Hours turned to days, and days into weeks until two weeks slowly went by in the grand castle. The initial shock of the king's murder had begun to fade, replaced by a sense of unease normalcy.
Viktor sat on the desk in his room, his eyes going through the objects collected at the scene of the king's murder. His gaze lingered on the dagger which had been used to stab the king.
He had never really looked at it carefully, and had only concentrated on the note. Looking at it now, Viktor noticed the distinct carvings on the hilt of the dagger- a snake coiled around an arrow.
Viktor's gaze narrowed, as the carvings looked familiar. He was sure he had seen it somewhere but he couldn't recall.
A knock at the door broke his reverie.
"Enter," he called out.
Levi stepped into the room, his expression measured, an envelope in his hands. "An invitation has just arrived from the Duke of Ravenstone. He beseeches your presence in the Midsummer Night's ball."
Viktor waved his hands in dismissal, his tone bored and disinterested. "I have more pressing matters to attend to, than a ball."
Levi pursed his lips, his hands still holding the envelope towards Viktor. "The Duke specifically requests your presence, citing a matter of great importance."
Viktor considered Levi for a while, before nodding curtly. "Alright, I'll take a look."
As Levi handed Viktor the envelope, the seal of Ravenstone embossed on the wax caught his eye. It was the same as the carvings he had seen on the dagger.
Viktor's brow arched, his gaze lingering on the seal. Could there be a connection between the Duke of Ravenstone and the murder? The only way to find out was to attend the ball.
"When does this ball hold?" He asked, raising his gaze to meet Levi.
Levi's voice was low and calm as he replied; "in two days, milord."
Viktor nodded, straightening himself from his chair. The creaking of leather echoed in the room. "Make the preparations, let's pay Duke Warren a visit." A hint of amusement danced in his voice.
Levi raised a brow, noticing the subtle humor in Viktor's voice. He was surprised by Viktor's sudden approval but didn't ask why. "Are you going somewhere, milord?" He inquired instead.
Viktor nodded, his voice low and calm. "I'll be at the library, I found something interesting."
Levi nodded, offering a bow as he turned to leave. He halted midway as Viktor called him back.
"I want you to find out whatever you can about the seal of Ravenstone."
Levi's brows furrowed, his expression turning quizzical. "Is there a problem, milord?"
Viktor's tsked. "Not yet, I fear that the Duke owes me an explanation. The seal of Ravenstone and the carvings on the dagger are exactly the same."
Levi's eyes narrowed, surprised at the revelation. "I'll find out everything I can." He bowed and left the room.
Viktor carefully placed the dagger and the envelope in his safe, before heading to the library.
Meanwhile, Heidi strolled along the castle's serene, flanked by the tranquil sounds of softly burbling water features and the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers. Behind Anna and Charlotte, she walked, taking in the warm sunlight filtering through the ornate trellises.
Anna had suggested they take a leisurely walk around the grand castle, much to Charlotte's evident displeasure. As they passed the majestic fountain at the garden's center, Anna's voice cut through the quiet air.
"The grand castle is truly majestic," Anna exclaimed. "I feel like I can't see enough of it."
Charlotte nodded, murmuring in agreement, her gaze drifting toward the intricate stone carvings adorning the fountain. "We had smaller fountains back at Stormcrest, but none compare to this."
Anna smiled, turning to face Charlotte. "Aren't you enjoying the view now? This is much better than being curled up all day, reading books."
Charlotte scoffed, disagreement evident in her voice. "I see more than just fountains while reading books."
Anna folded her arms, her expression unyielding. "I still prefer this. I don't think I can finish a single book."
She turned to Heidi, who had been listening quietly, her mind absorbing the sibling banter. "Don't you agree with me, Heidi?"
Heidi smiled awkwardly, her thoughts racing to find a diplomatic answer to soothe the sisters.
"I think both have their own charm. Reading can transport us to new worlds, while exploring the castle grounds can be refreshing."
Anna and Charlotte nodded, in agreement with Heidi's words. Heidi breathed in relief when the siblings didn't further the argument. She felt like a mother who had just prevented an argument between her kids.
Their quiet stroll was interrupted by the sudden raindrops from the sky. The raindrops intensified and Heidi's gaze turned worried.
"I think we should go in now, you both might catch a cold." She implored, her eyes pleading especially with Anna.
Anna hesitated before nodding her head, a smile spreading on her lips. "Alright, Heidi. Let's go in now."
Heidi's relief was palpable as they made their way into the castle. The sisters continued their laughter and conversations as they walked through the corridors.
As they climbed the stairs leading to their room, Charlotte's footsteps came to an abrupt halt.
She clicked her tongue, disappointment in her voice. "I forgot to get a book from the library earlier, the next volume of "The Lord of silver mist series."
Anna tsked. "The Library is at the opposite side of the castle."
Heidi quickly came to Charlotte's aid, a small smile coming to her lips. "I could help you get it from the library."
Charlotte's face brightened, ger voice filled with relief. "Oh, thank you Heidi!" She paused, recalling that Heidi was a slave. "But how would you find the book since you can't read?"
Heidi pursed her lips, searching for a reply for Charlotte. She could read quite well, but how would she explain that to Charlotte? Slaves weren't supposed to be educated in the slightest way.
"You could give me the volume of the book you have here, and I'll find one that looks the same." She suggested, hoping Charlotte wouldn't object.
Charlotte's brows furrowed, worry evident in her voice. "That would take quite a while, I do not intend to tire you, Heidi."
Heidi offered her a reassuring smile. "That's okay, lady Charlotte. I'm more than happy to find the book you want."
Charlotte's smile returned, as she mouthed a thank you. She quickly went into their chambers, emerging after a while with a book in her hands.
"Here it is, Heidi." She said handing the book over to Heidi.
"I'll be right back," Heidi bowed, leaving to get the book from the library.
Heidi walked stealthily towards the library, her footsteps echoing against the marble floor. She had only been to the library once, and almost got into trouble. Another slave had caught her reading a book, and had reported to sir Gideon.
Heidi had to make a lot of explanations, to save herself. She had finally lied that the book was placed upside down.
Her footsteps halted as she got to the Library's door. She turned the knob, the sound of the creaking wood disturbing the silence. Heidi walked into the library, the scent of old books and the faint smell of dust lingering in the air.
Her gaze darted to the book in her hands, before drifting to the numerous shelves. She walked deeper into the library, her eyes searching through the shelves.
A book on one of the shelves caught her attention: "The Art of Enchantment and Magic." Heidi's curiosity got the better of her, and she opened the cover, revealing yellowed pages filled with intricate illustrations. As she delved into the text, her heart racing with excitement, she heard footsteps approaching from the other side of the shelf.
Heidi's head jerked up, her eyes locking onto Viktor's amused expression. "I didn't know you could read, Heidi," he said, his voice low and smooth. "Quite... interesting."