As they walked along the castle floors, Heidi could hear the sound of swords getting louder and the murmurs coming from the guests. Levi's footsteps halted when they got to the courtyard where the tournament was holding.
"We're here, milady, I'll escort you inside." Levi said and Heidi nodded, following him into the courtyard.
Heidi's breath cut in her throat at the sight of the tournament ground. It was simply breathtaking, befitting of the grand castle. Her eyes darted to where the guests sat, some of them were betting gold coins on who they believed would win the tournament. The air vibrated with excitement, and the scent of polished metal and freshly cut grass wafted through the air.
Levi's gaze fell on the lady who looked around with wonder filled eyes. She was definitely an intriguing lady to have caught viktor's attention, he thought.
"I'll leave you now, milady. Do make yourself comfortable." Levi said, stepping back from Heidi and bowing slightly.
"Thank you, I can find my way now." Heidi muttered, with a small smile, as she watched him walk away from her.
Heidi sighed softly, feeling a bit awkward now that she was alone. She walked steadily towards the seats, her footsteps echoing off the stone floor. As she climbed the little steps, the eyes of the guests turned towards her, their faces a blur of curiosity and speculation.
She could feel their gazes like a gentle hum, making her skin prickle with self-awareness. Heidi chose an unoccupied seat near the back, trying to blend in. But as she sat down, she realized she was the only person who hadn't placed a bet, making her stand out like a wildflower in a garden of roses. The weight of their attention settled upon her, and she fidgeted, wondering if she should have just stayed in the castle.
The attention of the guests was soon taken by the sound of the flute. Heidi's gaze fell on lady Vivian who had stepped out to make an announcement. Everywhere was calm, as they all paid attention to what the lady had to say.
"Good day to the wonderful people of Bloodstone," Vivian started, a bright smile on her face. "The celebration to welcome the first prince continues with the long awaited tournament. I'll like everyone to cheer on and enjoy the tournament between the princes."
The crowd clapped in excitement as the lady returned to her seat, where the royal family sat. Heidi's gaze narrowed as she watched Vivian's retreating figure. Why did those golden yellow locks remind her of the one she had seen at the attic? Could it be that it was lady Vivian she had seen the previous day? Heidi shook her head at her impossible thoughts. Golden yellow hair color was quite popular and there was no saying who it belonged to.
Heidi was momentarily distracted by the sight of Viktor, who walked into the stage, his helmet in his hands. His jet black hair was slightly disheveled and the look in his eyes was different. It wasn't the amused or mischievous glint she was used to, it was ice cold and intimidating.
Heidi's heart skipped a beat as Viktor's gaze locked onto hers, piercing through the crowd. She hastily averted her eyes, focusing on the intricate embroidery of her gown, her cheeks warming with a sudden flush.
The crowd's applause broke the spell, and she glanced up to see Prince Markus stride onto the stage, his helmet held aloft in one hand as he waved to the crowd with the other. His bright smile and effortless charm drew a chorus of cheers and whistles, a stark contrast to viktor's icy demeanor.
The flute's melodious trill heralded the tournament's commencement. Markus flashed Viktor a confident smile, saying, "You should concede now, brother, and spare yourself the embarrassment."
Viktor's chuckle was low and husky, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Less talk, more action, little brother." He added, his voice laced with a hint of sarcasm, as he sighed softly.
Markus's smile never wavered. "Very well," he said, his tone light, as he donned his helmet. The brothers exchanged a formal bow, their movements mirrored and precise, before taking their positions.
The crowd held their collective breath as the two princes circled each other, their hands hovering over the hilts of their swords.
With a swift draw, Viktor unsheathed his sword, it's blade flashing in the sunlight. Markus followed suit, his sword shimmering with a faint blue aura as he tapped into his water essence.
The crowd elicited gasps as their swords clashed against each other. Markus charged with his strength, attacking viktor with his sword. Viktor swiftly evaded his attacks, moving with speed and agility. He lunged his sword at Markus, who quickly bent, narrowly avoiding the attack.
Viktor smiled as Markus evaded his attack. "You're quite strong little brother, I'm impressed. But you still have a lot to learn..." He drawled, a sly smile hidden beneath his helmet.
Markus gritted his teeth, slightly agitated that Viktor was still playing around. Whereas, he was almost fighting at full strength. He lunged towards Viktor at full speed, his blade barely missing his target. Viktor's smile deepened as he stepped backward, pleased that his words had gotten through to Markus.
Viktor charged once again at Markus, his movement quick and precise. The crowd gasped as viktor's sword hit at Markus's helmet, with a loud bang. The helmet fell to the ground revealing Markus's sweating face.
Genevieve's grip on her gown tightened as she watched the scene before her. She was sure viktor had drank the valerian root tea, so what was happening? Had she not put enough in his tea? He was supposed to be weakened, but here he was effortlessly fighting.
Queen mother Emilia watched the fight with concern on her slightly wrinkled face. Her gaze fell on Genevieve's knuckles that had turned white due to how she gripped her gown. "Are you okay, Genevieve?" She asked, her voice low and calm.
Genevieve's grip on her gown quickly loosened, "of course, mother." she said, putting a rather forced smile on her face. Her gaze fell back to Markus, who was panting a little, as sweat trickled down his face.
Viktor took a step back, clicking his tongue as he watched Markus's sweating face. "Oh Markus, don't tell me you're tired already, that would hurt my feelings." He said, his voice dripping with sarcasm and fake concern.
"You wish," Markus said, lunging an attack towards viktor. Their swords clashed in a fury of steel and water. Markus manipulated his essence to create waves, ice shards, and even a massive ice pillar to block viktor's attacks.
Viktor dodged and parried, his movements quick and precise. He was satisfied that Markus had finally shown him the extent of his powers.
Markus threw another wave of water towards viktor, who evaded it quickly. His sword sliced through the water to strike at Markus, who quickly shielded himself from the attack with an ice pillar.
The fight raged on, their movements a blur as they clashed in spectacular display of swordsmanship and elemental manipulation. The crowd watched in awe, cheering and chanting for the prince they betted on.
Markus unleashed a barrage of ice shards, forcing viktor to dodge and weave between the frozen projectiles. Viktor's swords broke through the ice, but one of the shards grazed his arm drawing little blood.
"What do you think of my essence, brother?" Markus asked, a smile on his face.
Viktor grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "You definitely took your study time seriously, little brother."
With a sudden burst of speed, Viktor closed the distance between them, his sword flashing in series of swift strikes. Markus stumbled back, his ice wall shattering under the onslaught.
In a stunning display of agility, Viktor leapt onto the ice pillar Markus had created earlier, using it as a springboard to launch himself at his brother. Markus raised his sword to defend himself, but Viktor's attack was too swift, too precise.
Their swords met in a shower of sparks, the blades locked in a fierce, trembling standoff. Then, in a sudden, swift motion, Viktor disengaged, his sword slicing through the air to strike at Markus's exposed flank.