210: A painful return (part 2)

A painful return (part 2)

Clasping her arms around herself, Adela stood for the second time today, marveling at the rapid transformation young Kannen had undergone. Her melancholic gaze shifted to the portable enclosure adjacent to him.0

Father...

The Archduke had gone to great lengths this time to ensure the creature's safe relocation, employing the very same cage that Adela had installed in her chamber for his transportation. He had also dispatched a contingent of the Archduchy's finest falcons and a physician to accompany the young creature.

All of them awaited her instructions, while she sought the strength to speak.

Her eyes drifted sideways and lingered on another gift that had become a thread of thorns encircling her wrist—the promise ring from Egon.

What a pitiful promise that had been.

She turned her attention back to young Kannen. If she prolonged her order any further, she would only risk changing her mind about it.

"Let us proceed," she finally declared.

Once more, Adela mounted Emily and directed her towards the neighboring estate. The world around her seemed devoid of meaning, as if all colors had faded away leaving a monochrome landscape. She felt numb, her eyes glazed over, surrendering control to her body's muscle memory for riding, while her mind was adrift in a sea of useless thoughts.

On numerous occasions today, she had wrestled with the temptation to remove Aldric's bracelet, longing to experience the bond between her and Egon. Yet, she never dared to do so, for the agony of a dying love alone was unbearable. The pain of an abandoned mate bond was something she truly wished to avoid.

Yet, her mate, who lacked a similar bracelet, appeared unbothered by the situation!

This idea had occupied her mind even during her time in the shower and while getting dressed. She couldn't help but wonder how he had sensed her presence, hidden and listening. Surely, he must have heard her tears, but none of it seemed to have any effect on that heartless gentleman who was about to marry a woman he referred to as a 'sibling'.

All of a sudden, her hand twitched, and she blinked twice at the scene before her that suddenly made sense — the Archduke and Gustav positioned in her path, obstructing her way.

When she halted, everyone else came to a stop as well.

"Adelaide, I promised not to interfere, but here I am. Have you thoroughly considered this? Do not proceed with something you may come to regret."

"He cannot remain any longer, Father,"

Urging his stallion forward, the Archduke of Lanark cleared a path, followed by his Commander, deliberately deviating from the route that led back to the estate.

He will follow me.

It was not the worst outcome. In fact, it was good.

She continued on her mare, feeling a sense of unease and detachment, almost certain that someone would redirect her if she strayed from the correct route since everyone was aware of their destination. Her attention only returned when she arrived at the sunflower meadow where the roses bowed their heads sorrowfully in the fading light.

The sun will rise again. That is a promise that won't break. She found herself consoling both, herself and the meadow.

He emerged seemingly out of nowhere, standing at the boundary where the roses ended and the King's former estate began. His clothes were tattered, as though he had engaged in a battle with a formidable foe. His countenance appeared rugged, exuding a primal aura as he glared at her menacingly.

Initially, she struggled to discern what he held beneath his arm. Then, she recognized it—the hawk painting she had bestowed upon him. Or what was left of it.

How much more pain will we inflict upon each other? She wordlessly implored him as she approached.

"Continue on your way," she commanded the party behind her, grateful that her responsibility ended here, uncertain whether she would be able to part with her bird once she crossed the threshold of her endurance.

The sooner the separation occurs, the better.

She took a steadying breath, striving to sound devoid of emotion, a challenging task as her heart simmered with anger.

"I am returning your falcon," she stated.

As he continued to glare up at her from his lower vantage point, every vein on his face seemed to pulsate.

"My falcon?" he hissed. "It was a gift. Has etiquette taught a noble Lady to return previously accepted gifts?"

"Many things have changed since your gift was accepted," she suppressed her emotions. "He has grown splendid feathers, possessing strength, and I... I was never the true owner of that falcon."

Egon's large, almost ebony eyes in the twilight seemed to draw her soul inward, making her feel as if she were floating without any solid ground to cling to.

"You have made the decision to marry!" She blurted out, "Such an extravagant gift would only be misunderstood."

"You are correct in that regard." He snarled, "Why are you so enraged? I was not the sole participant in making marital decisions. Both of us made choices—choices that have brought you happiness, finding a King who can provide you with an army for protection. You should be elated. Or am I mistaken?" he challenged.

She arched both eyebrows, appreciating the fact that he had reminded her of the lie she had momentarily forgotten.

"I am extremely delighted!" she snapped.

"Then all is well!" He shouted, "I am glad that we have arrived at an understanding that will benefit all parties involved. In fact, I feel compelled to express my gratitude for it!"

She gently squeezed her mare's sides to turn away, unwilling to engage in this verbal confrontation that drained her already depleted spirit. However, in what could be considered his most impolite gesture thus far, he seized the reins and prevented her horse from turning.

Glaring down at him, a scream threatened to escape her throat.

"Show me what more you can do, Adelaide... I am eager to witness it... The day you removed the promise ring I gave you was the day you terminated our connection. Now? There is nothing left to be said between us except farewell."

Opting not to dignify his childish outburst with a response, she fixed her gaze on his hand that clutched Emily's reins. The instant his grip slackened, she gently urged her mare forward once again, determined to continue her journey.

I am such a coward.

What she truly wanted to return to Egon was the one thing she couldn't. However, she knew precisely where she could dispose of that promise ring once and for all.

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Dear readers,

Please know that every twist and turn, every hidden truth, and every character arc is carefully planned to create a rich and engaging narrative. Some revelations may take time to surface, and I ask for your patience as we dive deeper into the story.

Your support means the world to me, and I truly appreciate each and every one of you.

With gratitude,

MerrySweet. aka. M.S. or Em!

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