Heidi trailed behind viktor, her heart racing with every step. The silence between them only increased the tension in her heart. Her gaze drifted to his side profile and she sighed internally.
"What is your relationship with the stable worker?" Viktor asked abruptly, interrupting the silence between them.
Heidi pursed her lips contemplating on the best way to answer. "We are friends, milord."
"Friends..." Viktor drawled, halting his footsteps. His gaze traced her features, lingering on her lips before going back to her eyes.
"Enlighten me, Heidi. What was so amusing back there?" He asked, recalling Heidi laughing intently with Nichole.
Heidi gulped nervously, unsure of where the conversation was heading to. "He was only telling me about the horses in the stable."
"So I thought," Viktor muttered, his hands beginning to move at their own will. "Then tell me Heidi, what were his hands doing on your waist?"
Heidi shivered, feeling viktor's finger trace the skin on her neck. "H-he was helping me unto the horse."
Viktor flicked her forehead, his head slightly tilting. "Do not let others touch you, Heidi."
Heidi pursed her lips, not knowing how to feel about Viktor's words. She steadied her breath before she spoke again. "Is that part of the deal?"
Viktor tsked, a sly smile spreading across his lips. "I'll make myself clear for the last time, Heidi. He paused, his gaze locking hers. "You are mine, Heidi, soul and body."
Heidi stilled, her heart skipping a beat at his words. Why did those words make her heart flutter in an unusual way? What were these butterflies at the bottom of her belly?
She nibbled at her lips, her gaze lowering, as she couldn't stand viktor's intense gaze. Heidi's eyes widened as viktor's fingers grazed her lips, releasing them from her teeth.
"Don't bite them, Heidi. Someone might just eat you up." Viktor said, his fingers reluctantly leaving her lips.
Heidi's cheeks flushed a deep crimson, and she wished she could disappear at that moment. Anywhere far from his brooding gaze and the embarrassment she felt.
Viktor stepped back from her, his voice low and calm as he spoke. "You may leave, Heidi. Don't dream about going back to your friend."
Heidi bowed, relief washing over her, as she turned to leave. She hastened her pace, nearly running along the way.
Viktor's gaze lingered on her until she was out of sight. "How troubling," Viktor murmured to himself. He was annoyed with himself, and whatever it was he felt.
His emotions and control hung on a thin thread, with matters concerning Heidi. He had never entertained feelings for the opposite sex, but his fascination with Heidi puzzled him.
He let out a soft sigh, as he walked towards the royal stalls. His lips curved into a smile on seeing valor. He opened the door of the stall, and the stallion peeked it's head out.
Viktor reached out, and valor nuzzled his palm, seeking affection. "You must have missed me, huh?" He asked, stroking the stallion's mane.
Viktor was distracted by the sound of approaching footsteps. His gaze drifted, his head slightly tilting in question. Levi walked steadily towards him, bowing on approach.
"The preparations are ready, milord," Levi reported, his tone formal. "The royal family awaits your presence."
Viktor nodded curtly, closing Valor's stall door. "Shall we?" he muttered, his stride lengthening as he followed Levi.
Viktor walked out of the stables, into the castle courtyard. He spotted his family at the corner, all dressed in plain black dresses. Malcolm stood at the side, with the other guardians.
As he walked towards the royal family, he spotted Heidi who stood beside Charlotte and Anna. His gaze drifted from her to the Queen mother, who had a sullen expression.
"Oh Viktor, it's a good thing you're here." The Queen mother said, her eyes rimmed from crying. "I'm not sure how I would have fared in your absence."
Genevieve who stood near scoffed. "You forget that this happened because of him. Didn't you see the note? It was written to him in particular."
Vivian patted the Queen mother, her gaze drifting towards Genevieve. "This is not the time to apportion blames, we should concentrate on the burial." Her voice was low and gentle.
Markus who stood beside his mother clicked his tongue in disapproval. "Let the truth be told, lady Vivian. He paused. "Besides, I'm sure you also have the same doubts in mind."
Viktor tsked, his gaze falling on Markus. "Careful, Markie. If you keep on pointing dirty fingers, one might think you are the culprit."
Markus arched his brow, taking a step towards Viktor. "Are you saying I am the murderer?"
Viktor offered him a sweet smile, one that only irked Markus even more.
Amara let out a sigh, her voice slightly shaking as she said. "Brother please, this is no time to trade words. Time is slipping by, we need to get to the royal cemetery."
Malcolm who had been observing, hummed in agreement. "Princess Amara is right, we need to move now."
Viktor offered his grandmother a small smile, gesturing towards the carriages lined up before them. "Come grandmother, I'll ride with you."
He held her by the hand as they stepped into one of the carriages. The other members of the royal family and the guardians entered their carriages. The king's body was placed in a coffin, inside one of the carriages.
A few selected slaves accompanied them by foot. Heidi was lucky, as she rode the same carriage as Anna and Charlotte.
Viktor's gaze drifted to the carriage windows, his eyes observing the path as they rode. His mind went back to the embroidered letters - FAMILY.
Whoever killed the king was riding to the cemetery along with the rest of them. Wilson's memories were still a blur, as he couldn't recollect any thing from that night.
Viktor knew that almost every member of the royal family had something to gain from the king's death. But then, Genevieve had the most to gain. Had she finally gotten tired of puppeting the king, and decided to kill him?
There was Amara too, but she had nothing to gain from killing the king. Lady Vivian was another suspicious person, but viktor doubted she would kill the king.
His gaze drifted to the Queen mother who sniffed, leaning her head at the side of the carriage. Viktor could understand the pain she felt, as she had lost both of her children.
Viktor offered her a small smile, his hand resting on hers. "It's okay, grandmother. Don't cry anymore, or you'll ruin your make up." His voice was filled with humor, bringing a small smile to the Queen mother's face.
Queen mother Emilia faced him, resisting the urge to ruffle his hair. She smiled internally, recalling the little boy from twenty years ago, and his scanty set of teeth. She felt a pang of regret, remembering how much Viktor changed after his mother's death.
Even though he didn't show it, she knew that viktor was sad about his father's death. She had only wished that the king had resolved his conflict with Viktor before his death.
"You always worry about me, Viktor. But I have no idea what's going through your mind." She said, her voice low and soft.
Viktor gave her a reassuring smile, caressing her wrinkled hands. "I'm fine, grandmother. You have nothing to worry about."
The Queen mother hesitated, before nodding her head. "I know I can't fill the void left by your mother, but I'm still here for you."
Viktor nodded, the smile on his face spreading even more. Viktor's gaze fell back to the carriage windows, as the Queen mother leaned on his shoulders.
Viktor cherished his grandmother, as she was the closest person to his heart after his mother. He was drawn out of his thoughts, as the carriage came to a halt.