It was Cael.
"I apologize for the disturbance, young master," he said, well aware of how late it was. "It's just that our guards spotted the young lady in the backyard garden, and she insists on staying there."
The vast garden at the back of the manor was always deserted at this hour. But tonight, the Second Lady Rashet had decided to stay there, even this late. She was supposed to be resting, but she wouldn't leave.
Levon's gaze drifted.
"Sia?"
His hand clenched.
Is she meeting Dorian there?
When Nona saw Levon heading out, she spoke, "Is something wrong?"
"I've got something to do."
"B—but you're very tired."
Levon only spared her a sidelong glance. He he left. As if she didn't exist. As if their honeymood didn't matter to him.
Nona stood there speechless for a moment, then felt her anger begin to simmer. He just needs to stay at least an hour before it starts to take full effect! She hurled a cup to the floor and stared at the shattered pieces. Be patient, Nona. He'll come back to the bridal chamber. He has to.
The Ochia family had only one chance to take control of the main house: her brother would become the heir if Levon was found to be impotent. And if Levon lost his right of succession, he would no longer have the power to set her aside.
A maid entered the room.
Nona glanced at her.
"Find out what's happening!"
"Yes, madam."
...
EVER SINCE SHE had nearly died from that mysterious bean, Nyasia had studied plants in secret. Everything—trees, flowers, even how mountains worked. In this world, knowledge was real power.
"I'm going to find that flower—the one with white-bead petals. Go and bring a plate."
"B—but you could send the maids to do this, my lady. I don't think you're in good shape to do this—"
"What's the point of making myself the bait? If Brother hears I'm here, he'll come."
Of course, the servants might think she was simply causing a scene. But would that matter if the survival of the main house was at stake?
Right after she had figured out the vicious scheme, visions of the past flooded back. Visions where the Ochia family had indeed taken over the main house. And the chaos surrounding the iron mine had grown worse, and ultimately, control had fallen to Maryan and the Jade Temple.
Nyasia started walking along the narrow garden paths. Then she spotted a woman in a dark robe, standing at the farthest archway. She hadn't seen her before. For a moment, she thought the woman was an intruder.
Meanwhile, the woman studied the breathtakingly beautiful woman standing at a distance. Her white satin dress and long, brown hair gave her an air of mystery. Her face held a frail, classic beauty, yet her demeanor was firm, her eyes sharp and intelligent. No wonder her master had seized power, determined to claim her someday.
"My lady, I'm here to help you find what you need," the woman said with expressionless face.
Nyasia's eyes fluttered.
She smiled bitterly, reproachful.
"Oh?"
"The lady is truly brilliant. You've figured out that the poison isn't a tangible object. It's something you can always carry with you. Invisibly. Like a scent."
Nyasia's face didn't change.
"I don't need your help."
"The young master has likely inhaled some of it already. Even just a few minutes of exposure, we don't know what will happen."
"I know."
"But the flower you're looking for isn't here." The woman paused. "What he needs is the air from a special type of pine tree to cleanse himself. And those trees are in the forest."
Nyasia had thought about it too. Unfortunately, Levon coming to the forest would require a convincing reason so that the elders and the people watching his honeymoon wouldn't find it suspicious. Elder Chem must never find out that his scheme had already been uncovered.
Nyasia looked at the woman.
"It can't be helped," she said with a bitter smile. "Spread the news. Tell them a devious monster has dragged me into the forest."
*