Gwyneth never would have imagined waking up to find another letter and a sunflower resting beside her head.
She clutched the letter hesitantly, debating whether or not to open it. After all, she knew who had sent the letter.
It horrified her!
Yet, she couldn't help but think. 'If I choose not to open it, what will he do?'
Slipping her hands from the sunflower, she opened the letter.
'My Sweet, Sunshine.
Being aware of your existence. Knowing that you breathe the same air as I do, but not being able to be by your side angers me.
You are very close. So close. However, I must be in the same space as you. I must be able to hold you in my arms.
Call on me, and I will free you from the shackles of your formidable obstacles.
Call on me. Do not run from me.
Sirius.'
Gwyneth frowned. Squeezing the letter, she stood up and sandwiched it, along with a flower, between the covers of her books containing the initial letters.
As soon as she moved away from the shelf, the door opened, revealing an ecstatic Madison.
"Good morning, your highness," she bowed her head.
Gwyneth offered a faint smile. Her morning was not particularly pleasant. Feeling very uncomfortable, she circled her body with her arms.
These letters indicated that death was stalking her. He was intruding into her chamber. She felt so very unsafe! She was aware of herself as a deep sleeper, but being unaware that such an entity was entering her chamber was dangerous!
How long had he been watching her?
"Prepare me for Calidra." She spoke to Madison in an authoritative tone.
"Duke Gerald's Castle?" Madison questioned, looking a little surprised.
"My uncle's corpse was never discovered. Meaning that he is still alive."
Madison stared at her, stunned. "Your highness, you are the only person who made it through the night alive. A lot of things are being said about you, including the possibility that you are a witch. And..."
"Get right to the point, Madison." Gwyneth sighed in exasperation, digging her fingers into her hair.
"I, um... apologize, your highness." Madison cleared her throat, laughing. Then she took a breath. "There has to be a reason why His Majesty is not determined to find the Duke. I suggest you avoid getting involved."
Gwyneth shrugged her shoulders. "Are you concerned that it could be dangerous?"
"I fear it might result in something more dire than being the sole survivor of the ball, your highness." Madison spoke her mind with conviction, earning a nod from Gwyneth.
"I do not believe anything can be more terrifying than being stalked by death himself." She muttered to herself, poking her cheek thoughtfully.
"Huh?" Her words surprised Madison.
Rather than responding, Gwyneth briskly sauntered into the bathing room.
Madison got her ready for the day, putting her in a silky white free-fitting dress that slightly hugged her waist.
With her hair neatly arranged in a messy bun, they departed for Calidra, in a royal carriage drawn by six horses.
Back in the castle, Elias sat on his throne, his face grim. In front of him were seven guards kneeling with their heads bowed.
"There is no sign of him returning to his Kingdom, nor is there any news of him leaving the castle."
"Why is it suddenly so difficult to find a single person? Are you not all aware of his importance?!" The guards dipped their heads even lower as he roared in rage.
"W.. we have looked all over for him, your Majesty... But, but...""
"But he is nowhere to be found." Elias snarled, anger darkening his eyes. "No one can simply vanish into thin air? Especially not Albert!"
The guards did not respond to what he said. And it only fueled his already growing rage.
"I should handle this myself." He hissed, rising to his feet.
Just then, two guards entered the throne room. Both in a hurry. And they both lowered their heads.
"What is it?" Elias questioned angrily.
"The princess just departed for Calidra." The first guard reported solemnly.
"What?!" Fury slapped Elias across the face.
He facepalmed himself. Hard. Taking a deep, angry breath and reclined on his throne.
"Why is she... I cannot believe this!" He yelled, slamming his fists onto his throne.
First, Albert vanished and now, his curious, obstinate sister was about to become a full-fledged unwanted detective.
"Your Majesty." Raising his head slightly, the second guard called out nervously.
"What?!" Elias shot him a glare.
The guard lowered his head again, removing a letter from his pocket. "This letter is from Willmore. Specifically, from Duke Albert."
Elias' eyes widened. "From Albert?" He rose and proceeded to collect the letter himself.
He opened the letter right away, his eyes wide as he read every word.
"Albert became interested in the battle between vampires and demons, so he fled to join?" His eyes twitched with complete disbelief as he asked in total dismay.
"What is this?!" This time, he read the letter again, making sure the handwriting was legible.
Without a doubt, Albert wrote it! There was no mistake!
How on earth did he become interested in a war that had no bearing on him when he was meant to marry Gwyneth?
Elias remembered with clarity Albert's interest in Gwyneth.
How happy he was!
And all of a sudden, he abandoned his plans and his home to become embroiled in a supernatural conflict?
It made absolutely no sense! Especially since...
Realization flashed in his eyes.
"GWYNETH!" He let out a rage-filled scream. A thick vein popping sharply on his forehead.
Squeezing the letter, he gave the guards a murderous glare.
"Did Willmore receive this letter?" In an attempt to soften his tone, he asked the guard who had brought the letter.
"Yes, sire. Willmore also received the same letter from Duke Albert."
Elias nodded, twitching his eyes. "She is not going to get away from this."
He then stormed out of the throne room and into the music room, where the somber sound of the piano echoed.
A red haired man was sitting at the piano, his emerald eyes open and his mouth hidden behind a black face mask.
Upon seeing the enraged king, he rose up displaying his full height and strong physique beneath the black clothing that identified him as an assassin.
"Atticus."
He gently bowed his head, saying, "Your Majesty."
Elias scowled sharply. "Why are you here?"
"I was hoping to meet the Princess. She always enjoys playing the piano." He replied in a deep, solemn tone.
"As always, you enjoy watching her." Elias thought him pathetic.
Atticus remained silent and stood erect. Given his height, one might assume he was attempting to intimidate Elias. And so the king believed.
"My curious sister has set out to find her beloved uncle. I want her returned to me."
"What happens if she struggles?" Atticus asked with a sudden heavy voice that did not rhyme with the brightness of his eyes.
Elias smirked sinisterly. "Atticus, did you not hear me? Return. Her. To. Me."