The next day, Felicia woke up to see the Butler hand her a letter. It was sent from the noble house of Del Findel. Her initial drowsiness was replaced with excitement once she read it through. She had been expecting some more bad news concerning the Pope, but she quickly realized that Liam had indeed made headway with the symbols she had sent him. He had been scouring his family's library, which according to him was double the size of the Del Montague library, and had stumbled across valuable information the previous day.
It turned out Liam's grandfather's brother, had been a priest! And the deceased man had stored several scrolls of scripture inside the Del Findel manor.
In his letter, Liam relayed to her that one of the manuscripts held a lot of information about the statue of Goddess Kartara. Most specifically, the era it had been constructed as well as the holy relic attached to it.
Felicia was certain he was referring to the red ruby.
Liam requested she pay him a visit as they had a lot to discuss and it wouldn't be safe to do it with letters.
Immediately, she went to Alex and suggested they travel to see Liam by using the Holy Sword. It would be the fastest and most secretive method. Alex bluntly refused, stating that they would look suspicious if they showed up at the Del Findel residence without a carriage.
Besides, if they both disappeared without a word to the Duke, he would go nut with rage.
After having breakfast, Felicia checked in with the knight guarding Hildegarde who reported that nobody suspicious approached her nanny. Then she informed Sir Rover that would be skipping out on her training today since she was worn out from the previous day.
Alex sent a letter to his instructor requesting he show up the day after for his lessons.
They went to inform the Duke of their excursion, which he granted. Along with an escort of 25 knights. Roelle wasn't taking any chances where the safety of his children was concerned. The image of them showing up covered in blood and fainting had deeply rattled him.
Finally dressed to match in dark blue clothing, the pair headed out the manor and boarded their carriage.
En route to the estate of the Marquis, Felicia felt a bit giddy and she knew it had nothing to do with the information Liam told her he had for them. Her intense feelings for the handsome man whom she had only known for a short time was a bit baffling. She wished she had met him under different circumstances. One where she could just focus on getting closer to his heart.
She shook the childish thought out of her head as the gates of the Del Findel manor came into view. The two families had always been allies and as such their respective homes were only about half and hour ride away from each other.
As the Del Montague carriage moved further in, Felicia couldn't help but admire the immaculate garden. It was massive and stunning. Her eyes fell on the small party that was waiting at the front of the mansion gates for their arrival.
Felicia smirked. "How did he know we were going to come at this exact time? I didn't even respond to his letter."
Alex raised a brow. "Liam knows you're smitten. All he has to do is ask and he knows you'll come running."
Felicia smacked his arm. "Stop being absurd. I'm, we're here for information."
"Sure," Alex teased with a shrug. "First, the information. Then you'll pull him away for some kisses."
Felicia didn't say anything in response because he was spot on. She was eager for some alone time with Liam.
But we won't be kissing. Just holding hands and chatting. Maybe a hug? But that's all!
The carriage came to a halt and the door was opened by one of the Del Montague knights. He offered a hand to Felicia as she stepped out first. She nodded her head in thanks, to which the knight simply bowed and took a step back.
Felicia and Alex could both sense the Del Findel servants were a bit tense and surprised by the large number of armed men escorting them. But they didn't say anything. Given the attack, it made sense. They wondered if there was another danger the Lord and Lady were facing. Heads lowered, with the occasional furtive glances, the workers greeted the Del Montague siblings.
Felicia eyes were only for Liam. And he was staring right back at her, causing her heart to pound. Had she not been so flustered by his handsomeness, she may have taken notice of his little sister calling her name.
"My lady! My lady? My lady, we have yet to be formally introduced. I am Liam's younger sister. My name i---"
"I know what your name is, Lady Cordelia. Liam has told me a lot about you." That and she knew this girl from her first life. Cordelia had been infatuated with Alex. She was determined to marry him and Alex had enjoyed her flirtations. Had it not been for the execution and the subsequent curse, the two of them would have definitely tied the knot.
Looking at her brother who was exchanging pleasantries with Liam, Felicia wondered if Alex still held affection in his heart for the adorable Cordelia.
Liam walked over to his sister, who was holding hands with his woman. He gently pulled Felicia closer to himself and placed a kiss on the back of her right hand.
"I have missed you, my lady. I am so pleased you decided to end my loneliness and came to visit me." Liam's tone was as sweet as his chocolate brown eyes. Felicia couldn't look away.
Liam too was captured by her emerald eyes. There wasn't anything about her appearance which did not fan his desires.
Seeing this, Alex laughed. Cordelia wasn't too surprised as her brother had already told her about his love for Lady Felicia. The servants and knights standing around them were a bit perplexed by the Lord and Lady who would not take their eyes off of each other.
Alex let them have their moment, but when it went on for so long he cleared his throat and suggested they all head inside.
"I know my sister is beautiful Liam. Even more beautiful now that she's gained weight and some muscle, but time is of the essence. You can ogle her later."
Liam blushed. Cordelia chuckled. Even some of the servants coughed to hide their second hand embarrassment.
Felicia was barely aware of her surroundings. She wrapped one arm around Liam's waist and breathed in his scent. It filled her with calmness and security. Liam's embrace felt like home the same way Alex's embrace was home.
But she wanted more from Liam.
I have to find a a way to get him alone so I can kiss him. Only that will douse the flames he has started within me.