As the carriage came to a halt, Viktor gently helped the Queen Mother straighten up, his hand lingering on her shoulder. The somber atmosphere outside was palpable, a few high standing nobles were already waiting at the cemetery.
The cemetery's heavy scent wafted through the air - damp earth, decaying leaves, and the sweet tang of blooming lilacs. The cemetery keeper stepped out on sighting the carriages.
"Grandmother, we're here," Viktor said softly, his eyes locking onto hers.
Queen Mother Emilia nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you, Viktor."
The carriage door swung open, and Viktor stepped out first, offering his hand to assist the Queen Mother. As she descended, the cemetery keeper and the other nobles were quick to bow. The Queen mother nodded her head, acknowledging their curtsy.
The royal family began to disembark from their carriages, their faces etched with grief. Genevieve's eyes narrowed, her gaze flicking between Viktor and the Queen Mother. Amara's eyes, red-rimmed from crying, sought comfort from Lady Vivian.
The guardians also stepped out, and the nobles bowed, acknowledging their presence.
Heidi, walking behind Anna and Charlotte couldn't help but steal glances at Viktor. His stoic expression made it impossible to tell his emotions. Heidi wondered what emotions he was hiding under that mask of calmness and sarcasm.
The royal family and the nobles proceeded into the cemetery. Everywhere was quiet, asides the occasional chirping of birds and the sound of their shoes against the graveled ground.
The King's coffin was laid down, beside the freshly dug grave. Viktor assisted his grandmother who stepped out to give an eulogy about the king.
"Good day, dearest people of Bloodstone," the Queen mother began. "I sincerely thank everyone who showed up for--"
Viktor's gaze fell on the king's coffin, the Queen mother's voice fading away into the background as his thoughts drifted. He had quite a rocky relationship with the late king. He let out a soft sigh, his thoughts drifting to the memories of sixteen years ago.
Nine-year-old Viktor stood outside the throne room, waiting for the court meeting to adjourn. His legs ached from standing for over an hour, but he refused to leave. He sat on the marble floor, raising his knees to support his hands, determination etched on his face.
Another hour passed before the doors finally opened. Viktor quickly rose to his feet, bowing deeply as the court members filed out. He entered the room, his eyes locking onto his father, King Maximilian, seated on the throne.
King Maximilian raised his brow, taken aback by viktor's presence. "What brings you here, Viktor? You are supposed to be with your governess."
Viktor bowed, his footsteps echoing as he approached the king. "I came to implore you for a favor, father."
King Maximilian's gaze turned thoughtful before he nodded. "You have been quite disobedient, but I'll listen to your request."
"My mother is ill, and her condition is worsening even more." He paused, his fists clenching. "Yet, you have refused to give her the drugs she need."
King Maximilian took a sip of the wine in his hands. "She is a slave, Viktor. I cannot waste precious and rare drugs on a slave."
Viktor's fists shook, his voice shaking as he spoke. "She is my mother, and your responsibility."
King Maximilian placed the wine on the table, sitting up as he spoke. "Watch your words before you speak, Viktor. Things are already bad enough with you being the son of a slave."
"Is that supposed to be my fault?" Viktor asked, his voice rising slightly. "You alone are to blame for everything, and not mother."
King Maximilian's eyes shot up in anger. "How dare you speak to your father in such manner? Leave at once!"
Viktor's gaze hardened, his feet glued to their position. "My mother would die if you don't help her. I beg of you, don't let her die."
King Maximilian sighed deeply, rubbing his temple. "My decision remains the same, Viktor. A slave is not entitled to such privileges."
Viktor's knuckles turned white, his nails digging into his palm. "If anything happens to my mother, I swear I would never forgive you."
King Maximilian's fists clenched, "how could you say---"
Viktor turned abruptly, his father's voice fading as he walked out of the room.
"May the spirits of the past kings guide him to the underworld." The Queen mother's voice rang, dragging Viktor back to the present.
Viktor's gaze fell on the Queen mother who stepped back, returning to her seat. She gestured towards the priest who stepped forward.
The priest offered words of consolation and prayers before signalling the royal family to pay their final respects to the late king.
Viktor offered his grandmother a small smile, as he handed a bouquet of flowers to her. The Queen mother had a sad smile on her lips as she walked towards the coffin.
She placed the flowers on the coffin, straightening her slightly ruffled gown. "What do you think of my gown, Maxi? I decided to wear your favorite color to pay your last respects."
She paused, her eyes welling up with tears. "You were always so stubborn and never listened to me. I never understood why you choose the thorny path every time."
Her fingers clenched the side of her gown, her voice dropping to a whisper. "You should have let Viktor know the truth about his mother's death. Yet, you choose to hide everything and be the villain. I hope one day he finds out how much you cared about him."
The Queen mother sniffed, "rest well my boy, I can assure you that whoever murdered you won't go unpunished."
She looked at the coffin one last time before returning to her seat. Viktor was the next to pay his respects.
His expression was blank as he placed his flowers on the coffin. "Rest in peace... father." His voice was low and calm.
He didn't exactly have good memories of his father, the king. He stood there for a while before returning to his position, beside the Queen mother.
Markus paid his respects, followed by Vivian and Amara. Genevieve walked forward to pay her respects, her gaze sweeping through the nobles that had gathered.
She had to show her dedication and sadness over the king's death. She smiled internally, while putting a mournful look on her face.
As soon as she placed her flower on the coffin, she fell on the ground beside the coffin. Fake tears flowed out of her eyes, as she cried out.
"Oh, my king! Who could have done such a thing?" She continued to cry, raising her gaze slightly to look at the royal family and gathered nobles.
The Queen mother was taken aback by Genevieve's outburst, her eyes narrowing as she watched her. She couldn't help but wonder what she was up to at the moment.
Amara moved close to her mother, patting her at the back. "It's alright, mother."
Viktor's express turned skeptical, seeing through Genevieve's actions. His gaze turned amused as Genevieve continued to cry, moving even closer to the dug grave.
He tilted his head slightly, his hands tucking into his pocket as he said. "Careful lady Genevieve, or you'll be taking an unplanned visit down the grave."