Chapter 86
Fiona sat on the edge of the bed, her gaze fixed on Elijah, who stood near the window, his back to her. He hadn’t spoken a single word since they’d entered the room. Fainting while trying to examine the rest of the villagers wasn’t part of her plan. However, she could no longer control her body. She had exhausted her abilities. In the end, she lost consciousness for a few minutes. Luckily, Miss Rose and the rest immediately helped her.
Her heart twisted uncomfortably, but she forced herself to break the silence.
“Elijah,” she began, keeping her voice as steady as possible. Her exhaustion was still there, her body craved rest. However, she wanted to explain why what she was doing was important. “I needed to do this. Those people.. they’re soldiers, their families. They were poisoned, and no one else was willing to look into it.” She paused, trying to gange his reaction, but he remained motionless, staring out the window. She pushed on, hoping he’d understand “I’m a healer, and this is what I do. I help people. This was my job, and-
“Are you happy?” he interrupted his words cutting through her explanation
She blinked, momentarily thrown off course. “What?”
Elijah finally tumed around, his expression unreadable as he looked at her. He moved to a chair, sat down, and leaned back, crossing his arms as he studied her. “Are you happy. Fiona!”
She hesitated, the question hanging between them. “I don’t understand,” she replied, her voice quieter this time. “Happy?”
He nodded, keeping his gaze steady. “Yes. Does this–everything you’re doing, everything you’ve risked–does it make you happy!”
Fiona sat quietly, replaying the faces she’d seen that day in her mind–the worried mothers clutching their children, the hardened soldiers whose eyes softened with relief when she assured them they were safe. She hadn’t anticipated the impact it would have, the sense of purpose that washed over her with each examination, each expression of gratitude. At first, she’d only done it as a strategy, a calculated move to shield herself and Elijah. to gain favor and maybe just maybe–stay out of the Lycans‘ reach. But as she continued, her motivations shifted, grounded by the real lives in
from of her
“Yes,” she finally said, her voice barely a whisper, but then she raised her chin, meeting Elijah’s gaze with a renewed resolve. “Yes, I’m happy” This time, her answer tang louder, her words more certain.
Elijah’s eyes remained on her, his expression serious. “Do you understand what you’re risking?” he asked. “This move of yours will make you a target. Fiona. Not just to the Lycans, but to the council. They won’t like you gaining more influence than them, especially not with the people.
She held his gaze, nodding slowly. “I know.” She hesitated, searching for the right words. “I. I didn’t think it through, not like that. It’s just..! wanted to help. And I wanted to find a way to stay here. To stay with you.” The last words slipped out, vulnerable and exposed, and she saw Elijah’ı expression shift ever so slightly.
Silence settled between them. Elijah’s eyes lingered on her, steady and searching. She felt her pulse quicken under his gaze, almost wishing he’d say something. Anything. The quiet intensity of his stare left her feeling raw, as if he could see right through her walls, through her plans, down to the reasons the barely understood herself
He didn’t break eye contact. Instead, he studied her, his own expression unreadable, “So, that’s why?” he asked finally,
Fiona swallowed. “Yes,” she answered, her voice softer. “That’s why
He rose and moved closer, crouching beside the bed so she could see his face up close. Then do what you have to do,” he said. “I’ll be here to protect you
Fiona pursed her lips, expecting him to warn her about the risks or launch into a lecture, prepared for him to try to stop her. But, to her surprise, Elijah leaned in pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead without another word before standing.
“Where are you going?” she asked.
sure you stay safe during these… “tours.” He offered a slight, reassuring
Elijah mari Fionas garcone last time. Iluve matters to attend to–to make sure you nod before coming to Trave.
Fiona conalein’i larije but smile as she watched him go, feeling an unexpected sense of relief settle over her. Once he’d left, she lay back on the bed. exhaustion hrially pulling her under. The events of the day weighed on her, but knowing Elijah was nearby gave her a peace she hadn’t realized she neeiled Wilbur monents, luer eyes closed, and sleep took over.
Cutude,
expression darkened as he closed the door behind him. Itegor was waiting in the hall, straightening as soon as Elijah appeared,
The phason 1 bed is ar he asked.
Regor’s face tightened. “It’s
than we thouugla. Eighteen people have shown signs, some children among them. Luckily, Lady Fiona detected it
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Chapter 86
early. The healers are doing what they can, but. He paused, his jaw clenching. “It’s not the type we typically encounter. This one’s potent and targets the immune system, making it slower to detect and harder to treat. They should be the same poison that the guards experienced during the
Elijah’s brows furrowed. “And the source?”
Regor shook his head. “Still unknown. The healers suspect it may have been planted in the water supply or food rations. Whoever did this knew how to hide it. They’ve been careful”
Elijah ́’s jaw tightened. “Any idea when it was introdied
“A few weeks at least,” Regor replied, scanning the corridor briefly before continuing. “This wasn’t recent. Whoever planned this wanted it to spread slowly, just enough to avoid immediate suspicion but enough to create damage”
Elijah’s hands clenched. “Does the council know?
Regor hesitated. “Only partially. I kept the most damning details « quiet. deliberate, especially with so many of the soldiers‘ tamilies affected.”
יד
you requested, but they’ll want an
answers soon. They already suspect it was
This was only Fiona’s first stop, the Eastern part of the palace. What about the other parts Elijah’s face turned ugly. The council wasn’t able to decide how to deal with the Lycans. However, instead of doing something, they spent their days huddied in the meeting room, arguing.
Politics
That’s why he hated it.
“Your Highness, what should we do next?” Regor asked. “The King should know about the details. This-”
y father everything that you told me. Make sure that you personally tell him yourself, Elijah said.
-Trill my
“Understood.” Regar said, bowing before he turned to leave.
Once alone. Elijah sighed and snapped his fingers. Two soldiers immediately appeared from their posts nearby. He instructed them to guard Fiona’s room, ensuring no one disturbed her, then headed toward the temporary infirmary set up by Miss Rose and her team. Inside, he found Miss Rose and Cillian tending to patients, both visibly worn from the long hours. Upon noticing Elijah, they straightened and bowed respectfully. Elijah approached Miss Rose, who gave him a tired nod, gesturing toward the door. “Let’s talk outside, she said quietly, moving toward the hallway. Once outside. Elijah studied her face, noting the exhaustion etched into her features. “The patients inside–are they stable?” he asked.
Miss Rose nodded, brushing a stray strand of hair back. “They’re fine. The healers are managing, especially with Lady Fiona’s guidance. She’s helped us create a treatment routine that’s effective so far
Elijah’s brow furrowed. “If they’re stable, why did you bring me out here?”
Miss Route expression hardened slightly. “Your Highness, you shouldn’t concern yourself too much with the ordinary patients. We’re handling it thanks to Lady Fiona” She paused, glancing around briefly. “But you should know that the council members have already sent nearly ten different people to speak with her”
Elijahi’s gaze slurpened. “To talk to her? About what?”
Miss Rose listated: then leaned in slightly. “They’re questioning her motives, Your Highness. They want to know why she’s suddenly so invested in the soldier and their families. Some have hunted she’s using this as an opportunity to undermine the council’s authority, claiming she’s marapulating the public’s trint‘
h’s jaw lightened. “And has she spoken to any of them!”
kone shook her head Lely Fiona was careful and knew this would happen. So, I was able to intercept them before they had the chance to approach her: 1 latened but gave a little response. However, one of the council’s envoys grew insistent, pressing for me to let him talk to her, to Explain larr actions publicly. He claimed the prople deserve to kumar why die’s stepping beyond the usual role of a healer.
and as he absorbed her words “Which ranog?”
Rose made a deliberate jape An
ejdied. “He was particularly aggressive, implying that Lady Fiona’s actions might be politically motivated. Miss
