Tyren's Dilemma

Downstairs, dinner had already started by the time Alex and Felicia showed up. Bowing to the Duke and offering up an apology, the two sat down and ate with their eyes lowered.

Silence was once again the theme.

The Duke's mind was on the second letter he had received from Emperor Robert. The two of them had not been on good terms since the incident that claimed Moniqua's life. As such, it appeared the man was now trying to bridge the gap. Even though Roelle knew the reason for the royal engagement was so the wealth of his Dukedom would be obligated to help fund the royal family's expenditures, he also knew it was in part Robert's way of further apologizing.

Tsk! Does the fool really think that making Felicia the Crown Princess will cover for his past blunder? Had he provided Moniqua with guards that day, one of them may have caught her before she tumbled down the stairs. I know it was Felicia's fault she fell, but he is at fault too. Why was my wife not given a proper escort?

Meanwhile, Tyren was wondering if Hildegarde had felt the effects of the poison yet. It had been nearly a week, so it should be hurting her. Besides, she was an old woman. Her body would not be able to negate the affects of the toxin. Even when administered in such small doses. 

Tara told me that she has already fed the hag the poison twice and she never suspected a thing. So she has her guard up with me, but she does not think I will come at her through somebody else? What a dumb bitch!

Swallowing the greasy meat in her mouth, Tyren lifted her goblet and took slow sips. Her eyes narrowed when they fell on Felicia. It was simply impossible for her to not hate the fact that the wench was here and not inside the annex. Tyren had gotten used to Felicia being as quiet as a mouse and easy to manipulate. This newfound assertiveness was wearing on her nerves more and more with each passing day.

She clenched her fist in frustration. She wished she could poison Felicia as well. That would solve both of her problems as she would be killing two birds with one stone. Picking up her fork she jabbed it into her food aggressively, picturing it to be the faces of the two women whom she despised the most.

Is there a way for me to poison her without getting caught? I've thought it through carefully and yet, I still see it as a risk I cannot afford to take.

Tyren's eyes flashed to Alex.

If I did slip something into Felicia's drink, what are the odds Alex wouldn't ingest it as well? Those two have become inseparable. If they're not eating here, they're eating together in the Emerald Room. I can't poison her here as there are too many eyes and hands preparing the main meals. Tara is good, but she would get caught. The servants may not watch closely when she's making food for Hildegarde, but for the family they would question her if she covertly placed something in one of the dishes.

The Duke too would be at risk. He may get poisoned if he were to eat from a plate placed near Felicia. I mean they sit quite far from each other, so it's not likely but what if the positioning of the poisoned dish got mixed up? Or Felicia moved it away from her and placed it closer to the Duke? Or myself? Or Helena? Or Alex?

What if Alex were to notice? Even now, his eyes go to Felicia every ten seconds. He watches her like a hawk. 

Tyren bit her lip.

Does he, perhaps, already suspect me? Is that why he's watching her? To ensure he knows exactly what she's eating and from which plates just in case she gets sick? Now I'm getting paranoid.

Her thoughts continued to go back and forth. Should she or should she not? Finally she gave up that idea. First things first, Hildegarde needed to die. She would get to Felicia after that. 

The next day, Felicia greeted the foggy dawn with a mindset both determined and exhausted. Last night was a challenge for her. Having to sit through dinner with that shameless woman and pretend all was normal irked her. She had proof, but at the same time she could not reveal it.

She had barely slept as her anger kept her eyes popping open.

Today, she would confront the maid named Tara. She may not be able to go after Tyren directly, but she could interrogate her maid.

Quickly washing up and dressing, Felicia rushed downstairs. She slowed her pace and adopted a calm expression once she got to the kitchen doors. It was early morning and the family was still asleep. The only ones awake were the maids, cook and chefs. In an hour, breakfast would be served. This was the perfect time to confront Tara, as she would be caught off guard, still be half asleep and hopefully not able to formulate good lies. Felicia already knew what the woman looked like from Hildegarde description. She also didn't need to know how the poison was being administered as the infinity had provided that. She only needed to know what kind of poison Tyren had given Tara to use against Hildegarde.

Once I know what it is, I can give it to the physician to examine. I'm certain he can mix it with a catalyst tonic to reveal it's damaging properties. That'll be the evidence I need to present it to the Duke.

If she dares lie to me, I'll threaten her.

Felicia pushed the door open and walked into the kitchen.

The room was hot from the ovens and very busy. The clanking of utensils filled every corner. Men and women were rushing about and the conversations were very loud. 

"Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen! May I have your attention please?!"

The conversations cut off instantly as everyone froze and turned their heads to the entrance. Their eyes widened when they saw Lady Felicia standing there with her arms crossed. Quickly picking up their manners, they all bowed and greeted her. 

Felicia approached the closest maid and asked her where the one named Tara was. 

The maid's eyes widened. "Tara, my lady? Why do yo--" Her words cut off when Felicia narrowed her eyes at her.

The maid next to her elbowed her in the stomach. Was she crazy? Who was she to question a direct order from her master? 

"Tara is Duchess Tyren's personal maid, my lady. She is rarely in the kitchen, especially at this hour. Currently, she is outside collecting water for the Duchess's morning bath." The first maid responded hastily, hoping to cover her blunder.

"And when is Tara in the kitchen? Apart from tending to Tyren's needs, what else does she do?" Felicia asked.

The maids, servants and a few cooks were surprised to hear Lady Felicia address the Duchess so disrespectfully. But they said nothing.

"Tara only ever works for the Duchess. When she is not answering her calls, she's usually in her room." The second maid responded, wondering what Tara had done wrong. The way Lady Felicia was asking about her indicated that she had erred in some way. But given the open animosity between the first miss and the Duchess, perhaps it was not so surprising.

Felicia nodded her head. "Take me to her. Which well is she at?"

The maids bowed and led Felicia out of the kitchen through the back door, which led to the vegetable garden. Immediately after their departure, preparations for breakfast resumed but now with everyone gossiping.

What had the kind and sweet toned Tara done wrong?