When Blindfolds Fall

2: First Impressions

Composure. Elegance. Sophistication. And intelligence.

Those were the standards set by the last royal doctor that served the royal family of Crow for 266 years and must be carried on like the passing of a torch. Through generations, these characteristics shall thrive and be embodied by the doctor without fail.

It was early, a few rays of sunlight were still caressing the contrasting black of the northern chain of mountains in Adamite, and encouraging the moist air to condense into droplets on every surface. The morning dew was indication enough that whilst it was the middle of the spring season in the Kingdom of Lamia, cool temperatures still lingered just enough to bring a noticeable chill in the air.

Today, was an important day. Tonight, Viktor Bloodfern was to finally begin his new and permanent job of caring for all the royal family's necessities at any hour.

The schedule was bound to be unfair, it was clear even now on his first night where he was told to arrive at five in the afternoon sharp. Not a single second earlier, not a single second late. But, to Viktor at least, the schedule was but a familiar handshake.

He never got a good day's sleep nowadays.

"Crap, how was it supposed to . . .?" The soon-to-be royal doctor muttered to himself as he stood in front of a mirror in his little apartment at the capital.

He was already hating this uniform, it was so specific. As royal doctor, his image had to be impeccable and follow the instructions as written on his manual down to a tee. Even the way his rogue tie must be fixed at his neck had a special technique.

Viktor had already been up and ready to go for a half hour, but this measly tie was holding him back.

"I swear to fucking--" Viktor groaned and sighed exasperated as he admired the best product he could come up with. "Fuck it. Nobody's gonna notice."

Without a tenth attempt, Viktor picked up his anti-sunlight cloak from a nearby chair and swung it over his shoulders before heading out of his apartment. He rushed down the stairs and exited the apartment complex for good, seeking a carriage to give him a faster lift to the castle.

Not even the town square was active this time of day, and it was always busy and bustling with merchants. But one advantage of this ghostly hour was the perfect lack of traffic.

That was why Viktor made it in as little as ten minutes to the castle, so that he was right on time. The clock's hand struck five just as soon as Viktor reached the main door and two guards protecting the home of the king stopped him.

"Halt." The guards pronounced and crossed their spears to block his way. "Who are you?"

"Dr. Viktor Bloodfern." Viktor replied. "The king is expecting me."

Luckily, the guards received notice well in advance that a man by this name would be requesting entry to the castle at this very hour. Whomever relayed this message, certainly had a perfect grip on their job.

The protectors removed themselves from Viktor's path and opened the heavy, tall, wooden doors that led inside the most prestigious place in the kingdom.

Viktor entered the building and heard the guards shut the doors once more, their echo bouncing off the dome-shaped ceiling of the main entrance. The young doctor turned his head, searching for anybody to greet him, but the area was completely deserted.

"So much for being on time." Viktor thought with a roll of his crimson eyes and adjusted his glasses.

He decided to wait for a bit for someone to show up given he had never been to the castle. Even if he wanted to submerge himself in work, he couldn't if he tried. This setting was completely brand new, and the castle had numerous levels and hallways that it would take him at least a month to figure out how to get to his new office.