Chapter 53: Orion Sees All

Orion, perceptive and watchful, had keenly observed the royal physician's clandestine actions within the king's chambers. As Dr. Alaric Ardent exited the room, a purplish vial concealed in his grasp, Orion felt a surge of urgency to disclose his unsettling revelation.

"I saw something," Orion declared, drawing the attention of his companions. The gravity in his tone mirrored the weight of his revelation. "Dr. Alaric Ardent injected the king with a purplish liquid. When he thought no one was looking."

Kael, Emily, Leo, and Sebastian exchanged concerned glances, realizing the potential gravity of Orion's revelation. The queen, a beacon of authority and maternal concern, reacted swiftly. "Guards! Find Dr. Alaric Ardent immediately. Bring him to me at once!" she commanded, her voice echoing through the grandeur of the royal chambers.

The clatter of armor and hurried footsteps filled the air as the royal guards sprang into action, dispatched to locate the elusive physician. Queen Isolde's eyes bore a mixture of apprehension and determination. "This cannot go unanswered. We need to uncover the truth behind this act."

As tension settled over the room, the queen's resolve and the silent vigilance of the quartet formed an unspoken alliance, determined to unravel the mysterious events that unfolded within the heart of Astoria's royal chambers.