Chapter 248 - Cordelia is Back

Alexa returned to Schwartzhoffhausen after the ceremony, and in the next two days didn't leave, at Magnus' request. 

Her restless and curious nature felt suffocated by the request, which at this point seemed like an imposition. 

Father Agnello was there, recovering from an infection. The initial aid of the Jewish doctor, reinforced by the advanced treatments of Iacintho, proved to be essential for Blue Eyes' recovery. 

Benjamin Rosencrantz, that was the doctor's name, was also there to see Agnello during Iacintho's absences. At that moment he was trying to subtly probe the origins of the Greek doctor's knowledge, but Alexa could barely pay attention.

What irritated her the most was the idea that Magnus and Alexander might have been making some decision regarding the three of them, without consulting her.

She didn't doubt that they were capable of that, as they had done this before. And that, with Alexander in the shape of a bird! At the same time ... What audacity to do that behind her back!

"My brother learned from the best alchemists and herbalists, he is an excellent doctor himself! He learned from several doctors… Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Egyptians, Greeks, Slavs, you name it. Petrus de Languedoc, a great sage picked him to be his student!" The mere idea that this was happening, a Christian priest whose life was saved by a Jewish doctor and was now being treated by a pagan upir, was mind-blowing by itself. 

Also, it showed that mercy, like medicine, were beyond beliefs.

"Petrus de Languedoc… I've heard of that name. Master Iacintho, despite his youth, has unbelievable knowledge!"

Alexa was a little puffed up, and at the same time sad, because they hadn't reached Iacintho's master. She didn't ask questions about how her brother survived, but she knew she wouldn't want to know, either. She wished there was a cure for his condition, but she knew there was only one way.

Blue Eyes didn't like Benjamin, and pretended not to understand anything he was talking about. 'My God, he must heal quickly, since he has the strength to tease the doctor just because he's from another people! Nothing is perfect, really!'

The Priest also didn't like her brother Iacintho, but he disguised it better. 'Of course, at least he's smart…'

Alexa and Maria were listening to Father Florentino's page read aloud a particular chapter of the Bible, while the priest explained it to them, also in the loudest voice he could. Iacintho wasn't there and Benjamin was quietly using the mortar and pester to crush the herbs for a plaster, enduring the indirect preaching.

A servant of the house came respectfully to announce,

"Your Highness, forgive me for interrupting. But Duke Konrad arrived in a carriage. He asks to see you, and says it is urgent."

Alexa maybe was getting more and more used to bad news, and got up immediately, looking at Blue Eyes.

"Unless it is private, I would like to see how Duke Konrad is doing," said the priest.

Konrad, as of his normal temperament, entered the room smiling. Alexa noticed how Maria stiffened and barely contained a sigh of fascination in front of the handsome young Duke.

And after the compliments and knowing a little about the priest's health, for which he wished him well, Konrad said that he had come to fetch the Princess.

"My cousins ​​asked me to take you to the port." He took a letter from his sleeve and handed it to Alexa. "They spotted the ship that Princess Cordelia left on. It should land soon. Alexander sent this to you, and Magnus said ... That he agrees with Alexander," he pouted as someone who disagrees with whatever it was, but doesn't wish to vocalize his opinion. Alexa hurriedly opened the letter.

"IF CORDELIA RETURNS WITHOUT RESCUING ANYONE, SHE SHOULD BE PRISONED FOR TREASON." That was just what the note said, in Alexander's handwriting, still signing as Prince Regent. 

Alexa exclaimed,

"But...! Why me?"

"I don't know", Alexa," Konrad shrugged his broad shoulders, but tried to smooth things off and ease her. "Don't worry, I'm here to help you. Not that I think you need help. The cousins ​​are in a lot of trouble. I will stay until the seventh-day mass, and I can help instead of getting in the way. I feel useless and they know it."

Alexa could not refuse all the kindness of her now second favorite von Wuttenfal ever, and agreed. Although the prognosis of seeing Cordelia wasn't the most encouraging thing.

ººº

Alexa and Konrad arrived shortly before the majestic ship docked. A detachment was there to enforce the princes' orders if necessary. Alexa didn't know what to expect from this unwanted encounter. Besides, why did they want to choose this mission for her? Did they think she would be avenged in arresting Cordelia?

As late as today, Alexa would go to the castle to meet with those two von Wuttenfal brothers. Even if Orcaius could kill her with a snap, she would not fail to ask him all questions this time. And Magnus would not escape explaining either! 

She didn't even know who she was married to at that time!

And the fact that they were agreeing made her very upset. What did that mean?

The diplomats who had gone with Cordelia descended the ramp as if they wanted to escape the ship, maintaining the minimum composure required. Alexa understood, she also had no good memories of sh.i.p.s!

Then some people who looked like part of the captured crew descended the ramp, and Alexa saw among them the Housekeeper Mirna! The Frenchwoman looked curiously at the port, and when she saw the princess, Mirna gave in a subtle smile, although her eyes gleamed.

"Mirna!!!" Alexa however did not have the same composure as the inventor, and ran to her, hugging Mirna!

"You came! My God, I didn't know! I didn't know you were coming!" 

Mirna blushed, but took a deep breath and bowed respectfully as soon as she could.

"Your Highness, I was told that I would have a new job here. Unfortunately, I don't have my recommendation letter with me. Chevalier Sagnac actually said he would never write one, but I think it was a joke. He liked jokes, oh such a jolly!"

"Yes! Yes!" Alexa nodded, looking up the ramp and seeing Cordelia, accompanied by two captains. One of them, Captain Dubois himself.

"Ah, of course! Captain Dubois is also here!" Anyway, good news.

"The Prince and his brother had to come in front, since the captain refused to leave his crew," Mirna elegantly explained the escape of Magnus and Iacintho, as the discreet person she was. Alexa couldn't have done it better!

Hadn't Magnus said anything just to keep her from worrying that people she knew were in enemy hands? Probably, this just made sense, Alexa thought. And she was a little relieved not to have Cordelia arrested. Although her greatest wish, that the Cordelia would never return, was not realized, of course.

Alexa noticed the look of the other Princess measuring from top to bottom.

Alexa didn't even expect to feel the petty satisfaction she felt, when she finally understood what Cordelia saw.

The last time they saw each other, Alexa was being dragged by the guards to the dungeon. Today, a few days later, there was Alexa, well dressed and with her sparkling jewelry, a carriage and a Duke as escort, waiting for her in her original princess position.

The Princess kept the letter in her purse, and applauded Cordelia's arrival. Whatever had happened, Cordelia did what was needed and brought the captured crew alive.

But Alexa knew that her very existence tarnished Gutard's widow's glorious moment as a diplomat.