TAKING A STROLL

The Queen mother's eyes followed Heidi and Viktor until they got to their seat. She was excited to know the ginger browned hair lady that caught her beloved grandson's attention. She had been worried about the second rumor that was soon spreading across but it seemed she had worried for nothing. Seeing Viktor with a lady gladdened her troubled heart. She should speak to the fair lady, the queen mother thought gleefully.

Meanwhile, Heidi could feel her hands sweating through her gloves. She didn't know if it was because of Viktor who stood next to her drawing more attention to themselves or because of the gown she wore.

Viktor's gaze fell on Heidi who stood beside him, with her gaze fixated on the ground. There was something about her that intrigued him and made him want to pique her further.

"Shall we take a stroll outside?" His velvety voice came again drawing Heidi out of her dilemma.

"Sure" Heidi muttered softly, placing her hands in his while praying he wouldn't notice their sweatiness.

Viktor guided her out of the hall drawing everyone's attention as they walked by.

King Maximilian who had been talking to one of the guests shifted his attention to Viktor who walked out of the hall.

"Do you happen to know the lady whom Viktor danced with?" He asked Genevieve who stood beside him.

Genevieve's eyes narrowed as she shook her head. "Mother must have invited her or maybe Vivian did." She was also curious as to whom the young lady was.

"I'll go speak with Markus." Genevieve said excusing herself, greeting some of the guests as she walked by.

Outside, Heidi felt the cold bite into her skin making her wonder if coming outside was a mistake.

As Viktor led her down the corridor, Heidi couldn't help but feel that this wasn't what she had envisioned when he suggested a stroll outside.

"You seem to have a lot in mind," Viktor said, his piercing gaze fixed on her.

Heidi met his eyes, her own wide with wonder. "I was just taken aback by the castle's beauty," she replied.

Viktor's smile was captivating, his copper-green eyes glinting in the light. "Then come, I'll show you something even more fascinating."

Heidi followed him, her heart racing with anticipation. They stopped at a door she hadn't noticed before, and Viktor pushed it open, revealing a breathtaking sight. A vast sea stretched out before them, the waters glittering like diamonds.

Heidi's jaw dropped as she approached the railings, her eyes fixed on the waves. "It's... beautiful," she breathed, her doe like eyes widening in fascination.

Viktor chuckled, his voice low and husky. "One more step, and you'd be taking an unplanned swim."

Heidi stepped back, startled, and Viktor leaned against the railings, his eyes never leaving hers. There was something about her that reminded him of Bambi in the stories his mother read him as a child. His eyes traced her delicate features, something he had never quite noticed in a woman.

Her ginger brown hair cascaded in waves blowing slightly with the wind. Her big brown eyes had widened even more. Despite the veil, he could see her pink lips slightly parted in wonder. She seemed quite relaxed unlike when they were in the hall, Viktor thought to himself.

"Your father..." Viktor stated pulling back from the railings. "Who is he?"

Heidi was taken aback by his sudden question. "Lord Norris" Heidi replied sputtering the first thing that came to her mind.

Viktor's head tilted slightly in question. "I don't think I've heard of any Lord who goes by that name"

Heidi quickly replied. "He was just instituted as a Lord...that must be why"

Viktor nodded although his eyes spoke a different language. Heidi bit her lips unconsciously, it was futile lying to the man who stood in front of her now.

"Let's meet here for the evening tea party* Viktor said, turning to look at her.

"Evening party?" Heidi asked turning to meet his gaze.

"My grandmother has a lot of activities piled up in my honor, you have to show up for every one of them"

Heidi felt her head spin a little. She had to find a way to return to Charlotte and Anna. She also had to find a chance to find the flower, time wasn't exactly in her favour.

"I'm quite busy and I doubt..." Heidi started what was supposed to be an excuse but her words stopped in her mouth at Viktor's sudden action.

Viktor stepped impossibly closer to Heidi, his eyes threatening to bore a hole in her skull. "I'm sure you can cancel right? Lady Adelheid."

Heidi found her tongue tied even though her mind was evidently protesting. There was something hypnotic about his gaze that she couldn't tear her eyes away from his.

Heidi opened her mouth to protest when she felt something prick her finger through the gloves. Her eyes widened as it fell on the pin on Viktor's hands.

"Oops! My bad" Viktor muttered, the mischievous glint in his eyes contradicting his words. "You are yet to give me an answer lady Adelheid"

Heidi gulped slightly, this dangerously handsome prince was definitely not as kind as he looked. Heidi sighed softly before she finally said, "of course"

Viktor smile widened at her words. "Very well" he said leaning away from her.

As soon as Viktor leaned away, Heidi released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. She made to pull back from the railings, but her gown had other plans. The delicate ruffles had hooked onto the metal, holding her in place. Viktor's eyes followed her movements, narrowing as he realized her predicament.

Heidi's eyes met his, pleading for help without uttering a word. She couldn't ask him to fetch a maid; they might recognize her, and her secret would be exposed. Viktor sighed softly, his broad shoulders rising with the motion. He took a step closer, his chest almost touching hers as he reached behind her to free her gown.

Heidi's mind went fuzzy as his breath caressed her ear, sending shivers down her spine. Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson, and she felt the heat radiating from her skin. Viktor's hands worked deftly, his fingers brushing against her back, sending sparks through her entire being.

"This damned railing," Heidi thought, as she waited for Viktor to be done with her gown.

After what felt like forever, Heidi felt her gown come undone from the railings. Heidi breathed a sigh of relief, her gaze falling to the ground to avoid his piercing eyes. She didn't want him to notice her flustered state.

"We should return to the celebration," Viktor said, his deep voice breaking the silence.

Heidi nodded hastily, eager to escape the charged atmosphere. As they turned to leave, Viktor offered his arm, and Heidi took it, her hand resting lightly on his sleeve.

There were no words shared between them as they walked out of the corridor heading back the hall. Heidi kept her eyes fixated on the ground, more out of habit.

As they emerged from the corridor, the queen mother's voice rang out, "There you are!" Viktor halted, and Heidi turned to face the approaching monarch. With a deep bow, Heidi greeted the queen mother, who smiled warmly.

"It's cold outside," Viktor said, his eyes narrowing slightly as he addressed his grandmother. Heidi detected the difference in the tone of his voice as he addressed the queen mother. There was an unmistakable hint of worry in his voice.

The queen mother waved her hand reassuringly. "No need to worry, I'm accustomed to the chill. I've been searching for you both everywhere."

Viktor's eyes locked onto his grandmother's. "Is there a problem, Grandmother?"

Emilia chuckled, her wrinkles deepening. "None, my boy. I simply wished to meet this lovely lady." Her gaze fell upon Heidi, who bowed slightly. "Lady...?"

"Adelheid," Heidi replied, her voice steady.

The queen mother clapped her hands, her smile broadening. "A beautiful name for a fair lady such as yourself. I see you've caught my grandson's eye."

Heidi's laughter was nervous, her mind racing with the web of lies she'd spun. Viktor's intense gaze only added to her discomfort.

Heidi smiled, her mind racing with the situation she found herself in. "I wouldn't say that, milady"

"Nonsense," the queen mother said, her eyes twinkling. "I'm sure Viktor is smitten by your beauty."

Heidi's face paled as the queen mother asked, "Tell me, Lady Adelheid, which kingdom does your father preside over?"