Adela's night was tumultuous, her dreams plagued by winding paths that led to nowhere. And as the next morning broke, she faced a daunting task that she had intentionally delayed desiring more time to gather her thoughts and find clarity.
She stood outside the Archduchess's door, her father's morning words echoing in her mind as he roused her from sleep: "Your mother needs you now more than ever. Be a dutiful daughter and stand by her side."
She was well aware of that fact. It didn't make the prospect of approaching her mother any easier.
Throughout her childhood, Adela had always struggled to comprehend why Grace de Lanark exhibited warmth and affection towards Larissa while maintaining a distant and cold demeanor towards her. In her relentless pursuit to understand and gain her mother's approval, Adela had endeavored to emulate her older sister. She styled her hair in the same manner, dressed similarly, and had even contemplated dyeing her hair red.