Queen mother Emilia quickly shook her head in protest, her expression stern. "I don't think that is a good idea, Genevieve. Do you realize the implications of either of the prince losing their place in the court?"
Genevieve clicked her tongue at the Queen mother's words. "You worry too much mother, besides I'm sure the princes don't mind a little competition." She said, her gaze falling on Viktor.
Markus dropped his tea cup, making a subtle clink on the table. "I have no issues with your decision, mother. Only the weak have something to worry about, right brother?" He asked, his eyes fixed on Viktor.
Viktor offered Markus a sweet smile. "Of course Markus, I have a seat as the first prince of Bloodstone and as the commander of the armed forces." He paused, letting his words sink in before saying. "I'm only worried that you might not have a seat after the tournament ends."
Markus's gaze on Viktor hardened, his fists clenching a little. "My heart is gladdened to see you worrying about me."
Viktor's smile deepened, as he said, "we are brothers after all.
Genevieve clapped her hands again, regaining the attention of the guests. "Now that this has been settled, I'll like to state the terms for the tournament."
Queen Mother Emilia's expression turned skeptical. "And what terms might those be, Genevieve?"
"Patience mother," Genevieve said, a small small smile on her lips. "The princes are allowed to use whatever means they desire. They are both allowed to wield their essence and whatever weapon they wish."
Vivian who had been listening quietly all this while spoke up, her voice laced with concern. "You do know that Viktor has no essence, I don't think it would be fair to let Markus use his essence."
Genevieve dismissed Vivian's objection with a wave of her hand. "We can't penalize Markus for Viktor's... misfortune. His Highness, surely you agree?" She turned to King Maximilian, who hesitated before nodding.
"Yes, the princes may use any means they desire."
Viktor smiled at his father's words, it was obvious he had no say of his own. He was just a pawn in Genevieve's game of power. He lifted his tea cup to his mouth but stopped midway. His sharp sense of smell was quick to notice the unmistakable scent of valerian root. It was a sedative and he wasn't surprised Genevieve would result to such petty moves to make him lose the tournament.
Viktor's lips curled into a sly smile as he lowered the tea cup, his eyes locked on Genevieve. He took a deliberate sip, then a mouthful, before dropping the cup onto the table with a soft clink. His gaze never wavered from Genevieve, who watched him with an intensity that bordered on fascination.
Genevieve's own smile grew, a knowing glint in her eye. She had carefully laced the tea with valerian root, and now that Viktor had consumed it, nothing could stop Markus's victory. But as Viktor offered her a smile, a spark of uncertainty ignited within her. Had he discovered her plan? And if so, why would he willingly drink the tea?
Genevieve's expression quickly changed, it didn't matter if he knew of the valerian root, she thought, all that mattered was that he had taken the tea. She leaned back on her chair, taking a sip from her own tea.
Soon enough, the breakfast rounded up and the guests began to move to the tournament ground. The tournament ground was a large, enclosed courtyard. The ground was covered with a thin layer of water, creating a glistening, mirror like surface. Fountains and canals lines the edges and the guests sat at the other side of the courtyard.
Viktor stood in his makeshift camp, his hands moving swiftly as he secured his armor in place. The clang of metal and the murmur of the crowd beyond the camp's boundaries filled the air. Levi entered, his hands holding a small bottle, and bowed his head in greeting. "Did you bring it?" Viktor asked, his gaze falling on the bottle.
Levi nodded, stretching out his hand with the bottle. "I was worried when you asked me to fetch fresh ginseng, milord. And then I discovered you'd consumed valerian root tea." His brow furrowed in concern. "You shouldn't have taken it."
Viktor smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and patted Levi's back. "No cause for alarm, Levi. I'm quite accustomed to sedatives and poisons. A little valerian root won't do me harm."
Levi nodded thoughtfully, watching as Viktor gulped down the ginseng from the bottle. "Will it really counteract the effects of the valerian root?" he asked, his voice tinged with skepticism.
Viktor handed the empty bottle back to Levi, his expression confident. "I can already feel it suppressing the root's influence. My mind is clear, my focus sharp."
Levi sighed softly, his eyes darting toward the arena. "Be careful, milord. The tournament's settings favor Prince Markus. Your stepmother's games are at play here."
A knowing smile spread across Viktor's face. "I'm aware of her schemes, Levi. I'll also love to see how Markus fares against me."
Levi nodded, a smile playing on his lips when he saw the mischievous glint in viktor's eyes. He believed in viktor's abilities and would willingly give anything for him.
Viktor's gaze fell on a shadow on the bar of the camp. His gaze lowered, falling on the stiletto heels of the figure outside. He walked towards the figure, pulling the curtains of the camp apart. A smile quickly spread across his features on the sight that followed.
Heidi walked along the castle floors to the tournament ground. She wore a stunning long sleeves gown of rich, sapphire blue satin, its fitted bodice adorned with delicate silver thread embroidery that resembles the intricate patterns of a spider's web. The gown's full skirt fell in soft folds to the ground, with layers of sheer underskirts adding a touch of ethereal lightness.
A delicate silver girdle cinched at her waist, featuring a small, glittering sapphire pendant that matched the color of the gown. Her ginger brown hair was swept up into a elegant updo, with a few loose strands framing her face.
She was a little lost, as she wasn't sure where the arena for the tournament was. She walked for a while, before stopping to rest a little. Her petite body leaned on the bars of the camp, as she looked around. Heidi tried to sight a guest who she could follow to the arena, but it seemed most of the guests were already in the tournament ground.
She was taken off guard by the sound of the curtains of the camp being pulled apart. Her widened eyes fell on Viktor, and she wondered if it was a coincidence or fate playing games with her.
She instinctively stepped back and viktor's eyes narrowed at her movement.
"I didn't see you during breakfast." Viktor said, closing the distance between them.
Heidi's mind raced, searching for a reply that wouldn't make him suspicious of her. "Umm... I-I had breakfast in my chambers, I was feeling a bit tired this morning." She muttered, trying to sound nonchalant.
"I see..." Viktor drawled, not completely believing her words. His gaze fell on the veil that covered the lower part of her face and he wondered what she would look like without the veil on.
Viktor's eyes sparkled with amusement as he asked, "Did you come here to wish me luck, Lady Adelheid?" Heidi's gaze faltered, her voice barely above a whisper. "N-no, I was only searching for the tournament ground." The torches flickering around them cast shadows on Viktor's face, making his raised eyebrows seem even more inquiring.
"No?" he asked, his head tilting slightly to the side. Heidi's lips parted, but no words emerged. Viktor's smile grew, his eyes glinting with mirth. "Then you do not wish me luck for the tournament?" he pressed, his voice low and teasing.
Heidi's cheeks flushed as she bit her lip, realizing too late that Viktor had twisted her words. "I never said that," she whispered, her eyes darting to the floor before returning to his face. Viktor's smile grew wider as he took a step closer, his voice dropping to a gentle whisper. "Then wish me luck, Lady Adelheid."
The air seemed to vibrate with tension as Heidi's gaze met Viktor's. She felt like a trapped bird, her heart racing in her chest. "Good luck in the tournament, Prince Viktor," she stammered, her cheeks burning brighter.
Viktor's lips curled into a sly smile as he heard his name roll off her lips. There was something about the way she said it, a softness that he couldn't quite place. He felt a sudden urge to hear her say it again, but he only took a step back from her.
With a nod, he turned to Levi, who had been watching the exchange with interest. "Escort Lady Adelheid to the tournament ground, Levi," Viktor instructed, his voice firm and authoritative.
Levi bowed, his gaze falling on Heidi with a mixture of curiosity and courtesy. "Follow me, milady," he said, offering his arm to Heidi. She took it, her eyes darting back to Viktor for a fleeting moment, before following Levi.
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Hey my lovelies! I've been battling a fever since yesterday, but I just couldn't bear the thought of leaving you hanging! So, here's today's update, straight from my cozy bed. Hope you enjoy it and that it brings a smile to your face!"