77: A royal reception in Destan

A royal reception in Destan

"Take me to Destan," she declared with a sense of pride as if she were the one granting Egon's wish before their silent journey back to the von Conradie's manor. Adela made a conscious decision to act as though their previous conversation had never taken place.  2

At least for now.

Upon their arrival, her first order of business was to retrieve her coat from the Pearl Wing. Accompanied by a guard, she was then escorted to the familiar hall they had traversed the day before. Egon was already there — with an icy demeanor — he appeared even more rigid than usual dressed in the same attire he had worn when they left Lanark.

While she had anticipated his coldness, she was taken aback by the sight of a dejected Sator.

"My Lady, won't you consider prolonging your stay?" Sator's words held a touch of loyalty as he gazed at Adela, a glimmer of fondness in his eyes. She responded with a genuine smile, appreciating the growth of their relationship. "Please keep my father in your thoughts, and do visit us in Lanark if you ever get the chance to."

"It would be an honor, My Lady," he replied with sincerity. As he turned, his expression grew more serious, directing his attention to Egon. With an intriguing gesture, he touched the tips of his fingers against his lips and then his forehead, bowing his head slightly. The guards mirrored his actions in unison.

Adela's gaze sought Egon's, silently questioning the significance of the gesture. However, he remained detached, not sparing her a glance.

"I entrust matters here to you," Egon stated, an undercurrent of meaning beneath his words that Adela couldn't ignore.

"Do not think twice about it, Master," Sator replied dutifully then reached into his pocket and retrieved a small box, carefully opening it.

A green mana stone that caught the morning's light emerged from within. It appeared to be cut in half for reasons Adela became acquainted with recently.

Sator placed it gently in Egon's hand with eyes full of reverence.

"Stand by my side," Egon's words fell harsh on her ears, devoid of consideration. His command was delivered with a blunt tone, and he deliberately avoided meeting Adela's gaze.

Some mate...

Taking a deep breath, Adela closed the short distance between them stepping towards the center of the portal. She noticed Egon's right hand slightly flexing, as if expecting her to place her hand in his the way she did on their way to Kolhis.

She chose to ignore the gesture.

Clasping her arms tightly around herself, she closed her eyes, preparing for the disorienting sensation of the portal. And as the world around her faded, the last sound that reached her ears was a cynical murmur about mountain goats.

As they traversed the portal, Adela found the experience surprisingly pleasant. Opening her eyes, she marveled at the breathtaking sight before her—countless stars seemed to twinkle beneath her feet, forming intricate patterns of radiant light.

"Fascinating," she couldn't help but exclaim in awe.

A faint, fragmented chuckle reached her ears, though she couldn't be certain.

In a flash, they emerged into a room surrounded by a circle of golden-armored knights, their swords pointed in readiness. Adela stole a quick glance at Egon, but he appeared unfazed by the display of weapons.

"De Lanark crescent!" exclaimed a royal knight who noticed the emblem on Adela's back.

"Lady Adelaide," spoke the knight before her, who then sheathed his sword and knelt down on one knee. The synchronized sound of clicking armor echoed around them until only Adela and Egon remained standing.

"Forgive us, My Lady, one can never tell what the portals might bring," the knight apologized.

Having heard many tales about the common procedures of the palace from her father before, Adela already expected the armed reception.

"Thank you, you may rise," Adela spoke softly, preparing herself to adhere to the proper protocol for an unexpected visit. She maintained a dignified posture before speaking.

"I request a private audience with the Sun of Emoria, King Emanuel de Lanark." In a moment of weakness, Adela added with overflowing sentiments, "If His Majesty is preoccupied, I request an audience with the Archduke at once."

She swallowed, sending a secret prayer for the King to be preoccupied, aching to see her father and make sure he was alright.

The well-informed knight nodded in understanding.

"I have special instructions in case the traveler is you, My Lady," the knight said, his gaze shifting to Egon in a strange turn of events. "The King has agreed to grace you with an audience."

Egon didn't appear particularly graced. "Lead the way," he responded.

Walking beside Egon, Adela anxiously clenched her fists, yearning to learn something about her father. The journey through the palace seemed endless, and although she had no intention of exploring the unfamiliar halls, her eyes couldn't help but wander.

An icy chill that had nothing to do with the northern weather permeated the air, casting a somber ambiance throughout the vast corridors. They were full of emptiness, lacking the energy that typically enlivens such regal spaces. There were no personal touches anywhere, and the absence of laughter and conversation left it feeling sterile of spirit.

Emorians gossiped about the King's well-known trust issues, but Adela was only getting the chance to see that for herself. Even the flickering candlelight struggled to thaw the pervasive coldness that enveloped every corner of the palace which was short on inhabitants.

Her surprise was evident when the knight finally halted their progress. If this is the Throne Room, then where are all the royal guards?

"This is the Throne Room," the knight said as if he had access to her unspoken thoughts, his eyes filled with embarrassment as he addressed Adela. "Lady Adelaide, the audience was granted to your companion only."

"Wait here, I will be right out," Egon murmured before following the knight inside.

Adela watched as Egon ventured into the Throne Room alone, her anxiety growing as she wished she could be by his side. Exhausted and overwhelmed, she took a few steps back, leaned against the wall behind her, and closed her eyes seeking a moment of respite.

In the blink of an eye, her surroundings changed dramatically. The solid material behind her vanished, replaced by an unexpected void. Before she could react, two hands forcefully covered her mouth silencing any sound, and she was abruptly pulled away.

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