218: Clash of Monarchs (part 3)

Clash of Monarchs (part 3)

"That is quite enough,"2

Kaiser's calm voice preceded him into the reception room. All eyes turned toward the door as the Archduke arrived, followed by the three Dukes of Emoria, with King Aldric of Varinthia closely behind. They all came to a stop in the center of the room.

Rauul's worried eyes briefly swept over Adela before fixing on Emanuel de Lanark with a murderous glint, swiftly concealed by a polite bow, mirroring the actions of the two other Dukes in the presence of their King.

"You knew about this?!" Emanuel addressed his brother with a tone of disbelief.

"Of course, I did. This is my Archduchy, and this man is the spitting image of the last Emperor… Isn't that right, Baron?"

Gustav entered the reception room, closely followed by Arkin. Both of them promptly bowed before the King and the Crown Prince before Gustav could respond to Kaiser.

"Yes, Your Excellency."

Adela quietly took a step back. If her father knew about Egon's true identity, then her mother must have known as well. It was, by far, the most significant truth they had ever kept hidden from her.

Disappointment washed over her.

Kaiser's cold blue eyes turned to Egon, who stood tall and proud, seemingly unaffected by the subject.

"Your grandfather was not murdered, Sir Egon. He was killed in a fair and honorable duel between us, his final noble act that spared the lives of what remained of his army that would have been slaughtered had he chosen to cling to the throne. This duel was witnessed by his own son, your late father, whom I spared afterwards."

"Blasphemous!" Emanuel roared. "What kind of lie is this?"

"It is not, Your Majesty!" The Duke of Galondy spoke with a sincere tone. "We were also present with His Excellency during the duel."

The Duchess of Galondy pressed the back of her hand to her forehead before collapsing beside the Duchess of Serta. Adela didn't need to remove the bracelet from her hand to know that the noblewoman was faking her fainting. Grace de Lanark, however, being a gracious hostess even in this sensitive hour, moved herself to the back to attend to her.

"Lies!" Emanuel hissed. "You have all conspired against me in this meeting!"

"Father!" Claude placed an urgent hand on the King's shoulder. "Surely, you do not imply that the head of the nobility in Emoria has gathered in one front against you! Allow me to investigate."

A pale Emanuel swallowed hard. "How?" he asked after that.

Claude's calculating gaze fell on the most recently appointed Duke, his own friend from their days in Kolhis.

"Duke Rauul's father witnessed the battle between my uncle and the last Emperor too. I will personally go to Latora and investigate."

"You will stay put!"

A flustered Emanuel shoved Claude's hands off his shoulder, his eyes drifting to Adela. She winced at their intensity and the way his chest heaved. She couldn't explain the feeling, but it was the same she got when the mercenary pointed a gun to her face when she was stuck in a tilted carriage with no way out.

"Kaiser!" The King growled, "I want von Conradie's f*cking head on a pike!"

Amongst the appalled gasps, Adela took a deep breath. With no one to hold her back, she was about to begin the speech she had prepared for when she would confront her uncle, intending to create a diversion. That was when Egon's dark eyes suddenly turned ruby red, and he locked his gaze onto her.

'Stay right where you are, Adelaide.'

Her mouth fell open in astonishment. She had clearly heard his deep voice in her head, yet his lips never moved. She placed a trembling hand on her chest, trying to calm herself from the unexpected experience.

Is he in my mind?

Her eyes darted anxiously between Aldric's bracelet on her wrist and Egon's face. Wasn't this bracelet supposed to shield her from any further mind manipulation? What about the suppressed memories that had suddenly resurfaced after it was placed on her wrist?

The last thing she saw was Egon's satisfied eyes, which had now returned to a sharp brown, turning away from her.

The room and everyone inside seemed to spin in Adela's vision, and she struggled to reconnect with the fast-progressing events around her.

"- Father…" Claude was speaking between clenched teeth. "You are fatigued by the journey; the Archduke already made himself clear that he knew of Sir Egon's identity, which means he has valid reasons for allowing him to remain on our soil."

"That is quite true!" Aldric intervened with a hot enthusiasm that could only be considered rude given the icy atmosphere in the room. "Egon is a childhood friend of mine and a cherished business partner; he has recently joined my council, with his signature on the agreement for the industrial zone."

Aldric's fervent defense of Egon added another layer of tension to the room, and for a moment, it seemed like things might escalate further. But then, around Adela, the airs shifted.

Emanuel's face transformed from rage to contemplation until it finally settled on a sneaky expression. He smoothed his clothes and took a deep breath, saying, "Yes… Yes… The industrial zone. I expect all the formal papers regarding that on my desk by evening. I am fatigued from my journey; coming through a portal with so many people was a mistake."

The King glared at his brother, "My guards will arrive tomorrow. Until then, I want to stay in your chambers, for I am not feeling well."

"I will personally become your guard, Your Majesty," Arkin spoke with a detached expression, and none of the men present in the room sounded surprised by it.

Adela's throat ached; it seemed like everything was staged. Once again, decisions were being made for her without her consent. Sending Arkin, who had risked his life for her before, to protect the King felt like a direct accusation directed at their Monarch.

If only they would allow me to speak with His Majesty.

"Your Majesty, Your Highness," Kaiser spoke, avoiding eye contact with Adela. "I invite everyone in here to rest in their designated chambers. We will continue our discussions and investigation over dinner," Kaiser's blue eyes fixed on Egon, "Sir Egon von Conradie has already informed me that he will not be joining us. His Holiness, Aldric of Varinthia, can speak on his behalf regarding the matters of the industrial zone."

"Follow me, Claude," Emanuel said, storming out of the room with the Crown Prince and Sir Arkin von Conradie following closely behind.

"Adelaide. Larissa. Leave before the rest," came the Archduke's command, preventing Adela from hearing what would be discussed among the powerful figures in the room.

She ran out after that.

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