Viktor's gaze swept across the room, his gaze lingering on each face before settling on Wilson. "The royal family and guests are dismissed. You are free to leave tomorrow morning, the celebration is over."
The guests began to murmur, most of them sighing in relief. They were all still baffled from the sudden turn of events, from the dance to the mysterious murder of their king. They offered a quick curtsy to the royal family before leaving the room, to their various chambers.
Queen mother Emilia stepped closer to Viktor, the lines on her face deepening even more in worry. "Did none of the writing match?" She asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Viktor nodded, raising his gaze to meet his grandmother's grief- stricken eyes. "Yes grandmother, none of them match the one left by the murderer." He paused, offering her a reassuring smile. "I promise to find whoever is responsible for the king's death."
The Queen mother nodded her head, putting up a sad smile on her face. "I believe in you, Viktor, you're my grandson, after all."
Viktor's gaze drifted to other members of his family who stood in the room, their expression tired and sullen. "You may all retire to your chambers, and have your rest." His voice was gentle, but firm.
Amara who had been quiet for a while, felt her body shiver at the thought of going back to her room. "I don't think I can sleep alone tonight, not after what happened."
Her gaze drifted to Genevieve who stood beside her, "c-can I sleep in your room tonight, mother?" She asked, her voice slightly cracking at the end.
Genevieve offered her a smile, patting the side of her hair. "Of course, Amara, you can stay with me until you're feeling better." Her voice was filled with love and sweetness towards her daughter.
Amara nodded, "thank you, mother, we should go back now."
Genevieve hummed in agreement, as they both turned to leave. The remaining members of the royal family also turned to leave the room, but Viktor's next words halted their departure.
"Except Wilson. I require a word with you."
Wilson's face paled at Viktor's words, his gaze darting between Vivian and Viktor. Vivian offered him a smile, patting his back before leaving.
He walked towards viktor, his footsteps trembling slightly. His eyes darted nervously, aware that his family suspected him of murdering the king. Viktor's piercing gaze followed his movements, scrutinizing every detail.
"Everyone believes you have a hand in the king's murder, Wil," Viktor said, his voice measured as he gauged the boy's expression.
"But I don't believe that," he continued making Wilson's eyes widen a little. "You were simply at the wrong place and at the wrong time."
Wilson raised his gaze to meet viktor's sharp ones. "No one would believe me, brother. I have no idea what happened back there." He mumbled, his eyes misting a little.
"Tell me every thing you recall, to the very least detail." Viktor urged, his tone gentle.
Wilson nodded, taking a deep breath. "I had spilled wine on my shirt during the masquerade party, and returned to my chambers to change into a clean one. I heard voices on my way back, it sounded like two people who had gotten into an argument." He paused, catching his breath before he continued.
"I remember entering the corridor, but after that, my memory is a blur. I can't recall how my hands got drenched in blood."
Viktor raised a brow at Wilson's words. He could feel that the boy was telling the truth, but something felt missing from the story. How could his memories just go blur? Could the murderer have extraordinary abilities?
"Interesting," Viktor murmured, a hint of mirth in his voice. It seemed that the murderer was playing a game of hide and seek with them and he was willing to play along.
Wilson's brows knitted in worry, confused about his missing memories. "Why can't I remember anything from that moment?" He asked, desperation creeping into his voice.
A sly smile spread across viktor's lips as he said, "it seems our murderer is not an ordinary human, Wil."
Wilson's confusion only escalated at Viktor's curt reply. He couldn't wrap his head around the night's event and his memories weren't helping at the moment.
"That would be all for tonight, don't hesitate to inform me if you recall anything." Viktor said, drawing Wilson out of his thoughts.
Wilson nodded, standing from his seat. He was about to walk out of the room when he heard Viktor call him.
"Be careful, Wil."
Wilson offered a faint smile, before disappearing through the doors.
Viktor's gaze fell back to the parchments, his eyes scanning through the writings again. The door suddenly opened to reveal Levi, who walked towards viktor, his expression stoic. "None of them match?" He asked, his gaze falling on the parchments.
Viktor nodded, leaning back against his chair. "I'm not surprised though, it would have been quite easy if one of the writings matched. The murderer is smart enough to avoid such a mistake."
Levi's gaze drifted from the parchment to Viktor's face. A smile spread across his features on seeing the look in viktor's eyes. It was a familiar look, one that viktor had whenever something piqued or intrigued him.
"The king's body has been cleaned and stitched. You can go there if you wish to." Levi said, his voice low and calm. He knew that the murder had also affected Viktor, even though he hid his emotions flawlessly.
Viktor's gaze raised to meet Levi, as he straightened himself from his seat. "Thank you, Levi." He said sincerely. He was grateful that he had met Levi, when he did. He had met countless men, but most of them only bored him to death. Levi was someone he found interesting and that was why he had taken him in from the battle field.
He gathered the parchments, folding them carefully, before placing the original piece of paper in his pocket. "I'll see you tomorrow Levi, you should get some rest first." Viktor said, patting Levi's shoulder.
He walked out of the room, his footsteps echoing across the floor. The castle was mostly dark, illuminated by the torch lights at the side of the walls. He walked into his room, headed straight for his safe where he kept significant things. He took out the key, twisting the lock which opened immediately. He then carefully placed the parchments inside.
Viktor closed the safe, his eyes scanning the contents one last time. He walked out of the room, his footsteps echoing through the corridor as he made his way to the glass cubicle where the king's body lay. The soft glow of candles surrounded the cubicle, casting a somber ambiance.
As he stepped inside, Viktor's gaze fell upon the king's body, dressed in his royal regalia. The king's face appeared peaceful, almost serene. Viktor's expression softened, as he looked at the king's lifeless body. He sat beside the cubicle, his voice barely above a whisper.
"You remained oblivious until the end, didn't you?" Viktor's words hung in the air, a mix of sorrow and frustration.
His gaze narrowed, studying the king's tranquil face. "You knew, didn't you? With your third eye, you must have seen it coming. Why didn't you try to prevent it?" Viktor's question lingered, as if expecting an answer from the king himself.
Viktor's gaze narrowed, wondering if he had missed any clue. Had the king left a subtle hint? He stood, opening the cubicle with a gentle touch. His hands began to feel the king's clothes, a habitual gesture.
Every king was dressed in their royal regalia after death; perhaps his father had hidden something within. Viktor's fingers stopped on a small fabric inside the pocket. He unfolded it, revealing embroidered letters.
At first, the writing seemed nonsensical. Viktor's gaze narrowed, his eyes scanning the letters. Then, realization dawned – the letters were embroidered backwards. He slowly deciphered the message, rearranging the letters in his mind.
As the words took shape, Viktor's eyes widened in surprise: "FAMILY."