Heidi tried to get her thoughts straight after the unexpected announcement from the sisters. "Y-you are not leaving?" She asked, her voice shaking slightly.
Anna nodded with a smile, her eyes twinkling in delight. "Yes Heidi, I couldn't hear the thought of leaving you and the grand castle behind. So, I asked my father and the Queen mother if we could stay."
"The Queen mother says she will be delighted to have us stay back in the grand castle. Isn't that wonderful?" Anna asked, her hands clasped together in excitement.
Heidi nodded wryly, forcing a strained smile on her face. She was happy that the sisters would stay, but at the same time, she missed her old routine. She could only smile, not wanting to upset the sisters.
Charlotte smiled, straightening herself from the bed. "I look forward to spending more time with you, Heidi. As a friend, than a slave."
Heidi smiled brightly, genuinely touched by Charlotte's affection. "I'm glad to have you both here."
"Great! Let's dress up quickly and go see off the other guests." Anna interjected, moving towards her wardrobe.
Heidi nodded, quickly moving to assist the sisters with their hair and dress.
As Heidi finished adjusting Anna's gloves, Charlotte smoothened her skirt, her eyes shinning with excitement. "Shall we?" She asked, nodding towards the door.
Anna nodded, already gliding towards the exit. "Let's see father off, I'm sure he's already waiting."
Heidi walked five paces behind them, much to displeasure of the sisters. But then, it was customary for a slave to walk five paces behind their master or mistress.
The sister's laughter and chatter filled the corridor, mingling with the distant sounds of carriage wheels and departing guests.
As they emerged into the bright sunlight, the grand courtyard bustled with activity. Slaves scurried about, loading luggages into carriages, while nobles exchange farewell kisses and well wishes.
Heidi's gaze swept through the courtyard, falling on the sea of faces that had gathered outside. Her eyes fell on the royal family who stood at a side, greeting some of the high standing nobles.
Her gaze finally fell on viktor, who stood beside the Queen mother, his handsome face expressionless. His hands were tucked into his pockets as he spoke with the departing guests.
Viktor turned, his gaze locking with Heidi's and she quickly looked away. Heidi took a deep breath, trying to steady her thoughts.
"Father!" Anna called, drawing Heidi's attention. She followed the sisters who walked towards their father, Baron Michael.
Anna was quick to hug her father, a radiant smile spreading on her lips. "I'll miss you so much, father."
Charlotte nodded, agreeing with Anna. "Yes father. You'll visit us though, won't you?" She asked, her voice filled with optimism.
The Baron nodded, a worried smile on his face. "Of course, I would make sure to visit my lovely daughters."
Charlotte was quick to notice the worry in her father's voice. "You seem disturbed father, is everything alright?"
Baron Michael nodded, his voice filled with concern. "I've never let you girls out of my sight, so I'm feeling a little uneasy. He muttered, his voice dropping to a whisper as he said; "especially after the king's murder, I can't help but worry."
Anna clicked her tongue, placing a kiss on her father's cheek. "You have absolutely nothing to worry about. I'll take care of myself and Charlotte."
Charlotte laughed, equally placing a kiss on her father's cheek. "We'll be fine on our own, father."
The Baron nodded, pulling the girls into a hug. "Be careful then, I'd make sure to drop by once in a while." He offered them a warm smile before stepping into his carriage.
Anna's gaze followed the carriage until it was out of sight. Most of the guests had already left, in order to get to their destinations on time.
Her gaze fell on a golden haired man, who stood beside viktor. If not his attire, Anna might have mistaken for one of the princes. His blue eyes captivated her, making her curious about his identity.
She gently tapped Heidi, her eyes not leaving his features. "Who is this, Heidi? The one with the golden hair, standing beside prince viktor." She asked, gesturing towards the man.
Heidi's eyes followed Anna's direction, falling on Levi who stood beside viktor. "Ah! That's Levi, he's prince viktor's right hand man and body guard."
Heidi's gaze fell back to Anna, noticing the flicker of interest in her eyes. "If you don't mind, why do you ask?"
Anna shrugged, tearing her gaze from Levi's face. "I was just curious, I don't think I saw him during the celebration."
Heidi nodded, her gaze falling back to Levi before drifting to Viktor. At the same time, Viktor's gaze locked with hers for the second time. Heidi quickly looked away, her face flushing on being caught for the second time.
After what felt like a reasonable time, she peeked again, but Viktor was no longer standing there. She looked around, but there was no sign of either him or Levi.
"Shall we return to the castle?" Charlotte asked, breaking the silence.
Anna nodded, her gaze searching for the golden-haired guard. "Yes, I'm famished. Let's head back to our rooms and have breakfast."
Heidi fell into step behind the sisters, her eyes scanning the courtyard one last time. The never-ending cold of Bloodstone seeped into her skin, making her quicken her pace.
As they entered the castle, Anna turned to Charlotte. "I was really looking forward to the hunting party, but the celebration is over now."
Charlotte hummed in response, her eyes reflecting a mix of understanding and disappointment. "Hunting was a hobby, but the celebration ended abruptly with the king's murder."
"Everyone is occupied with the murder investigations," Anna added, her voice tinged with concern.
Charlotte nodded, her voice filled with hope. "Prince Viktor is still carrying out his investigations. I'm sure the murderer will soon be caught."
"What do you think, Heidi?" Anna asked, dragging Heidi into the conversation.
Heidi bit her lip, choosing her words carefully. "Whoever murdered the king is intelligent and stealthy, choosing the perfect time to strike."
Anna nodded thoughtfully, her eyes narrowing. "The masquerade dance was the perfect distraction. Everyone wore masks."
The sisters' conversation trailed off as they climbed the stairs leading to their chambers. The silence was suddenly interrupted by the rumble of Anna's stomach.
Anna laughed nervously, feeling a pang of embarrassment. Heidi offered her a warm smile, knowing the lady had stayed past her breakfast time.
"I'll get your breakfast from the kitchen, miladies," Heidi said.
Charlotte nodded, her gaze filled with mischief. "You better hurry, Heidi, or someone's belly might tear open."
Heidi chuckled, noticing the humor in Charlotte's voice. The sisters seemed to enjoy teasing each other.
As she walked through the corridors, her mind momentarily drifted to Viktor. Her conscience pricked at her, reminding her of the need to thank him for the flower.
She took a deep breath, making a mental note to thank him whenever she had the opportunity. She didn't have to wait long, as Viktor approached from the next corridor.
"Speak of the devil," Heidi mumbled to herself, her gaze falling on his copper-green eyes.