The week following the massacre proved to be disastrous. If Adela was honest with herself, the main reason was Egon's complete disappearance from sight and news.
She tried to convince herself that it was for the best, believing that her inclination to leave and Egon's lack of initiative meant they should accept the distance that now separated them and return to their respective lives as they were before they had ever crossed paths.
Unless...
The notion that her mate could stand against Leopold and choose to be with her was a dead end she inevitably reached whenever she contemplated the prospect of remaining in Lanark and embracing a life together.
In a twisted way, the additional reasons that added to the prevailing despair during that week provided a strange semblance of relief.
Two days after the King's departure for Destan, Lanark received a royal edict.
