TEA WITH THE LADIES

Viktor sat on the bench, with his back against the backrest. His eyes were closed as his mind wandered away. Things hadn't changed much, he thought. Genevieve still has his father under her control, and had successfully turned Markus against him.

The look in Markus's eyes was nothing short of envy and hate. This was a big contrast to the look he had as a boy. Viktor was momentarily distracted by the sound of footsteps against the garden floors, he could hear the sound of skirts rustling on the ground. The footsteps began to retreat and a smile spread across his face on realizing who it was.

"Running away?" He asked, his voice low and husky. His eyes flickered open as it fell on Heidi who stood like a statue.

His gaze moved from her face, down to the gown she wore. She wore a beautiful, flowing gown made of silk and lace. The gown was a soft, pale blue color. The bodice was fitted, accentuating Heidi's slender waist, and the full skirt fell in soft folds to the ground. Delicate lace trim adorned the neckline and sleeves, adding an overall touch of beauty.

Heidi's cheeks flushed as she stood frozen, her eyes locked on Viktor's. He had changed into a green tuxedo, matching the cooper green color of his eyes. She hadn't expected him to notice her presence, let alone the fact she was about to slip away. "I...I wasn't running away," she stammered, her voice barely a whisper.

Viktor's smile grew wider as he sat up straight, his eyes never leaving hers. "Oh? Then what would you call it?" He asked, his head tilting slightly in amusement.

Heidi took a step forward, her hands clasped together in front of her. "I was only admiring the flowers," she said, her gaze drifting away from his.

Viktor's lips twitched at her words of defense. "I'm sure you were, lady Adelheid. Since we are at the topic, tell me what you think of the garden."

Heidi smiled genuinely as she said, "It's breathtaking. The flowers are exquisite."

Viktor hummed in agreement, standing up from the bench he had been sitting on. He strolled towards the flower bed, his fingers grazing the petals. Heidi's eyes followed his movement.

They stood there silently for a while, before Viktor stood up straight, offering Heidi a smile. "Shall we join the others? I'm sure they are wondering where we are."

Heidi nodded, as they both walked out of there. They strolled through the garden, thr sound of laughter and voices growing louder with each step.

As they entered, Heidi felt the collective gaze of the assembly settle upon them like a physical weight. She had momentarily forgotten her predicament, entranced by Viktor's presence, but now her mind was racing with the implications. Her eyes darted towards the royal family, and she instinctively sought an escape. "You go ahead, I'll speak to my friends over there," she said, gesturing towards a cluster of younger ladies, her voice barely above a whisper.

Viktor's eyes narrowed slightly, as if sensing her unease. He regarded her for a moment, his expression unreadable, before nodding curtly. Heidi offered him a strained smile, watching as he walked away, his broad shoulders disappearing into the crowd.

Heidi heaved a sigh of relief, glad that she had evaded trouble for the time being. She walked towards an empty table and sat on the chair. She had no intentions of speaking with any of the younger Ladies.Her eyes continued to watch the guests around, until someone approached her.

"Hi, I'm Sure you know who I am" the unwelcomed guest said.

Heidi's eyes widened in worry as it fell on Amara, who stood with two other ladies. Heidi identified one of the ladies as Lady Niyassa who had created a scene with her slave. Heidi didn't know who the other lady was.

Heidi offered Amara a small smile. "Of course, princess Amara, it's an honor to meet you." She said, knowing she didn't mean any of it.

Heidi could slightly remember how she had gotten in trouble with lady Genevieve because of Amara. They were just little girls then but Heidi reminded herself to be wary of the princess.

Amara clapped, her voice gleeful. "Ah, I see. Who wouldn't know who I am?" She said, her voice tinged with obvious pride. "This is lady Gazelle and lady Niyassa." She said again, gesturing to the ladies who stood beside her. "And you are?"

Heidi smiled. "Adelheid... lady Adelheid," she said, wishing they would buzz off.

"It's nice to meet you, lady Adelheid." Gazelle said taking a seat beside Heidi.

Heidi laughed nervously as she watched the Amara and Niyassa take their seats beside her.

Niyassa waved her hands, beckoning on a butler who walked by with a tray of tea and glass cups. The butler bowed before dropping the tray on the table and serving the tea for the girls. He bowed again and left.

"I would appreciate it if you can have tea with us, lady Adelheid." Amara said, with a smile plastered on her face.

Heidi managed a smile, "of course, princess Amara." She said to Amara's satisfaction.

Amara's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she asked, "Tell us, Lady Adelheid, what art do you practice in your free time?" Heidi's hand trembled slightly, almost spilling her tea as she searched for a suitable response. She thought wryly of her endless chores - washing, cleaning, dusting - but doubted that would impress the princess. "I play the piano," she said finally, hoping Amara wouldn't request a performance.

Gazelle smiled, placing her tea cup on the tray. "That sounds lovely, Lady Adelheid. I play the violin myself."

Niyassa chimed in, "My governess says I should try singing... although I think I'll try the piano too."

Amara's laughter cut through the conversation, her voice dripping with amusement. "Oh please, Niyassa, don't attempt singing. I fear the birds would flee in terror at your voice."

Niyassa's face fell, her embarrassment palpable. Heidi's gaze drifted to Amara, still chuckling at her own jest. If there was one trait the Crane siblings shared, Heidi thought wryly, it was a questionable sense of humor. The tension in the air was palpable, and Heidi wondered how much longer she'd have to endure this awkward gathering.

"Mother says I should quit my guitar lessons and concentrate on finding a suitor." Amara said, her voice tinged with a bit of disappointment.

Gazelle nodded thoughtfully as she added. "I'll be turning nineteen by the next winter season, I already have numerous proposals but none of them appeal to me."

Niyassa, still sulking from Amara's earlier jab scoffed. "I know you have your eyes on the first prince, Gazelle." Gazelle's cheeks flushed, and Amara scowled. "He doesn't compare to prince Markus, you all forget he's cursed."

Heidi's gaze fell on Amara who had just spoken ill of her brother. She wondered how complicated the relationships in the royal family was.

"And you, lady Adelheid." Amara said, turning her gaze to Heidi. "Have you accepted any suitors yet?"

Heidi laughed nervously, wondering why Amara was determined to drag her into their conversations. "Suitors" were something Heidi didn't even dream about. She was a slave and she doubted she would ever get married to anyone. She was eighteen already but apparently, her life wasn't hers to control.

"I plan to finish my piano lessons." She said, hoping that would deflect further questions.

But Gazelle's curiosity was piqued. "I don't think I've seen you at any events, lady Adelheid. It's as if you appeared out of thin air." Heidi's heart sank, and her hands that held onto the tea cup suddenly felt light. The tea cup fell out of her hands, shattering into tiny pieces on the ground.