211: Holding on to broken promises

Holding on to broken promises

At the stroke of midnight, Adela stood pensively near the lake, attempting to catch a glimpse of her own reflection in the obsidian waters, for she was curious to see what Egon saw earlier.1

After all, this might be their final informal meeting.

Her efforts proved futile.

As she persistently sought her reflection, the water seemed to transform into Egon's eyes, reflecting not her external appearance, but rather her inner self. An eerie calmness that had nothing to do with peace, it was as if the essence of life had been drained from its depths.

Just like hers.

It seemed like only yesterday when she had confessed her love for him near this very spot. The memory of his emotional outburst that day, her clinging to him and being the first to utter the word 'love' remained vivid. Perhaps the aristocracy's approach to marriage as a strategic alliance had its merits. Love, undeniably, complicates everything.

Had she not loved Egon, would she have acted so senselessly? Would she have told a deceitful lie about considering another man's proposal out of jealousy?

More importantly, if Egon, much like Bastian said, truly was aware of her lie, was punishing her in the manner he did appropriate? Shouldn't the punishment be proportionate to the size of the crime? She couldn't believe that he had dared to call her unfair.

Love has led Adela to the most hazardous consequences.

In her darkest moment, she stood at the water's edge, clutching the promise ring tightly in her hand. This time, she was resolute in discarding it into the lake as it had become a persistent reminder of broken vows and shattered dreams. It was a cherished symbol of affection that she once kissed repeatedly, but now, it only held a poisonous place in her heart which mourned the loss of Egon.

With tear-filled eyes, she gazed into the murky waters and let the ring go, its descent marked by a soft splash that resonated through the desolate night. A sense of finality washed over her as if she were attending a funeral, bidding farewell to a love that had sunk into the darkness.

She frowned when the bracelet stubbornly refused to disappear. The fact that the ring sparkled in the faint light, visible in the water's depths when she could not even see her own face, felt like a cruel irony.

It felt like a cruel glimmer of hope.

Was the lake trying to convey a message? Could the answer be as simple as reaching out and retrieving the ring? Was reconciling with Egon truly that effortless? Did she only need to extend her hand to him?

Amidst her contemplation, she became aware of a faint rustling sound, almost imperceptible at first, but growing louder. She turned her head in the direction of the sound and saw a tall, imposing figure emerging from the shadows of the surrounding trees.

"I want to help you, Adelaide," Kaiser said as he drew nearer to his daughter. "What are you attempting to achieve now? You returned the falcon, you threw away your bracelet, what comes next?"

Her eyes shifted from his silhouette to the bracelet resting at the lake's shallow bottom, deeply disturbed by the sense of relief that it was still there.

"It is over, Father," she said, her voice shaking, struggling to hold back tears.

Kaiser paused, standing beside her, his presence calming.

"Is this truly what you desire, Adelaide?"

"Yes," she responded, practicing all of her self-control to avoid crying.

He reached out, gently fixing her hair that was rustling in the breeze. "Then why do you appear so sorrowful about it?"

"I don't know!" She grimaced, emotions overwhelming her.

"...I know that you've been taught otherwise, but for someone as strong as you are, crying should never be a source of shame."

Hearing the words she needed to hear, she leaned against his shoulder and sobbed even louder than the sobs she let out beneath her pillow over the bed the day before.

"Let it all out," he said gravely.

Adelaide cried her heart out. Was it moments, was it even an hour? But as her tears subsided, a welcomed numbing feeling took control of her.

"Feeling better now?" Kaiser inquired.

Numbness seemed preferable to pain, so she nodded.

Without a word, her father's gaze shifted to the lake. Rolling up his sleeves, he crouched, extending his arm over the water's surface to retrieve the promise ring that still gleamed below.

Observing her father's actions, Adela was uncertain of her feelings. Should she be glad that the ring was easily retrieved? Or should she feel upset that she was not able to rid herself of it?

What good would reclaiming the symbol of a broken promise do?

Kaiser raised the ring from the lake, water droplets cascading from it. He turned to face his daughter, standing tall with the ring firmly in hand.

"I will hold onto this for now," he said, tucking the ring into his trouser pocket. "Let's call it a night and return home, shall we? Your mother will be worried if we stay out too long."

He placed his hand on her shoulder, his touch empowering and soothing. Adela, albeit gradually, allowed herself to relax under his grasp, submitting to his guidance as he led her back to where their awaiting horses stood.

"Adelaide," he spoke just as she was about to mount her horse. "This might be the last thing you wish to hear in this moment, but His Majesty is on his way."

She blinked a couple of times, trying to recall if there was any event around the corner that required their Monarch's presence in Lanark, but was unable to.

"...Is there a specific reason for his visit?" she inquired with a sniffle.

A shadow of solemnity crossed Kaiser's face.

"He intends to investigate the industrial zone. The idea that Aldric had attributed to you."

Under different circumstances, the undeniable implication in her father's words might have filled Adela with fear. However, in her current state of numbness, she found herself unconcerned with it.

"Prepare yourself for what lies ahead, my dear. It won't be an easy path for any of us. And from now on, I urge you not to stray from my side," he cautioned.

At the mention of those last few words, the surge of fear that she had missed finally coursed through her being.

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