dy Evelyn, into her chambers. Evelyn, with her vibrant auburn curls and delicate features, car

an array of rare herbs, silken baby garments, and vials of tonics. "He insisted I br

"Father has always been thoughtful," she said, glancing at E

r you. But I was thinking... perhaps I could stay here with you?

lyn, I would love that. Truly. Having

it," Evelyn said confident

er sister's presence. "Let's go to the g

alace, chatting about old memories and future plans. As they tur

Margret said softly, dr

, he exuded an undeniable aura of authority and charisma. His dark hair framed his c

and turned toward them. His expression softened when his ey

warm but restrained in front of company. His

eth. Evelyn has brought gifts from Father. She's also offered to

hat's kind of you," he said, his voice measured. "You're

aint blush. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I onl

tugging at his lips. "I'm s

softening once more. "I'll see you later, Margret," he said

herself, but her thoughts betrayed her. She had admired Gareth from afar for years, even before he married

ouched her sister's arm. "Come, let's walk in

forcing a smi

n't shake the wistful ache in her heart, knowing that

***

djusting her cloak nervously. She avoided her sist

her tone casual yet hurried. "There are some things I

lanced up and smiled. "That's thoughtful of you, Evely

oak. "Of course," she replied softly, her vo

e and instructed the driver to head toward the outskirts of the kingdom. The

ood over her head. The herb maker's cottage was nestled deep in th

figure stood there-a woman with sharp eyes that seemed to p

maker rasped, her vo

d jars filled with mysterious liquids lined the shelves. The herb maker gestured for Evelyn to sit as she disapp

laced with curiosity. "A love potion, potent and untraceabl

, placing it on the table. "Here is your p

, taking the pouch and weighin

toward the curtain behind her. Kaelen stepped out fr

e herb maker, dropping a heav

ness," the herb maker replied sm

utside . Once she was gone, he turned to t

ssly," he said, his tone laced with amuseme

elen turned on his heel and disappeared into the sha

der the cover of night. She slipped into her chambers, her heart ra

self. Soon, Gareth will

***

to execute her plan. When the tray of food was prepared for His Majesty, she quickly intervened, pretending to inspect the a

n lingered in the hallway, biding her time. The plan was simple: Gareth would eat the

peeked into Margret's chambers and found her sound asleep, the

ng, her breath hitching as she closed the door behind her. Gareth was seated at his d

w furrowing. "What are you

ed slightly, his eyes blinking slowly as a wave of dizziness hit him

ing?" he murmured, his

hands trembling with anticipation. She

xing. "You've been working too hard, Your Ma

usion and authority. He tried to stand, but

t fall to the floor. Her trembling hands moved to the ties of her go

reached out weakly, his tone more forceful despit

nfidence grew as she stepped clos

her voice filled with yearning. "I only