Souls Entwined Through Time

Felicia approached the Del Findel siblings. She gave Liam's sister a suggestive look. She glanced at Liam with her eyebrow raised, looked back at Cordelia, then gave her a wink. Cordelia smiled knowing what Felicia wanted. 

"Excuse me brother, I think I will dance some more but with some of my girlfriends!" She chirped, then bounced away.

Liam chuckled, but quickly grew sober when he noticed the sudden tension that hardened Felicia's features.

"Felicia, what's---"

"We need to go find Alex. I don't know why but my gut is telling me he's about to step into danger." She whispered her words, leaning closer to him. "We have to take a chance and use the entrance in the library. I think Alex may have gone the same way."

Liam brows furrowed. "I thought the two of you'd agreed that, that entrance was off limits since it was on the parchments you'd accidentally left behind."

Felicia bit her lip. "I know, but I don't know how much luck Alex will have looking for another way in. Our mother left no mention of another way in. He may have decided to risk it."

"Or, he could have located Father Demetri and may be currently conversing with him."

"I am a Saintess and he is my Guardian. We share a connection, Liam. I am not simply being paranoid right now!" Felicia anxiously looked over her shoulder. Thankfully, everyone was engaging in the celebration. The place was getting noisier and nobody seemed to be watching her and Liam anymore.

She looked at the Pope who immediately turned his head and locked his predatory gaze with hers. Felicia flinched and turned away. Crap! Had she given herself away? If not her, then Liam?

Liam followed her gaze and then looked back down at her. Grasping her wrist, he realized that she was trembling. "Felicia---"

"Our mother's sketches did not show another way down and I doubt Alex will find one. He's been gone for a while. He may already be down there as we speak and could be walking into a trap the Pope has laid for him!" Felicia eyes grew as frantic as her tone. "Liam we need to go to the library now!"

"Alright, alright. Please, calm yourself. And my hand, you're sqeezi---"

Felicia let go of the grip she hadn't even realized she had on him. "I'm sorry."

Liam looked around. "We can't be seen leaving together. I'll take the exit on the left, you take the one on the right. And we'll meet at the library."

"Sounds like a plan. Thank you, Liam. I'm glad to have you as an ally." 

Felicia took off as soon as she was done speaking. Liam watched her for a bit then also made his way out at a leisure pace so as not to draw attention to himself.

As she was nearing the exit, Felicia suddenly spotted Father Demetri leaning against a pillar conversing with another priest. Her feet rooted. Although she could not hear what was being said, both of their expressions appeared grave. Walking closer, she caught sight of the second priest's face when he turned his head. It was Father Casper! The one who had spilled the beans! Right before the red mist had purged all of Elysium!

Both men froze and looked at her. They stared at her. She stared at them. This only lasted a minute before both priests gave a slight nod of their heads and departed from the courtyard.

A sudden chill went down Felicia's spine. If the man they were looking for was here, then this meant that Alex had indeed gone down to the Devil's nest!

Turning on her heel she rushed out of the courtyard as calmly as she could. Once inside and away from all the eyes, she broke into a full on run, heading for the library.

After turning and running the length of two long corridors, Felicia nearly slammed into Liam. He quickly grabbed her and steadied her. 

"Liam! I just saw Father Demetri and Alex wasn't with him! We---"

Without a word, Liam grabbed her by the wrist and they both rushed towards the library.

The Del Findel family watched from where they were seated with bewilderment. Liam's father was both curious and confused as to what was happening between his son and Lady Felicia. They had appeared so close and intimate for a moment, then had gone their separate ways. 

"Do you think they had an argument?" He asked his wife.

Marquess Lydia shrugged. "Young lovers do tend to quarrel."

"I do not think they fought, father, mother. I think they may have left separately to avoid spreading rumors, but....I think they're going off somewhere together to have a rendezvous." Cordelia replied, her eyes twinkling in mischief.

The Marquis laughed exasperatedly. "I would be happy to see that boy finally show some interest in a woman, even better an eloquent and stunning woman like Lady Felicia, but she is already meant to wed the Crown Prince. They shouldn't be doing anything of the sort. It will only end up hurting them in the future."

His wife nudged him playfully. "You speak as though it's easy to stay away from the one you love. Do you not remember how we ended up married? Also, the late Duchess Moniqua was also meant to wed Emperor Robert back when he was still a prince. But she married the Grand Duke instead. Royal engagement or not, nothing is set in stone. Moniqua was one of my dear friends. And I knew her to be very stubborn about getting what she wants. I don't think her daughter is any different."

The Marquis smiled at his wife. Then rolled his eyes.

Cordelia's eyes sparkled at this new information about her newest best friend's mother. How enchanting! "If that was the case, then this means Lady Felicia will marry for love. And she loves Liam, not the Crown Prince. I can see it in her eyes every time she looks at brother. She does not want anybody else!"

The Marquis gave his daughter a stern look. "Hush, now. You do not want anyone to hear you say such things. A royal engagement is nothing to take lightly."

His wife's playful eyes turned shrewd. "Indeed. The Emperor wishes to take more power for himself. That is why he chose a maiden from the powerful Del Montague family as a bride for his son."

She signed. "But Liam too is very stubborn. He loves her. Which means he'll pursue her to the fullest."

I have faith in my brother, Cordelia thought to herself. He will fight for his love. All that nonsense he spouted about being sensible and giving up on Lady Felicia for the sake of the royal engagement was just that, nonsense.

I know Liam. He will do anything for the ones he loves. And right now Lady Felicia had nailed herself into his heart. He won't be able to stay away from her regardless of the circumstances. Indeed, it's turned into a matter of life and death for him.