“You and Ariah got pretty close.” Ignoring him, I plop onto the chair across from where he sits. “What do you think of her?”
I wave a hand in confusion. “What do you mean?”
“It’s a pretty straightforward question.”
Tapping a finger at the edge of my chair we stare at each other. “I have a confession.” My mind spins and though it’s against my better judgment to share, I need to unload some guilt. “I invited her to Farella with us. And I may have also told her about the flower.”
His face melts into a mixture of fury and confusion, causing some turbulence of my own. “I had to twist your damn arm to get me to come, and even then, I ended up having to be a stowaway to be here. You meet a woman, you have one deep conversation with her, and then ask if she wants to go?” He throws his napkin on the table. “Absolutely ridiculous. Did you at least sleep with her?”
A pounding on the door saves me from answering and ends the discussion. Deean gets up to resume his role as courtier, a role he keeps forgetting.
We’re not done, he mouths before opening the door.
To both of our surprise it’s Benny who bows and rests his arm against the door frame. Slightly hunched over and profusely out of breath.
“There’s a problem,” he utters between battered breaths. “It’s Esha.”
Benny leads Deean and me across the castle and into the other wing where the workers stay and shows us to Esha’s bed, where he appears to be lying on his back, lifeless. “He didn’t get ready with the rest of us. When I tried to wake him, he didn’t stir.”
My fingers locate a slow beating against his wrist, but his skin is far too cold.
“And?” Deean asks me.
“He’s alive.” Leaning close I catch the scent of nightshade and newetberries. “He reeks of poison, though.”
For the entirety of our stay, I’ve been worried that something would happen to Marcel or myself. Eating, walking through corridors, especially going into the main village comes with great anxiety. Never did I think Esha would be the one to fall victim to a blatant attack.
“Why him?” Deean whispers. He looks around as if we are being watched at this very moment. “Not to belittle him, but what value can someone get out of poisoning him? He is a servant without much to offer.”
“Maybe he saw something,” Benny replies.
“Possibly. Or maybe he was confused for someone else,” I suggest, reeling in both Deean’s and Benny’s attention. “If lorice was overflowing last night, maybe more secrets were found out than intended. Benny, go share the details with Harpen and have him alert Marcel. Deean and I will see if the Queen has an apothecary who is capable of making an antidote.”
Benny leaves as Deean and I search for Ariah, she might be able to help us with a cure.
Deean hits panic mode and recants details about last night. While I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if he let him being a prince slip, he swears he didn’t say anything at last night’s party.
Rounding one of the corridor corners, we nearly collide with Queen Cayleen. “Our apologies, Your Grace,” I say as Deean and I bow.
“Prince Iann. We missed you at last night’s dinner.” She strokes the flaming fur of a baby fox, and I spot the golden fox we gifted her, standing at her side. “I can’t fault you, I would be tempted to attend one of Lady Arranella’s parties myself, if given the opportunity.”
She looks me over and then eyes Deean. “You both look flushed. Is there something the matter? I like to know all things happening within my castle walls.”
“It’s one of my men.” I’d rather ask Ariah about the apothecary but there is no knowing where she is, and Esha may not have long. “He has been poisoned and I would like to have your apothecary assist him.”
She snaps a finger and a man with the most golden hair and blue eyes steps forward. It’s the man from last night, the one who stopped Ariah and potentially contaminated my drink.
“Skyleen, go with Prince Iann’s courtier and help in any way possible. Guards, go ask the workers if they have seen anything untoward and track down who would do this.”
I nod to Deean, forcing him to follow Skyleen. At her command the others scatter until it’s just the Queen, me, and one other guard.
“I hope you don’t think this is a direct act from the crown? I assure you, maintaining our newfound alliance is of the utmost priority.” Black lace claws at her neck and the pearls in her earrings dangle, drooping down to her shoulders.
“No, not at all.” I fill the corridor with lies.
“Good.” With her free arm she interlocks it with mine and leads us down the hall. “Bad blood isn’t good to have during one’s visit. The last thing we need is more tension between our kingdoms.” We continue strolling the corridor and that same feeling of being watched creeps up.
“I was thinking about your proposal the other day. The one to expand trade.” My attention is hers. The words make me forget about all other pressing manners. “I think it would be good for our kingdoms.”
