Mystical beasts of the Black forest

"Are you alright?" , Daniel asked Violet when they reached the garden.

" I am alright. That was nothing."

Violet truly did not feel sad after hearing the news.

For someone to feel pain at these kind of betrayals, the heart has to be involved.

But Violet felt that she was merely a spectator to what just happened.

" But Violet, what was that about you pushing Lady Olivia into the pond? ", Ethan asked and hastily continued , " I am not doubting you. I was merely curious. It's fine if you are not secure in sharing the details."

" Yes , Violet . I have never heard of that incident either." , Luis replied.

'Right. I did not tell my family in fear that I would have to speak about what happened after the pond incident.'

Violet felt bad about hiding the incident from her family but she just wanted to prevent them from the rage and heartbreak.

" Your Grace Luis did not know about it either?", Ethan remarked.

" Because I did not tell anyone.

Even my maid-in- waiting doesn't know about what happened. Just the Emperor, Lady Olivia, Xander and I know about the incident."

" So?", Ethan asked with curious eyes.

Violet took a deep breath and waved her hand as if it was no big deal.

" She came to visit me. She was pregnant. Suddenly, she screamed and jumped into the pond. And when she woke up , she told the Emperor that I was the one who pushed her in. And drama ensued." , Violet shrugged .

But everyone could see that she was not comfortable and was probably hiding some details.

They did not ask anything further because they did not want to invade her personal space.

" She's unbelievable! How could someone be so vicious ? " , Ethan remarked.

" Such a scheming woman. You should be careful. ", Sebastian advised Violet.

" She's always up to petty tricks over the years. I have lost count." , Violet replied.

Violet had indeed lost count of the numerous petty tricks Lady Olivia would come up with.

Violet had seen Lady Olivia trip herself during their conversation to gain the Emperor's sympathy .

Or cry to the Emperor about how Violet was abusing her power as the Empress to mistreat her.

Or how Lady Violet would accidentally spill tea on Violet's dress.

It was so petty and obvious that Violet would simply roll her eyes.

However , Violet always made sure to put Lady Olivia in her place.

Otherwise , that shameless woman would become even more shameless.

The best Violet could do was verbally reprimand her.

Or teach her lesson by grounding her to her room for a few days .

" Vi! " , Matthew's voice rang at a distance ,

" The kids are waiting for you.

They're in your bedroom."

Violet turned to Luis and the new friends

and said ,

" I had a wonderful time with all of you.

I apologise for exposing you to such an uncomfortable situation. You may go back and enjoy the party. I shall see you tomorrow for the afternoon tea."

" You're inviting only them? What about me , Vi?" , Mathew sulkily said.

" You do not even like tea, brother Matt.

And you always visit me . I am tired of seeing you already."

" Boohoo. Boohoo. Are you abandoning me ?" , Matthew wiped his invisible tears.

" My beautiful brother , let's not embarrass ourselves in front of our guests , alright?" , Violet childed with amusement and adoration.

" Kiss . A good night kiss. "

Violet kissed Matthew on his cheeks and she saw her two brothers looking at her with expectation in their eyes .

Violet chuckled and kissed them on the cheeks as well.

" Violet , what about me?" , Ethan asked which earned a glare from everyone including Daniel.

"I was just joking. Just joking."

" Good night , everyone. Xander , let's go. "

" Same routine tonight?" , Matthew asked mysteriously.

"Hmm." , Violet replied.

Violet reached her chambers and saw Nathan and Margaret sitting on her bed.

" Mommy, you're finally here!" , Nathan exclaimed with delight.

"Mom !" , Margaret squealed.

" What are you up to?" , Violet asked.

" Brother Nathan was reading a book for me." , Margaret happily replied.

" Oh, which book?", Violet asked.

" Fascinating sea creatures of the Ancient Eastern World." , Nathan replied with pride.

" That's an interesting book. But are you able to understand , Margie darling?"

" I cannot pronounce and understand the big words. But Brother Nathan explained everything that I did not understand." , Margaret replied.

" Great job , Nathan darling. You have grown up to be a reliable brother.

You're able to teach your sister now."

" It's because mommy reads to me every night. And mommy also always explain the difficult words to me in simple language. That's why I was able to help Margie." , Nathan replied.

Violet smiled at the children and went to the bathroom .

She changed to her nightgown and sat with her back to the headboard slat of the bed.

" So , which book do you want me to read to you tonight?", Violet asked.

" Mystical beasts of the Black forest." , Nathan replied.

" The book about Dragons, Elves, Fairies, Giants, Gnomes, and Unicorns?

Wow. I'm so excited." , Margaret giggled.

"....This dense forest in the North is run through with narrow paths between moss-covered stones and gnarled old trees, with creaky looking bridges and boardwalks set into the walkways.

Fairies are magical creatures, usually very much like human beings .

They have been the rightful guardians of the North forest since time immemorial....

The forest floor in the South is carpeted with trees and burbling streams that run in between the valleys and gorges among the sandstone columns.

Giants are a type of very large human-like creatures who rule the South forests.

They had legs that ended in the tails of snakes or the scales of dragon."

Violet looked and saw that both Nathan and Margaret had fallen asleep.

She kissed them on the forehead and whispered softly,

" Sweet dreams. Mommy loves you both."

Violet got up from her bed and prepared cranberry tea.

She added a bit of alcohol , squeezed a teaspoon of lemon juice and orange juice.

Violet made the tea stronger than usual , doubling the amount of tea leaves used so that the alcohol does not overpower the taste of the tea.

Naturally, adding alcohol to tea offset some of the health benefits of tea since alcohol isn't exactly healthy in and of itself.

But adding a little extra something to tea not only enhanced its flavour, but it also helped one to relax, reduce pain, anxiety, and stress.

And it was Matthew who had found out this secret that she would drink alcoholic tea every night before she slept.

Matthew was not happy when he found out but had decided to keep it a secret from everyone.

He had only warned Violet not to indulge in it and drink not more than a cup a day.

And that's what Violet did.

She would drink a cup of alcoholic tea every night with the alcohol making up only one – sixth of the entire drink.

Violet thought of those grey eyes as she sipped her tea.

Daniel August Castillo.

Violet remembered how her heart skipped a beat when Daniel held her hand.

She had been surprised at the contact but did not feel repulsed by it.

'That was strange.' , Violet thought.

' But I am grateful he held my hand as it calmed my nerves.

How strange indeed. Instead of aggravating my nerves , it soothe my heart and fears.'