Chapter 113
Lady Mathias sat in the carriage, the rhythmic clatter of wheels on the dirt road blending with the murmured conversations of the healers seated. opposite her. She held a delicate porcelain teacup, sipping its contents calmly as the healers spoke in hushed tones.
“She’s barely alive,” one of the healers said. “The poison is unlike anything I’ve encountered before. It’s almost sentient, resisting her natural healing
abilities at every tum.
Another healer chimed in. “Even if she does survive, the damage may be irreversible. Her body is fighting two battles–one to heal and another to contain whatever is coursing through her veins.
“Do you think she’ll ever wake up?” Lady Mathias:
asked, her gaze sharp as she studied the healer.
The man hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “If she does, it will be a miracle. Her current state suggests the poison is still active, though weakened. But there is no telling how long she can withstand this.”
Lady Mathias leaned back, swirling the tea in her cup thoughtfully. “Interesting A healer, reduced to such a fragile state.” She allowed a small smile to play at her lips. “Perhaps the gods have a sense of irony”
Another healer shook his head. “She’s a Rosenthal If she were faking, we’d know. The extent of her injuries makes such deception impossible.”
Lady Mathias’s smile faded, her eyes narrowing slightly as she set her cup down on its saucer with a faint clink, “Nothing is impossible, dear Especially when desperation fuels the act.”
healer.
The camage jolted as it transitioned onto smoother cobblestones, signaling their approach to the palace. Lady Mathias shifted her attention back to the window, watching as the grand gates loomed ahead. Despite the Prince’s insistence that Fiona remains in the village, Mathias couldn’t help bur agree, in her own way, with his decision.
The palace, after all, was far more treacherous than any rogue–infested forest. The Rogue King, for all his ferocity, was predictable. The Royals and the Council? They preferred their weapons hidden behind smiles and etiquette
The carriage came to a halt, and Lady Mathias stepped down with practiced elegance. She made her way to the Queen’s private garden, where Queen Luna sat alone, a delicate teacup in her hand and a tray of untouched pastries on the table before her. The scent of lavender and freshly cut roses filled the air, masking the tension that seemed to accompany every meeting in this place
“Your Majesty,” Lady Mathias said, bowing slightly as she approached.
Queen Luna set her cup down, her sharp eyes glancing up at Mathias. “You’ve returned. I trust your visit was enlightening, she gestured for the Court Lady to take a sit..
Lady Mathias took a seat opposite the Queen, folding her hands neatly in her lap. “As expected. Your Majesty. Lady Fiona’s condition is dire. The headers are convinced she may never wake again.”
The Queen raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. “Do they now? And what of this poison? What do they y make of it!”
“It is unlike anything they’ve seen,” Mathias said. “It appears designed to resist her healing abilities, almost as if it were tailored for her. Even her extraordinary resilience seems insuficient against it.”
queen Luna ler our a quiet laugh, reaching for a sugar cube and dropping it into her tea. “How portic. The great healer, undone by the very thing the’s meant to cure.
Mathias anar lined her head slightly. “It does paint an intriguing picture, Your Majesty. The healers did all they could, but they left with little hope.”
The Queen’s smirk widened, she took a delicate sip of her tea before setting the cup down with precision. “And the gifts? Were they delivered as
“They were,” Mathias confirmed. The items were presented as recommendations from the healers, just as you requested. No one will suspect their true purpour “
The Queen’s laugh was sharper this time, her eyes gliding with satisfaction. “Good. It is only fitting that Lady Fiona receives the best care, after all. Her survival–or lack flierrot – will serve its purpose.”
Lady Mathias’s lips twitched nuto a faint smile, though her gaze remained calculating “The Prince was as protective as ever, Your Majesty. His insistence on keeping her in the village was…. admurable, if not naive,
Queen Luna waved a dismissive handl. “Let him play his part, His attachment will only council will see his misplaced devotion for what it truly is–weakness.”
Mathias colded. “And should she recover?”
only make this all the more satisfying when it crumbles. The
The Queen’s smile faltered for a fraction of a second, replaced by a sterly resolve. “If the recovers, then we will simply adjust. But for now, let the poison do its work—
Chapter 113
Lady Mathias rose gracefully, bowing her head once more. “As you wish, Your Majesty
As Mathias turned to leave, the Queen’s voice followed her. “Keep me informed. And ensure the council continues to see this as a matter of concern. Let them believe I am the one holding everything together.”
“Of course, Your Majesty, Mathias said, a faint smirk tugging at her lips as she exited the garden.
Behind her, Queen Luna libed her teacup once more, her gaze drifting toward the horizon. “A healer who cannot heal herself, she murmured. “How tragically poetic” She chuckled softly, the sound mingling with the rustle of the wind through the roses.
“Your Highness. Please have some calming tea Carissa placed the delicate porcelain cup on the small table near Elijah. She stepped back, her hands clasped in from of her as she glanced toward Fiona’s motionless form. “You haven’t eaten or rested since she was brought back. Allow me to take over for the night. You’ll be no use to her if yssi collapse”
Elijah didn’t acknowledge her, his gaze fised on Fiona. His expression was unreadable, his posture rigid as if he were bracing for an attack that had
yrl to come.
Carissa shified uncomfortably, glancing at Rio for support. “Your Highness, Rio said, stepping forward. “We understand your concern, but you must take care of yourself as well. The healers have done all they can for now. Staying here without rest won’t change her condition.” Still, Elijah remained silent, his jaw tightening slightly as he leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. He didn’t so much as or the two of them
glance
at
the tea
Rin sighed, folding his arms. “Lady Fiona wouldn’t want this. She’d want you to be strong, to think clearly. You can’t do that if you refuse away, even for a few hours.”
to step
Elijah stood abruptly, causing both Carissa and Rio to flinch slightly. He didn’t look at them, his focus entirely on Fiona. “Leave,” he said. Carissa hesitated, her gaze darting between Elijah and Fiona “But, Your Highness-
“I said leave,” Elijah repeated.
Rio immediately placed a hand on Carissa’s arm, gently guiding her toward the door. “Come on,” he muttered. “He won’t listen right now.” Carissa opened her mouth as if to protest, but one look at Elijah’s rigid stance made her think better of it. She nodded reluctantly and followed Rio out of the room. The door closed softly behind them, leaving Elijah alone with Fiona.
The room fell into silence, broken only by the faint sound of Fiona’s shallow breathing. Elijah stepped closer to her bedside, his hand reaching out 1 brush a stray strand of hair from her face. He let his fingers linger for a moment before pulling back, his expression softening-
“You were always so stubborn,” he murmured, his gaze locked on her pale features. “Now you’re making me look like the reckless one.
Elijah sighed, his fingers brushing against Fiona’s hand, which lay limp atop the blanket. His gaze lingered on her face, memorizing the pale features that seemed too still, too lifeless. He was about to speak again when he caught a flicker of movement. One of Fiona’s eyes cracked open. gleaming with unmistakable mischief.
slow, mischievou smile spread across her lips as she whis
whispered, “You’re terrible at acting worried.
Elijah Iranrd back slightly, shaking his head, though his lips twitched in amusement. “And you’re terrible at staying still,” h gave yourself away when Canina offered tra”
he replied. “You almost
Biona riurkind softly, sing up an ne laid motion. She stretched her arms overhead, a
1, a mock yawn escaping her as if waking from a pleasant nap,
faces were priceless”
Elijah smirked, leaning forward to rest hills out as k
knees. “You were convincing enough. They believe you’re on the brink of death” “Perfect” Fiona saud, hopping off the bed with surprising energy for someone who had just faked being comatose. She turned to face him, her grin wklenug “Now, let’s are what the Qurei sein LOL
Before la could respraud, she suddenly moved, leping onto his la Jarr as the leaner e baser, her sinde playful “Shall we?”
canto his lap with the grace of a prestator. Elijah caught her instinctively, his arms steadying
“And
you love it. Finna trased as Elijah carried
toward the table where the gifts from the pal
the palace were neatly y arranged.
“You’re imposible: Elijah mantered, deugla his armis stayed from around her.
