Short Stories

A Study in Lilac (Rewind the Classics 2023)

The world is like a magical theatre where fairytales and realities intertwine. Things are deemed impossible and succeeded, but yet, the reality of everything sometimes crashes down into a dull image that can shatter everything. But... there are some things that are almost magical in this world or the next.

"Why are we going straight into the direction of the castle!" I asked.

My name is John Watson. I used to serve in the Royal Army, but after an arrow to the shoulder, I was severely injured and almost perished. On the bright side, I survived the accident, but after that, I was discharged from the army. Looking for a housemate, it was then I met my best friend, the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes. Throughout all our adventures, he solved the cases, and I journaled about them to be published. No one paid any attention to me though, only buying my works to read about the famous detective. I don't mind this though, as everyday life with Sherlock is enough adventure for somebody as the likes of me.

"New case. This is going to be a good one too," Sherlock said, in a dull tone.

Even through the grim face, I could see that he was practically bristling with excitement. This was his first case in weeks, and it was bound to be a good one as one of the captains themselves had to come deliver the news. Without further ado, Sherlock quickly readied himself, and was dragging me to the "scene,"

"Who are we going to see, the queen!" I exasperatedly asked.

Even though I was excited to experience a new case, Sherlock's mysterious habits were tiresome, and I wanted to know more information about this case.

"Maybe," was all that I heard in response.

~

Huffing along in the brisk December air, it was about a half hour walk to the castle from the cottage we rented. It involved traversing through busy market plazas and residential streets before finally able to reach the front gates of the castle. Once arriving it took almost another half hour for us to get approval to enter, which only made Sherlock's mood flair. He was eager for a new case, and in his opinion, this was all an unnecessary task as he considered himself the only person to be able to solve it, hence granting him automatic entry. After quite some time, we were finally allowed entry into the castle. I had not heard any of the information Captain Gregson had told him, but Sherlock seemed to know exactly where we had to go, the two of us hurried down the halls. I lose track of how many turns we made, but eventually, we were met with a giant set of double doors. Excitedly, Sherlock pushed open the doors and entered the room, and I was a step behind. Inside, multiple members of the army, important advisors, and the royal family were gathered, surrounding a massive four poster with lilac curtains. Sherlock rushed to the bed, everyone clearing a way for him. I hurried behind but upon seeing the body, I couldn't stifle a gasp.

It was one of the princesses. Princess Mary-Anne to be exact. Dead. Sherlock dashing around the body snapped me back to life. Nervously, I tried deducing the body like Sherlock himself. She was wearing a lilac sleeping gown, and there were three stab wounds in her chest. Quite a lot of blood had soaked through, and there were dark shapes around where the blade had entered her body. Judging by the  dried blood, she was killed about six hours ago, right after midnight. She had a calm expression on her face, meaning that she was likely killed in her sleep. Now, Sherlock was peering on top of the bed, tossing around the sheets. But, that was the only thing I could deduce. After a moment though, Sherlock was done with his deductions.

"Cause of death was because the blade punctured heart. Weapon was most likely a Poignard judging from the wound decreasing in width the deeper it is, along with the thin puncture holes. Tiny blade, but still very deadly. Murder happened around six and a half hours ago because the blood is completely dried, and the garments are rough to the touch. Died peacefully, couldn't feel the pain, but I think that was obvious enough. An assassin was most likely sent out as a quick sweep of the room reveals that all her possessions are intact, and nothing has been forced open or tampered with. More obviously though, she slept with multiple rings necklaces, and other pieces of jewelry, and they are still on her body. Motive wasn't robbery, nor revenge as I severely doubt some secret mate would make it painless and make it happen that fast. But then, that leaves the question of why. We know how, but why? This would be virtually undetectable if it weren't for the pips. Don't you see! This explains everything!" He said excitedly. But, that was where he was interrupted.