Chapter 4: Poison and Power

Kaelan awoke to the sound of the soft rustling of curtains. The sun filtered through the high arched windows of his chambers, casting golden streaks across the room. Standing by the window was his butler, Milo, a man who had served the Drakemont family for decades. His weathered face lit up when he turned to see Kaelan sitting up on the bed.

"My lord, it is wonderful to see you looking healthier today," Milo said, his voice brimming with genuine relief. "For months, I feared…" He paused, his words trailing off as if unwilling to utter the worst.

Kaelan offered a faint smile. "Thank you, Milo. I feel much better now."

But beneath that smile, his mind churned. He had begun piecing together fragments of memories, each more troubling than the last. The subtle bitterness in his tea, the unexplained weakness that had sapped his strength over the past years, and the calculated coldness of his stepmother, Elena. It wasn't mere illness that had plagued him—it was poison.

Kaelan's gaze drifted to the balcony outside. His coming-of-age ceremony loomed just weeks away. Traditionally, it was a grand event, marking the transition from youth to adulthood and the acceptance of responsibilities as a noble heir. But in this kingdom, it was more than a rite of passage. The top performers of the ceremony—those who displayed exceptional prowess in combat, intellect, and leadership—were granted prestigious bureaucratic titles, positions of real power that could shape the kingdom's future.

For Kaelan, the ceremony wasn't just an opportunity; it was a lifeline. Securing a title would mean regaining a foothold in the political sphere, something Elena had worked tirelessly to strip away from him. But he had lost so much time to the poison that had weakened him. His competitors would be at their peak, especially son and daughter of other nobles who has started looking down on Kaelan.

Milo interrupted his thoughts. "My lord, shall I have the kitchen prepare something light for breakfast?"

Kaelan nodded absently. "Yes, thank you, Milo. And bring my tea as well."

Milo hesitated, his brow furrowing slightly. "Of course, my lord. But perhaps you should avoid the tea for a while. It might be… aggravating your recovery."

Kaelan's eyes flicked to Milo, studying him. Did the old butler suspect? He decided not to press the matter. "Perhaps you're right. No tea today."

Milo nodded, relief washing over his face. He left the room, leaving Kaelan alone with his thoughts.

------------------------------------------

Meanwhile, in another wing of the estate, Elena paced furiously in her private quarters. The news of Kaelan's recovery had reached her that morning, delivered by one of her loyal spies among the servants. She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as she tried to suppress her rage.

"How?" she hissed, her voice sharp and venomous. "How is he still alive?"

A soft knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. "Enter," she barked.

The door creaked open, and a nervous young maid stepped inside. Her head was bowed, and her hands fidgeted with the hem of her apron.

"You called for me, Lady Elena?"

Elena's eyes narrowed. "Yes. You've been preparing Kaelan's tea every day, have you not?"

The maid's face paled. "Y-yes, my lady. As per your instructions."

"Then explain to me why he's not dead," Elena snapped, her voice icy. She stepped closer, towering over the trembling maid. "I gave explicit orders. The poison was to be administered in small doses, enough to weaken him over time. Yet now, he's walking around, looking healthier than he has in months. What have you done wrong?"

The maid stammered, tears welling in her eyes. "M-my lady, I… I followed your instructions exactly. I don't know why it's not working."

Elena's hand shot out, grabbing the maid's chin and forcing her to look up. "Listen carefully," she hissed. "Increase the dose. Do you understand? If he's well enough to attend the coming-of-age ceremony, it will ruin everything. I will not have my son's future jeopardized by that boy."

The maid nodded frantically. "Yes, my lady. I'll do as you say."

Elena released her with a shove. "Good. And remember, if you fail me again, you'll regret it."

The maid fled the room, leaving Elena to stew in her frustration. She knew time was running out. If Kaelan recovered fully, he could become a threat not just to her plans, but to Tomas's claim to power. She couldn't allow that to happen.

----------------------------------------------

Back in his chambers, Kaelan stood on the balcony, letting the cool breeze wash over him. He stared out at the sprawling estate, the distant hills bathed in sunlight. He clenched his fists, determination burning in his chest.

"If the coming-of-age ceremony is a battlefield, then I'll fight with everything I have," he muttered to himself. "Elena won't win. Not this time."