Viktor walked into the grand castle, his fluid movements exuding stealth and confidence. The soft rustle of his cloak echoed through the corridor, announcing his presence. Levi had informed him of the arrival of the guardians and ministers, and Viktor knew it was only a matter of time before the news spread.
As he turned a corner, his eyes locked onto Heidi, who was hurrying in the opposite direction. A faint blush spread across her cheeks as their gazes met. Viktor's lips curved into a subtle smile, intrigued by her sudden nervousness.
"Where are you heading in such a hurry, Heidi?" Viktor asked, his head tilting slightly, his voice low and smooth.
Heidi's grip on her gown tightened, memories of their last encounter flashing in her mind. "I-I want to get breakfast for miladies," she stammered.
Viktor's brow arched, his tone light but with a hint of warning. "Miladies?"
Heidi stepped back, sensing the subtle tension in his voice. "I'm the slave assigned to the baron's daughters."
A low chuckle escaped Viktor's lips before his expression turned serious. "You must be confused, Heidi. You are mine to command. Refrain from addressing anyone else as your lord or lady."
Heidi's eyes widened, her mouth opening to protest, but she thought better of it. She nodded, lowering her gaze from his intense stare.
Viktor's smile returned, this time sweeter and more disarming. "You'd do well to remember that." He turned to leave, but Heidi's soft voice halted him.
"Prince Viktor," she called, her voice barely above a whisper.
Viktor turned, his expression amused. "Don't tell me you miss my presence already." He taunted, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
Heidi's cheeks flushed, but she stood her ground. "I want to thank you for the flower. Mrs. Doris is fine now."
Viktor's expression shifted, his eyes narrowing. "You shouldn't be unnecessarily thankful, Heidi. I'm pretty sure the flower wasn't given for free."
Heidi's lips pursed, regretting her words. "Still, I owe you a thank you for not exposing me during the celebration."
Viktor nodded curtly, his tone dismissive. "It would have been annoying if your true status was revealed."
Heidi's thoughts drifted to the fake flower she had placed in the box. "What if Lady Genevieve finds out about the flower?" she asked, worry creeping into her voice.
Viktor's smile returned, sly and reassuring. "I'll take care of that. Besides, I'm sure she has more pressing matters than a single flower."
He leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You should be more worried about your deal with me, Heidi."
Heidi had almost forgotten about the deal, but it seemed like Viktor didn't miss an opportunity to remind her. The memory of his whispered words lingered, sending a shiver down her spine. As she stood before him, she felt the sudden urge to bite her lips, a nervous habit she couldn't shake. But Viktor's piercing gaze refrained her, his eyes seeming to hold a silent command.
Viktor's eyes followed her every expression, every flickering emotion. Heidi felt exposed, like an open book he was beginning to read with ease. Her cheeks flushed, and she looked away, attempting to break the spell.
But Viktor's attention only intensified. He was surprised at his own actions whenever he was around her. Normally, he had his emotions in check, his mask of calm impenetrable. Yet, Heidi's presence unraveled him, thread by thread.
"That would be all, Heidi." Viktor's deep voice broke the silence, his gaze releasing hers. Heidi quickly offered a bow, her eyes lingering on his retreating figure as he strode towards the throne room.
The grand doors swung open, and the guards stationed outside snapped to attention, bowing deeply. Viktor acknowledged their salute with a nod, his gaze sweeping across the crowded room.
Inside, the air was thick with tension. The guardians and ministers of the realm had assembled, their faces grave with concern. Viktor's arrival seemed to heighten the anticipation, as all eyes turned to him.
"You're late, Prince Viktor," Uriel, the first guardian of the Bloodstone, said, his piercing gaze and sharp tone cutting through the silence.
Viktor settled into his seat beside the Queen Mother, his movements fluid and deliberate. "I didn't know a court meeting could be held without the Queen Mother's approval," he replied, his voice laced with subtle challenge.
Raphael, the second guardian, spoke up, his black eyes void of emotion. "This is an emergency meeting, Prince Viktor. One that concerns the late king and the matters of the kingdom."
Viktor's expression turned skeptical, his eyes narrowing. "Walls really do have ears, I'm surprised the news had already gotten to the guardians." He clicked his tongue, a hint of disapproval in his voice.
Uriel's jaw ticked, his anger simmering just below the surface. "Were you planning to keep it a secret, then?"
Viktor shrugged, his gaze taunting. "I doubt that would be possible, seeing as you all flew over here like pesky houseflies."
The insult hung in the air, and Uriel's fists clenched. "Prince Viktor!" he growled.
"Enough!" Malcolm the third guardian, who had been observing quietly,spoke up. "We should discuss important and more pressing matters instead of pushing each other's buttons."
He turned to viktor, his gaze softening as he asked. "How far have you gone in finding the king's murderer."
Viktor responded, his gaze darting to Malcolm. "It's been dead ends, but the investigations are still ongoing."
"I see..." Malcolm drawled, his gaze thoughtful as he asked. "And the king's body?"
"Preserved in the glass cubicle for now. " Viktor replied, his voice low and calm.
"We should discuss about selecting a new king. We cannot let our enemies find out that our kingdom has no king now." Uriel interjected, his voice urgent.
Viktor raised a brow, his tone glacial as he spoke to the guardian. "You seem to have forgotten about the presence of the Queen mother."
"Thank you viktor," Queen mother Emilia said, her gaze darting to Uriel. "According to the laws of Bloodstone, I hold the highest power after the king. I will handle the affairs of the kingdom and Markus would support me as regent."
Genevieve's eyes shot up at the Queen mother's words. "I do not quite agree with you mother. Markus should be instituted as king since he is the rightful prince."
The Queen mother's gaze fell on Genevieve, her head slightly tilting in question. "You forget that no king is instituted until after the burial of the dead king. Until the king is buried, and the murderer exposed, no king will be choosen. Markus will continue as a regent for now."
Raphael was slightly taken aback by the Queen mother's decision to institute Markus as regent. "Why Markus?" He asked, knowing that the Queen mother obviously preferred Viktor over Markus.
The Queen mother replied, her voice steady as she said. "Viktor himself made the decision to place Markus as regent. He is very aware that one with a dormant essence cannot claim a position as high as regent."
Genevieve sighed internally, her fists clenching at the turn of events. She had personally alerted the guardians of the king's murder, but things were slipping out of her control.
"Perhaps you should rest, Mother, and let Markus handle kingdom affairs," Genevieve suggested, her voice low and measured. "You're growing old for such responsibilities."
Queen Mother Emilia's brow arched. "Are you wishing me gone, Genevieve?"
Genevieve laughed nervously, offering the Queen mother a sweet smile. "Of course not, mother. There is no one better to lead the kingdom than you."
Malcolm clapped his hands, gaining attention to himself. "Since that is settled, we should conduct a burial for the king as soon as possible."
"When do you suggest we hold the burial, grandmother?" Viktor asked, his gaze drifting to the Queen mother.
The lines on the Queen mother's face deepened, her gaze turning thoughtful. "It is of no use postponing the king's burial, he will be laid to rest tomorrow."
Viktor nodded, humming in agreement to the Queen mother's words.
"The court is dismissed for now, I'll respect the Queen mother's authority." Malcolm said, his gaze drifting to viktor. "We don't have much time, the Bloodstone requires a king as soon as possible."
The Queen mother sighed softly, feeling the weight of the void left by the king. She knew the people needed a king, but she feared the silent war that was brewing gradually.