Heidi stood at the same spot Viktor had left her, the effect of his presence still lingering in the air. Her gaze fell on the flower in her hand, and she sighed softly. She had gotten the flower, and that was all that mattered. She could worry about her deal with Viktor later.
Heidi took a deep breath, pushing aside the unease settling in her stomach. She had to focus on getting the flower to Mrs Doris. It didn't really come with a manual, and she had no idea how to use it.
"I really need the slave gown right now." She mumbled, and the fabric shimmered immediately. She packed her hair into the usual bun, taking a look around before leaving the corridor.
Heidi hastened through the dimly lit corridors, her footsteps echoing off the stone walls. She clutched the delicate flower, its petals shimmering in the faint light. As she entered the slave quarters, the familiar scent of worn fabric and stale air enveloped her. Most slaves were scattered around the castle, leaving the quarters eerily empty.
Relieved, Heidi rushed to Mrs. Doris's room, her heart racing with every step. She gently tapped the older lady's shoulder, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm back, Mrs. Doris."
Mrs. Doris stirred, her tired gaze falling on Heidi. "You should be at the inner castle," she whispered, her voice laced with concern.
Heidi's brow knitted in worry as she took in Mrs. Doris's frail form. Her lips were paler, and the dark circles under her eyes seemed to have deepened. Heidi's grip on the flower tightened, her determination growing.
"How do you feel, Mrs. Doris?" Heidi asked, her voice laced with concern, as she gently took the older lady's hand. The chill of Mrs. Doris's skin sent a shiver down Heidi's spine. Her skin was considerably cold, compared to Heidi's.
"I'm getting better, Heidi. You shouldn't worry yourself any longer." Mrs. Doris said, putting a small smile on her trembling lips.
Heidi smiled sadly, knowing she was lying in order to make her feel better. "I have something for you, Mrs. Doris." She said, the smile on her face turning bright.
Mrs. Doris looked at Heidi, a questionable and worried expression on her face. "What have you done this time, Heidi?" She knew Heidi's tendency to attract trouble but her resilience had always seen her through.
Heidi's laughter echoed through the room, a melodic sound that contrasted with the somber atmosphere. "I didn't do anything for you to be worried about, I only found a way to make you better," she said, revealing the delicate flower in her hands. Its petals glittered in the faint light, like stars in a midnight sky.
Mrs. Doris's eyes widened, her gaze fixed on the flower. "What is this, Heidi?" she asked, her voice laced with a mix of curiosity and trepidation.
Heidi took a deep breath, her eyes locked on Mrs. Doris's, as she explained, "It's the pisali flower, its magic is medicinal. It's our only hope." The dim light of the room cast a warm glow on Mrs. Doris's pale face, highlighting her concern.
Mrs. Doris's gaze narrowed, her brows furrowing in worry. "Where did you get this, Heidi? What did you give in exchange for this?" she asked, her voice laced with a mix of curiosity and trepidation.
Heidi's lips pressed together, knowing that telling the truth would do more harm than good. She couldn't tell her that she had stolen the flower, let alone that she had made a deal with Viktor. "It doesn't matter now," she said, her voice soft but urgent. "All that matters is that you take the flower juice." She pressed, hoping Mrs. Doris wouldn't protest further.
Mrs. Doris's eyes lingered on Heidi's, searching for answers, but Heidi's expression remained resolute. "But Heidi..." Mrs. Doris began, her voice trailing off.
Heidi offered a gentle smile, her eyes filled with a deep concern. "Shush now," she whispered, her hands moving with a newfound confidence. She squeezed the petals of the flower, releasing a sweet, earthy aroma that filled the room. "Ahhh," she muttered, signaling Mrs. Doris to open her mouth.
The juice dropped into Mrs. Doris's mouth slowly, its bitterness evident on her face. Heidi's gaze never wavered, her focus solely on Mrs. Doris's well-being.
"Get some sleep," Heidi said, helping the older lady lie back comfortably. She gently patted her shoulders, watching as Mrs. Doris's eyes grew heavy, the worry slowly fading from her face.
Heidi sighed softly, her gaze lingering on Mrs. Doris's peaceful face, illuminated only by the faint moonlight filtering through the small window. The evening shadows danced across the room, casting an eerie silence. Outside, the sky had darkened, and the castle's torches flickered like fireflies in the distance.
As she rose quietly, the wooden floor creaked beneath her feet. Heidi froze, holding her breath, ensuring she hadn't disturbed Mrs. Doris's slumber. The older lady's gentle snores reassured her.
Heidi's unease simmered in her belly like a cauldron, intensifying with each step away from the slave quarters. The cool evening air carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the distant strains of music from the castle's ballroom. The masquerade party.
Her heart sank, weighed down by the prospect of facing Viktor. His knowing gaze seemed to pierce her very soul, and the memory of their deal made her skin prickle. Crossing him was unthinkable, especially now that he knew of her status as a slave.
Heidi entered a lone corridor, her eyes darted around making sure no one was in sight. "I need a gown for the masquerade party," she mumbled, watching the gown shimmer into a red, velvet gown.
Heidi gasped at the gown's exquisiteness. It was a fitted, floor-length gown with a subtle train, accentuating her slender figure. The neckline was high, rounded with a delicate, golden trim. It had a low back design with a subtle, golden clasp. The red color of the gown made it stand out even more.
The castle transformed into a mystical realm, bathed in a kaleidoscope of colors and lights. Candles and lanterns adorned the walls, casting a warm, golden glow across the grand halls. The air was alive with the sweet scent of exotic flowers and the soft strains of a string quartet.
Masks glinted like diamonds in the candlelight, as guests mingled and laughed, their identities hidden behind elaborate disguises.The grand ballroom shimmered like a mirage, with a sea of masked figures swaying to the music.
Heidi walked across the room, trying her best not to attract any attention. Her gown did nothing to help her as it stood out amongst the other gowns. A slave walked by holding a tray filled with masks. Heidi offered the slave a gentle smile underneath her veil, her hands reaching out to grasp a red mask.
Holding the mask in her hands, she walked out of the room into the leading corridor. She sighed softly as she leaned on the railings of the corridor. Her eyes watched the growing moonlight with wonder and curiosity. Her reverie was interrupted by the presence of the one person she didn't want to see at the moment.
Viktor walked along the grand hall, his footsteps clicking against the marble floor. He wore a tailored black domino mask, adorned with intricate silver filigree, which seemed to shimmer in the candlelight. His black tailcoat, with a subtle sheen, accentuated his broad shoulders and lean physique. A crisp white shirt, with billowy sleeves, added a touch of elegance, while a black waistcoat, embroidered with subtle silver threads, balanced his attire.
His eyes searched for the ginger brown haired lady in the sea of guests, narrowing when he didn't see her among the guests. He walked into the leading corridor, his gaze falling on Heidi who leaned against the railings. The back of her gown was quite low, revealing a lot of skin. She held the red mask in her hands while her gaze was fixed on the moon.
He walked towards her, his presence unnoticed until he leaned on the railings beside her. "There you are, I was beginning to think you wouldn't show up." Viktor said, his gaze falling on the veil on her face.
Heidi rolled her eyes internally, knowing that he would probably find her himself if she didn't show up. Her gaze shifted from the moon to fall on the mask which covered his face. His copper green eyes shone under the moonlight and Heidi could tell that a sly smile was hidden underneath the mask.
Viktor's gaze followed her every move, his eyes lingering on the veil before he muttered under his breath, "That disturbing piece of fabric." He closed the space between them, his hands reaching out to undo the veil, making Heidi's eyes widen in alarm.
"Shush," he whispered, his breath caressing her ear, sending shivers down her spine. Heidi's mind raced as Viktor's fingers swiftly untied the veil, her full face now exposed to the moonlight. Viktor's gaze fell on her lips, now clearly visible, and he leaned in, his face inches from hers.
Heidi's eyes flashed in alarm, her heart stopping completely. "W-what are you doing?" she stuttered, her voice barely audible over the pounding of her heart.