238: Grace's stand against Andreas

Grace's stand against Andreas

The urgent sound of doorbell chimes startled Adela as she reached the bottom of the stairs. Never before had she witnessed such an aggressive assault on a door. This conduct was utterly unbecoming of a noble lady, let alone the esteemed Archduchess of Lanark.2

She cast a swift glance at the living area where she had left Andreas and her sister engaged in a conversation about their future before ascending the stairs. However, to her surprise, neither of them was there anymore.

This is indeed a troubling situation.

The serene and deserted estate, with even its majordomo absent, stood in stark contrast to the commotion unfolding outside with the unexpected visitor's arrival.

Feeling a sense of urgency, Adela hurried towards the door as the commotion outside escalated. She had intended to support Larissa during this pivotal moment when she and Andreas were deciding their future, but it seemed another storm was brewing, demanding immediate attention.

The Lady  found herself with no other option but to be the one to open the door for her mother.

As Adela swung the grand door open, she was met with a chaotic scene outside. The knights of the platoon accompanying the Ladies' carriages stood at attention, their expressions tense as they faced the wrath of the Archduchess. Grace de Lanark was venting her frustration on them.

For what reason?

"How can all of you fail to accompany my daughters inside?" Grace's voice rang out with authority, and her words were cutting with anger. "There is a murderer out there, and you left my daughters unprotected?"

Adela's throat went dry as a realization silently struck her like a lightning bolt hitting the shores of Lanark during a change of seasons. Was it not Aldric, but the Archduchess herself who leaked the news of the argument between Egon von Conradie and Emanuel de Lanark to Princess Sasha?

Adela stood frozen, desperately trying to maintain her composure.

The knights attempted to explain, but the Archduchess dismissed their excuses. She continued to scold them, demanding that they take their duty more seriously and prioritize the safety of the royal family.

Summoning her courage, Adela finally found her voice.

"Mother," she called out, eliciting grateful glances from the knights as if she were their savior.

"Adelaide de Lanark," Grace practically spat her name with anger, turning her gaze sharply towards her daughter, "Is there no maid to open the door on your behalf?" She then redirected her fury at the knights, "Do you see what you have subjected my daughter to?"

Adela could no longer bear her mother's outbursts.

"Your Excellency, the knights were merely following their orders from the Archduke," She held her head up high, not appreciating the glances that the knights exchanged. "But surely, Father's knights understand a mother's concern for her daughters' safety, which rightfully overrides any sense of protocol in such dire circumstances."

Grace de Lanark, the formidable figure, appeared momentarily taken aback, her expression showing a mix of anger and deep concern about something significant.

"Your Excellency," Adela greeted once more, this time with a respectful curtsy. "What brings you here at this hour?"

"I need to speak to Larissa, immediately," Grace demanded, her voice brimming with urgency.

Adela's heart raced, knowing that her mother's unexpected visit could only spell trouble. "Of course, come in," she said, stepping aside to allow the Archduchess to enter.

As Grace stepped into the grand foyer, she cast a sharp glance around, her eyes searching for any sign of Larissa. "Where is she?"

If only Adela knew!

"Mother, please, calm down," she attempted to soothe her, guiding her towards the sitting room. "Larissa is with Andreas. They are discussing the fate of their engagement."

"Engagement?" Grace's tone turned even colder, and her face contorted with displeasure. "I thought we had settled this matter already back in Kolhis."

Adela hesitated, carefully choosing her words, mindful of the conversation she had with Egon in his chambers about Andreas's intentions.

"Andreas wishes to talk to Larissa about her decision. Her happiness is of utmost importance to everyone here."

Grace scoffed. "Happiness? How can she be happy with a man like him?"

Grace was very fond of Andreas when she first met him, but her disapproval was later fueled by Larissa's initial unhappiness during the early days of their engagement.

As Lady de Lanark and the Archduchess reached the sitting room, Adela saw Andreas standing there, his expression tense and serious. He looked up at the arrival of the Archduchess, and Adela could see the worry in his eyes.

"Larissa is upstairs, Mother," Andreas said, his voice respectful but firm. "We are discussing our future together."

Grace's gaze hardened as she fixed her eyes on Andreas. "And what future is that, exactly? A future built on lies and deceit?"

Andreas's jaw tightened, "I assure you, Your Excellency, there are no lies or deceit between Larissa and me."

Grace's eyes narrowed, and she took a step closer, her voice low and sharp. "You broke her heart once, and I will not let you do it again."

Andreas's face paled slightly, and Adela could sense the tension in the room escalating. She had never seen her mother this furious, and she knew that her current state could quickly spiral out of control.

"Mother, please," she interjected, attempting to diffuse the tense atmosphere. "Let them have the time to sit down and discuss their future calmly."

But Grace was not willing to yield. "I will not stand by and watch while my daughter's destiny is at stake. House von Conradie harbors ill intentions for House de Lanark. Who knows how deep those intentions run!" She implied heavily.

Adela tried earnestly to read between the lines, but she couldn't discern if this visit was about her mother's possible suspicions of the murderer's identity or solely her disapproval of Andreas as Larissa's betrothed.

Andreas took a deep breath, his gaze steadfast as he faced the Archduchess. "Regardless of the House from which Larissa hails, I love her for who she is, and I would do anything to make her happy."

Grace's disapproval became even more evident. "Prove it, then," she challenged, her voice tinged with bitterness. "Demonstrate that you can truly give your heart to my daughter and leave the rest behind you, where it belongs!"

Andreas looked conflicted for a moment before he replied, "There are aspects of my past that I cannot change."

Grace's eyes narrowed again, suspicion in her gaze. "There is a world of difference between 'cannot' and 'don't want to'."

Adela wondered if she could find the right words that her mother, a former Healer, could understand or relate to. But her thoughts were interrupted when Andreas glanced at her briefly, and she grasped the unspoken message. It was not her secret to reveal.

"There are certain burdens from my past that I must bear," Andreas said cryptically. "But I promise you, Your Excellency, I will always cherish Larissa and protect her with all that I am. Even if our engagement comes to an end, I wish to maintain a friendship with her."

A moment of tense silence followed before the Archduchess flushed beet red.

"Mother," came Larissa's voice as she arrived from the other side of the living area. "It is good that you are here."

Adela's heart pounded as she braced herself for the storm that was sure to follow.

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