Knightress

Chapter 19

A/N:
Quick announcement before you read Lovelies, the information Laura finds from Phil won't be mentioned as yet, as the chapter and story goes on you'll find out what the port folio contained.

So me not mentioning the information in detail at first is on purpose, it's to add to the plot.

Enjoy your read!

Laura balanced on the edge of her desk, absently examining the two boards before her.

A slow knock came at the door, "enter."

Phil stepped a foot in and poked in his head looking wild with his eyes red and wide, they landed on Laura and morphed into a smile.

"Miss Laura," he greeted, coming in further. He extended both hands and handed her the port folio.

"You did it!" She exclaimed, taking the port folio.

"It's my duty, and it appeared very urgent."

She smiled at him, "thank you so much Phil."

As the door closed behind him, she pulled open a drawer, revealing a neatly organized assortment of writing utensils. She selected a notepad, a set of markers, and a black pen, her eyes scanning the room as she stood from the desk. She walked over to the lounge, her gaze drifting across the familiar landscape of notes and photographs pinned on the board.

As she delved deeper into the research, her mind began to wander back to her old room, out of a bit of PTSD she closed her curtains before venturing deeper into her work.

The words blurred together on the page until one name caught her eye: Bertrims Swiss, a high-end café in the heart of Queens City, Cyprise. The owner, recently deceased, had left behind a wife, Tahila Bertrim, and two children. But it was the café's nighttime activities that truly piqued her interest. Reports hinted at frequent gatherings, the windows and curtains shut tight, but the faint glow of lights visible from the street. Patrons would arrive, their faces obscured, and depart just as stealthily. The air around Bertrims Swiss seemed to vibrate with secrets. The interest in this cafe grew of the more when reading the documents on the family and their cafe.

She jotted down the address and a few scattered notes, her mind already racing ahead to the possibilities. A plan began to form, one that would require her to pay a visit to the mysterious café.

She placed the marker down and skimmed through the files, a plan already brewing in her head. She opened the last drawer and took out her camera and recorder, her pouch was in her room.

She exited her chamber and stepped out onto castle halls, she first went to Andreas chamber, expecting to walk in like she usually did but to see it locked. She made her way around the castle, daring to enter the section meant only for the royal family. She treaded lightly, it felt illegal being in that part of the castle, the air in it felt more luxurious and power holding, she poked her head through an arched opening that led into a large living space with a whole wall of windows that looked into a prestigious green garden with expensive cars under a car park covering. Andreas sat in the centre of a luscious red sofa, with his legs crossed over a glass coffee table and a laptop on his laps.

"Andreas," Laura whispered from the entrance

He looked from the laptop to her, his brows furrowing. "What are you doing here?"

"I have something to ask you." She whispered back looking behind her to see if anyone was coming.

"Come in, I can barely hear you."

As Laura passed through the arched way, her gaze swept across the elegant space. The two large glass vases on either side of the archway caught her attention, filled with an array of fresh flowers. The diamond chandelier above cast a warm glow which was unnecessary due to the amount of light that flooded in through the windows, while the soft hum of small fans in each corner created a soothing background noise. She stepped onto the star-white rug, her eyes adjusting to the subtle lighting, and settled into the armchair beside the sofa where Andreas was seated. Across from them, the large flat-screen TV seemed to blend seamlessly into the wall.