Barbara finished her tasks for the day and sat leisurely reading a book. Her workload was getting lesser because of winter that was nearing so she had so much relaxation time. The weather had begun to change as the rain fell nonstop the past week, however, today seemed to be much cooler as the sun rose high in the clear sky.
"Lady Barbara, lunch is ready," her maid informed.
Barbara put the book down above her desk, dotting the page she arrived in reading, stood up and walked to the dining room, meeting Aurora in the corridor. It was the first time she saw after her return. She requested her parent to go and check on Aurora, but her mother refused telling her that Aurora was in shock and could not receive any visitors. Barbara knew it was an excuse to prevent her from seeing Aurora.
"Aurora, how are you doing?" Barbara asked, concerned by Aurora's wellbeing.
"Fine," she replied, without glancing at her, walking away.
Seeing her expression, Barbara asked, "Are you blaming me too?"
Aurora shook her head and responded with a weak, "No."
Sighing in relief, "If you need to talk, I will be listening," Barbara offered, noticing Aurora's situation. Earlier, she was bubbly and full of smiles, but now she was like a phantom. "Were you going to the dining room?" seeing Aurora nodding, she expressed, "Let us go together."
As they entered, Barbara saw her parent sitting in their seats. Stepping ahead, she sat silently and waited for the servants to serve them food. Her parent welcomed Aurora heartily.
The atmosphere in the room became awkward as time went by. Since the day her mother accused her, something changed in that moment. It was like their beautiful family's portrait was shredded to many pieces in her imagination. Her mother did not apologize to her and neither could she forgive her for what she said. They just treated one another like an honourable guest whom they should respect.
The lunch passed in utter silence. After finishing, Barbara went back to her room. As she sat on the sofa, her maid came, handing her a letter. Unscrewing it, she was surprised to see it was an invitation from Richard to go out whereas the location was the Mermaid Lake.
Barbara frowned, 'Did Richard go crazy? Who will go there in this weather?' she thought.
The Mermaid Lake was truly magnificent, with its vast expanse of water that took on a light blue hue, almost as if it was illuminated from within by a myriad of stars during the spring and summer months. However, as autumn sat in, the temperature began to dip, eventually leading to the complete freezing of the lake in winter.
Traditionally, the lake had been a popular spot for picnics and leisurely strolls, but during the winter months, it became far too cold for such activities. The icy landscape transformed the surroundings into a winter wonderland, but the biting cold made it less suitable for outdoor entertainment.
Barbara wanted to refuse, but upon thinking that Richard must have planned something or a surprise for her, she changed her mind. Entering her bedchamber, she called her maid to help her prepare. After seeing her reflection in the mirror, she nodded. The dress was a mix of beige at the top while the skirt was green. She wore flat shoes and a simple set of jewellery with green pearls. Her red hair was let loose. When her maid notified her that the carriage was waiting, she dropped her large black coat on her shoulder and strode out.
When she arrived at the lake, she tightened her grip on the coat. The weather was colder than in her house. She walked to the usual place she and Richard had come to when they visited the lake in spring. It was a nice outing for both her family and the count's. Barbara smiled recalling how much they enjoyed the picnic. They strolled and played for a long time.
Her smile fluttered, remembering about her situation right now. 'Nothing remained the same. Everything changed like the weather. Everything was colourful in spring and became dull in autumn,' she thought, walking over.
Barbara waited for some time but saw no one coming. She frowned, thinking that Richard had been late for their appointment when he was the one who invited her here!
Time flew by; Barbara's legs froze because of the weather. She walked to warm herself; suddenly her foot stepped over a muddy place. Barbara exclaimed trekking backwards. Looking at the mud covering her shoes and the hum of her dress, she grimaced.
"You have to explain the reason for your lateness and compensate me with a new dress and shoes!" she voiced angrily.
Barbara walked to the serene lake, the soft sounds of lapping water providing a soothing soundtrack. As she reached the water's edge, she delicately lowered herself and dipped the corner of her handkerchief into the cold, clear water. With rapid movements, she dabbed at the mud clinging to her shoes and dress, pausing occasionally to rinse the cloth and continue her task until her gown and shoes restored a bit of cleanliness.
As she stood up, she heard stepping sounds. "You finally came!" she said, turning around. "You, what are you doing--"
Barbara didn't continue her last word as she felt herself swaying backwards from the push. Her body fell slowly into the lake. Coldness penetrated her body like knives. She struggled to swim to the shore but her frantic attempts were hindered by her lack of swimming skills.
Inhaling water, she struggled to breathe as it filled her mouth and nose, her limbs growing increasingly weaker. As she began to sink deeper, her mind reflected on her memories with her parent pondering on their feeling if she died, would they miss her?
…
At the same time.
Kristie peeked through the hay she was buried under and saw no one outside. She then descended from the carriage and brushed herself off. The carriage had come to a stop at a farm on the outskirts of the capital.
Kristie wondered where to go next, as she was being pursued by a crazy man. She had found many hiding spots but feared that he was monitoring them. She had been on the run for over two months, and the man showed no sign of giving up the search. As she pondered her next move, she heard the sound of approaching horses and quickly hid behind a tree.
"Master, she must go this way."
She heard the man talking with his master, the crazy man. She cursed and walked deeper into the forest. Hearing walking steps behind her, she ran aimlessly to arrive at the Mermaid's lake boards. Her chest thumped as the stepping was nearing while she had nowhere to go but the lake. She took a deep breath and jumped into the lake.
"Master, no one is here."
She heard the same voice from earlier. Kristie closed her mouth and nose and waited for the men to go but they stood there. The man's hawk-like eyes stared at the lake as if piercing through her. Kristie couldn't stop her breath for long.
"Master, I saw movement in the water on the other side of the lake. She must be Venom."
As the men departed, Kristie frantically swam upward, but her movement was hindered when her leg became trapped in the clinging tendrils of a submerged plant. Despite her desperate struggles to break free, she could not. Overwhelmed with a sense of hopelessness, she shut her eyes, consumed by the thought that if she died, would anyone miss her?