Ambitious assumptions

The engagement ceremony had arrived, but the preceding days were far from ordinary.

With the Archduchess noticeably absent, Adela found herself shouldering the burden of all the preparations alone. Typically, it would have been the Archduchess's delight to immerse herself in the task of adorning Larissa with grandeur. However, this time was different.

Grace and Kaiser had inexplicably disappeared during the day only to come back late at night, leaving the girls grounded within the confines of the manor. Unable to venture outside and search for their missing parents.

Adela's worry grew with each passing moment.

"Where are you..." she mumbled surveying the meticulously arranged celebration hall, her eyes scanned for any sign of her mother's presence, but she was nowhere to be found. 

"Shall we place flowers on the small tables, My Lady?" a servant asked.