Heidi laughed nervously, the soft glow of the candelabras dancing across her face highlighting her apprehension. "That would be a dream milady." She said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Charlotte's piercing blue eyes sparkled with knowing, her nose almost imperceptible. "True, besides, she is so much different from you. Only the hair is similar, I guess"
Heidi's shoulders relaxed, her relief palpable, as Charlotte's words dispelled the tension. She would have to be careful as Charlotte seemed much sharper than she thought.
Anna's melodious laughter filled the room. "How could you even think that, Charlie?" She asked, her amusement evident in the tilt of her head. "Anyways, I heard from the other ladies that there will be a display of fireworks tonight."
Heidi's eyes sparkled at Anna's words. She had never seen fireworks paint the night sky, a spectacle she longed to experience. It was something at the bottom of her bucket list. Tonight might not be so bad, Heidi thought gleefully.
As they left the chambers, Charlotte's eyes shone with excitement. "I can't wait, it will be so beautiful." Anna hummed in agreement, her voice melodious.
"The tea party will be at the palace garden," Anna said, her smile sparkling.
Heidi's gaze drifted to the tapestries on the walls, her mind wandering. She groaned softly, feigning illness, and the sisters turned to her with concern. "Are you okay?" Anna asked, her brow furrowed.
Heidi's face contorted in false pain, and she requested a break, feeling a pang of guilt. "I think I'm feeling a little sick. Can I take a break?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
The sisters exchanged a concerned glance. "Of course, we'll be fine for the rest of the night," Anna said, her smile warm. Charlotte nodded, her blonde hair glinting in the soft light.
"Thank you, milady," Heidi muttered softly, feeling a twinge of remorse. Charlotte offered a gentle smile. "Take enough rest, Heidi. You can return by morning."
Heidi bowed, watching as the sisters disappeared into the next corridor, their laughter fading.
Heidi quickly darted into a lone corridor, she looked around to make sure no one was watching.
"I want a simple gown for the tea party." Heidi muttered as quietly as she could. Instantly, the fabric shimmered transforming to a stylish gown. The gown was simple, yet elegant. It was a soft pale gray, with a high neckline and long sleeves. The fitted bodice was adorned with subtle white embroidery, and the skirt fell in soft folds to the floor. A delicate silver belt clinched at her waist, adding a touch of understated elegance to her overall appearance.
Heidi bit her lips at the gown's exquisiteness. "Something simpler," she whispered but the gown remained the same. Heidi sighed, the gown had already reached it's limit.
This was another problem, Heidi thought. She needed to soak the gown in fountain water and spices according to the instructions on the note. She sighed softly as she headed out into the sea of guests.
Her fingers tightened on her gown as she navigated the crowded hallways. She made her way to the designated meeting spot, her heart beating slightly faster in anticipation. She took a deep breath as she pushed the door open. She was welcomed by the sea of water which now glittered under the evening light. Heidi caught the sweet scent of salt water, with a faint hint of sea weed. It had a whole new look than when she had seen it at mid-day. She watched the waves as she leaned against the railings.
Heidi couldn't help but wonder what life outside the castle must feel like. She only stepped out once in a blue moon whenever she accompanied Mrs. Doris to the local market. Heidi wondered if she would be able to live a free life one day, her and Mrs. Doris. Heidi smiled at her thoughts, her dreams sounded impossible even to herself. She could only sigh softly, her eyes watching the glittering waves.
Meanwhile, Viktor stood resplendent in his chambers, facing a mirror that reflected his chiseled physique. His perfectly sculpted chest was bare, the soft glow of the candelabras casting a warm light on his skin. His eyes narrowed slightly as he traced the long scars on his chest, his fingers grazing the raised flesh. A sadistic smile stretched on his lips as he recalled the memories of how he had gotten them. The air was thick with the scent of old leather and polished wood, familiar and comforting.
He had been hesitant as a young boy, tasked to duel his commander. Viktor still remembered how the commander had cruelly slashed him with his sword without batting an eyelid. The wound had taken the longest time to heal, but that moment had changed something in him. The smile on his face turned wicked as he recalled how he had single-handedly killed the commander.
"Your vest," Levi said, pulling Viktor back to the present. Viktor's gaze snapped to the mirror, his eyes locking onto Levi's reflection. He took the vest from him, his slender fingers skillfully fastening the buttons. He then put on his tuxedo, the soft rustle of the fabric filling the air.
Viktor turned to leave when Levi offered him a bouquet of jasmine flowers, their sweet fragrance filling the air like a gentle whisper. Viktor's gaze fell on the flowers, his eyes narrowing slightly as he asked, "What are these?" His voice was low and calm.
Levi replied curtly, "Flowers," his voice a stark contrast to the delicate blooms. Viktor's eyes lingered on the flowers, his mind racing with suspicion. "I'm not blind, Levi. I want to know why you're suddenly offering me flowers." His voice was tinged with skepticism, "Don't tell me you now fancy me in such light..."
Levi's cheeks reddened slightly as he explained, "They're for the lady you're going to meet at the evening party." Viktor raised an eyebrow, his expression incredulous. "The lady?" he repeated, his gaze sharp on Levi.
Levi nodded, his eyes darting to the flowers and back to Viktor. "I didn't think it would be right for you to go empty-handed, besides, ladies love flowers."
Viktor's gaze fell on Levi, his eyes glinting in amusement. "You seem well-versed with the likes and dislikes of women, Levi. Maybe you should become a romance writer."
A low chuckle escaped Viktor's lips, his voice turning serious. "I have no intentions of pleasing her, Levi." Levi's face fell, his voice hopeful as he said, "I still think you should take the flowers, milord." Viktor considered Levi for a moment before taking the flowers, their soft petals brushing against his fingers.
"You may leave now Levi, keep your eyes on lady Genevieve and Markus." Viktor ordered as soon as they left his chambers.
Levi bowed, "yes milord." He replied and walked out of there.
Viktor's gaze fell momentarily on the flowers in his hands before walking out. He made his way to the agreed meeting place. As soon as he pushed the door open, his eyes fell on the unsuspecting Heidi.
Heidi stood against the railings, her gaze fixated on the endless expanse of the sea. A silver white veil covered the lower part of her face. The wind blew softly against her gown, causing her hair to dance along with the breeze. Viktor's eyes roamed over her, his gaze lingering on the delicate lace of her shoes, which was loosely tied giving her an endearing and vulnerable appearance. An amused smile played on his lips as he approached her, his footsteps echoing softly on the floor.
"You're early," Viktor's voice came drawing Heidi's attention.
Heidi, who hadn't noticed Viktor come in was surprised to see him walking towards her. Her gaze fell on the flowers in his hand, their sweet fragrance filling the air, before moving to his dangerously handsome face.
Heidi offered him a small smile, her cheeks warming slightly. "I wanted to look at the waters a little bit."
Viktor hummed in response, his eyes crinkling at the corners, before handing her the flowers in his hands. "Here, someone said you would like it."
Heidi's fingers brushed against his as she took the bouquet. She didn't know what to say to him. His actions kept on throwing her off balance every single time. "Thank you, they are quite lovely." She managed to say. She had always imagined receiving flowers but not exactly in this setting.
Viktor nodded, his gaze falling again on the loosened lace of her shoe. "Clumsy huh?" He said, sighing softly.
Heidi's brown eyes widened in confusion. "What?" She asked, her eyes tinged with curiosity.
Before she could react, Viktor crouched down, his fingers deftly loosening the delicate lace. Heidi's cheeks flushed hard as she stumbled back, forgetting she was already leaning against the railings.
"W-wait!" She muttered, her eyes wide with surprise.
As she stepped back, her foot caught on the loosened lace, and she felt herself falling. Viktor's hand shot out, grasping hers, but the force of the stumble pulled them both into the water with a splash.