"I'm not―" Soleia's eyes widened with alarm, and she immediately denied the old woman's words.
Her palms hit the armrests as she attempted to stand to her feet, but strangely enough, she felt her body stiffen before going limp. Instead of standing up, she crashed straight to the floor, the legs of the chair scraping against the wooden floor as she collapsed in a heap.
"What…" she said with a gasp. She could barely feel her feet and legs, and even her fingers were starting to grow numb.
Her eyes fell onto the half-empty teacup on the table. The realization sunk inside like a stone in a river.
"You poisoned me," she gasped out. Instinctively, she desperately reached into her pockets, trying to reach for her tiny weapon. She just needed to draw it out, but her clever hand which had always done her mind's bidding when it came to crafting wild inventions was wholly uncooperative.
It hung weakly at the hem of her dress, and Soleia could only groan weakly in dismay.
"Poison is such a dirty word. This is nothing more than a mild sedative, just a little something to make you more cooperative, dearie," the old woman said.
While her tone was apologetic, Soleia spotted no remorse in her eyes. Her pupils glinted with unconcealed greed.
"You ran away a little too quickly the last time. We hadn't the chance to talk yet. It was a surprise that you visited me again so quickly, and I knew I needed to treasure this blessing."
"You…" Soleia's head was spinning, and her voice grew softer. "Why? What do you want from me?"
"Why dearie, that's something you can figure out on your own based on what I mentioned earlier. I was told that Princess Soleia was more intelligent than her peers," the old woman said with amusement.
She leaned down and patted Soleia's cheek tenderly, as though she was nothing more than an elderly grandma doting on her precious granddaughter. Soleia wanted to recoil at her touch, but her body was resolutely unmoved.
Now, even her tongue felt heavy in her mouth. She wanted to curse, but she couldn't muster the energy. She fought to keep her eyelids open, but she knew she was fighting a losing battle. Dread slowly overcame her; no one knew she was out here. By the time anyone registered her absence, it would be too late.
Small tears welled up in her eyes at the realization that she was about to die alone, in such miserable circumstances.
"Sleep well, dearie," the old woman cooed lovingly into her ear. "Good night."
***
Meanwhile, Orion was staring stone-faced at Elowyn, who was surrounded by a crowd of his female relatives, each with varying expressions of concern. Elowyn was tucked into their blankets, her face pale and wan.
"Orion, you're back!" She smiled and tried to sit up, but a grimace crossed her delicate features.
His mother immediately fluttered next to her, her face taut with worry. "Elowyn, dearest, you shouldn't be moving. Orion, what are you doing, standing so far away? Come closer and take a look at Elowyn!"
Orion knew he should have approached her, but he couldn't shake off the warning bells ringing in his mind. Every time he got closer to Elowyn, his mind was muddled. He wanted to hold onto his clarity for just a while longer, so his feet remained planted right outside their shared room.
"I heard you were unwell," Orion said instead, preparing to turn around and leave. "I should get you a physician immediately―"
"There's no need for that," Elowyn said demurely, then a series of soft coughs wracked her frail figure.
"We already called for Mister Ludwin to come, he should be here soon," Elisa scowled. That physician was certainly taking his own sweet time despite the importance of Elowyn's status!
Meanwhile, Lucinda marched over and dragged Orion into the room, planting him right next to Elowyn despite all his efforts to leave.
"Cousin, why are you so ready to leave? Don't tell me you're tired of her already!" Lucinda demanded.
Elowyn turned her watery eyes in their direction. "Lucinda… don't force Orion. Duke Elsher must have been overly busy with his own affairs. I'll be fine after some rest."
"You're too kindhearted," Lucinda tutted angrily and turned to Orion. "This entire mess was caused by that stupid Princess!"
"Soleia?" Orion blinked in confusion. "How so?"
Elowyn caught his use of Soleia's name, and she clenched her fist under the blankets. However, there was no trace of ire or irritation in her voice as she addressed his question.
"I didn't sleep well," Elowyn confessed weakly. "The baby kept me up through most of the night, and when I finally fell asleep… Duchess Soleia woke me up with her voice." She sighed, aggrieved, rubbing at her temples despondently. "It's nothing but poor timing. I cannot fault Duchess Soleia for being so concerned with Sir Ralph's welfare. After all, he is your best friend."
"My apologies," Orion said, a furrow between his eyes.
He felt a familiar wellspring of guilt rise within him. Even if he wasn't clear about Elowyn's intentions, she was still a woman pregnant with his child. The sickness she suffered was caused by him. He had to take responsibility, even if he wasn't sure how things got to this point.
What's more, Soleia wouldn't have made such a fuss in the morning if he had simply remembered to get a physician like he promised.
Elowyn let out a weak laugh. "Whyever must you apologize? Every inconvenience I suffer because of our child is one I gladly bear."
Her hand gently stroked her swollen belly. She held out a hand and grabbed Orion's own, allowing him to touch her belly.
"Oh! I felt our baby move!"
At her words, Orion let his guard down. He focused his touch on her belly, trying to feel it.
Elowyn took the opportunity to raise her hand to cup Orion's face. His pupils grew wider before they clouded over in a familiar purple sheen, which was just how she liked it. The tender smile on her face warped into a smug, satisfied smirk.
"Everyone, leave us," Orion barked out harshly, and the rest of his family jolted in surprise. They exchanged knowing glances, and Elisa eagerly ushered them out.
"Let's give the lovebirds some privacy, shall we?" Elisa asked, and the women tittered like a flock of birds in spring.
Elowyn curled her hand possessively over the back of Orion's neck, keeping him trapped. The purple glow on her chest grew bright enough to shine through her dress, and Orion stared at it without blinking, enraptured by the light.
Good. This was how she wanted him. Pliant. Biddable. Obedient.
Far away from that troublesome princess and his best friend.
"Orion, darling, what do you think about paying King Godwin a visit?"