"This is Ludwig's mother's garden. It's off-limits to everyone except us because Ludwig has restricted access," Liam explained as we entered the serene sanctuary.
I raised an eyebrow, curious about Ludwig's reasons for allowing me access to the garden and even letting me tend to the plants and flowers despite the strict rules. However, I decided to set aside that question for now, recognizing that there were more pressing matters at hand.
"I believe the old witch was right," I began, scanning our surroundings to ensure our privacy. "It seems that Hiyasmin may not be cursed after all." The weight of this revelation hung heavy in the air as we contemplated the implications of this newfound realization.
Liam's expression reflected his confusion as he tried to process the information I was sharing. He mirrored my actions, scanning our surroundings for any potential listeners.
"So, you're saying that Hiyasmin's prolonged sleep and inability to move her legs upon waking don't match any known curses?" Liam summarized, seeking clarity on my observations.
I nodded, confirming his understanding and emphasizing the urgency of the situation. "Exactly. Despite my research, I couldn't find any curse that fits her symptoms," I reiterated, hoping to convey the gravity of the matter to Liam.
Before Liam could respond, I interrupted him, eager to reveal my discovery. "But I came across something unusual," I continued, reaching into my pocket and producing the Enchanted Moonvine I had found in the passage. "Remember when we encountered the injured Werebeast in the Forest of Eldertree?"
Liam's expression shifted, his forehead furrowing as he focused on the flower I held. "Yes, I recall," he replied, his gaze fixed on the Enchanted Moonvine. "It was used to heal the Werebeast's injuries. And you mentioned seeing a Stardew Hyacinth in Hiyasmin's room?"
I nodded, confirming his recollection, hoping that my suspicions and discoveries would lead us to a breakthrough in understanding and helping Hiyasmin.
Liam remained attentive, his expression indicating his eagerness for further explanation. "I don't quite understand, Louise," he admitted with a sigh. "How does this connect with Hiyasmin's current state?"
Feeling a surge of frustration mingled with determination, I sighed deeply. "Don't you see the connection, Prince Liam?" I replied, unaware that my explanation wasn't as clear as I had hoped.
Liam shook his head, scratching his forehead in confusion. "Please, just call me Liam," he interjected firmly.
"Alright, Liam," I acquiesced, gathering my thoughts. "What I'm trying to say is that Hiyasmin may not be cursed at all. Have you ever encountered a Stardew Hyacinth before?" I posed the question, already anticipating Liam's negative response.
His expression confirmed my assumption. "No, I haven't," Liam replied with a shake of his head.
"When I visited Hiyasmin, I noticed a Stardew Hyacinth in her room," I continued, my voice gaining urgency. "Initially, I thought it was merely a decorative item or a gift. However, upon learning its true properties, I became suspicious. The Stardew Hyacinth is known to release dust from its petals that induces a state of heightened drowsiness and prolonged sleep in those who inhale it. Could it be that someone used this flower to incapacitate Hiyasmin?"
Liam's expression shifted, a mix of realization and concern crossing his features. "Wait, can this flower also cause paralysis?" he asked, his voice filled with alarm.
I shook my head firmly. "No, the Stardew Hyacinth doesn't have that effect. But this," I replied, presenting the Enchanted Moonvine once again. Liam instinctively took a step back, a hint of apprehension in his eyes. "This could potentially cause paralysis."
Liam accepted the flower from my hand and inspected it closely, his expression growing more serious as he processed the implications.
"This is the Enchanted Moonvine," I confirmed, my voice tinged with worry. "I saw it yesterday near the servants' quarters in the castle. It's puzzling why it's here in Fortunalia, as it's usually found and blooms near the Eldertree."
The discovery of the Enchanted Moonvine in an unexpected location added a layer of intrigue to our investigation, deepening the mystery surrounding Hiyasmin's condition. Liam's demeanor became focused as he prepared to delve further into uncovering the truth.
I continued, my voice determined. "The Enchanted Moonvine is known to be used in treating injuries inflicted by and to Ravagers and Werebeasts. That's why I initially thought the Medical Corps might have used it to heal the injured knights. However, they claimed it was their first time encountering this type of flower."
Liam's jaw clenched in response, indicating his growing concern and focus on the matter.
"This herb numbs the sensation of pain, aiding in the healing process," I explained further. "However, a side effect is temporary paralysis of specific body parts to allow the body to focus on healing. The duration of this effect depends on the amount of Enchanted Moonvine used."
The atmosphere seemed to shift, growing uncomfortably warm all of a sudden. My initial thought was that Ludwig had entered the room, but my eyes widened in surprise when I noticed the change in Liam's eyes.
He spoke, his voice low but filled with conviction. "So, you're suggesting that Hiyasmin wasn't cursed but rather poisoned?" Liam's words held a certain weight, each syllable carrying a sense of determination. "And you avoided crowded areas because you suspected that the culprit was freely moving around the castle."
I nodded in agreement, unable to find words to express the gravity of the situation. "Yes," I replied softly. "To place the Stardew Hyacinth in Hiyasmin's room without detection, one must be familiar with the castle's passages. And for Hiyasmin to unconsciously consume the Enchanted Moonvine without arousing suspicion, the presence of the culprit must not be new or unfamiliar within the castle."
Liam nodded in understanding, his forehead creased with concern and his lips trembling with restrained anger.
As I processed the shocking revelations, I couldn't help but express my confusion. "But who would have a motive to poison Hiyasmin?" I asked aloud, my voice tinged with disbelief.
Liam's expression darkened further, his frustration evident. "It's simple," he replied through gritted teeth. "They were allies of Amelia and sought to bring ruin to the kingdom. Ludwig and Hiyasmin are the only ones who have a legitimate claim to the throne as Fire Faes among our cousins. However, Ludwig faces challenges due to the absence of the Ones, and his status as an Ascendant, a Possessor of Darkness."
I gasped, realizing the immense power and challenges faced by Ludwig.
"The ministers and townsfolk may not readily accept his authority," Liam continued, his tone filled with bitterness. "On the other hand, everything would have been smoother if Hiyasmin ascended to the throne, given her heritage as a Fire Fae, with her maternal grandfather having been a respected Minister."
I massaged my temples, feeling the weight of the revelations weighing heavily on me. The reality of the situation was far more painful than any book could convey, especially since it hit so close to home. The chaos and treachery were all in pursuit of power and royalty, at the cost of the kingdom's well-being.
"Louise," Liam called out, breaking through my meditative silence. "We need to inform Ludwig and Alexa about all of this-"
Liam's words were cut short by a sudden loud explosion that rocked the surroundings. The ground trembled beneath us, and I stumbled, but Liam swiftly caught me in his arms. Overhead, the large hanging plants began to fall, but before they could reach me, Liam pulled me close against him, carrying me under his arms.
Without hesitation, Liam swiftly lifted me and flew us out of the greenhouse, away from the danger of falling debris and chaos. The urgency of the situation was clear, and we needed to regroup and inform the others about the perilous revelations we had uncovered.
Liam's voice hissed with concern. "Ludwig will be furious if you get hurt," he muttered lowly, a statement that made my cheeks flush with embarrassment and a sense of being overwhelmed.
As we emerged from the greenhouse, another explosion rang out, this time louder and more powerful than the first. The force of it reverberated through the castle grounds, causing chaos and panic among those nearby.
I scanned the area frantically, trying to pinpoint the source of the explosion. My eyes widened in shock when I realized it had occurred near Alexa's room.
"Fucking hell," Liam cursed under his breath, his expression tense with worry. In a flash, he disappeared from my sight, likely heading towards the location of the explosion to assess the situation and ensure everyone's safety.
As I stood outside, staring at the scorched castle, the scream of the knights pierced the air, jolting me into action. Without hesitation, I ran back inside, pushing through the throngs of people rushing towards the source of the commotion.
When I finally reached the scene, my breath caught in my throat. The fire caused by the explosion was quickly being extinguished by the Fire Faes, but the damage had been done. Alexa's room lay in ruins, the door disfigured and thick with smoke. Everything inside was destroyed, a chaotic mess of charred remains.
Unable to enter due to the swarm of knights and officials, I watched from a distance. Liam's broad back was visible as he searched through the wreckage, his voice filled with anger as he declared Alexa's disappearance.
Moments later, Ludwig arrived accompanied by elderly Faes of high authority, their golden cloaks marking their status. Everyone around bowed in reverence, and I instinctively stepped back to avoid being noticed, though I remained within earshot.
"She's gone, Alexa is gone," Liam's voice rang out, laced with fury. Before I could fully comprehend the situation, Ludwig let out a deafening roar, and without warning, everything erupted in flames.