(Lina)
Dr. Faulkner's lined face showed years of experience, yet there was a weariness in his eyes that suggested he'd seen far too much.
He looked around the room again, as if fearing eavesdroppers, and then he leaned closer, his voice barely above a whisper.
"You need to understand something, Princess. The court is full of people who fear your potential. When you were brought to me, it was clear that your condition was no accident. There were signs of poison, and I suspected it from the start."
I felt my heart race at his words. It was one thing to suspect foul play; it was another to hear it confirmed. "What kind of poison? Did you find out who used it?" I pressed, needing to know more, needing answers.
