281: Royal plots across the oceans (part 1)

Royal plots across the oceans (part 1)

Under the midday sun of Lanark, the newlyweds, who had barely caught a wink of sleep as dawn arrived, were still entwined in each other's embrace under the sheets.1

Egon's deep voice rumbled as he asked, "What now?"

Adela, still half-asleep, replied with a puzzled tone, "What?"

Just as the previous day, Egon's senses were on high alert while scanning the surroundings of their home. A persistent knocking that Adela had not heard before followed.

"We're not here," Egon grumbled once more, prompting a soft giggle from Adela.

She was tempted to go along with this plan. After all, the first week of marriage was typically reserved for the newlyweds to enjoy each other's company without interruptions, especially from in-laws. However, the knocking at their door continued, growing more insistent.

Groggy and disoriented, they exchanged bewildered glances.

"Did you expect anyone?" Egon inquired.

Adela shook her head then winced, a blush creeping to her cheeks as he pulled out of her, only then did she realize that their intimate connection had been maintained throughout their slumber.

With a charming and seductive smirk, he brushed his stubble and whispered, "I'll give you a soothing bath later to make up for last night. We didn't quite get there."

Both their expressions soured as the knocking persisted. Now, they hurriedly dressed, fumbling to regain their composure. He assisted her into a green summer gown that mercifully didn't require a corset, while she helped him button up his black Kolhisan shirt.

She attempted to hastily put her hair in order, but his hands intercepted hers, gently brushing through her tresses. "Leave it down," he murmured in a husky tone.

Adela smiled at his request and clasped his hand, her eyes filled with warmth. "Let's find out who's at the door."

Both of them descended the staircase, the knocking now having ceased. As they reached the bottom of the stairs and opened the door, Adela's eyes widened in astonishment.

Before them stood the Archduke and Archduchess on one side. Equally surprising, on the other side, were Princess Sasha and Leopold.

While it was an entirely unexpected encounter, Adela quickly gathered her composure and executed a graceful curtsy for her father.

"Welcome to our home, Your Excellencies, Princess, and Uncle Leopold," she greeted everyone with the utmost politeness.

When she raised her head, Kaiser stood with open arms, a nostalgic look shimmering in his azure eyes. Adela crossed the threshold and threw herself into her father's warm embrace.

"How are you?" he inquired, placing a tender kiss on her forehead.

Adela couldn't quite understand why she was becoming emotional all of a sudden.

"I am well, Father." 

"Welcome to our house, everyone. Please, do enter," Egon offered, his tone somewhat dry.

"Thank you!" Sasha cheered, taking the lead and entering the house with enthusiasm. She patted Egon on the shoulder as she passed him, "No hard feelings about the dungeon thing, right? I did it for your own good back then."

Egon remained silent, not that Sasha seemed to be waiting for a reply. Instead, he turned his attention to his uncle who shrugged but otherwise waited, gesturing for Kaiser and Grace to enter before him, receiving polite nods from both of them.

The newlyweds ushered their unexpected guests inside, their minds racing to comprehend the common reasons that had brought the four of them together on their doorstep at the same time.

"Please, make yourselves comfortable," Adela warmly offered as they reached the living room. Flustered but gracious, she picked up a tray with leftover soup from the previous night and hurried toward the kitchen.

"Adelaide, my dear." Grace who had followed Adela stealthily began, her concern evident. "You've always been the reserved one. I do understand your desire to keep your private affairs guarded, but please try to understand my position too. I worry for you."

Adela looked up at her mother, her eyes narrowing slightly as she held the tray. 

"Take this, for example," Grace waved her fan toward the tray, "Why won't he let the servants stay with you all day? Even the Baroness was reluctant to come since no formal invitation was extended to her after your verbal agreement!"

Adela's neck and chest heated, "We just want to spend some time alone, Mother."

Grace, fanning herself with her hand fan, replied with a hint of exasperation, "Does he not understand the concept of moderation? You look perfectly fine, dear, and everything seems..."

"Mother, please," Adela gently interrupted, raising her hand. Her expression softened as she continued, "I am happy. Let me savor this happiness for a while longer before things settle into a routine." Deciding that it was enough of her mother cornering her, she gestured toward the living room and added sweetly, "After you, Your Excellency."

Grace, though still feeling uneasy in her heart, surrendered to her daughter's request and led the way back to the living room. When the two women returned, they found Sasha seated, while Leopold, Kaiser, and Egon stood, waiting respectfully for Grace and Adela to take their seats first.

Adela hurried to her husband's side and took her place on the sofa beside him. Once Grace was comfortably seated in the chair next to Kaiser, the Archduke began the conversation.

"I was informed that you wished to see me yesterday. I hope our visit now isn't an inconvenience," 

"Not at all, Father. We are honored by your presence." She glanced up at Egon, who returned her gaze with warmth.

"Oh, don't be so formal with her, Kaiser!" Sasha interjected playfully, "We are intruding on these two lovebirds as it is. We might as well be casual about it and not overstay our welcome."

Adela, not quite knowing where to direct her gaze, cast her eyes downward in response.

"Can we offer you some refreshments?" Egon asked a bit more enthusiastically now.

"Thank you, but it is unnecessary." Kaiser replied, "We came without servants, we shall not stay long."

With that statement, it became apparent that this visit wasn't merely a casual one; there were undoubtedly important matters to discuss.

Egon focused his attention on his uncle, "Did you happen to agree on coming together, or was it merely a coincidence?"

Sasha's eyes sparkled mischievously as she explained, "I happened to mention to Leo this morning that I've been contemplating buying some land in Lanark. You know, as an investment. He  offered to help me with that. Our feet led us here, considering you own parts of the forest. And then, seeing your in-laws on your doorstep, well, it seemed like an opportune moment for a quick visit." Her tone then took a more serious note, "I am genuinely convinced that sending you to the dungeon was the best decision back then."

"...No hard feelings," Egon murmured with a gaze full of questions directed at his uncle who kept a stoic face on. 

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