141: A feast shrouded in mystery (part 2)

A feast shrouded in mystery (part 2)

The uniqueness of the tradition of the first dance did not end there.2

Following the completion of the first dance, the roles were reversed. The woman's dance partner from the initial dance now had the honor of choosing her dance partner for the second song. This twist added an element of surprise, as the men pondered their selection, their eyes scanning the room for the next fortunate lady to join them on the dance floor.

As the festivities continued, the garden filled with knights who found their places, granting the noblewomen ample time to seek partners for the first dance. Adela's observant gaze swept across the hall once more, and to her surprise, she noticed something peculiar: Bastian von Conradie coldly dismissed two girls who approached him.

This behavior puzzled Adela, and she couldn't help but question the motives behind his actions. Did Bastian truly long for a woman who accepted him as he was, or was there something more hidden beneath the surface, concealed within the words he uttered at Larissa's engagement ceremony?

As she contemplated this, a subtle, almost painful tug pulled at her senses from behind. It was her body's way of seeing her mate even before turning to face him.

"Lady Adelaide,"

Wanting to prolong the captivating effect of his voice, Adela refrained from fully turning, only allowing her head to face him.

His dark eyes devoured every inch of her as he uttered, "...The dress becomes you."

Adela turned around, gracefully curtsying before him. "Sir Egon," she acknowledged him, noticing his attire matching her own in all-black Kolhis suit. We match. Was what she truly wanted to tell him, but she bit her lip, choosing silence over revealing her observation.

Egon's gaze briefly shifted to her bracelet, causing Adela to draw in a deep breath. She was about to ask him to be her dance partner for the first dance when his eyes seemed fixed on something in the distance. A sense of urgency emanated from him, causing her to hesitate.

"Excuse me," Egon excused himself abruptly, his attention drawn away.

Adela's eyes followed him as he disappeared amidst the crowd, weaving his way through the many bodies that filled the center of the garden. The band signaled the start of the first dance, leaving Adela momentarily disheartened by the missed opportunity.

As was per usual, the Baroness extended her hand to the Archduke for the first dance, while Grace de Lanark asked the Baron to join her. The couples gracefully swayed on the dance floor, soon to exchange partners in the traditional manner. Adela, usually the one to ask Arkin for a dance at this point, hesitated, her thoughts still lingering on Egon's sudden departure.

"Lady Adelaide, I was wondering if you would honor me by asking me to share the first dance tonight," Count Sirius called out with a smile on his face.

She smiled back, extending her hand towards him. "May I have this dance, My Lord?"

Count Sirius clasped her hand and led her into the dance, their steps perfectly synchronized with the music. Adela couldn't help but admire the Count's skill on the dance floor.

"You dance well, My Lord," she complimented.

The Count's smile in response was shy. "My wife taught me well," he confessed.

Adela found his open discussion of his feelings towards his wife endearing. She was about to inquire further when the Count subtly motioned towards the end of the ballroom. Curiosity piqued, Adela followed his gaze and, to her surprise, spotted a knight she didn't recognize dancing with the Count's sister.

"Oh my!" she exclaimed, caught off guard by the unexpected sight.

The Count chuckled, guiding her in a calculated dance move. "It was through my recommendation that the Archduke accepted him. Our newest brother-in-law deserved the title."

Adela felt a rush of happiness upon hearing this news, wanting to inquire further, but their dance concluded as the first song came to an end, and the second dance approached. Before she could react, Arkin approached the Count, exchanging a meaningful look that hinted at his desire for the Count to dedicate Adela's second dance to him. However, the Count dismissed Arkin's unspoken message.

"Sir Arkin, the Archduchess is entrusted to you," Kaiser declared from behind, taking both Adela and Arkin by surprise.

Adela held her breath, feeling a mix of emotions as she looked into Arkin's warm eyes. She knew he wouldn't refuse Kaiser's suggestion in the midst of the event, but what surprised her was how gracefully he accepted, bowing to Grace de Lanark and delivering a kiss to her hand as she extended it.

The Baroness had been right; Arkin seemed to be contemplating his initial reaction, allowing himself to reconsider.

"I believe I am a suitable candidate for your second dance, Adelaide," her father's voice brought her back to the present.

She smiled warmly at Kaiser, finding comfort in his embrace as they swayed to the music. The Baron and Baroness danced gracefully beside them, their steps synchronized and filled with elegance. In that moment, Adela held onto hope, wishing for everything to be alright as they moved forward.

Her hope was short-lived.

A sinister surge shocked her entire being, and her gaze was drawn towards the end of the garden where Leopold stood, his eyes brimming with madness as he fixated on Arkin and Grace dancing together. He was partially obstructed by his nephews, who seemed to shield him from the festivities.

Adela couldn't fathom the intensity of her own emotions. It was unlike anything she had experienced since her time by her uncle's bedside. But this feeling, in comparison to the one she felt next to her uncle, was like comparing the Latoran desert to a single grain of sand.

Leopold was not well. She feared he was on the brink of losing himself completely. 

She knew she had to speak with Egon without delay, but her desire to run was not solely dedicated to being with him. It was also driven by her need to reach out to Leopold, to hold his hand and offer reassurance, even if it meant telling him baseless lies.

Her gaze met her mother's, and in that moment, she almost understood the deep empathy that had guided her mother's decisions concerning Leopold in the past.

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