Flower That Could Not Bloom (Part 6)

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LUCIA'S P. O. V

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I sat on my bed with the thorny rose in my hands. Staring at it intently, I was deep in thoughts. ‘What just happened and who did I just encounter?’. A lot of questions ran through my mind along with an uneasy feeling about them.

"It can't be a dream... but it didn't seem like a real person either."

Ruffling my hair in frustration I let out a troubled sigh.

"What's going on here? Why is no body saying anything about it?" as I pondered about these questions; a frantic slamming noise came from outside.

Someone ran past the hallway and probably went to the main hall.

"Who else is awake at this hour?" putting the rose under my pillow I hesitantly opened my door. It was all dark and faint thumping of feet could be heard.

“it's freezing outside...” I felt a cold brush of wind while peeking outside.

Suddenly, there was a harsh thud and rumbling of something or someone falling down the staircase...it went all silent, no scream came after the fall.

‘Strange...’

A heavy clanking noise filled in the hall when the guard came inside. I could hear the guard yelling.

I felt a squeezing pain in my chest as so many thoughts came crashing down on me. "Oh no... It can't be."

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The Nightmare Begins

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Opening the door wide, I saw all the maids rushing towards the hall. They probably heard the yelling of guards. Everything was so hectic and I also rushed towards the main area but then I heard a loud scream. A wail of someone in distress.

Upon reaching at the scene, I could smell the bloody stench in this cold air and couldn't believe my eyes, there lied another lifeless body of a maid drenched in a bloody pool with her friend crying helplessly.

I almost gaged at the terrible stench and mess that was in front of me and I covered my mouth.

“No please stop... stop touching her!” she screamed between sobs. “This isn't real.... please tell me that’s not true!” she fell and hurriedly grasped the dead body tightly and shook her head in denial.

While the guards tried their best to stop all the commotion, there came a loud demanding voice,

"Everyone has to calm down right now." My gaze shifted towards the silver hair boy, who was coming down from the staircase.

"I have never seen such ghastly crime in my life!" cried a terrified maid.

"We can't work here anymore! We don't want money... we need our lives!"

There was panic written all over their faces. Their response was completely chaotic, though I wouldn't be surprised. They were working in a castle that has serial murderer/s on loose and the gaps between each killing were becoming shorter and shorter.

‘Is he growing fond of killing or just becoming more impatient?’

"Everyone! Gather round in the hall and listen carefully." his highness demanded.

With worry visible all over his face he started,

"Those who want to leave shall leave by tomorrow morning, however,"

He closed his eyes and then got his somewhat nonchalant look back and continued,

"All of what happened here and what all of you just witnessed, shall never be spoken to anyone outside this hall... " he took a quick glimpse at everyone, who in return listened to him wearily.

"Is that clear?" he asked.

Whispers came from all directions and a not so convinced group of people nodded in agreement.

"Well then... I bid you farewell." The young prince seemed to be in a hurry but waited till everyone left.

'For his age, he is quite dependable. Well given the circumstances, he has to be'.

Some left right away and some went back to their rooms to pack their belongings.

However, 5 of us remained behind, including me. We were looking at each other trying to console the one known as Freya.

"Why are you still here?" The prince asked rather in annoyance.

We weren't so sure but then Freya stood up drying her tears and spoke,

“Let me be straight forward, your highness... I can’t trust you...” she glared at him. “For all these murders, I just can't shake the feeling that the royal family is involved.”

“How dare you speak like that to the prince!” a guard yelled at Freya but Prince Louis hushed him and looked back at the girl.

“Then, you're suggesting that we are behind all this...but what is your reasoning for accusing us with such suspicions?” he narrowed his eyes and continued, “Your claims must have a solid reasoning.”

“I... do not know why or how you are doing this but I won’t leave until I avenge her death and uncover the truth myself.” clenching her fist she spat out with great resentment.

Others also joined her,

"We also want to know the truth behind the murderer of the loved ones we've lost; we can't go on like that!"

To that the prince replied,

"Our best royal investigators can't even find the culprit, how are you going to do help with anything?"

“Are you sure they are even trying?” there was a conflict between the two parties. To calm the tension I stated my opinion.

"If your highness allows, we can tell you what we saw and as witnesses can collect information rather than staying quiet about the whole situation, we can work together and come closer to the answer."

He was taken aback by the sudden proposal.

"It is certain that whoever got into contact with him/her, were murdered the very next day. Do you realize the risks of letting the truth going out of this castle?"

I looked at him worriedly but kept my encounter hidden, fearing I will be sent back.

He glanced at the 5 of us and sighed,

"If you insist, we can have your help and clear your suspicions but not for long, you are to leave once you tell us everything."

"There is no promise that the killings will just remain inside the castle. If there is no one to kill, the killer will no longer stay. Making it difficult to catch him." Freya declared her opinion.

"True if the culprit stays in the castle, we can rule out who it is. Since many people will be leaving, we will know that whether it's someone from the castle or not." I also agreed with Freya.

Somewhat convinced by our statements he finally gave in,

"All right... Those who are staying, will be given utmost protection, due to the fact that he/she is aiming to murder women, you are to stay in group inside one room."

Before leaving, he paused for a moment and turned back towards us and said,

"You do understand that you are risking your lives?"

I took a deep breath and replied, "Be it inside the castle or outside, there are lives at stake too. And we don't want that." we all agreed.

After that we were dismissed and went back to our rooms. Only this time, we were in groups.

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“Sire, are you sure we should let them stay?” the guard hesitantly asked the prince.

“I can’t force someone who has doubts about the royal family leave this place. That will only cause a stir outside.”

“S-should we call back the knights that were sent to the borders?” the guard asked again.

The prince raised an eyebrow and looked at him coldly “Is your job to inquire me or guard the castle?” the guard gulped with fear.

“Summon the other princes.” he ordered the guard.

“Yes Sire! Right away!” stumbling on his way the guard disappeared from his sight.

“To think those maids will come up with something like that...” he hurriedly went back to the meeting room.

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I helped Freya sat down on one the mattresses that were given to each of us.

"I'm sorry for your loss." I said not really knowing what else to say.

"I just can't believe that she is gone." she trembled continuously and cried,

"What am I supposed to do, tell me... Why is that person doing this?"

"Let's just rest for now; I know if we work together, we can figure it out." I hugged her to give comfort hoping that this nightmare would end soon.

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