147: Welcoming her in (part 1)

Welcoming her in (part 1)

Having another spirit in one's room truly makes all the difference...2

Adela awoke with this thought and a muscle ache as the first rays of morning illuminated her surroundings. It was the first time in her life that she had slept on the couch instead of her bed, simply because it brought her closer to her falcon.

"Good morning," she greeted him with a bright smile.

The falcon seemed elated, fluttering its wings and shaking its legs.

And then, she noticed it.

Despite how implausible it seemed, the falcon, not known for carrying messages, had a letter attached to its foot. It had not left her room for a single minute during the night, making the presence of the letter all the more baffling.

Jumping to her feet, she left the couch and hurried to the cage. She lovingly petted the falcon, trying to calm it down before reaching for the letter attached to its leg.

"Come to my house. I need to finish what I had to ask of you."

She looked around anxiously, worried that someone might have seen the contents of the letter or that Egon might still be lurking nearby.

But his scent is nowhere near...

Her eyes involuntarily glanced down at her spring nightwear and a blush crept onto her cheeks. Egon must have seen her in a less than dignified state... Her heart pounded in her chest, and she couldn't help but wish he had awakened her, sparing her the embarrassment of being caught off-guard.

"...Why today of all days?" she pondered.

After the events of the previous day, Adela knew that her every move would be closely monitored by her parents. The thought of going out seemed impossible, unless she could find a way to disguise herself as one of the maids, a tactic she had employed in the past.

The soft sound of four knocks on her door interrupted her thoughts, signaling the arrival of the Baroness. Frieda would undoubtedly be concerned about the events that had transpired between Adela and the Archduke the day before.

"Please come in, Baroness," Adela welcomed her into the room. The pieces of her escape plan started falling into place in her mind, but she needed the Baroness's cooperation to make it a reality.

Seizing the moment, Adela rushed towards Frieda, grasping both of her hands and gently closing the door behind her. The sudden action startled the Baroness, momentarily taking her by surprise.

"W-Wait, My Lady, let me have a good look at you," Frieda exclaimed, trying to regain her composure.

"Baroness, I implore you to help me. If I am with you, no one will question where I am going," Adela pleaded with earnestness in her voice.

It took Frieda a few moments to notice the blush on Adela's cheeks and quickly read the tightly squeezed letter held within her hands. With a sinking feeling, she understood that Lady de Lanark decided to meet with Egon von Conradie in a secluded location.

Deep down, Frieda wished that Adela wouldn't embark on this risky endeavor. However, as she looked into a pair of shiny green eyes and saw the fire of determination within them, she realized that becoming a part of this secret rendezvous was her only choice.

"My Lady," Frieda gently brushed Adela's hair away from her face, her touch filled with tenderness. "I shall accompany you, and I will do everything in my power to divert the knights my husband sends our way."

Adela's eyes lit up with excitement and gratitude. "Would you truly do that for me?"

Frieda cast her gaze downward, a sheepish smile forming on her lips. "Only if I am allowed to be present outside any door that closes on both of you."

Adela contemplated the condition for a moment, weighing the risks and rewards. She understood that it was a necessary compromise. With a determined nod, she agreed, "I accept your terms, Baroness."

A glimmer of respite shimmered in Frieda's eyes as she squeezed Adela's hands reassuringly. "We shall face this together, My Lady. Now, let us prepare for our excursion."

After getting ready for their audacious escapade, Adela and Frieda climbed aboard the carriage that glided through Lanark's streets until it finally arrived at Harrow Way. With cautious steps, they disembarked, their eyes fixed on the alley that connected the modest cottages to the vibrant heart of the Archduchy.

As they trod upon the dim yet comforting ground, memories of Adela's initial encounter with Egon inundated her mind. The exhilaration she had felt while sprinting through this very alley and the unpaved path leading to the cottages came rushing back.

At that time, Egon was a stranger, a mysterious silhouette yet to make a lasting impression on Adela's life. But now, destiny had woven their paths together anew, entwined by a profound bond known solely to the two of them.

With resolute strides, Adela and Frieda approached the dwelling that had once resembled a humble cottage but had since transformed into a splendid residence. Adela gestured with her forearm, indicating the impressive houses, her uncertainty apparent.

"Is that Sir Egon's place, My Lady?" Frieda inquired, reflecting Adela's own curiosity.

Adela replied with a hint of hesitation, her mind grappling with the enigmas surrounding Egon's past. "Yes," she murmured, unsure which of the three structures housed Egon's abode.

She stood there transfixed, admiring the architecture.

The exterior of the residence showcased a delightful blend of inviting, earthy hues, featuring wooden beams and a sturdy stone foundation. The design integrated with the natural surroundings, while the generous windows boasted stained glass, lending an air of sophistication.

"Well?" Frieda's voice trembled with anticipation.

Just as Adela was on the verge of responding to the Baroness, the door of the nearest house to the entrance of the forest swung open, unveiling the formidable figure of Egon wearing a simple white linen shirt and black trousers, he stood with a towel in hand, his usual gloves noticeably absent—a detail that immediately sparked Adela's concern.

"Baroness, I must leave at once," she hurriedly declared, her pace quickening to almost a run.

"O-Oh?" Frieda stammered from behind.

Egon's visage emanated a gentle glow as he trailed Adela's hurried advance towards him. Meanwhile, she found herself in a state of nervous anticipation, her gaze intently fixed upon his wrist.

Aside from her, no soul was granted the privilege of beholding her mate's scars.

pqdm.com