章 101: Blood

"Lord... Lord Henrik, I implore you to spare a moment," Ophelia called out as Henrik crossed the threshold of the mansion, her voice tinged with urgency. "Please, my lord, grant me but a minute of your time."

Henrik turned towards her, a genial smile gracing his features. "What troubles you, Ophelia?" he inquired, his tone gentle and inviting.

A knot of concern tightened in Ophelia's voice as she spoke, her words flowing with a sense of unease. "His Highness, Prince Maximilian, is absent from the mansion, and the butlers deny me an audience with Victor Eve. The agreed-upon two weeks have elapsed, and she should have returned to her chambers tonight."

Henrik's smile faltered ever so slightly as he absorbed Ophelia's words. "The Prince instructed me to extend her stay by two more nights," he revealed, a touch of curiosity creeping into his voice. "Is there a matter of urgency that I should be aware of?"