In the middle of the vineyard behind the castle, Meredith stood, her gaze distant and thoughts even farther. She looked as though nothing around mattered to her.
The large cloak on her swayed with the wind, the chilled air brushing lightly against her tender skin, but she didn't react to it as if she was used to staying out in the cold like that.
The rustle of the leaves and twigs of broken branches echoed the arrival of another presence, garnering her attention and halting her thoughts.
Turning, she saw three of her maids approaching, panic written all over their faces, while they tried to catch their breaths.
"We finally found you, my lady. We have been looking everywhere for you," Brianna said, stopping just a few steps away. Her hand on her knees, still struggling to breathe properly.
"I am glad that you are all right, my lady. But we ought to leave here at once. This vineyard belongs to his majesty," Hildegard said, her tone pleading.
When Edith did not respond or show any signs of cooperation, Stella spoke, completing the words that Hildegard should have said.
"His majesty forbade all except Sir Evans from stepping foot in the vineyard. You might fall out of grave with his majesty if you are caught in here, my lady. Please allow us to lead you back inside. It's almost time for dinner."
Instead of replying to them, Edith looked past them where she could see two more silhouettes approaching.
"I am afraid it is much too late now," she said, her voice still as calm as ever. "You may leave if this would bring you trouble. I did come here on my own."
The maid looked at each other, then turned simultaneously towards the sound of the approaching footsteps. When the silhouettes became clearer, they felt their hearts drop but could leave or turn away.
It was as Edith had said it was already too late.
"Your majesty," all three greeted once they were close enough.
"Leave us," Davion dismissed them.
As if that was all they were waiting for, they scurried away.
"My lady," Evans greeted, while she she just smiled along with curt bow, reciprocating his gesture.
"You too, Evans. Leave us," Davion dismissed him, too.
"Should I have dinner postponed, your Majesty?" Evans asked. He had thought that was why they came here. To get eduth back inside since Davion wouldn't eat without having at the table.
"No. We have other plans for tonight," Davion replied.
Evans paused at that. He looked between the two, but no one showed any expression. He sighed inwardly and bowed. "Understood."
As soon as he was gone, Davion turned his focus to Edith.
Even though she tried to hide it, he could tell something still bothered, and he knew exactly what it was. She wouldn't stand in the middle of the vineyard at a time like this, doing nothing but just staring at them wordlessly.
"Have you decided?" He asked, and she nodded her head.
"I will stay here," she said. Looking at her, her fists were tightly clenched at her side. Her jaws worked as her teeth grit against each other, and he knew she was angry.
"What have you found that led to this?" He asked further.
"I will find out soon," she said and pulled the hood over her head. "We should go now. I was told the town is more lively at a time like this. Any later and we would miss the most fun of the night."
Davion watched intensely. Her every expression, however subtle, he noted. And right now, she was far from all right bit still acting like it. Whatever she found out about her people must have broken her, but being Edith, she refused to show weakness or any emotion that would make anyone think so of her.
Without a word, he followed her.
They walked for a few minutes in silence whike drawing farther away from the gates. As much as he wanted to follow her lead, he wanted to make sure she got to see whatever she was looking forward to seeing in time.
"Do you perhaps know where we are headed?" He asked, and she stopped. Looking around, thoughtfully, she nodded her head.
"Yes, the exit should be just around the corner," Davion arched a brow in askance. "It's a secret exit. I have been here long enough to map out the perimeter. I must admit, it's a lot bigger than I thought." She said and resumed walking as if she didn't just say that she knew the inside and out of the castle and it premises in just a few days.
"I am.quiye impressed, Greta. When did you have the time to do that," Davion asked, following behind her again. His curiosity piqued as to where she would lead him and how she came about the secret exit.
"This morning, after we parted. There was nothing to do, so I made the most of my time. Besides, if we are to leave unnoticed, Taki g the main entrance is out of the question," she stopped and turned to look at him. "Or were you planning to just run through your servants and leave you home unguarded?"
Davion gave it some thought and then shook his head. "I can't deny that, "running through the servants" would have been an effective option, I had inherent plans," he said, chuckling when she glared at him. "So, where is this secret passage of yours? And how did you find it?"
"Everyone knows every palace. However, big or small, it always has a hidden exit. I just looked for one, and it's right ahead, over there," Editb replied with shrug.
"Must have been troublesome."
"No, it was a fun activity to kill time," she stopped and pulled a few overgrown vines aside. "Here it is but it reqquires a key to open it."
"I am still impressed you found it. It's well hidden but I am not surprised," he said, stepping forward when she stepped aside. He then placed his hand on the wall. " Give me your hand, Greta," he instructed. She frowned but dtill gave him her hand. He drew a circle on her palm, "This should be enough. Now tplaace your hand on it."
Realizing what he did, she looked at him in shock.
"You might need this exit someday, Greta. I am not that selfish as to keep it from you. This should also be able to open all other exits."
"But still…"