His Forsaken Luna-Chapter 93: Tea time (1)

The closer we drew to Deyanira’s quarters, the quieter I became. Earlier’s pettiness was a brief distraction, one I needed from what was to come. Theo remained behind. As much as he wanted to come he knew there was nothing he could do.

Besides, I couldn’t have his pretty features before Deyanira. She would snatch him up in a heartbeat and the thought of Theo’s choices stripped from him again would be heartbreaking. No, he remained in the shabby palace under my command.

Now we walked in silence, Soren leading the way, and Kharis trailing behind me, playing his part. When we arrived at the threshold of Deyanira’s wing, one of her servants was there to take my coat. I’d wanted to keep it on but that would also be impolite, meaning I was ready to leave at a moment’s notice. It was scripted well for her benefit.

I was now entering the den of a black widow already setting up a trap, for me to get ensnared in her web of manipulation. I’ve always tread carefully with Deyanira, and managed to escape most traps. But there is one I cannot counteract.

"Idalia, my darling," she croons from the glasshouse the servant and Soren has led me. I shiver a little at the icy surroundings. "It has been far too long."

While Deyanira wore a soft winter coat, hat and leather gloves whilst seated majestically at a small table, I was without any warmth. It had been a while since I’d come into the glasshouse for tea. When the winter months were too cold, like now, she was merciful enough to seat us in her parlour.

Not today. Not since she was being banished. Fortunately I knew what games she plays and the little things she would do to make my visit even worse. In a hidden pocket of my gown, one I had sown into it months before, lay one of the heated gemstones. I allowed another shiver to dance across my body before bowing my head at the Queen Mother.

"Apologies, mother," my teeth clenched at the term, a sign to reveal how much I despised saying it, an action Deyanira would read and delight at. "I have been busy."

Deyanira’s dark eyes flicked to the newcomer of our tea time and her voice grew icy. "Indeed. You seemed to have brought a bug into my quarters." She looked Kharis up and down like he was indeed something to be squished. "It is highly unhygienic."

The Queen Mother then shooed at Kharis. "Be gone from my presence before you make me sick."

Fury like the sparks of flames burned in my blood at her behaviour towards the Southern Were who I was becoming to see more as a friend.

Kharis took a step closer to me instead, sensing my stiff shoulders, glaring at the ground instead of Deyanira. "That was not a request," Deyanira spat. "Leave."

"With respect, lady," Kharis says tightly, stiffly bowing his head. "I do not take your orders."

"How disrespectful!" Deyanira slammed her fist on the table as she glared up at us.

"Forgive him," I say calmly, stepping closer. "He is not fluent in Isa."

Kharis snorted but ’coughed’ to cover it up. It was not subtle at all.

"Fluent in insults," Deyanira clips.

"My... soon to be mate..." I almost bite my tongue on the word. "Wishes for me to have protection at all times. He stays."

Deyanira’s eyes narrow on me then flick to Kharis and smirks when her attention lands on Soren on the other side of me. "Very well." She gestures to the chair. "Sit, let us have a pleasant morning catching up."

"Let’s," I reply just politely as my stomach coils at the sight of the teapot.

𓆩:*¨༺✧ ♛ ✧༻¨*:𓆪

I moved cautiously toward the table, the heels of my boots clicking faintly against the frosted tiles of the glasshouse floor. Deyanira’s smirk lingered in place, smug satisfaction radiating from her like heat off a flame. Even sitting, wrapped in her pristine winter coat, she commanded the space as if the glasshouse were her throne room.

Her dark eyes followed every movement I made, cataloguing weaknesses I might reveal. This was what she lived for—the games, the entrapment, the manipulation.

I did not give her the satisfaction of faltering.

"Tea?" she cooed sweetly as I settled into the chair across from her. I noted the steam curling upward from the teapot, the dark liquid already poured into two delicate porcelain cups. I suppressed a shiver.

There it was again—that unease that always followed Deyanira’s hospitality. This was no ordinary tea. It never was. Her concoctions were always laced with something, a subtle toxin or sedative meant to dull my sharp edges and leave me pliant beneath her scrutiny.

The poison was a game in itself. One I’d played since I was old enough to sip politely from her gilded teacups.

I clasped my hands tightly in my lap, feigning an air of disinterest. "You’re very kind, mother, but you know I prefer water."

Her eyes glinted with amusement as she lifted the cup to her lips. "Nonsense. It’s a special blend I’ve prepared just for you. An acquired taste, I’m sure, but one you’ve developed over the years." She set her own cup down with a clink. "Drink."

Kharis shifted behind me. I could feel the tension in his body from where he stood. His presence was the only thing keeping me grounded as Deyanira’s words tightened around me like invisible chains.

I forced myself to reach for the cup. It was heavier than it looked, the porcelain cold against my fingertips. As I raised it to my lips, I pretended to sip, letting the liquid barely touch my tongue before lowering the cup again.

"Lovely," I said curtly, but even that small drop burned like fire against the back of my throat. I swallowed quickly, feeling the faint tingle of the familiar poison settling into my veins.

It had been too long since I last tasted it—long enough that its potency struck harder than I remembered. My heartbeat thudded unevenly in my chest.

Deyanira smiled, as if she could see the struggle I fought to hide. "You look pale, Idalia. Are you well?"

"I’m perfectly fine," I replied, my voice level but sharp. "Now, are we to spend the morning exchanging pleasantries, or did you summon me for a purpose?"

This would never go quickly 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

Her grin widened, her fingers tracing the rim of her cup as though savouring my discomfort. Kharis took a step in my direction, a low growl rumbling from his chest. My eyes widen and I hold a hand out to him.

"If you cannot keep him on a leash my guards will drag him out. Engagement or not. He is showing aggressive behaviour to me, daughter."

Ah so she has been informed already. Of course she had. Her spies were limitless in the court. Although I hope they dwindle in the time she is banished and my own power grows.