Ruby stopped.
She had almost told the cook that the herbs were meant to prevent a pregnancy, not encourage one. She drew a slow breath and quickly smoothed her expression back into something neutral.
Then, she reached into her robe and produced a different container. This one was smaller.
"I mean, it is too late for the old herbs to be effective," Ruby said, her voice dropping back to its normal tone.
She handed the container to Ishita. "This one is more potent. It is a special blend. You must make sure you use it in the queen's meal. Every single day. Do you understand?"
"Yes," Ishita said carefully. "Yes, I understand."
"Good. Give me the other one back."
Ishita nodded and scurried to the pantry.
In reality, Ruby had prepared a potent herb designed to induce a miscarriage. It was a plant often used in small doses to boost appetite, but when consumed daily in high concentrations, it became a silent poison to an unborn child.
