259: A bride in a dungeon

A bride in a dungeon

As Adela and the Majordomo began their descent down the first flight of stairs, which separated the upper level of the manor from the dungeon beneath, an inexplicable occurrence took place.0

The typical tug of the mate bond underwent a strange transformation. Instead of drawing her closer, it appeared to morph into a force of antagonism, forcibly pushing her away. This sudden shift hurt Adela's feelings, a reminder of her husband's inconsiderate request before he left her to go to the dungeons with his brother.

Regardless of Egon's present disposition, Adela had to see him.

Bernard's outstretched hand, poised to grasp the keys for unlocking the closed gates, abruptly froze as a distinct glow drew near.

"Someone is approaching, My Lady." He said, his hands busy opening the gate for her.

Adela trailed a step behind him, her breath held in anticipation, and finally released when the figures of the Princess's bodyguard and Leopold came into view.

Meeting Leopold's gaze, she noticed his stern expression softening, as if he had been eagerly awaiting her arrival. Without delay, he hastened toward her.

"Please accept my apologies. Little did I know that my nephew had specifically asked you to refrain from coming down here." 

Adela's eyes lowered, her cheeks flushed with both, embarrassment and unfamiliarity with this kinder side of Leopold von Conradie.

Alphonso's warm eyes observed Adela from head to toe, yet the scrutiny felt oddly respectful.

"Milady, this is hardly a fitting place for a bride on her wedding night. Besides, your husband is not even confined. Why not join us upstairs? He will follow suit shortly."

Adela exerted effort to lift the corners of her lips, crafting a forced, polite smile. It felt peculiar, having to borrow her father's strength on a night that should have been all about transitioning to another household.

"...The Archduke has tasked me with fetching my husband."

Her words carried an unnecessary defensiveness that even struck her own ears as out of place. She furrowed her brow and shifted her gaze downward, only to notice that her bridal shoes were tarnished by the mold on the dungeon floor.

"...Forgive me, Sir Alphonso. What I meant to convey is my gratitude for your considerate suggestion. However, I'm eager to bring my husband upstairs myself."

Alphonso was itching his neck uncomfortably when the sound of approaching footsteps reached them, accompanied by the illumination of another carried light.

"Bastian?" Leopold inquired at Bastian's unexpected arrival.

"I'm heading out first, Uncle. Egon is waiting just outside the first cell for Princess Sasha."

Princess Sasha? Adela's mind balked at the notion. Such a scenario was implausible.

"A foreign royal wouldn't have been granted access to the Archduke's dungeon. She doesn't have permission to descend here." Adela explained.

Bastian von Conradie left Adela in a state of utter bewilderment as he strode past her without so much as a glance her way. His eyes avoided hers completely, not even making the briefest connection.

What is happening here?

"I'll fetch him and join you shortly, Uncle," Adela maintained her composure, concealing any astonishment, while Leopold's gaze trailed after Bastian's retreating figure, simply nodding in response to her words.

Suppressing the unsettling resistance of the mate bond within her, Adela clenched her jaw and covered the short distance between the first gate and the initial cell. The pungent odors seemed to grow more potent, causing her empty stomach to churn. 

There was only one turn to the right left for her to reach the spot where Bastian had indicated Egon would be. Not that she required directions; the thread connecting her soul to her husband guided her. She inclined her head slightly, signaling for Bernard to remain where he was.

With a nod in her direction, he complied.  "I'll wait here for you, My Lady."

Adela managed a weary smile. "There's truly no need, Bernard. My husband and I will join you shortly."

A fleeting hint of objection flickered in his eyes, but he ultimately obliged, pivoting on his heel and departing, further dimming the already subdued light.

Upon making the final turn, Adela was greeted by the sight of Egon, his back stiff and slightly flinched as she approached. This subtle reaction was enough to transform the sensation within her from a push to the comforting pull that was familiar to her.

"Much better," she whispered under her breath.

"What took you so long?" Egon's voice was low, his gaze still directed away from her.

"…You asked me not to follow you," she replied evenly.

Egon's shoulders tensed before he responded, his voice carrying a grumble, "You might have forgotten what happened to you the last time you came down here, but I would never forget that."

His arms rose then folded across his chest, accentuating the strong lines of his figure beneath the well-fitted Emorian suit.

"Of course, I remember. I can't erase it from my memory, no matter how much I wish I could. I still have nightmares about that man."

Egon pivoted sharply, his eyes meeting hers, their crimson hue surprising her.

"Answer the question, Adelaide. What took you so long?"

Chin held high, she replied firmly, "I went to see Claude de Lanark."

His eyebrows lifted, his eyes swept over her figure in the wedding gown with a meaningful intent.

"That's a disappointing answer."

Adela steadied herself. "It won't be once you hear what I have to say."

"Save your words for now."

"But-"

"I don't want to hear about what went on between you and Claude, or what words were exchanged. He has yet to choose a burial site for tomorrow."

Her complexion paled further. "There won't be any duels."

"Why? Are you concerned for his life? Just like how you were concerned for Arkin when he unsheathed his sword in your room and attacked me?"

Adela harbored no desire for bloodshed, especially not Claude's.

"Your strength surpasses his by far." She stated in a subdued voice. 

"My strength surpasses that of any man, your worry for Claude is different!"

Suddenly, the dungeon seemed to spin around her, and in the next moment, Egon's arms enveloped her.

"Hey… Are you alright?" His tone was soft, as if a different man had replaced the jealous one from a moment before.

While Adela was fully capable of standing on her own, she chose to seize the opportunity he had given her to bring the argument to a close. Gripping his arms, she leaned into his embrace, letting her weight rest upon him.

"Take me home, Egon." She whispered.

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