179: Wings of trust

Wings of trust

The following day, Kaiser de Lanark's attention abruptly shifted towards finalizing the contract for the industrial zone between Lanark and Latora. Meanwhile, Larissa, who had been summoned by the Archduchess for the entire day, was conspicuously absent. Adela, feeling a profound sense of loneliness once again, found herself unable to bear it any longer, she swiftly dispatched a message requesting Aldric's presence for their tutoring session whenever he became available.2

In his distinctive carriage, Aldric arrived before the sun reached its zenith.

Adela and Aldric set off from the mews, their steps carrying them in search of a tranquil location amidst the expanse of the sunflower meadow. They sought a place where their falconry lesson could unfold undisturbed, free from distractions that might divert the falcon's attention. As they walked, the vibrant golden blooms swayed gracefully in response to the gentle breeze, painting a breathtaking backdrop for their session. 

"Alright, Your Holiness, let's begin," Adela said, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

He raised both hands and arched an eyebrow. "You promised to lose the formalities between us, remember?"

At his insistence, it would be rude not to oblige.

"Aldric…" she finally said, and he rewarded her with one of his rare full-fledged smiles. "...Falconry is an art that requires patience, precision, and a deep understanding of the birds. Are you ready?"

Aldric nodded eagerly, "Absolutely! I've always been fascinated by falcons. I can't wait to learn from you!"

She smiled and gestured toward the leather glove resting on her outstretched hand. "First, we'll start with the basics. The glove is essential for building trust and establishing a bond with your falcon. It serves as their safe landing spot and connection to you."

Aldric watched intently as Adela demonstrated the proper way to wear the glove, adjusting the straps and ensuring a snug fit. He followed suit, sliding the glove onto his own hand.

"Now, observe the falcon's body language," she instructed, pointing toward her fledgling, perched on a nearby branch. "Notice how it tilts its head and focuses its gaze on its surroundings. These birds are incredibly observant, so we need to match their level of attention."

Aldric squinted his eyes and mimicked the falcon's focused gaze. "I see it! How fascinating!"

She nodded. "Now, let's move on to the falconer's lure. This is a vital tool for training and rewarding the falcon. It's a specially designed lure with feathers and enticing movement that simulates prey."

As she gracefully swung the lure in the air, Aldric watched in awe. "It's like a dance between the falcon and the lure. I can see why they're drawn to it."

Adela giggled, pleased with Aldric's observation. "Indeed, it's a dance of trust and instinct! Now, it's your turn. Take the lure and try swinging it gently. Remember, smooth and controlled movements are key."

The young king eagerly took the lure and swung it back and forth, attempting to imitate the graceful motions Adela had shown him. The falcon's gaze followed the lure, its interest piqued.

"You're doing great!" She encouraged. "Remember to be patient and persistent. Building a bond with a falcon takes time and effort."

He beamed. "This is an incredible experience, I can already feel the connection with the falcon... Did you name him?"

Adela's smile faded momentarily. No. She thought to herself.

His midnight blue eyes seemed to comprehend the wordless message conveyed by her olive-green gaze. Aldric shifted his focus to the fledgling, wearing a serious expression.

"Kannen!" his voice resonated with the authority of a seasoned warrior.

The fledgling tilted its head, its bright yellow eyes locked onto him.

Adela held her breath, her anticipation mounting.

"Kannen! Will you embrace this name?" he pressed.

The falcon responded with a soft, inquisitive chirp, then hopped slightly on its perch, its wings fluttering in response.

She raised her gaze to meet Aldric's, torn between gratitude and a strong urge to slap him. However, as the sunflowers swayed gently around them, she came to a realization. This was his authentic self, unapologetically true to his desires, always urging her forward when she faltered.

Just as she was about to find her words, a familiar tug pulled at her back, accompanied by the resounding sound of hooves that shattered the tranquility both within and around her.

Adela's pulse quickened as she turned her gaze toward the source. Her eyes absorbed the sight of Egon astride Xavier, dressed only in pants. The bronzed skin of his arms and torso glistened with a sheen of perspiration, and a bow and quiver rested on his back. Her gaze traveled from his muscled abdomen, tracing the scars on his chest, until it reached his face.

He looked angry, rugged, and beautiful.

Her stomach protested.

Egon reined in his stallion in the meadow, his eyes first on Adela, who stood beside Aldric, and then at her new falcon perched gracefully on the young king's arm. The playful atmosphere shifted as Egon's presence brought tension to the air.

Aldric glanced at Adela, a mischievous spark in his eyes. "Egon has arrived!" 

Adela shifted her gaze to the left, meeting Egon's eyes as he halted near her. "Sir Egon, what brings you to this place? I thought you had pressing matters to attend to."

Egon dismounted from Xavier. "I couldn't resist the allure of the meadow and the sight of you both engaged in the art of falconry," he replied, his voice carrying a subtle undertone that only Aldric could decipher.

Aldric's lips curled into a smirk, a silent understanding exchanged between him and Egon. "Ah, the meadow has a knack for captivating one's gaze, doesn't it? We've been thoroughly enjoying ourselves, refining our falconry skills," he remarked, his words carefully selected to hint at their clandestine rendezvous prior to meeting Adela.

Egon nodded, his gaze momentarily shifting toward Adela before returning to Aldric. "I'm sure His Holiness has been an excellent student. He possesses a natural affinity for falconry, don't you, Your Holiness?"

Aldric grinned, playing along with the subtle dance of words. "Oh, absolutely! Adela has been a fantastic tutor. We've been exploring the intricacies of falconry in ways I never imagined."

Egon observed Adela with a critical eye. "...You're letting him hold the falcon's jess too loosely. It should be firmer."

Adela's brows furrowed at the critique, and a flicker of defensiveness crossed her face. "I find it more comfortable this way," she resisted.

Egon's expression hardened, his frustration becoming evident. "Comfort should never take precedence over precision. Every detail matters. It is the balance between control and trust that ensures success."

Trust!

A pang of irritation welled up within her. "Trust, Sir Egon," she paused, her gaze accusing him for everything. "... It's not something I would easily grant to an immature fledgling with such fluctuating moods."

Egon's expression faltered momentarily, a mix of surprise and hurt flashing in his eyes before deep lines of frustration crossed his forehead. He opened his mouth to respond, but the words seemed to escape him. The silence hung heavy between them, filled with unspoken truths. "Carry on then," he said, discarding all etiquette as he mounted his horse again.

"Goodbye!" Aldric cheered.

As Egon departed on the back of his horse, his anger exuded from him like a tangible energy with each powerful stride. The muscles in his arms and shoulders flexed, and the veins on his neck bulged prominently. He tightly gripped the reins, his knuckles turning white, as if he were channeling his rage through the steed beneath him.

A pair of deep midnight blue eyes tracked his every movement.

"Can we conclude the lesson for today? I suddenly recalled an urgent matter that requires my attention," Aldric stated, his gaze fixed on Adela's face as he offered her a half-smile.

"Certainly," Adela responded, her mind preoccupied with her own pressing urgency.

She knew she had to trail after Egon without delay.

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