards and position yourself at the entrance of the lodging. Prevent anyone from entering," he ordered.

A muted thud echoed through the room as the Count acknowledged the command with a firm strike to his armor.

The Archduke's countenance turned solemn as he directed his intelligent stare towards Adela. "He must have eyes on you. If he learned of your presence in a location like this, he will undoubtedly pursue."

Adela felt a surge of panic, her eyes darting towards her sister. "How can we explain Larissa's presence here now?"

"I will make my departure through the rear exit," Larissa declared, sharing a meaningful glance with her sister. "I will go unnoticed."

Kaiser placed a reassuring hand on Adela's shoulder. "Go, and you will receive news from us soon."

Larissa shared a final, heartfelt embrace with her sister before making her way toward the door. With a mix of emotions, she unlocked it, casting a remorseful look at her father. Then, like a specter, she melted into the shadows, gradually fading from sight.

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