Extended stay

Please excuse Nikolas, he can be a bit too impulsive at times," Lady Margaret said.

"It's alright," Kat responded. "We will investigate how exactly you arrived here and ensure you are safely returned home. We ask of you to be patient," Lady Margaret continued to say.

Alarm bells rang in Kat's head at the words 'investigate' and 'patient'. "Umm... hold on, what are you trying to say? You can't send me back now!?" Kat asked, panic starting to set in.

"Well, no," Lady Margaret responded. "What, why not? I mean, can't you open a portal or something, or wave magic around? I don't know, something, I just have to get back home!" Kat continued, panicking.

Sabastian had already expected this reaction from Kat, as she had reacted similarly yesterday when she arrived. "Deep breaths, Miss Kat," he said, trying to calm her down.

Kat listened to Sabastian, taking a deep breath. A smile that wasn't quite steady came up her face as she tried to mask her panic. She spoke, her voice as steady as she could make it. "I don't think you get me, but the thing is I cannot stay here. This place isn't for me. Please, you have to get me back home."

"Well, I'm afraid it doesn't work like that. We assure you we will help you get back home, but we need time," Lady Margaret said, trying to console her. "And how long would that be?" Kat asked are brows drawing together. "That I do not know," Margaret replied.

'Stay calm, Katherine, stay calm,' Kat tried to calm herself.

"It is actually great here, you just need time too...." Nikolas couldn't finish his words as Kat's head snapped at him, sending him a sharp glare. Again, Nikolas sank back into his seat, shutting his mouth once again.

"Your Majesty, for the time being, it would be best for Lady Katherine to be under your care until we can get her back home," Lady Margaret said to the king. His dull gaze met hers, and he nodded.

"Wait, what? Are you really leaving me in the care of a man who doesn't look like he would bat an eyelash if I were to die on the spot!?" Kat blurted out.

A smile coming up his lips as she spoke, a smile that seemed sinister to Kat, a similar feeling she felt with the old lady, Kat felt Goosebumps raise up her skin at the thought. "Now don't tell me you are scared of me, Miss Katherine, are you?" he commented with a hint of ridicule.

"I'm not scared, I'm simply looking after my own safety." She said her eyed slightly narrowed.

"We are aware His Highness can appear to be quite intimidating, but we can assure you would only be safest under the care of His Majesty, as any other place might be of danger to your life," Lady Margaret explained.

Kat bit the inside of her cheek feeling like the man was trying to provoke her with the way he looked at her, when his gaze met hers, she glared then looked away.

"Since that is all, you are all dismissed," the king spoke, rising from his seat. Margaret and everyone else followed, and Kat got up as well.

"I would love to give you a tour of Davorin lady Katherine " Nikolas asked walking over to Kat, but before Kat could respond, he was yanked back by his collar by Adela. "That won't be needed," she said, glaring at him. She smiled walking away dragging Nikolas along.

They all walked out of the courtroom, Kat following beside Sebastian who walked next to the king as they descended the stairs. Lady Margaret caught up to the king. "Your Highness, a word please," she requested. The king nodded, slowing down to have a word with her while the rest continued on their way to the courtyard.

"What may I help you with, Margaret?" he asked, discarding the formalities as they were alone.

"I wanted to have a word about the girl" she stated "what about her" he asked looking forward his gaze settled on the girl walking next to his butler noticing how her expression turned puzzled as the Sabastian said something to her.

"Since her arrival yesterday, words have reached us that black witches and other creatures have started to show up in villages and towns. They haven't been such a large increase in black witches for years now. That seems to be one hell of a coincidence, don't you think, lord Lucian?" she asked. Both their expressions remained calm as they walked along side each other.

"Is that so?" he responded.

"It would be better if she is kept here under close watch. She doesn't seem to have any bad intentions now, but I get the feeling there is more to her than meets the eye," she stated.

The king responded with a hum, his eyes still on the girl's back as she walked next to Sebastian in the distance.

"However, it is crucial she is kept safe, under your care, as a guest, not a snack," she remarked, a devilish smile appear on his lips at her words.

"A shame," he commented.

They passed by some servants who bowed deeply to them.

"Will you be spending the night?" he inquired.

"I am afraid not. With the arrival of the black witches, it has brought more cases to be attended to and investigations to be held. His Majesty of Eldoria was attacked yesterday, luckily he wasn't harmed. We shall be heading there at once," she stated.

"Another coincidence," he commented.

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As we walked through the halls, passing by a few maids who bowed in greeting, "My apologies for the incident that occurred in the courtroom." I heard Sabastian say.

"Incident?" I asked, confused.

"Yes, the searching of your luggage," Sebastian explained.

'What? He saw it?' At this moment, I just wanted to dig a hole and bury myself in it. Noticing my disconfort in the topic, he changed the subject. "How are you feeling about your stay here?"

"I don't know. How is one meant to feel when they end up in a world they know nothing about?" I asked, not knowing what answer to give.

"I see. If you are ever in need of anything, I would gladly be of assistance. he assured.

though I have only been here for two day's I appreciated the surport he had given since my arrival.

"Thank you," I said appreciatively.

He bowed and offered me a polite smile.

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Arriving in the courtyard, the two black carriages awaited the council members. Lady Adela ascended one of the carriages, bowing politely at Kat with a smile as she entered, she pulled Nikolas by his sleeve, who was sulking like a 5 year old that had his candy taken away from him.

At the moment kat caught sight of lady Margaret coming towards them, Kat's eyes scanned for the king, but he was nowhere to be seen. Lady Margaret walked over to her, her demeanor graceful with each step. "I look forward to seeing you again, Miss Katherine," she said. Kat nodded in response as Lady Margaret boarded the carriage. The coachman flickered the reins, prompting the horses to move.

"Miss Kat," Sebastian said, gesturing for her to follow. They walked back in the same direction they had come from, ascending the stairs to the third floor. "Where are we going?" Kat asked. "To your room," he responded. "My room? What's wrong with the previous room?" she inquired, raising an eyebrow.

"That was a guest room. The room you will be moving to now is on the west wing of the castle, which is more secure. Due to it also being where the king's chamber is located. I guarantee you will like it, and if not, I can make modifications to your liking," he explained.

They arrived at the door, and Sebastian pushed it open, stepping inside. The room was indeed to Kat's liking. There was an obvious difference between the previous room she stayed in and this one. It was larger in size and had a balcony overlooking the picturesque surroundings of the castle. "How do you like the room?" Sebastian asked.

"It's lovely, thank you" she replied." I am happy to hear that, please make yourself at home" he added. Kat was about to ask something but he beat her to it, "I would have Vivian sent to you," he stated before excusing himself.

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After Sebastian left, I took a moment to explore the room further. The spaciousness was evident, with elegant furnishings adorning the space. Walking over to the wardrobe, I opened the first door to find it already lined with an array of dresses and other garments. The other door revealed my own clothes, neatly arranged.

I moved over to the dressing table, adorned with a large mirror reflecting the soft glow of the room, my had brushed the surface of the table. My belongings were already well organized on the dressing table. "How did he arrange all this so quickly?" I muttered to myself. It was clear that every aspect of the room had been carefully curated to provide both comfort and luxury.

I wandered over to the balcony, where the view of the castle grounds spread out before me in breathtaking beauty. The wind gently tousled my hair as I took in the soothing sight. However, as the breeze grew stronger, I decided to close the glass doors of the balcony and retreat back into the room.

I waited a few minutes for Vivian, but when she didn't arrive, boredom creeping in. As expected, there was a bookshelf in the room. Going through the row of books, I found the one I had been reading earlier and returned to reading it.

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It was already the time of noon when Kat heard a knock on the door. Expecting it to be Vivian, she opened the door. "There you are," Kat greeted as Vivian stepped in. "Good afternoon, Lady Kat," Vivian responded, looking a bit worried as her eyes scanned around Kat's body before she let out a sigh. Noticing the look of worry on the girls face kat asked "What's wrong?" Vivan shook her head "it's nothing I was just worried that they might have hurt you. I'm glad to see you're okay," she smiled. Kat couldn't help it and pinched the girls cheeks finding her worried face to be quite cute " I'm perfectly fine Viv" she reassured with a smile.

Vivan taken aback by Kat's action froze for a moment before speaking "I will dish out your lunch," she said, raising the tray in her hand, which Kat hadn't noticed until now.

After having lunch, Kat went out to the balcony. The bright sun hung in the sky, though it was windy. The view was beautiful, and the castle was quite similar to her mansion in setting. While engrossed by the view, Kat felt a soft fabric being draped around her shoulders. "It's really windy out," Vivian said as she placed the fluffy black coat over Kat shoulder with a smile.

"Thank you, Vivian," Kat thanked, returning her smile. "So, did you grow up here in Davorin?" she asked.

"Yes, I did, but I wasn't born here," Vivian replied. "Where were you born?"

"I was born in the neighboring kingdom of Davina. My family moved to Davorin when I was very young," Vivian explained.

"Ah, I see. What was it like growing up here?" Kat inquired.

"It was great. Davorin is an amazing kingdom," Vivian responded.

Kat nodded, then asked about the five kingdoms, which Vivian explained were Davorin, Davina, Eldoria, Valeria, and Artena. They both spoke for a while Vivian explaining about the kingdom's to Kat.

The rest of Kat's day was spent reading and having conversations with Vivian. When night fell, as usual, Vivian helped Kat prepare for a bath. This time Vivian had picked out a nightgown for Kat, and she didn't reject it. After adding more logs to the fireplace, Vivian wished Kat goodnight and left.

The room was dimly lit by the yellow light coming from the candles. The windows were closed to keep the cold air out, and the sliding glass doors of the balcony were closed, with the curtains pulled shut.

Kat moved back and forth on the bed but couldn't bring herself to fall asleep, thinking it was probably because of the change of room. She wore a coat and went out onto the balcony. As she opened the door, the cold air of the night touched her face, making her shiver slightly. She placed her hand on the cold rails as she stared at the moon. "I miss you guys Nath. I wonder if anyone knows I'm missing yet. I hope they won't get too worried," she muttered under her breath, thinking of Miss Emma and Hanna. After a while, Kat went back inside and tried to fall asleep, which she eventually managed to do after some time, the warmth of the blanket and the flickering candlelight lulling her asleep.