182: The warrior king's secrets (part 1)

The warrior king's secrets (part 1)

As her carriage arrived at the harbor, Adela cast one last glance at her attire, contemplating the significance of her choice. Her white gown, with billowing sleeves fit for noblewomen attending the Monarch's palace in Destan, held a deeper meaning on this occasion—a celebration marking the beginning of a collaboration between two kingdoms. It was one of her few white gowns, as unwed Emorian women typically reserved the color for their engagement ceremonies and weddings.2

The tiara was a bit excessive, she thought, silently wishing that the Baroness hadn't insisted on securing her flowing wavy hair with it.

With a heavy sigh, she peered through the carriage window, her gaze fixed on Aldric's ship—a marvel to behold from afar. Its metallic structure stood in stark contrast to the surrounding wooden Emorian vessels, their weathered hulls displaying the proud falcon emblem of the de Lanark family. Amidst the sea of wooden ships, the gleaming surface of Aldric's vessel caught the afternoon rays, transforming the ship into a radiant beacon on the harbor.

Her eyes shifted upward to the Varinthian ship's flags swaying with the breeze. purely white with a golden sun at the center—the crest of Varinthia.

"Stop here, please," she requested of the coachman.

"Yes, My Lady. I will be right there to assist you," came the obliging reply.

Out of deference to the young King, Adela had opted to arrive without the accompaniment of her knights. The coachman dutifully opened the door, and with his assistance, Lady de Lanark alighted from the carriage. Her gaze was immediately drawn to Aldric who approached her with a radiant smile that illuminated his midnight blue eyes. It was a relief to see him in attire different from his usual ensemble.

His tunic, fashioned from white linen, displayed the emblem of the sun. His trousers, in the same snowy hue, stood out from the traditional attire of Emorian noblemen as they reached down to his light brown leather boots. And a red cloak conveniently draped over one of his shoulders.

Adela couldn't help but notice the change in his unconventional hair color, which prompted a slight furrow on her brow. Why would someone as easygoing as him choose to alter his natural appearance?

"Ah, you noticed immediately?" Aldric quipped, running a hand through his hair as he closed the distance between them.

"Hello, Aldric! Father will not be joining us this afternoon, but I shall represent him," Adela greeted with a gentle smile, extending her hand towards him.

Just as he had done when they first met, Aldric gallantly took her extended hand and pressed a soft kiss inside her palm.

Despite her best efforts to maintain composure. In the presence of the young King who radiated warmth and charm like the emblem of his kingdom, her guard melted away.

"That's quite alright. He already informed me that you will be arriving alone. My crew is eager to meet the Kingdom's princess. Shall we?" he offered his arm to her.

Accepting his arm, she glanced behind her and then towards his ship.

"Is Sir Egon already on board?"

Aldric offered her a half-smile, his eyes gleaming with a mysterious glint. "All in due time, princess," he replied cryptically.

Try as she might, Adela couldn't shake off the unease that had settled within her after that. 

As they approached the ship from the harbor, a shimmering gangplank materialized, bridging the gap between land and sea. Aldric motioned for Adela to lead the way, and as they walked, the gangplank solidified beneath their feet, merging with the ship's metallic structure. Their footsteps resonated in harmony with the low hum of Aldric's energy, blending with the metallic vibrations emanating from the vessel.

It was incredible.

"Welcome aboard, Captain!" the crew's enthusiastic cheer in the distinct Emorian language reached Adela's ears, their accents adding a touch of uniqueness. Raising her head, she took her first step onto the ship, and a sight of the crew members standing tall and proud greeted her. Their tribal-inspired attire was combined with feathers and beads, while their formation created an honor guard on either side of the gangplank.

With warm and inviting smiles, they mirrored the easy-going nature of their young King. Adela reciprocated their gestures with waves and smiles.

As she walked between the crew members, an unfamiliar chant filled the air, spoken in a language she couldn't understand. Adela glanced behind her, catching Aldric's proud stance as he nodded in approval of his men. When his gaze returned to her, his expression carried a profound weight that she had not witnessed before.

"Welcome aboard, Adelaide, daughter of Grace and Kaiser," Aldric's voice held a hint of unfamiliarity, his midnight blue eyes conveying a deeper emotion. "You are as radiant as the sun rising over the bold mountains of Varinthia, and white suits you best."

She mustered a bittersweet smile, her choice of white attire a deliberate defiance against the beast's preference. White, the antithesis of their dark relationship, symbolized her desire for liberation. Her determination to break free from the mate shackles that bound her, even if it was a mere illusion of independence for now.

"Dinner is served in the Captain's room," a mischievous wink accompanied his words.

"Shall I address you as Captain now?" she teased.

He responded with a secretive smile, "I am currently embarking on an incredibly challenging task, so we shall see what title you will bestow upon me after that."

The sudden aura of ambiguity in his demeanor was a departure from his usual openness, but Adela followed him in silence. With each step they took, her gown and his cloak swirled in harmony with the gentle breeze. The ship's metallic construction captivated her, symbols representing the sun and the peaks of Varinthia were everywhere.

"My room is this way—a sanctuary fit for a warrior. Do not expect extravagance," 

"You have already done more than necessary. It is I who should have prepared the celebration for you," Adela responded gratefully.

The room was charming, free from excessive adornments. On one side, a comfortable seating area was arranged around a low table. Opposite it stood a simple bed that lacked blankets. In the center of the room, a sturdy wooden table had been brought in, displaying a variety of small dishes, each one containing food she had never encountered before.

The seating arrangement perplexed her—it seemed to be set for a feast meant for two.

"...Isn't Sir Egon supposed to join us?" she inquired, a touch of concern in her voice as she gazed up into his midnight blue eyes.

"Sir Egon von Conradie will not be joining us," Aldric clarified, his expression serious.

pqdm.com