Chapter 199: Lies and poison

Words : 1122 Updated : Oct 15th, 2025

Chapter 199: Lies and poison The music was still playing in the background and everyone seemed to have gone back to their means after the mess created by the servant. "You ask a lot of questions. Forget he exists and present your gift to Eleanor so that you can leave. This party has unwanted guests." Alfonso’s words intrigued Abrielle’s curiosity about the unwanted guests. "Why are they unwanted? I thought you couldn’t attend without an invitation." Abrielle inquired completely engrossed in the topic. She sensed Alfonso was hesitant to talk about who the man was. "As I said earlier it is nothing your pretty head should worry about," Alfonso answered, his eyes darting around the room. Abrielle followed his gaze trying to find what he was looking for. There was nothing out of place. Alfonso was indeed right about leaving early; she had to leave before something unexpected like Callista getting poisoned happened, and she is the prime suspect. This world was unpredictable. "I will go speak to the queen," she mentioned. Alfonso didn’t follow behind her. Abrielle soon found the queen as expected Eleanor was gathered by a crowd fawning over her while presenting their gifts. Abrielle’s gift was handed over to Eleanor’s servants earlier so all she had to do was to wish the birthday girl. She stopped in her tracks to see the person who was speaking with the queen. It was the same man that had saved Abrielle. Oddly, he didn’t bow before the queen, and Eleanor didn’t seem offended by his behaviour, which was odd for the pompous queen. He was dressed in green, and from the quality of the fabric she knew he was wealthy. He didn’t have many jewels except a gold pendant that was hard to miss, yet he had this aura that was around him that commanded authority. "It is an honour to be invited to your Majesty’s ball on such short notice." He chimed, placing a kiss on the queen’s hand. Eleanor smiled sweetly at him. "The honour is mine to have you grace us with your presence." Eleanor chimed. Abrielle’s ears perked up trying to get as much information as she could from the conversation. "I am glad we are not imposing. If you don’t mind I ask, I could not but notice one of the kingdom’s princes is not here. I have heard a lot about the crown prince and the first prince I was looking forward to seeing both of them during my visit." Eleanor’s face still has a graceful smile. "I guess you mean Cedric. Unfortunately, he left the capital for some official matters that can’t be ignored, and he won’t be returning until the spring." A smile graced his lips as his blue eyes sparkled. "I might end up extending my visit to the spring visit then." He chimed, and for a split second, Eleanor’s expression changed. The queen didn’t want him hanging around for long. "Don’t you have other matters at home? You are a busy person after all." Eleanor chirped in, indirectly urging him to leave early. "I am not the only one to handle those matters. May you age with grace, your majesty." He said on a final note. He turned to leave, and for a split second, his gaze meant Abrielle’s. He smiled at her, it made the princess a bit uncomfortable. She quickly shrugged off and then approached the queen. Eleanor saw the ginger head approach her, and she mustered up the brightest smile ever. It would be hard to imagine that she was actually planning Abrielle’s execution. The ladies of the court were always the most pretentious ones. "May the moon forever shine on Darconia. Happy birthday your majesty." Abrielle wished Eleanor equally smiling brightly at the queen. "Thank you, dear; I see you look as stunning as ever. I guess things haven’t been too hard for you to bear. It is such a shame Cedric had to be gone for long." Eleanor replied starting a conversation. "I miss him every day, but I know his duty to the Kingdom is more important," Abrielle replied. Lies and lies they continued saying. "That is true; thankfully, spring is near, and he will be here soon. I guess he will be participating in the rose duel, that will be so charming." Eleanor continued conversing with her. Abrielle’s thoughts strayed to the rose duel, it was an event held during the spring. She doubts Cedric will participate because of her. "Spring is still far away. I hope you enjoy the rest of the night, Your Majesty, but I think I will be returning home early. I am not feeling too well." Abrielle tried to draw the conversation to an end but the queen seemed to have other ideas. "So soon, I was hoping you could stay longer and at least share a drink with me," Eleanor suggested; Abrielle clutched her dress, hearing Eleanor’s suggestion. It was an offer that would normally be hard to turn down. Abrielle’s eyes darted around the table, Benice, Eleanor’s youngest daughter was by her side. She wondered where that viper Astrid was hiding. "I wouldn’t want to impose." Abrielle politely turned it down. "Please reconsider; Cedric is like a son to me; I will appreciate it if you sit by me." It was hard to say no when the queen herself begged directly. Being forced into a difficult situation, Abrielle reluctantly agreed. "I guess I can stay a bit longer," Abrielle answered. Eleanor’s eyes sparkled, making Abrielle’s heartbeat fall to her stomach. What was the queen planning? The king was seated by her right while her daughters were at her left. Abrielle took a vacant seat beside Bernice. The party continued; a few minutes later, Callista came back, and to Abrielle’s surprise, she was given the seat next to Eleanor to show how much the queen valued her. The queen kept on singing Callista’s praises as other guests came to pay their respects. Abrielle was counting the seconds hoping for time to go by. She had a gold goblet in her hand that was filled with wine, but she didn’t take a sip of it, just twirling it lightly in her hand. Then it finally happened, Bernice, the Queen’s youngest daughter, started to cough. It was a strange cough that drew everyone’s attention. "Please have some water," a servant lurking close suggested. Bernice reached out to grab the cup, then another cough left her throat, causing the glass to slip from her hand. Abrielle felt something splash her face; it was wet, and she naturally thought it was saliva. She wiped off the liquid from her face. Her heart stopped beating once she realized it was red in Colou

Chapter 199: Lies and poison

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