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1226 Words
The sunlight fell in the Queen's chamber as she enjoyed her bath before getting ready. Sitting in her vanity chair and putting some milk cream made by Lydia on her cheeks and then some rouge. Lydia was fastening the delicate lace bodice of Ruby's gown when a maid entered, carrying a small tray. Ruby stood up walking to her powder room to get her hair brush while Lydia walked to the maid. "Madam Selene has sent the Queen's medicine," the girl said with a bow. Lydia frowned slightly. "So early?" "The physician insists it is to be taken with ginger tea," the maid explained. "She says it will ease digestion." Lydia nodded, taking the tray. The moment the other girl left, she lifted the tea to her nose and took a cautious inhale. Something was different. The tea smelled of ginger, yes, but beneath that familiar warmth was something else—something faint yet undeniably bitter. Lydia set the tray down and moved to the window, where a potted plant sat by the ledge. With careful hands, she poured both the ginger tea and the medicine into the soil, watching the dark liquid seep into the dirt before covering it with fresh soil from another pot. She turned back just as Ruby spoke. "Lydia, is something wrong?" Lydia forced a smile and shook her head. "Your breakfast is served" Ruby watched the new tray but with an empty bowl and cup. Her eyes snapped to Lydia. "It was smelling weird," She said taking the cup and putting it to Ruby's nose. Ruby's eyes snapped up to her as she smelled that bitter-sweet smell. "My Ginger tea never smells like that nor does any other," Lydia stated. Ruby sighs, "Let's not mention this to anyone just yet." Lydia nodded about to turn around with the cup but Ruby grabbed her hands stopping her. "What are doing?" She asked as Ruby slowly put her lips to the edge of the rim. Her rouge leaves a light imprint. She handed Lydia the cup back. "Well, we can't have them thinking I didn't drink it." Lydia sighs, remembering it was her duty to keep the Queen in her best condition. Taking out a piece of paper from her book of medicines she began gathering herbs and medicines. It certainly wouldn't solve the root of the problem but at least immune her body to any poisons given. So she took off to the gardens on her time off. She knelt in the Queen’s garden, carefully snipping fresh sprigs of chamomile and lemon balm, their delicate scents filling the crisp morning air. Her fingers moved with practiced ease, gathering the herbs one by one, but her thoughts were elsewhere. Worry gnawed at her. She let out a sigh, tying the small bundle of herbs together. As she rose to her feet, she caught sight of movement nearby. Andrew. He stood at the entrance of the garden path, arms crossed, his piercing gaze on her. He was on his way to the Queen’s library, no doubt, but something about his stare made Lydia tense. Was he simply observing, or had he noticed her distraction? Forcing herself to appear unfazed, she gave him a small bow before walking away. Even as she left, she felt eyes on her, an eerie presence, but when she glanced around, there was no one. Inside the castle’s private kitchen, Lydia set the herbs down on the polished wooden counter. This space was reserved for the Queen’s personal attendants, far from the busy main kitchens where the servants prepared meals for the court. Here, it was quiet, secluded. She moved swiftly, boiling water in a copper pot, crushing the herbs with precision. The steam carried a calming aroma, filling the air with warmth. The Queen needed something to restore her energy naturally, something untouched by Selene’s hands. As she poured the golden liquid into a porcelain teapot, a maid entered, her expression puzzled. “Lydia?” The young woman stepped closer, eyeing the teapot. “Why go through all this trouble? You could just ask the kitchen staff to make the Queen’s tea.” Lydia paused, stirring the tea gently before setting the spoon aside. She turned to the maid with a soft smile, offering no real explanation. “Sometimes,” she said simply, “it’s better to do things yourself.” The maid frowned, sensing there was more to Lydia’s words, but she didn’t press further. Lydia carried the tray with steady hands, determination settling in her heart. If no one else would protect the Queen from the shadows lurking around her, then she would do it herself. *~* "Dearest, it's been two weeks since my cycle was finished. I haven't called on you at all." Ruby stated as Selene checked her pulse. She glanced up at Ruby and looked down again. "Is there anything wrong with my Mistress?" Lydia's concern was heavy. She wasn't just suspicious of the Physician, she was of everyone. Even if Selene was simply treating the queen for her betterment, what about the others? She had been in threat multiple times now. How could she just trust anyone anyhow? "No, She is in perfect health. I have to make sure the queen is well enough to conceive. So I made some medicines for a good gut." When Lydia finally dared to question her frequency, the response she received was vague at best. "My duty is to ensure Her Majesty's continued strength," Selene said one evening, as she packed away her medical kit. "These herbs promote longevity." Lydia pressed further. "But the Queen has never needed such frequent treatments before," Lydia asked walking her to the doors. Selene's lips curled in what could have been a smile—or a warning. "Times change," she said simply, before taking her leave. Lydia stared after her, fingers clenching the fabric of her skirt. ~*~ "How are you feeling?" Lydia asked setting down some tea before her as Ruby massaged her shoulder. "I feel well enough," Ruby mused, reclining in her chambers. "Yet I have never felt this... sluggish before. Perhaps it is simply the winter air." Lydia remained silent, her thoughts racing. Had the Queen been drinking any of the medicine Selene provided, would her drowsiness be worse? Ruby rubbed her temples, exhaustion weighing heavily on her as she sat in the library, documents spread before her. Lydia's words blurred together, and her mind was sluggish. When the doors opened and King Xerxes entered, Lydia stiffened. Her hands clenched the fabric of her dress as she debated speaking. "Your Majesty." Ruby stood up as he walked to her, and looked at her messy desk. Walking to the other side, his fingers pushed back the few strands of hair gracing her temple and cheek. "We will be traveling soon to the south of the Kingdom for a negotiation at Heather Castle. I came to let you know so your ladies-in-waiting can start packing." Ruby licked her lips nodding. The Queen's tiredness had grown worse—was it Selene's medicine? But accusing a royal physician without proof was dangerous. Her heart pounded as she glanced between the Queen and the King, uncertainty twisting inside her. In the end, she bit her tongue, bowing instead, vowing to uncover the truth before speaking. She didn't want to imagine the answer.
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