Heidi's grip on her gown tightened at the queen mother's words. She would definitely be caught, Heidi thought and her body shivered at the implications.
"I...um...he...my father's kingdom is a small one milady," Heidi stammered, trying to sound confident. "It's nestled in the mountains, far from Bloodstone"
The Queen mother's eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze piercing. "I see," she said, her voice neutral, yet laced with a hint of curiosity. "And what is the name of this kingdom?"
Heidi hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest. She couldn't think of a name that wouldn't raise suspicions. Viktor's eyes met hers, and for a moment, Heidi thought she saw a flicker of understanding, a glimmer of empathy. But it was quickly replaced by his usual enigmatic smile, leaving her wondering if she had imagined it altogether.
Viktor's voice cut through the tension, his tone low and calm. "Don't you think you are overwhelming her with a lot of questions, grandmother?"
The Queen mother laughed, the sound like the tinkling of Crystal glasses. "Alright, I will leave you be, lady Adelheid. I wouldn't want to disturb your time with Viktor anyways."
Heidi's gaze slightly shifted to look at Viktor, Her mind racing with gratitude and suspicion. No matter how she looked at it, she couldn't understand his actions.
"Not at all, milady" Heidi said bowing slightly, her gaze falling back to the queen mother.
"I would love to have tea with you during the evening tea party" the queen mother said, her smile a thin and elegant smile. "You will be there right?"
Heidi nodded, her voice low and soft, barely audible. "Of course, milady." It wasn't like she had a choice, viktor had already cornered he into attending the tea party.
"I'll see you then lady Adelheid" the queen mother said, her eyes glinting with a knowing light, before turning to leave.
As the Queen mother departed, Heidi felt a mix of relief and trepidation. She was grateful to have escaped further questioning but she still had the tea party to worry about.
Heidi's eyes met Viktor's gaze. "Thank you, your Highness," she said her voice barely above a whisper. "For intervening."
Even though she knew he probably saved her for his own personal gain, she was still grateful. She would have been in a lot of trouble If he hadn't intervened.
Viktor lips pulled to a side at her words. "I'm always happy to help a lady in distress," he said, his voice low and smooth.
If Heidi didn't notice the sarcasm that dripped out of his words, she would have felt she had misunderstood his intentions. She shivered, unsure if it was from the chill in the air or the unsettling feeling that viktor saw right through her.
"Don't indulge my grandmother" viktor warned, his tone turning serious. "You don't need to accept or give in to her every whim. No need to raise her hopes on a fake relationship." His eyes narrowed as he waited for her response.
Heidi nodded. "I understand."
"Good," he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "I'm glad we understand each other, lady Adelheid."
Viktor's thoughts swirled with satisfaction as he reflected on the deal he'd made with Heidi. Unlike the numerous ladies who fawned over him, she maintained a refreshing distance. Clingy women were anathema to him, their cloying behavior grating on his nerves.
Just then, a soft voice pierced the air, shattering the tense silence. "Milord, the king has requested your presence in the hall." Viktor's gaze turned glacial as he faced the speaker, his right-hand man, Levi.
Heidi's attention shifted to Levi, struck by his youthful appearance and formidable aura. His golden hair was tied back, revealing piercing blue eyes cast downward.
Viktor's voice drew Heidi's focus back to him. "Excuse me, Lady Adelheid." His hand brushed against hers, sending a shiver coursing through her veins as he leaned in. "Don't even think about omitting the party," he whispered, his warm breath dancing across her ear.
Heidi's heart skipped a beat as he pulled away, a sly smile spreading across his lips. "I'll see you at the evening party, lady Adelheid." With that, he turned and departed with Levi, leaving Heidi completely flustered.
As Viktor walked away with Levi, the music grew more intense, the notes echoing off the cold stone walls of the corridor leading to the hall. The air was thick with the scent of candle wax and polished wood.
"Why has the king called for me?" Viktor asked, his tone low and even.
"He plans to make a toast," Levi replied, his eyes fixed on the floor.
Viktor's expression remained indifferent, but his piercing gaze seemed to bore holes into the walls. "I see. And Lady Genevieve? Has she made any moves yet?"
Levi's face flickered up to Viktor's, a hint of wariness in his eyes before he dropped his gaze again. "She's been... quiet, milord, but I suspect she's waiting for an opportunity to strike."
A smile spread across Viktor's face, the look in his eyes remaining cold, calculating. "I'm sure she has something in store for me. She won't just sit quiet." There was a trace of excitement in his voice, a thrill of anticipation.
Levi's thoughts drifted back to their first meeting on the battlefield, the clash of steel on steel, the scent of sweat and blood. Viktor had been a god among mortals, his sword slicing through the enemy lines with deadly precision. Levi had been on the opposing side, but in that moment, he knew he wanted to serve this man, to follow him into the depths of hell if need be.
"And Prince Markus?" Levi asked, pulling himself back to the present. "I hear he has successfully turned most of the ministers to his side."
Viktor's smile deepened, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Leave my beloved brother to me, Levi. I'll discipline him myself."
Viktor entered the grand celebration hall with Levi by his side, his commanding presence drawing attention from the crowd. The sound of his footsteps echoed off the marble floor as he approached the king.
"Ah, there you are," King Maximilian said with a warm smile, his eyes lighting up with pleasure. "Come, let us make a toast."
Viktor offered his father a subtle smile, taking his place beside him. The king raised his voice to address the assembly. "Loyal subjects of Bloodstone, I trust you've all enjoyed the festivities thus far. I invite you to join me for the evening tea party. Let us toast to the prosperity of Bloodstone and the well-being of our first prince, Prince Viktor."
As the king spoke, the crowd turned their attention to Viktor, their glasses raised in unison. The room was filled with the soft clinking of glassware and the murmur of voices as they echoed the king's toast.
"Brother," Amara called, drawing Viktor's attention. His gaze fell on his stepsister, who stood beside him with a warm smile. Lady Gazelle, dressed in a vibrant yellow gown, stood beside her. "I've been searching for you, brother," Amara said again, her voice light. Viktor merely hummed in response.
Amara gestured to Lady Gazelle. "This is Lady Gazelle. I wanted you to meet her." Lady Gazelle bowed gracefully, her raven eyes fixed on the ground before lifting to meet Viktor's gaze. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Prince Viktor," she said, her lashes fluttering.
Viktor's tone was bored. "I wish I could say the same." Lady Gazelle's cheeks flushed, but she maintained her composure. "What do you think of the color I chose for today's occasion? I hope it meets with your approval."
Viktor's gaze lazily fell on Lady Gazelle, his expression uninterested. "Whoever selected that color deserves to be hanged." Lady Gazelle smiled, trying to remain gracious. "Tell me, Your Highness, what color would you suggest?"
Viktor sighed softly, his patience wearing thin. Lady Gazelle seemed determined to annoy him. "I could have..." he drawled, pausing before delivering the final blow. "Unfortunately, such a color doesn't exist."
Lady Gazelle's face burned red with shame at Viktor's words. Amara laughed nervously, attempting to diffuse the tension. "I'm sure brother was only joking."
Viktor excused himself, leaving the ladies behind. "Excuse me, ladies." Levi followed closely behind him, a silent sentinel.