It was HIM

With the war looming so close, Aakifahlynn's heart couldn't bear the thought of losing Demarion to poison. The idea of him succumbing to the same danger that threatened his people ignited a fierce protective instinct in her that she couldn't ignore.

So, what did Aakifahlynn do? She convinced herself that it was because she needed him, and that line of belief was true—Aakifahlynn needed him for her war, so it was what she ran with.

After extending her magic and healing another six people, Demarion returned to the ballroom from the kitchen and found that most of the food prepared was poisoned, the urgency of the situation pressing down on them like a heavy weight.

These were the elites, high-class families, and his Empress. This was strategic planning not only for Aakifahlynn to drain her magic but also to weaken Demarion's Empire.