177: The intrigue of hearts and falcons

The intrigue of hearts and falcons

In Kaiser de Lanark's study, now furnished with an ample number of chairs to comfortably accommodate ten people, the fruitful meeting between the Archduke, his Commander, the King of Varinthia, the von Conradie siblings, and Lady de Lanark was finally coming to a close.2

"This concludes our meeting. The Baron and I will handle the formalities. Your task is simply to put your signatures on the documents," the Archduke stated, directing his gaze towards Egon. "Come, Sir Egon, I will accompany you on your way out."

As the Archduke rose from his seat, Bastian and Egon followed suit, offering courteous nods to the others in the room. They then made their exit, leaving the study ahead of everyone else. Meanwhile, Aldric, who had been seated beside Adela, extended his hand towards her, and she accepted it, rising from her chair.

"Thank you," Adela smiled appreciatively at Aldric as she stood up, retracting her hand from his with a graceful motion.

"It is I who owe you thanks. Your contributions to the meeting were extremely insightful, as expected of Kaiser's daughter," he replied, smiling back at her.

Adela felt a genuine sense of pride in herself. While trying to ignore Egon's presence, she had focused on the meeting so intently that she had made the most significant contributions.

Enough time had already passed, they must be gone by now...

"Let's step outside and enjoy some fresh air, shall we?"  Aldric suggested, offering his arm this time.

She placed her hand on his arm, and together they walked through the corridor. As they approached the door to the annex, Aldric spoke up.

"There's something on my mind," he said.

"Oh?" Adela responded, curious.

"The connection I felt with your falcon and the sensation of him on my arm made me contemplate. Would you be willing to teach me the art of falconry? I would be an eager and devoted student," 

The unexpected proposal caught Adela off guard. "He seemed to take a liking to you quite quickly," she reminisced.

"Living creatures can perceive our auras; they are attracted to the magic flowing within our blood," Aldric explained.

A shadow crossed Adela's face, and Aldric picked up on it. "What is going through your mind?" he inquired.

Egon.

"...It's quite interesting what you were saying about animals. I wonder what it means when they are specifically aggressive towards someone," she mused.

He half-smiled in response. "It means they're afraid of them. The animal kingdom is quite simple, you see—survival of the fittest, Alphas rule, and there is always a predator to be afraid of."

Predator. The word echoed in Adela's mind, fitting her mate so perfectly.

"So, will you accept my offer and become my falconry tutor? I assure you, it won't consume much of your time," Aldric asked with a playful wink.

Despite her reservations, Adela felt compelled to entertain the distinguished noble, who also held the title of King in a distant realm. Yet, it was more than just obligation. Recognizing his vast knowledge and expertise, she also took pride in sharing her own skills.

She returned his smile. "I will make the necessary arrangements."

His midnight eyes gleamed with delight as they lowered. "My ship is at your disposal. If you wish, you can request a platoon to accompany you there for the lessons. Alternatively, I can always come here."

Adela needed to weigh her options carefully. Rushing into a decision would not be in her best interest, particularly considering the rapport she had built with the young King. Delaying her response until all the arrangements were impeccable would not be perceived as rude.

"I shall send you word about it very soon, Your Holiness," she responded.

As they walked out side by side, Egon was engrossed in a spirited discussion with the Archduke. His gaze fleetingly shifted to Adela's hand resting on Aldric's arm before returning to Kaiser's countenance. In that fleeting glance, Adela felt a sharp pang coursing through her fingers, and by the expression on Aldric's face, it was clear that he had also observed the interaction.

She was overcome with embarrassment.

"Kaiser!" Aldric suddenly exclaimed.

The Archduke's face lit up with a bright smile, while Egon's gaze remained averted, seemingly engrossed in another conversation with Bastian.

"When I first arrived, I envied Adela for having you as a father. And soon after, I envied you for having such a brilliant strategist by your side," Aldric cheerfully expressed his admiration.

Adela blushed beside him, feeling a strong urge to withdraw her hand from his arm. However, she refrained from doing so as it would have been considered extremely inappropriate after what the young King had witnessed.

"Egon!" Aldric called out in an equally cheerful tone. Egon turned slowly, his eyes now a deep ruby, their intense gaze piercing through Adela's stomach.

Did I do something to upset him?

Isn't he tired of the distance that had grown between us?

"Adela excels in falconry. Have you ever witnessed it?" Aldric inquired.

Egon's eyes, like those of a hawk, bright red and profound, shifted to Adela's face. "She's perfect," he replied.

Adela's ears and throat burned simultaneously. She didn't want his words of praise, and she had so much to say to him that her head was about to explode.

"I am glad we can agree on that. She will teach me about falconry. How about that?" Aldric suggested.

Turning her face away from the pair of bewildered blue eyes and fiery ruby ones. Adela looked up at the man standing beside her, studying his half-smile intently. It didn't match the calculative expression in his eyes, and she wondered if it was merely a facade.

Breaking the silence, Kaiser spoke up. "Egon, Adela's skills are truly remarkable. Would you care to join them?"

Adela couldn't believe her ears. It felt as if her father was forcefully thrusting the lessons Aldric had slyly acquired from her upon Egon.

"Oh yes! The more, the merrier!" Aldric exclaimed cheerfully.

Egon's ruby eyes suddenly grew vacant as they shifted back to Kaiser. "Thank you for the invitation, but I'm afraid my free time doesn't allow for it. I have very little to spare nowadays."

Adela swallowed, feeling the pain in her throat. Rejection, raw and cruel, scratched at her insides once again.

Will I ever learn?

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