333: Adela's condition

Adela's condition

Complying with Princess Sasha's request, Adela embarked on the search for Leopold within the estate.1

"If only Egon were here..." She mumbled, her heart racing for no particular reason. She frowned and looked down at her chest, puzzled by the sudden increase in pace of her heartbeat.

Discussing the matter with her husband first would have been ideal, but she also knew that Egon was neither available nor at the estate.

If only I could be as assertive as the Princess.

As she walked, Adela contemplated Sasha's persistence, admiring it to some extent. Maybe Larissa was right; perhaps Adela should confront Egon instead of taking his insistence on not discussing what happened to heart.

What has come over me?

She had reached the dining hall when she sensed the change within her. Her husband was approaching rapidly. She barely had time to turn around before Egon's strong arms enveloped her from behind, and his nose nuzzled into her hair as he took in a deep breath.

"You came back," he whispered.

"…That's supposed to be my line," she responded, her heart heavy with emotions.

Egon placed a tender kiss on the side of her neck, igniting a swarm of butterflies in her stomach. "I want you to know that I'm not prioritizing my family over you. You are my wife, and nothing comes before you."

She wished she could fully believe those words, but he had proven otherwise on numerous occasions.

"I hope we can find some time alone soon," she whispered, her voice filled with longing.

When Egon let out a heavy sigh, she clung to his arm and gave it a comforting squeeze.

"Tell me... What has been bothering you, Egon?"

"Bastian isn't being honest with me," he admitted, his tone growing tense. "Even after I told him that he should stop fussing over trivial matters and share what's really bothering him. If only I knew what it was."

Egon's arms tightened along with his words.

"I suspect it has something to do with that damned warlock."

It was evident that Bastian hadn't shared his suspicions about Adela's supposed infidelity, but the thought of having to relay Bastian's concerns to Egon was repugnant, causing her stomach to churn.

Unable to contain it any longer, Adela abruptly broke free from Egon's embrace and rushed to the nearest bathroom. She managed to reach it in time before retching violently, mentally blaming herself for skipping lunch and failing to eat with Larissa in the morning as her stomach continued to revolt.. She now both felt and looked miserable, but Egon's hands gently held her hair back and comforted her.

Finally, she straightened up and went to the sink to rinse her mouth and wash her makeup-free face. When she met her husband's gaze in the mirror, she noticed how he seemed even more distraught than she did.

"Are you feeling unwell?"

"I'll be alright," she replied with a tone of uncertainty.

"What's wrong with you?" He asked through gritted teeth, his concern turning to frustration.

Adela couldn't believe he was seriously asking that question!

"I told you, I'm fine, Egon."

"Is this your definition of 'fine'?" His voice held a note of hurt. "Can't you just admit when you're not feeling well? Are we so distant now that my own wife treats me this formally?"

He retrieved his handkerchief from his trousers and gently dabbed her face, mouth, and neck with it. Then, he placed the back of his other hand against her forehead to check her temperature.

"...I think it's just because I haven't eaten anything."

He sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping as he spoke.

"You always act so strong that I sometimes forget how delicate you truly are. Would you like to lie down?"

Her eyes widened. There were so many tasks and responsibilities demanding her attention, and resting was not among them. It seemed he had the wrong idea about why she had come here.

"I must find Leopold. Princess Sasha has something important to discuss with him, and she asked me to find him. I thought he might be here."

When Egon frowned, she wondered if he was aware of the gate's activation earlier.

"Father and Sasha have returned," she began.

"Yes, I've been informed." 

"...I need to find Uncle Leopold," she repeated.

His frown deepened. "Why?"

A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

"Princess Sasha has entrusted me with the task of extending a proposal to him."

"...Proposal," he repeated incredulously. "You mean a business proposal?"

"No, a marriage proposal."

Egon rubbed his face with his hand and then looked down at Adela, his expression a mixture of surprise and amusement. "Is that so? Now, of all times?"

"She has an interesting theory about it, actually. How in the worst moments, events like that gain more importance... Do you think he would be interested?"

Egon thought for a moment. "...I know he's interested, but she can be a handful."

Adela narrowed her eyes as she considered mentioning Leopold's temper but decided against it.

"Well, he's not here," Egon said suddenly. "But you're in luck; I know where he is. I'll take you to him."

Going outside at this moment wasn't ideal, but with Egon by her side, she felt safe. Her father had returned to Lanark, so Larissa was safe as well.

Egon took her hand and pressed it to his heart, which was beating rapidly.

"Look how excited I am about spending some time with you. Can't you indulge me?"

Adela hesitated for a moment but then smiled. "Let's go find him, then."

"I'll go get the horses."

Horses?

As she considered the idea of riding a horse in her current condition, doubts and concerns crept into her mind. The fatigue she had been battling, the persistent nausea, and the surge of protectiveness she had felt before when she attacked Aldric – all of these seemed to align with the Oracle's prophecy.

Was it wise for her to ride a horse at this moment?

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