53: Undercover in the market (part 2)

Undercover in the market (part 2)

"Leopold," Andreas cautioned, placing a hand on the heaving chests of both men, while Bastian was already pulling his uncle backward. "The events of that night were very unfortunate, and it was only natural for misunderstandings to surface," Andreas said in a monotonous tone, "Let it be water under the bridge,"  2

The fury that roared behind Leopold's hazel eyes abruptly subsided. He gazed quietly into Arkin's corresponding hazel eyes. The knight's senses remained on high alert, yet his demeanor had become placid after witnessing how distressed Adela was by his intervention. All that concerned him was that he stood by her side.

It was with the utmost interest that the Crown Prince caught Andreas's eyes, brushing over the rooftop where the hidden assassins were for a second before settling on Egon's face. The exchange between the two targets was mindboggling. 

"Now, now," Claude finally joined Andreas's efforts, though a moment too late, having left an anxious Larissa's side. He took a few steps forward to stand next to Adela. "I do not know precisely what led to this tense situation, but as my dearest Dela pointed out, we desire to keep our identities concealed,"

He looked around him meaningfully.

The marketplace, which had witnessed numerous brawls, accurately predicted that there would be no scuffle today. Once the tension between Arkin and Leopold subsided, everyone returned to their previous activities. However, a few inquisitive onlookers still cast occasional glances their way. In particular, a trio of young men to the right, who had been shadowing the veiled foreigners, nudged each other playfully whenever Larissa or Adela caught their attention.

"Take Larissa and go back first, Arkin," Adela commanded with determination, and her knight and sister knew better than to object.

"Bastian, escort uncle and return home," Egon said.

"Yes, brother,"

Bastian complied with a dejected tone. He gently took his uncle's arm and led him away without encountering any objection from the older man.

The Crown Prince locked eyes with Egon who stared coldly back at him.

"Egon von Conradie, what an interesting name,"

Egon folded his arms across his chest, the muscles in his jaw tensing in response to the vacuous remark.

"Your Hig-…Claude!" Adela protested when the Crown Prince unwrapped the black veil that covered his face and then placed it in the palm of her hand.

He smiled at her reassuringly, "It is your choice whether you wish to cover your face again or not," his eyes slowly went down, pausing on her necklace.

In the morning, the Crown Prince insisted on placing the necklace around Adela's neck himself. The ring at its center glimmered in the timid rays that peeked from behind the clouds, yet it paled in comparison to her imploring eyes.

"...I do believe that my gift is extravagant enough to blow all of our covers, though. Please consider that," he reasoned in a courteous manner, steering the conversation back to where he intended.

Adela's hand snapped up to place the veil over the necklace, but it was too late.

Egon smiled darkly. "Is that a promise ring you're wearing?" he asked ceremoniously, his voice falsely even.

While it was not a custom the nobility of Emoria followed, lovers in the Kolhis Empire expressed their devotion by exchanging heart-shaped diamond rings, similar to the one Adela wore around her neck.

She was uncertain of what a promise ring was, but she was eager to refute whatever had upset Egon so deeply.

"How perceptive of you! Are you by chance from Kolhis? That would make sense…" Claude asked and answered, his face breaking into a broad smile.

Adela was overcome with emotion. She attempted to conceal it, for her leniency towards a stern enemy of House de Lanark was disgraceful. However, from the moment her eyes met Egon's today, all she wanted was to remain on his good side, now that she knew such a side existed.

She watched with hopeful eyes as he appeared to calm his nerves, but her heart sank as she realized that it was yet another episode of his volatile mood swings.

Nothing good will come of this...

Egon smirked at Claude, "In Kolhis, cousins do not make promises they are not permitted to keep."

Claude grinned, "That is the distinction between commoners and royals, you see. We have the power to indulge ourselves as much as we desire!"

Egon grimaced, his dark eyes staring deeply into Adela's anxious ones, penetrating all the way to her soul. "I have seen another side of royals here... There are those who are innocent and forsaken, yet they bear their responsibilities until the very end,"

The Crown Prince's expression turned calculative. 

"I recall more about your name now. You are here on business, aren't you? I believe we may have much to discuss regarding the issues you've raised, especially since you appear to be well-versed in the affairs of this place..."

The Crown Prince knew when to hold his tongue, and this was one of those times. He smiled brightly as he thought of the perfect location to talk.

Adela was shocked when the Crown Prince boldly held her hand then intertwined their fingers, her shock turned into horror when Egon's eyes — fixed on the point where skin pressed against skin — shifted into the bewitching, deadly eyes of the beast.

She threw a frantic look up at Claude's face, catching a breath when he truly seemed oblivious to the change. 

Sharp on her senses, Adela was able to pick up on what had caused the change in Egon's eyes. She remembered the veil in her other hand. "I will wear the veil now," she declared before withdrawing her hand.

Claude released her with a smile that did not touch his eyes, for they never left Egon's face.

"Two nights from today, the Archduchess is hosting a masquerade ball in my honor. Would it be inconvenient if we were to borrow the King's former manor for the event?"

Entrapped as Adela was inside the cage of Egon's eyes, the eccentric suggestion the Crown Prince had made was sobering. She looked up at Claude, demanding an answer to her unspoken question: why?

"I believe we must!" Andreas interjected. "We must return to make the necessary arrangements. We look forward to hosting all of you,"

"Fantastic! We shall leave it to you then," The Crown Prince looked down at Adela who never wore her veil again.

"We do have much to discuss..."

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