83: A change that failed to reach the sky

A change that failed to reach the sky

Adela, who had never delved into questioning her sister about Andreas, found herself subjected to a thorough inquiry that night. Beyond the matters of their mate bond and the revelation about Healers, Adela disclosed everything to her sister.0

It became evident to Adela that Larissa was already well acquainted with the information shared.

She proceeded to reveal to Larissa the details she had learned about what transpired in Kolhis, including the conversation she overheard between Egon and a woman named Lotus. Amidst their intimate conversation, Larissa also confessed to Adela about her first kiss with Andreas. However, she remained silent about his true nature.

The sisters stayed up until dawn and eventually fell asleep on Larissa's bed. 

Adela's sleep-addled state was abruptly shattered by a sudden startle. She stumbled out of bed, rubbing her eyes as she made her way half-awake to the window driven by an instinctive urge to peer outside. In the blink of an eye, sleep dissipated entirely as she beheld the sight of Egon engaged in conversation with the Archduke in the garden directly beneath Larissa's bedroom.

With her heart thumping a frenzied rhythm against her breastbone, Adela swiftly turned away from the window and hastened to her sister's dressing room. She seized the first dress that caught her eye and swiftly slipped it on, she then hurried to the mirror, running her hands through her loose hair a couple of times in a rushed attempt to tame it, and even though she was never one to wear makeup, an inexplicable urge compelled her to reach for Larissa's meticulously arranged collection and apply some.

I don't have time for this!

She skipped through the hallway, down the stairs, and all the way to the door, flinching back when the Baroness's stern gaze fell on her, but never halting her pace. "Good morning, Baroness," she slurred as she passed her by.

As luck would have it, the passing majordomo opened the door for her, and she nodded her gratitude.

"Thank you, Bernard,"

She took a moment to straighten her dress with both hands before stepping outside, aiming to appear as casual as possible, feigning surprise upon seeing her father and Egon still standing where she had hoped.

"Oh, Adelaide, we were just discussing you," the Archduke remarked, his gaze shifting towards Adela as she nervously approached, "Egon here requires your guidance regarding the establishment of the laboratory in the infirmary, as you had suggested."

What of all the doctors at his disposal?  "Good morning, Father," she greeted him warmly, pushing her thoughts to the side for now.

"It is a beautiful morning, indeed. The weather in Lanark during this time of year is quite pleasant, especially after the first snow. Kolhis, on the other hand, can be unbearably hot and humid, and the northern regions have their own unique challenges," he explained with a lighthearted chuckle.

As Adela observed her father's cheerful demeanor in Egon's presence, she couldn't help but question the change.

"You mentioned some business plans to discuss yesterday, didn't you? This young gentleman here could serve as your mentor or even provide investment opportunities! Isn't that right, Egon?" the Archduke inquired, looking between the two of them.

Egon nodded respectfully, addressing Adela directly, "Indeed, Your Excellency. I am at your service. I hope you had a restful night, My Lady."

When their eyes met, Adela felt a tingling sensation in her lips.

"Thank you, I did," she lied with an unsure voice.

"In that case, I will leave you two to discuss your matters," the Archduke placed a hand on Egon's shoulder. "Thank you for everything, young man."

"Anytime, Your Excellency."

Adela watched her father walk away with a mix of confusion and curiosity.

"Was there a problem last night with the Archduchess? My mind was preoccupied with thoughts of you," Egon murmured softly.

Adela blushed, "There wasn't anything significant,"

Both Larissa and Adela had to endure a lengthy lecture on maintaining a noblewoman's reputation, and their curfew hours were reduced by an hour for a week as a consequence, neither of them was allowed out of the manor until after the ceremony. 

"What about the laboratory you mentioned?" She asked to change the subject.

Egon smiled, "That was just an excuse to come early. But I assume your business plans are real?"

"Yes... but I need to refine my ideas before presenting them to the Archduke." She smiled back at him. 

When they lost themselves in each other's eyes, Adela couldn't help but wonder how much their bond would influence their decisions going forward.

Egon frowned, "What's on your mind?" 

"...That woman from yesterday, is she still here?"

"Lotus has returned to Kolhis," he chose his words with caution before wearing a rigid expression as his gaze shifted behind her.

Turning around, she saw Arkin approaching them.

"My Lady," he greeted.

Adela averted her gaze.

"...Von Conradie, I have a few words to say," Arkin stated, his eyes scanning Egon's shoulder as he frowned slightly, unable to see a bandage beneath the shirt and vest. "I don't like you."

Egon responded with a flat look. "I have no expectations to the contrary."

"Your actions in aiding the de Lanarks align with my sworn duty. I suppose we can establish a conditional truce between us," Arkin's words were directed at Egon, but his gaze lingered on Adela.

"I don't recall declaring war against you or anyone else in Lanark for that matter," Egon retorted.

Just then, Egon's gaze shifted skyward. Following it, Adela saw a multitude of falcons soaring in the sky, circling around.

"The knights are using them for hunting," Arkin explained with a troubled tone. "Adela..."

Adela's eyes searched for Kannen among the flying falcons, almost certain she would find him there.

"One of them will descend and take its place on your arm once again," Egon promised.

Her head drooped as disappointment welled up inside her.

"Excuse me, we are quite occupied with preparations for the celebration," Adela spoke to no one in particular before making her way back to the manor, her eyes stinging, her mind filled with the hidden presence of Kannen in that sky.

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