85: The approaching end of old deceit (part 1)

The approaching end of old deceit (part 1)

"Oh my, these floral arrangements are absolutely exquisite! The use of these many tables instead of an open buffet is such a fascinating Kolhis tradition," one of the princesses at Adela's table exclaimed.0

"Yes, it's a thoughtful gesture from the Archduchess to ensure that the groom feels at home during the celebration," another princess chimed in.

Adela concealed a bitter smile behind her silk folding fan. Her ears were attuned to the conversations happening around the table, but her eyes remained fixed on her sister and fiancé as they twirled gracefully on the dance floor, seemingly lost in their own world.

"Lady de Lanark, I cannot help but notice the expression on your face as you look at the bride and groom... Could it be that they are in..." 

Adela's head turned toward Princess Hidra of the Western Kingdom who glanced around the table with a hint of secrecy. The other two princesses at the table leaned in, their curiosity evident in their attentive expressions as they waited for the final word.

"Love?" Princess Hidra whispered. 

Adela fought back a sigh, dreading this particular aspect of noble gatherings. The music played beautifully, the food was delectable, but the allure of juicy gossip seemed to overshadow everything else.

Mother...Why did you leave right after the reception...

It wasn't just her mother who had excused herself after the reception. It seemed like everyone who stood to greet the arriving guests had disappeared as well—the Archduke, the Baron, and even the von Conradies.

Egon's cold demeanor during their formal greeting by the door was unsettling. She appreciated his consideration in maintaining appearances with all eyes on them, yet she couldn't reciprocate the same level of courtesy. Her gaze involuntarily drifted to his impeccably tailored black suit, left unbuttoned at the top, stealing fleeting glances whenever the opportunity presented itself amidst the flurry of arriving guests.

"Let it go! It's evident that the Lady will not dignify such impolite questions with an answer," Princess Cora scolded her younger sister, reprimanding her for her nosiness and lack of decorum.

Adela was starting to realize the drawbacks of forgoing the open buffet. Instead of mingling and moving around the celebration hall when a conversation became too bothersome, she was confined to her designated seat at the table with guests of similar social and marital status, daughters of the royals from Emoria's neighboring kingdoms.

She responded to the rude question with a polite, small smile. It was best to avoid a diplomatic crisis by remaining sharp and saying as little as possible.

"Lady Adelaide, we genuinely mean no harm to Lady Larissa, and we promise, on our fathers' names, not to disclose this information," Princess Amber of the Eastern Kingdom said, her eyes twinkling with earnestness. "The five of us should unite as a front against society... We are simply," she opened her handfan and fanned herself, "incredibly curious to know!"

"Do not include me," Princess Cora seated on the other side of the table interjected. "And honestly, let us refrain from burdening Lady Adelaide with such trivial inquiries. We all understand that she is bound by the requirement of marrying a royal from a different country. Love for an Emorian like her should seem of lesser significance."

"Hmph," Princess Amber let out a dismissive scoff. "There is nothing set in stone," she mused wistfully, her gaze fixed on Larissa and Andreas as they danced. "Just observe her sister, she appears positively elated!"

Adela's eyes couldn't drink their fill of her sister's resplendent beauty as she danced, her flowing silhouette, her graceful figure, the gentle hues of blush pink and silver that complemented her fair complexion, and her dress that was fit for a princess.

That said, the remark might not have been genuine but a product of jealousy.

Lady de Lanark despised these gatherings primarily due to the torment that accompanied the verbal skirmishes in which noblewomen delighted. Unlike the visible clashes brought forth by swords, the tongues of noblewomen proved to be far more venomous weapons. They possessed the uncanny ability to cloak poison in the guise of sweetness, swiftly gaining the upper hand if not skillfully confronted.

As Arkin approached their table, Adela's face lit up with delight. She extended her hand towards him the moment he stood beside her, and he graciously accepted it, his other hand hidden behind his back. Leaning down, he pressed a gentle kiss to her knuckles, his eyes closed in a tender moment.

When he opened his eyes, a fiery glimmer flickered within his hazel irises, shining beneath his neatly combed brown hair which was pulled back from his face for once.

"My Lady, you are breathtakingly beautiful this evening," Arkin complimented.

"Oh, do introduce us, Lady Adelaide," Princess Amber said.

Adela smiled and gestured towards Arkin, "Sir Arkin Grosvenar is my knight."

Arkin gracefully bowed, acknowledging the princesses, "Pleased to make your acquaintance," he said politely, his eyes glancing back at Adela, a clear desire to ask her for a dance evident in his gaze.

"Lady Adelaide... May I have this dance?" Princess Cora asked, surprising Adela and the other princesses.

Arkin frowned.

"I meant with your knight, of course!" the Princess clarified. 

"You may," Adela replied, subtly winking at Arkin as if she had done him a favor.

It was only fair to trouble Arkin a little considering the recent difficulties he had caused her. Besides, he rarely interacted with the daughters of other nobles being bound by his oath to her. It might do him good to see what he was missing, and the beautiful brunette was just the right person for the job.

As Arkin took the Princess's hand for the dance, another man approached the table, causing the princesses to suddenly appear uncomfortable. 

"Lady Adelaide, if I may have this dance," Bastian von Conradie asked politely.

Adela couldn't help but notice the whispers that surrounded Bastian and his scarred eye.

"With pleasure," she replied, accepting his invitation.

As they made their way to the dance floor, Adela began to realize that dancing with Bastian might not have been the best idea. After all, he was also a bachelor von Conradie and a candidate for Adela in the eyes of Lanarkian society.

"My brother is truly lucky," Bastian commented as they started to dance.

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