Isadora’s mind shut the moment his lips landed on hers. All her fear and worry disappeared and was now replaced by immense pleasure, and strangely, she found herself opening up for him. Gods! His mouth tasted heavenly. She could never get enough of him. Alexander ravaged her mouth as is it were some heavenly ambrosia, savoring the moment. She tasted sweet, as always.

Isadora found herself tucking his head as she dug her fingers in his hair to bring him closer. The worry, all the fear that she had earlier had now turned into nothingness and her mind was mud. She couldn’t even trace her own heartbeat. She was clearly losing it here. She pouted her lips expecting more but Alexander had already withdrawn his.

Isadora shot her eyes open, her face laced with anticipation, hunger and yearning. But the moment she saw the look on Alexander’s face, all the feelings that were swirling within her vanished. Her face switched to one of worry immediately.

"What is it Alexander?" She asked, worry evident in her face. Alexander was holding his chest in pain as his veins popped on his neck. Gods! This sight of him was frightening. His eyes had also turned significantly bloody red send creating an image of him she never imagined ever existed.

’Gods! It is the poison,’ she thought. She hurriedly helped him sit on the bed and gave him a glass of water. Alexander groaned again and Isadora’s worry intensified. She walked in the room confused. She needed to do something before it was too late.

"Stay here Your Highness. I will get some help." She took one final glance at Alexander before she exited the room, almost running. Alexander did not protest. He didn’t have the luxury to do so. He felt as if his body was burning. Every muscle in his body was in pain. This kind of pain, he had never experienced before. A searing pain passed across his chest and he let out a painful groan. Gods! This was more painful than he had imagined. He suddenly felt the urge to cough and he gave in. His dry coughs filled the room as he placed his hand in front of his mouth. He could feel a liquid substance spray on his hands. Slowly, he opened his hand and almost jumped at what he saw. Blood! He had coughed out blood. What on earth had happened to him?

Alexander didn’t remember eating anything dangerously. Unless it was poiso.... His eyes widened in realization. The only person who brought food to him was Isadora. Does that mean that she had poisoned him? But she had also eaten the same food. He shook his head in denial. How could he even have thought of such a thing? He just knew, deep down his heart, she could never do such a thing. His gaze landed on the dagger that was resting on the nightstand and he furrowed his brows.

Isadora paced through the hallways, her mind a mess. She didn’t even know the type of poison that had been applied on the dagger. What if something bad happened to him? She couldn’t forgive herself. But wait. Wasn’t she supposed to be happy that the person she wanted to kill was now on the brink of death? But why did it feel so wrong? Why did she want him to live yet her mission was to kill him? If she is unable to kill him now, would she even be able to do so in the future?

But there was that feeling that urged her to save him. And it was stronger than her will to kill him. She took a corner by the hallway and came to a halt. Where exactly was she even going? She looked ahead and could see the queen’s chamber. Could she tell her? She was his mother after all. But there was a feeling in her mind that told her that she was just not the right person to inform.

At that moment, the door to the queen’s chamber creaked open and Lord Richard stepped out, looking as regal as always. He was dressed in black pants and a matching black robe. His hair, as always, was neatly combed and there was a painting on his cheek. One that resembled a woman’s lip. Isadora’s eyes widened in surprise. Was Lord Richard having an affair with the queen, behind everyone’s back at that. She gasped in surprise catching his attention.

Lord Richard looked at the maid who stood on the hallway, startled. But she was a maid. But then again, he knew that maids and gossip went hand in hand. So it won’t be long before the news of this went out. He took quick steps and approached where Isadora was. He held her hand before looking at the hallways for another person. When he was certain there was none, he turned to face her.

"Name your price. I will give you anything but this matter must be kept between us," he said. Isadora just stared at him confused. Did he think that she wanted money? An idea struck her mind and she looked at Lord Richard. Yes. This was the right person to tell about Alexander’s state.

"You should first wipe the colored kiss on your cheek my Lord. It might raise some brows, you know." She said looking at the spot on his cheek. Lord Richard looked surprised but he eventually wiped the paint with the back of his hand. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

"Is it gone? Completely?" He asked, just to be on the safe side. Isadora scanned his face before she nodded faintly at him. "Name your price now." He demanded.

"I don’t want your money My Lord. But I have to tell you something important. Alexander’s life is in danger." She said as fast as she could. Lord Richard’s face turned to one of worry and a questioning look plastered on his face.

"What do you mean his life is in danger?" He asked taking a step closer to where Isadora was.

"His Highness consumed something poisonous. That’s all I know." Isadora said, looking down to avoid his gaze.

"And where is he?" He asked with a louder tone.

"He is in his room.... Writhing in pain," she added the last part and Lord Richard was almost running through the hallway now headed to Alexander’s room.