"Calm down, Adela. Andreas is never far," Larissa said, standing behind Adela now.
Adela suppressed her nerves. Memories of Egon's comparable words resurfaced in her mind, the pressure of the dagger's hilt digging into her palm. Holding her breath, she observed as the commanding figure of a cloaked man entered the room then closed the door and secured it with a bolt.
"I swear upon my life to protect you, Larissa," Adela vowed, a fierce resolve igniting within her.
Simultaneously, both girls drew in sharp breaths as the man gradually pivoted in their direction.
"...Is it truly surprising that the Archduke possesses knowledge of his daughters' whereabouts?" Kaiser's voice resonated lowly as he spoke, his hands sweeping the hood of his cloak away from his head.
"Your Excellency," Adela curtsied with a hint of trepidation for her father.
