"Move! I need to go inside!"
"Master Valac, the Duke is inside. He has forbidden anyone to enter. The doctors are checking on Lady Darina. Please don't make it harder for us."
Valac grabbed the knight by his collar, pulling him closer. "My mother is inside. She is poisoned. Move out of my way. Or, move your heart out of your body."
Valac's grip on the knight's collar didn't waver as he stared the man down, his voice a cold whisper. "Last chance. Move, or I'll make sure you regret it."
The knight swallowed, eyes darting between Valac and the door. With a reluctant nod, he stepped aside, allowing Valac through.
The moment Valac entered, the tense atmosphere hit him like an ocean wave knocking him back. The faint scent of herbs hung in the air, as the doctors ran around the room murmuring to one another.
At the center of the room, Lady Darina lay on a large, ornately carved bed, her normally radiant face pale, her eyes closed in exhaustion.
The Duke, his father, stood by her bedside, his jaw set tight, his gaze fixed on her as though if she faded he would too.
Valac cleared his throat, announcing his arrival.
"Seems I always get invited to the best family gatherings." His tone was light, but his eyes betrayed his worry.
I don't really feel sorry. However, it's still Valac's body. I guess I'm being affected by his emotions. But-
Before Valac's thoughts could have reached a conclusion, Darina's eyes fluttered open, and a weak smile tugged at her lips.
"Valac… My baby, did you sleep well? I did too." Lady Darina managed to chuckle, but it quickly dissolved into a fit of coughing. Her forehead was covered in sweat.
What is this weird feeling in my chest that hits me when her face twists in pain?
Valac shot her a glare, stepping closer. "I can see. You slept so well that there are now chances you can sleep forever. What were the maids and knights on guard doing?"
The Duke glanced at him, before his hard gaze returned to the floor. "She's… not well. Doctors say she's stable for now, but the poison…" He trailed off, his face contorting in frustration. "I plan to investigate each one myself after her condition stabilizes."
Valac placed a hand on his mother's shoulder, gently, careful not to betray the panic thrumming through his veins. "You'll be alright, Mother. After all, you're tougher than the Duke himself."
What am I saying? What if she di- No. Don't think about those things, Valac. Sigh.
Darina chuckled weakly, squeezing his hand. "Don't let him hear that. You know how fragile your father's ego is."
Valac glanced at his father, trying to smile. "Oh, I'm sure he'll get over it. Isn't that right, Father?"
The Duke gave a reluctant nod, unable to suppress a hint of a smile. A sad smile. "I've survived worse."
Darina rolled her eyes, her grip tightening on Valac's hand as she met his gaze.
"Valac, dear, you shouldn't worry about me. I'm just… tired. The doctors and priests are here. I'll be fine in a few days. I assure you. Focus on your mission, yeah?"
"Mhn, please get well before I come back. You have to watch the ceremony. Mother, you're too stubborn to let something like this get to you," Valac said softly, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. "Right? Besides, who else is going to keep the Duke in line?"
She snorted softly. "That's not true. He doesn't listen to me at all."
A faint laugh escaped Valac's lips. "Yeah, right. The Duke would have banished me mom if it wasn't for you. The servants only tolerated me because of you."
The Duke cleared his throat, his tone gruff. "Glad to know that you know that."
Valac raised an eyebrow. "Of couse, I do. Xavier made sure of it at our first meeting."
Darina's eyes sparkled, despite her weakened state. "I'm glad I could be of some help to you."
Valac leaned closer, dropping his voice to a whisper. "Good. Because I plan on being a thorn in your side for a long time, Mother. So, you need to get through this and be alive for me."
She chuckled again, though it was softer this time, her breathing shallow. "Sure, dear."
"Enough jokes," the Duke interjected, his gaze softening as he looked at Darina. "You need to rest."
"Rest?" Darina smirked, looking up at her husband. "Do you think I have time for that? My son is supposed to leave in a bit."
Valac held her hand a little tighter, his tone gently teasing. "Come on, Mother. Don't go giving speeches just to stay stubborn. Save some energy for when I bring you more trouble. Please rest."
Darina's laughter faded, and she placed her free hand on his cheek. "Promise me you'll be careful, Valac."
"Careful is my middle name. Well, actually, no… but it's somewhere on the list."
She sighed, shaking her head. "Why must you always be difficult?"
"Learned from the best." Valac's voice softened, and he brushed a kiss to her forehead, his heart hammering in his chest. He forced himself to look casual, to act like everything was fine.
Why am I doing this? It's clear the Duke is protecting her. I'm not even her real son. Why am I feeling so protective over her?
Valac's gaze hardened as he turned to his father. "Please start the investigation, right away."
"Valac…" Darina's voice, though weak, held a warning. " Don't overdo it. I'm fine. Don't pressure your dad."
"I understand, mother. But, an investigation is still necessary. If someone can poison you under the Duke's nose. They can poison anyone."
The Duke nodded, his jaw tight. "He's right, Darina. We can't let it go unpunished. It's a serious offense. I plan to investigate it very strictly."
"Doctor, how is my mother?" Valac looked up at the ground of doctors and priests standing together in a small group.
"We are trying our best to search for a cure for the poison, Young Master. The priests are trying to purify the venom. But, if we fail, Lady Darina will end up paralyzed."
"How much time do we have in our hands?"
"A month."
"Do you know the poison that has been used?"
The priests and doctors felt a shiver run down their spines as Valac's aura grew more terrifying.
"Yes. It's… Haldor's Venom."
…
IS EVERYONE F**KING WITH ME!?