Ava's eyes fluttered open as she was helped into a warm, comfortable bed. Lady Catherine's face swam into view, concern etched on her features. "Ava, darling, how are you feeling?" she asked, her voice laced with worry.
Ava's head was spinning, but she tried to sit up, pushing aside the covers. "I'm fine, Lady Catherine," she said, her voice firm. "But I need to get back to the windmill. I have to find out who was behind that message."
Lady Catherine's hands were gentle but firm as she pushed Ava back onto the pillows. "You're not going anywhere, Ava," she said. "You're exhausted, and it's not safe. We'll send someone to investigate the windmill in the morning."
Ava's frustration boiled over, but she knew Lady Catherine was right. She was in no condition to pursue the mystery further tonight. She leaned back against the pillows, her eyes closing as the warmth and comfort of the bed enveloped her.
But sleep wouldn't come. Ava's mind was racing, her thoughts tumbling over each other as she tried to piece together the clues. Who could be behind the theft of the locket, and why? And what did the mysterious message at the windmill mean?
As she lay there, the sounds of the palace drifted into her room. The creaking of the old wooden beams, the distant laughter of the staff, the soft chime of the clock striking one. Ava's eyes snapped open, her heart racing. It was Christmas Eve, and the palace was buzzing with preparations for the holiday.
Ava threw off the covers, swinging her legs over the side of the bed. She was going to solve this mystery, no matter what it took. And she was going to do it tonight.
She quickly changed into a warm, practical dress, her eyes scanning the room for any clues she might have missed. Lady Catherine had left a tray with a cup of tea and some sandwiches, and Ava poured herself a cup, taking a sip as she thought.The tea was hot and strong, just the way she liked it. Ava felt a surge of determination as she set the cup down. She was going to find that locket, and she was going to do it with style.
As she slipped out of her room, Ava caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her hair was disheveled, her eyes sparkling with determination. She looked like a woman on a mission.
And that's exactly what she was.
Ava made her way down to the palace kitchens, where she knew she could find some information. The staff were busy preparing for the Christmas Eve ball, and the air was thick with the scent of roasting meats and baking pastries.
Ava spotted one of the younger maids, a girl named Emily, and beckoned her over. "Emily, I need to ask you something," she said, her voice low.
Emily's eyes were wide with curiosity as she approached Ava. "Yes, Your Highness?" she said, bobbing a curtsy.
Ava leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "Did you see anything unusual last night? Anything that might be connected to the theft of the locket?"
Emily's eyes darted back and forth, and Ava could tell she was thinking hard. "Well, Your Highness, I did see one thing," she said, her voice hesitant. "I saw one of the footmen, James, sneaking out of the palace around midnight. He said he was just going for a walk, but he looked... suspicious."
Ava's eyes narrowed. James was a new member of the staff, and she hadn't had a chance to get to know him well. But she was going to make sure she paid him a visit, and soon.
"Thank you, Emily," she said, smiling. "You've been very helpful."Emily beamed, her face flushing with pleasure. "Thank you, Your Highness," she said, bobbing another curtsy.
Ava turned to leave, her mind racing with possibilities. She was getting close to something, she could feel it. And she was going to uncover the truth, no matter what it took.
As she made her way back to her room, Ava caught a glimpse of the Christmas tree in the palace foyer. It was a beautiful, towering fir, decorated with candles, ornaments, and a sparkling star on top. Ava felt a pang of sadness as she looked at it. Christmas was supposed to be a time of joy and magic, but this year it felt like a time of secrets and lies.
But Ava was determined to change that. She was going to solve this mystery, and she was going to do it in time for Christmas.