Chapter 6: Poisoned
As Isolde entered the hall, her father’s furious voice erupted, countered by Matilda’s stammering defense. A cold smile played on Isolde’s lips. Her father's prestige had peaked when he was granted the title of Duke, but after her mother's death, he had never recovered. He'd abandoned military leadership for a bureaucratic post, allowing the family's reputation to crumble. Secretly, he hoped to win favor with Milton Blackwell, Eleanor's father—a secret he guarded closely. Revealing two truths—Eleanor's pregnancy with William's child and her father's pursuit of Milton's alliance—would plunge the Velvet Wing into chaos tonight. By tomorrow, she was certain, the Pearl Tower's meals would be restored.
As expected, the next morning, Helena arrived with a bright smile. “Miss, breakfast is ready!” Mary had personally overseen the meal. Once the servants departed, Mary spoke coldly. “Miss, you’ve grown bold—complaining to the Duke! But remember, Duke Langley has more pressing matters. Household affairs are managed by the Duchess.” Mary had intended to report Isolde's earlier strike to Matilda, only to find Isolde had already done so. Furious and resentful, she muttered, “Fine. If you want food, go ahead. Eat yourself to death.”
Isolde picked up her fork, pausing at Mary's words. Waving Mary over, she said, “Come here.” Mary hesitated, eyes narrowed. “What now? Do you intend to strike me again, my lady?” “I won’t hit you,” Isolde said calmly, placing some meat in a smaller bowl. “Take this to Leonis. Later, we’ll discuss Eleanor.” Thinking she held the advantage, Mary smirked and took the bowl. “Now, this is better, Miss. Anything can be discussed. If Eleanor can't be the lady of the house, she can at least be a concubine.” “Indeed, you’re absolutely right,” Isolde replied with a faint smile. Mary, satisfied, left.
Isolde immediately turned to Helena. “Shut the door!” Helena obeyed, smiling. “Miss, you’re so clever. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have eaten.” Isolde lacked an appetite. “You eat. I’m not hungry.” Helena hesitated. “No, it’s fine. I’ll eat later.” “You didn’t eat last night. Eat now!” Isolde insisted, rising. A loud banging echoed from the door, followed by Mary's shrill voice. “Miss Langley, open the door!” Isolde ignored her, gesturing for Helena to eat. Only after Helena finished did she unlock the door.
Mary stormed in, eyes blazing. “What is the meaning of this?” “Meaning?” Isolde leaned back, unfazed. “Can’t I enjoy breakfast in peace? Or do the servants dictate the rules now?” Mary’s expression darkened, her gaze lingering on the half-eaten food. A sly smile crept across her face. Isolde’s eyes followed hers to the food. Suddenly, Helena clutched her stomach, crying out. Her face turned pale. “Helena! What’s wrong?” Isolde rushed to her side. “I… I don’t know…” Helena whispered, clutching Isolde's arm, her face contorted with pain. “Miss… my stomach… it hurts so much…” Frantic barks erupted from outside.
Isolde went to the courtyard, finding Leonis writhing and howling. She froze, recalling Mary's earlier expression. Turning back to the table, the realization struck her: the food was poisoned. This had never happened in her previous life. Why? She had been meek and obedient then; such measures weren't necessary.
Mary smirked, feigning concern. “Why are you looking at me like that, my lady? Perhaps the girl ate something she shouldn't have.” “What poison was in the food?” Isolde demanded. Mary protested, “Miss Langley, please don’t speak such slander! Poisoning the master is a crime punishable by death. I would never! I’ve served this household loyally for years!” Isolde’s glare was intense, but her lips curled into an icy smile. “Loyalty, is it? Such dedication deserves a reward.” She grabbed Mary’s hair, slapped her, and shoved her face toward the table. “Here, have some of this leftover food. A reward fit for someone as faithful as you.”
Mary shrieked, “Help! Miss Langley is trying to kill me!” Imogen, the maid, rushed in. Isolde glared at Imogen. “Fetch a doctor. Now!” Imogen hesitated, but Isolde’s menacing tone stopped her. “If the doctor isn’t here within half an hour, Mary’s fate will be yours. Do not test me.” Isolde smashed a plate over Mary’s head. Mary slumped to the floor. Imogen, pale and trembling, fled.
Isolde's fury burned. I am the heiress of this house, yet a servant dares to poison me? If I let this pass, it will happen again. She dragged Mary outside, tying her to a stone pillar. “Miss Langley, I was sent by Lady Matilda!” Mary cried. “If you treat me like this, she won’t forgive you!” Isolde’s expression hardened. She removed a shoe and beat Mary until her cries became whimpers. Tossing the shoe onto Mary’s face, Isolde sneered, “I’ll deal with you properly later.”
Inside, Helena writhed in pain. “Miss… I can’t… I can’t serve you anymore…” she gasped. “Don’t speak,” Isolde said firmly, pressing Helena’s pressure points. “You’ll be fine. They wouldn’t dare kill me outright. This is just a warning.” Helena clung to her hand. “Miss… don’t report this to the Duke. If you complain too often… he’ll grow tired of it.” Isolde’s gaze softened. This girl… always thinking of me. “Quiet now,” she murmured.
After tending to Helena, Isolde retrieved Leonis. The poison had already passed through his resilient system, as expected. In my past, I knew Leonis could withstand most poisons. But that didn’t stop him from meeting his end at the hands of the Duke of Eldermere’s household. Carrying Leonis, she approached Mary. Isolde’s voice was glacial. “Look at him. Acknowledge him. You did this to him.”