Sunlight streamed through the castle windows, signalling the beginning of a new day. Slaves began their daily routine, scurrying about the castle in quick paces. They all wore black gowns, in respect to the king's burial.
Everyone carried out their duties as fast as they could before the burial.
Heidi wrapped her cloak tightly around her and made her way through the crisp morning air, headed for the stables.
She shivered slightly, feeling the cold bite into her skin. The cold didn't deter her as she quickened her pace towards the stables. She was extremely happy when sir Gideon had asked her to help out in the stables.
The horses were being fed and watered in preparation for the king's burial. Heidi had never been privileged to touch a horse, let alone feed them.
Her doe like eyes twinkled in excitement as she opened the doors of the stable. Her excitement grew at the thought of meeting her friend, Nichole, who worked at the stables.
Nichole had saved her one time when she had accidentally locked herself in a room, and they became friends ever since. Although, they hardly ever saw each other, due to their distinct works.
Heidi entered the stables, her gaze scanning the empty aisles. The scent of fresh hay and leather filled the air. She walked deeper, her footsteps echoing off the wooden stalls.
"Heidi! It's a pleasure to have you at the stables." A familiar voice called out and Heidi turned instantly.
Her brown eyes widened in excitement, a wide smile spreading across her cheeks. "Nichole! I was beginning to wonder where you went so early in the morning."
Nichole chuckled, his caramel eyes crinkling at the corners. "I took Daisy out for a walk, she loves the morning cold."
"Daisy?" Heidi asked, raising a brow.
"Ah!" Nichole muttered, his fingers scratching the back of his head. "Daisy is one of my favorite horses here in the stables."
"I see..." Heidi drawled, laughing nervously.
Nichole nodded, his eyes lighting up. "What brings you here, Heidi? Don't tell me you finally thought to pay me a visit."
Heidi laughed again, the sound echoing through the quiet stable. "I was assigned to help you out with the horses."
A bright smile appeared on Nichole's lips, "then come on, I'll show you the best horses over here. We can also feed them together. " He muttered, dragging Heidi along with him.
Heidi followed him, her legs moving quickly in order to match his long strides. They stopped in front of a gray horse, which had black patches on its body.
"Is this daisy?" Heidi asked, mesmerized by the size of the horse.
Nichole shook his head, "this is Galen, one of the strongest horses." He replied, opening the door of the stall.
Heidi instinctively stepped behind Nichole, as soon as the horse peeked out it's head.
Nichole laughed, noticing her fear at the sight of the horse. "Galen won't harm you, Heidi. Will you like to touch him?"
Heidi hesitated for a while, before nodding her head. She moved out of his back, stretching her hands to touch the horse."
Nichole held her hand, guiding it towards Galen's side. "Pat him slowly. If he likes you, he won't throw you across the stables.
Heidi's eyes widened in horror at his words, her hands freezing midway in the air. "I'm not sure I want to touch it now."
Nichole chucked, "I was only teasing you, Heidi. Go on, pat him."
Heidi took a deep breath, reaching for the side of Galen's body. Heidi slowly began to pat his side, as the horse relaxed under her touch.
"I'm doing it, Nichole. I'm touching the horse!" Heidi exclaimed, her eyes glinting in joy.
Nichole patted her hair, a small smile on his lips. "Come on, I'll show you my favorite horse."
Heidi followed him, their footsteps halting at the sight of a brown mare. "What's her name?"
"Aurora," Nichole replied, patting the mare at the side. His gaze fell on Heidi , who looked astonished to see the spotless brown mare.
"Can I get on the horse?" Heidi pleaded, her lips pouting as she spoke.
Nichole considered Heidi's request for a while before nodding. "Alright, Heidi. I'll help you get on Aurora."
Heidi nodded, her excitement increasing at the thought of climbing the horse.
Nichole held her at the waist, lifting her unto the horse. "There you go, Heidi. Do you like Aurora?"
Heidi nodded, gently patting the mare. "She's a beauty."
Nichole chuckled. "That she is. But be warned, she's got a temper to match." He stretched out his hands for Heidi to grasp, before gently bringing her down.
As Nichole helped Heidi down, Aurora nuzzled Heidi's hand.
"I think she likes me," Heidi said, smiling.
Nichole grinned. "I think you're right." He paused, his eyes softening as he spoke. "You should come by sometimes, Heidi. I really missed your presence."
Heidi offered him a smile, her fingers fidgeting behind her back. "I'll try to come by when I can, Nichole. But I can't promise that."
Nichole nodded, his gaze turning thoughtful. "Then maybe I should quit working in the stables, and work in the inner palace."
Heidi shook her head in disapproval. "You love working at the stables, Nichole. Don't quit doing what you love."
Nichole hesitated a little, before nodding his head. They continue to talk as they fed and watered the horses.
Meanwhile, Viktor walked along the castle floors with Levi. He wore a black vest and and a matching black coat.
"I haven't seen valor since I returned." Viktor said, more to himself than to Levi.
Levi's gaze drifted to Viktor, "do you need me to visit the stables?"
Viktor shook his head, waving his hands in dismissal. "That won't be necessary, Levi. I'll check up on valor myself, check the burial preparations instead."
Levi nodded in agreement, offering viktor a bow before leaving. Viktor walked stealthily towards the stable, his footsteps barely audible.
He entered the stable, the Smell of hay and wood filling the air around him. His gaze turned quizzical at the sound of distant laughter and voices. He walked slowly, following the sound of the voices.
He spotted Heidi who stood with the stable worker, laughing and talking. His gaze narrowed as Nichole placed his hands on Heidi's waist, lifting her unto the horse. He observed them for a while before stepping out from where he stood.
"What do you both think you are doing? Making unnecessary chatter instead of working." Viktor's voice cut through the air, annoyance and irritation etched in his voice.
"Prince viktor," they both bowed on seeing him there.
Viktor's gaze drifted to Heidi whose eyes had widened in surprise. "I didn't know you applied to work in the stables."
Heidi's fingers clenched around her gown as she replied. "I was assigned here for the morning."
Nichole looked even more surprised on seeing viktor. The royal family rarely entered the stables, let alone hold conversations with slaves.
"Really?" Viktor mumbled, his voice turning low and menacing.
Heidi who sensed the slight tension in the atmosphere, instinctively moved behind Nichole.
Her action ticked viktor, whose expression turned to an irritated one. "Come here," he mumbled, his hands gesturing towards Heidi.
"M-me?" Heidi stammered and Viktor let out a soft sigh.
"I believe we both know I'm referring to you, Heidi."
Heidi's gaze darted between Viktor and Nichole, before she slowly dragged her feet towards Viktor.
"Follow me," Viktor said, sparing her a glance before turning in the opposite direction.