3: The Winter Night of Revelations

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Midday is the quietest hour inside the impenetrable castle of Lamia as every guard, servant, and sovereign is at rest.

The winter season had brought about a strong blizzard with winds that echoed off the many window sills of the castle and built layers of snow on every surface.

With how loud the storm was and considering the hour of daytime, it was only by a miracle that the ambassador of Lamia heard the knock at the main entrance of the palace.

"At this hour?" Josiah questioned as he went towards the door, dressed in sleeping clothes, and opened it by a sliver. "Do pardon my rudeness traveler, but do you realize what time of the day it is?"

"I know it's late, but may I please come inside?! This blizzard--I won't make it back home like this!" A young woman begged as she tightened her grip on the anti-sunlight mantle she was wearing. "Please, I'm looking for a Dr. Bloodfern!"

Josiah became intrigued on why a peasant woman would be asking to see the doctor of the royal family. However, he also couldn't deny the poor woman shelter from the bitter cold, so he stepped aside and let her in.

The ambassador took her to warm up close to a chimney fire in the main common room of the first floor.

Josiah was about to ask her why she was looking for Dr. Bloodfern, but when she removed her cloak, he held his breath. He had no idea why, but something about her looked familiar.

Her face was certainly unknown, given she had a pair of kind auburn eyes and delicate pink lips. Her porcelain skin was still blushing from the cold, so she blew some of her breath into her palms. But there was still a trace of familiarity on her.

Josiah looked confused as the woman fixed her chocolate colored, wavy hair and then smiled up at him.

"Thank you for allowing me in." She bowed her head in gratitude and puzzlement struck the ambassador once more.

Her facial expressions were foreign yet familiar at the same time. Who was this woman?

"You're very welcome madam, but," Josiah paused as he looked her over again, giving his mind one last chance to recognize her. "May I please have your name?"

"Of course, how rude of me. My name is Amelia Swans, I am a baker in the center of town."

"Amelia?"

The woman nodded and smiled again, but this time Josiah drew his eyebrows together in shock. Amelia. Wasn't that the name of Viktor's missing daughter that he mentioned 435 years ago? The last name didn't fit, but her image and first name did.

It couldn't possibly be.

"And Ms. Swans, might one know the reason why you are searching for the royal doctor?" Josiah pried further, but he was not prepared to hear her say:

"From the look on your face sir, I think you have an idea of why I'm looking for him. I think . . . I'm his daughter."

It suddenly all clicked in the ambassador's mind and the possibility of this woman being the true daughter of Viktor Bloodfern became a bit more real.

"So, you are real." Josiah whispered as a smile started spreading over his lips. "I thought you were just a figment of his imagination!"

"I'm sorry?" Amelia tilted her head, but she was pulled up by Josiah to stand.

"Come, I'll take you to him."

The vampires moved through the castle's numerous halls and stairs until they reached the rear of it. The infirmary's curtains were drawn shut and only dim candle light barely illuminated some areas as their wax candles started shrinking from view at this hour.

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