"Her pulse is weakening again."
Josselyn pressed two fingers to the Queen's wrist. Her skin was cold. Far too cold for a warm room.
"How many times has she bled?" she asked.
"Twice tonight," a palace servant replied. "Not much, but…"
"Every drop matters," Josselyn cut in.
Yorick stood at the bedside, his face no longer relaxed. "Since taking your herbal potion, the Queen had improved. But over the past two days, she's worsened again."
"So… should we increase the dosage?"
Josselyn turned, seeking confirmation. She could not adjust the dose without the Head Healer's approval, which meant Yorick.
Yorick closed his eyes.
"There are still many eyes from other kingdoms watching the Queen in this palace. If they discover this weakness, the Kingdom of Valenroth will face serious trouble. At least until winter ends," Yorick said flatly.
Josselyn lowered her gaze. She remembered Howarth and Sebastian, two nobles from another kingdom who were still staying here. And there were likely others she did not even know about.
At last, she opened the vial. The greenish liquid shimmered softly under the candlelight.
"If her body rejects it…"
"Focus your thoughts on the Queen's recovery," Yorick instructed. "Don't think about anything else."
Josselyn swallowed and raised the spoon to the Queen's lips.
"Please drink, Your Majesty."
The Queen slowly opened her eyes, her weakened gaze settling on Josselyn.
"You're here again."
Josselyn smiled gently.
"I will always be here, Your Majesty."
Josselyn did not know if she was allowed to say such a thing. She knew very well that right now, the only thing on her mind was how to save her own head.
~
The chamber door suddenly opened. Heavy footsteps sounded before the voice came.
"What are you doing here?"
Josselyn continued adjusting the Queen's blanket, patting it lightly to make sure she was comfortable in her sleep.
"Could you lower your voice, Your Highness? Her Majesty has just fallen asleep," Josselyn said in a half-whisper without turning.
"Ck." Killian clicked his tongue, his tone rising. "I asked what you're doing here, Josselyn."
"Your Highness…" Yorick's voice appeared at the doorway. "Please speak with me outside. It would be best if Her Majesty rests peacefully tonight, so the potion can take full effect."
Killian did not move. He ignored Yorick completely. His eyes remained fixed on Josselyn as she gathered her tools.
"I heard you dared to increase my mother's dosage." Killian glanced at the vial on Josselyn's tray.
"What exactly did you put in that potion? Did you do it on purpose?"
Josselyn lifted her gaze. The tray in her hands trembled.
"You suspect me of poisoning Her Majesty?" she asked, her voice tight.
"Then explain why her condition has worsened."
"We are still investigating. But based on her irregular heartbeat, she is under stress."
Killian let out a mocking laugh. "You think I'll believe that?"
He stepped closer, until his body pressed against the tray Josselyn held. She was forced to step back until her back hit the wall.
"I warned you, traitor's child. Don't play games with my mother," he said, emphasizing the last words.
Josselyn's jaw hardened instantly. Without knowing where the courage came from, she shoved the tray against the Crown Prince's chest with all her strength, forcing distance between them.
Killian stepped back slightly, but did not give her an easy escape. He caught the tray, then lowered his head, whispering at her ear.
"You're deliberately poisoning her to kill her slowly? I can do the same to you. Remember that."
Josselyn had had enough of his treatment. She immediately stomped hard on his toes.
The Crown Prince bent forward reflexively, nearly crying out in pain, before Josselyn casually covered his mouth with her hand.
"Her Majesty is resting. Don't wake her," Josselyn whispered sharply. "Do you understand?"
This time, her gaze carried a threat of its own.
Killian's expression, once intimidating, now clearly showed surprise at her behavior.
Josselyn finally lowered her hand. She bowed slightly for a few seconds, then turned and walked away.
~
"Aargghh! Damn it… what have I done?"
Josselyn clutched her hair, her frustration mounting.
"How could I act like that toward him, Sir Yorick…" she asked, looking at Yorick with despair.
Yorick glanced at her briefly, then let out a long sigh. Ever since the "insolence" in the Queen's chamber, Josselyn had not stopped rambling.
"Ask the one who caused chaos in the palace," he said sarcastically.
Josselyn groaned louder, regretting her foolish actions.
"What if he beheads me, sir?" she asked, fear evident on her face. "B-but he was the one who called me a traitor's child first."
"But he is the Crown Prince, Josselyn. The law is on his side." Yorick snorted, her frustration rubbing off on him. "It's been two days, and you're still breathing. Just hope he forgets your mistake."
Reassuring advice, but it felt impossible.
While Josselyn was still drowning in regret, a shout of victory echoed from the outer courtyard.
"He's back!" a palace guard shouted.
"The Captain of the Knights!"
"Darius Blackmoor!"
Josselyn moved toward the small balcony of the Queen's Wing, peeking through the curtains with the other servants.
Troops entered carrying large chests. Gold. Weapons. Enemy banners.
"War spoils," the servant beside her said in awe. "They say it equals six months of trade losses."
Josselyn and Yorick exchanged glances.
'There's no longer any reason for Killian to apologize.'
~
That night, the Queen's Wing corridor was quiet.
Josselyn had just left the Queen's chamber. Her hands were full with a tray holding vials and a small bowl. She walked leisurely, enjoying the night view of the palace garden, until she noticed the silhouette of a stranger. Her body tensed.
"Who's there?" she called out, forcing courage into her voice.
The figure stopped.
A tall man stood beneath the torchlight. His body was large, his shoulders broad, a long scar crossing one of his eyes.
"I could ask you the same," he said.
Josselyn's hands trembled. She had never seen this man in the palace before.
"I'm a healer's assistant," she replied, trying to sound firm.
"A healer?" the man raised a brow. "Yorick didn't mention anything."
Relief slowly spread in Josselyn's chest at the mention of that name.
"Sir Yorick is busy," she replied, calmer this time.
The man smiled faintly. "I'm Darius."
Josselyn's eyes widened slightly. "The Captain of the Knights."
The corner of Darius's lips lifted, as if confirming it.
"And you?"
"Josselyn Swift."
Darius frowned briefly. "That's… an unusual name."
"There are many unusual things in this palace," Josselyn answered carefully. She understood his meaning. Everyone in the palace had reacted the same way upon first meeting her.
Darius chuckled. "True."
He glanced at the vial in her hands. "For the Queen?"
"Yes."
"She's getting worse?"
"She's holding on very well."
Darius nodded slowly. "Good. The Crown Prince's emotions seem more unstable compared to before I left."
'Isn't he always unstable? I thought it was just his nature,' Josselyn thought, swallowing.
"You're close to him?"
"I swore loyalty to him," Darius replied. "That's different."
~
Josselyn had just fallen asleep when she heard a commotion. Her door was pounded repeatedly, followed by a heavy slam, as if someone intended to break it down.
She sat up instantly, clutching her blanket.
"W-who is it?" she tried to call out, but her voice trembled.
"Open the door! I said open it!"
Josselyn narrowed her eyes. "The Crown Prince?"
She quickly opened the door. The sharp scent of wine hit her nose.
"Your Highness…" Josselyn covered her nose. She glanced into the corridor outside. Not a single guard was in sight.
"Where are the guards? Don't they know Killian is here?" she muttered in frustration.
Killian's steps were unsteady. His eyes were red. His robe was disheveled. He forced his way into her room.
"Your Highness," Josselyn blocked him. "It's late. Please return to your chamber."
"And you're blocking my way?" Killian stepped too close.
"You're drunk," she said coldly.
"I'm aware," Killian replied. "Very aware."
Josselyn smirked, crossing her arms.
"Leave."
"Or what?"
"Or I'll call the Captain of the Knights."
Killian let out a low laugh. "Darius? He won't…"
Josselyn grabbed his hand, trying to pull him out of the room. But Killian's strength was far greater. Even half-conscious, he yanked her back. Her body collided with his chest.
His eyes scanned her face.
"Interesting," he murmured. "You dare to throw me out."
Josselyn stiffened. "Don't you dare…"
Killian suddenly grabbed the back of her neck.