Adelia stood in the silence in a thoughtful daze; what were the Emperor's intentions behind inviting the Archduke?
If her countless interactions with the old man had taught her anything, it was that he never did anything without deliberate purpose.
The same thought seemed to be shared by the Duke, as he studied her expression and let out another weary sigh.
"Well, regardless of who he is, I... we must welcome him," he said, placing his hands behind his back. "Your mother won't be able to greet him alongside me, so you will come in her place."
Adelia's eyes widened. "Mother wouldn't...?" Her voice trailed off softly as she immediately read the answer in her father's expression.
Her gaze fell. "Yesterday, she seemed so... strong..." she added quietly, and her fingers clutched her shawl tightly.
