A Sip of Deception

Nora had been busier than usual. From dawn till dusk, she flitted through the halls like a ghost with purpose—setting tables, carrying documents, memorizing routines. Her quiet demeanor blended easily with the shadows, making her the perfect observer.

One afternoon, as she passed through the corridor near the east wing, she paused by the slightly ajar door of the servant's quarters. Inside, two men whispered—low, urgent tones, sharp with malice.

"…he drinks it during the meeting, he's gone. And everything he owns will be ours."

Nora froze, her heartbeat steady despite the chill that ran through her. She said nothing. Just smiled faintly.

So someone wanted to poison King Zayan.

She walked on as if she hadn't heard a thing.

Later that day, Nora made her way to the Queen Mother's chambers. With her usual grace, she bowed her head and quietly relayed the conversation.

"There's a plan to poison him. During a meeting. A drink will be laced."

The Queen Mother's face paled.

"But… please don't tell him. Not yet," Nora added.

The older woman studied Nora, then nodded with a solemn understanding.

That evening, the grand room was set for a business meeting between Zayan and a wealthy merchant from Varethia. Nora watched from the corner, her eyes calm but alert. The drinks were brought in—two glasses of wine. With precision, Nora signaled a servant who quietly made the switch.

As Zayan and the man spoke, the merchant leaned forward, swirling his glass.

"This, Your Majesty, will be our last conversation," he said with a smirk, raising the glass and drinking deeply.

He laughed, confident, even smug.

But moments later, the laughter choked. His hand gripped his chest.

"My love?" his wife asked, reaching for him.

He coughed. Once. Then again. This time, blood splattered on the marble floor. Panic ensued.

Nora remained still, watching the scene unfold with unreadable eyes.

The Queen Mother stood and signaled the guards.

"Remove the body."

As chaos faded, she turned to her son.

"Are you alright, my dear?"

Zayan nodded, stunned. "Yeah… but Mom—how did you know?"

She didn't answer right away. Instead, she turned toward Nora. The girl had gone pale, her expression distant. Without a word, she turned and ran—her feet barely making a sound—vanishing into the hallway, locking herself in her room.

The Queen Mother looked back at her son and sighed.

"For once in your life, Zayan… thank someone. Thank her for saving you."