CHAPTER 11:A DEADLY DECEPTION

One week passed since Leong was injured and he was fully healed. King Alaric prepared a royal banquet to celebrate his kingdom.

The royal banquet halls buzzed with excitement as guests from afar and wide gathered to celebrate the latest triumphs of the kingdom. Lawrence sat at the head of the grand table, his demeanor regal and composed as he greeted his guest with a warm smile.

But beneath the surface, tension simmered like a brewing storm. Flora, queen lyssandra's maid moved through the crowded hall with a sense of purpose, her eyes fixed on her target - The goblet of wine sat untouched at Lawrence's place setting.

As the feast began in earnest, Flora seized her moment, slipping a small vial of poison from the folds of her dress and deftly dipping it's contents into Lawrence goblet. Her hands trembled with nervous excitement as she watched the deadly liquid dissolve into the wine, leaving no trace of it's presence behind.

Unbeknownst to Flora Leong emerged from the shadows after finishing his business in bathroom, his keen sense alert to the danger that lurked in their midst. Something about flora's movements had set off alarm bells in his mind , a primal instinct warning him of the impending danger.

With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he sprang into action , darting across the room with a speed of hunting cat . In one swift motion, he swapped Lawrence's poisoned goblet with his own and drank it his heart pounding with adrenaline as be raced against the clock.

Lawrence watched with amusement took another sip of his poisoned goblet "what is it Leong? He teased" trying to steal my drink are you?"

Leong grinned his eyes twinkling with mischief "just making sure,I don't go thirsty brother. I wouldn't want to miss all the fun"

As Lawrence took a sip from his switched goblet, Leong held his breath praying that his gamble didn't go to waste. But as the moment passed and Lawrence showed no signs of distress relief flooded through Leong's veins like a tidal wave.

However the relief was short lived. Suddenly Leong staggered backwards, clutching his chest in agony as a searing pain ripped through his body. His vision swarmed,his head spinning with dizziness as he struggled to stay upright.

Lawrence laughter died on his lips as he rushed to Leong's side his eyes wide with concern "Leong, what's wrong?are you alright?"

But before Leong could reply a wave of nausea washed over him,bile rising In his throat as he doubled over the pain. Vomit spilled from his lips,dark and viscous with blood , staining the pristine marble floor with it's deadly hue.

Panic swept through the banquet hall like a wildfire as guests recoiled in horror at the sight before them. King Alaric voice boomed across the chaos,his command cutting through the tumult like knife. While queen Imogen Imogen panicked all colors drained on her face and queen lyssandra was cussing her plan didn't go as she planned.

"Summon the royal physician at once" he bellowed , his face pale with worry "and someone find Aegeus. We need to get to the bottom of this".

As Lawrence knelt by Leong side , his heart heavy with fear , Aegeus's voice echoed in his mind like a beacon of hope. "We need to find priest Melbourne" Aegeus said his voice of lifeline in darkness "he may be the only one who can save him".

"LEONG  AND LAWRENCE HAD ONLY JUST BEGAN ".

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