270: All the fires to put out (part 1)

All the fires to put out (part 1)

The atmosphere in the room seemed to shift as the Archduchess's concern became palpable. Her gaze swept over the perceived simplicity of the renovated house, and a small smile tugged at her lips, though it couldn't entirely mask her underlying apprehension.2

"Adelaide, dear, this house is... well, eccentric in its own charming way. But I can't help but feel that it might be a bit small for your tastes, not to mention quite distant from the city center."

"…"

Egon, always attuned to his mate's emotions, sensed Adela's subtle discomfort. His jaw clenched momentarily, a flicker of unease crossing his features. As he began to formulate his response to the Archduchess, Adela took a deep breath, her radiant smile returning.

"Your Excellency, this is my home now, and I feel quite comfortable here."

The Archduchess's lips briefly curved downward, but she dismissed it with a casual hand gesture. "Of course, my dear. You and Egon can have your private honeymoon here, and later we can explore more... suitable options."

Egon joined the conversation. "I am grateful for your consideration, Your Excellency, and I've been contemplating our living arrangements as well."

The Archduchess looked at him with a touch of surprise. "Oh? And what have you been considering?"

Egon's gaze briefly flickered to Adela before returning to the Archduchess. "In the near future, we have plans to relocate to my estate in Latora. It offers more practicality and space, while still maintaining a reasonable distance from the Archduchy."

Adela's astonishment mirrored her mother's as Egon's words settled in the room. She hadn't expected this stance from him, especially after her father's prior warning.

Setting down her teacup, the Archduchess locked her eyes onto Egon's, as if seeking deeper meaning. "This is quite a surprising decision."

Egon's brown eyes remained steady as he spoke with conviction.

"My wife possesses remarkable healing abilities which can be greatly controled by the unique properties of Latora, as you're well aware." His gaze softened as he turned to Adela. "That said, I won't make any decisions without her approval."

The Archduchess took another sip of her tea, her grip on the cup tightening around the delicate porcelain. "Your honesty is appreciated," she replied, her tone slightly strained. "But there are many matters that require discussion before ideas solidify into actions, correct, Adelaide?"

Adela braced herself, recognizing the significance of this moment. Although she wanted to outwardly support her husband, her father's words lingered in her mind, prompting her to offer a timid nod to her mother instead.

She sensed a hint of disappointment in Egon's gaze, yet she trusted her father's judgment. His reasons for wanting her to stay in Lanark for the time being must be valid.

The Baroness's words broke the tension. "Indeed, much remains to be discussed."

Grace de Lanark drew in a deep breath, her gaze shifting between Adela and Egon as she readied herself to disclose the most crucial news, her voice took on a somber tone,

"There is a matter that requires immediate attention... Arkin von Conradie has resigned from his post as Commander and has left Lanark indefinitely."

Adela's brows furrowed. So fast?

Her attention sharpened on the Baroness's expression, surprised by what she found. Beneath the expected sorrow was a layer of profound shame. Frieda took it a step further, completely avoiding direct eye contact with Adela.

An unsettling sense of mystery gnawed at the Lady's thoughts. What was going on around her?

Egon's astonishment radiated off him, his brows knitting together in a perplexed expression as he absorbed the unexpected news. His gaze shifted to Adela, his eyes narrowing.

"Did you know about this?"

"Yes, Arkin confided in me about his decision yesterday."

Egon's surprise intensified, his eyes searching her face for clues. "He chose to discuss this during our wedding?"

Adela nodded, her fingers idly playing with the edge of her teacup. "Yes, it was a rather abrupt revelation, and our conversation was cut short by the Archduke's arrival to escort me to you. I didn't have a chance to delve into the details, and he didn't mention his immediate departure."

Her gaze dropped, a sense of melancholy settling in her heart. The uncertainty of when she might see her brother again troubled her.

Egon's analytical mind was clearly processing the information. The hospitable gentleman was slowly fading, making room for a stoic, darker version of himself.

He must be worried about his uncle...

Arkin was an indivisible part of Leopold von Conradie's many tragedies, perhaps the most devastating one of them all. Searching for his lost son for so long and then being separated from him just when he found him seemed like another twist of a cruel fate.

The Archduchess sighed.

"There is another matter that requires our attention, one that needs swift resolution," Grace looked at Egon with guarded hazel eyes, "Claude de Lanark."

Egon's jaw tightened, his fingers curling around his teacup as he visibly struggled to maintain his composure. He inclined his head slightly, acknowledging the topic at hand.

"Go on, Your Excellency."

"The duel between you and Claude must not take place. I cannot stress this enough. The repercussions could be disastrous for Lanark and the entirety of Emoria."

"I have no intention of initiating a duel with Claude. However, I will not back down if he comes to me with a place for it."

"Please understand the gravity of the situation! We cannot afford any further tensions within the kingdom, during this transitioning period Emoria is going through, we need Claude to remain as inconspicuous as possible."

"Where is he now?" Adela sounded more concerned than she intended to be, earning herself a sharp look from her husband.

The Archduchess's gaze shifted to Adela, "Larissa is with Claude, providing him the comfort and support he showed her in Kolhis. But it's uncertain how long he will stay at the Archduke's manor."

Adela's brow furrowed. "Why would he leave?"

The Archduchess's lips thinned, "It's Princess Sasha... She wants Claude to accompany her to the Empire."

The news should have been reassuring, even relieving for all parties involved in Emanuel's death. So why did the Archduchess appear so uncertain, even fearful? 

pqdm.com