The morning sun streamed through the palace windows as Margret welcomed her younger sister, Lady Evelyn, into her chambers. Evelyn, with her vibrant auburn curls and delicate features, carried an air of warmth and excitement as she set down a finely crafted wooden chest on the table.
"This is from Father," Evelyn said with a bright smile, opening the chest to reveal an array of rare herbs, silken baby garments, and vials of tonics. "He insisted I bring these to you. He wants to ensure you're well taken care of during your pregnancy."
Margret's eyes softened, her hands brushing over the gifts. "Father has always been thoughtful," she said, glancing at Evelyn. "And so have you. Thank you for coming all this way."
Evelyn shrugged, her smile widening. "You know I'd do anything for you. But I was thinking… perhaps I could stay here with you? At least until the baby is born. I want to help you through this."
Margret's expression brightened. "Evelyn, I would love that. Truly. Having you here would mean the world to me."
"I'll speak to Gareth about it," Evelyn said confidently. "I'm sure he won't mind."
Margret nodded, her heart lightened by her sister's presence. "Let's go to the gardens for a walk before you settle in."
The two sisters made their way down the grand corridors of the palace, chatting about old memories and future plans. As they turned a corner, Margret spotted Gareth ahead, speaking with a guard.
"His Majesty is here," Margret said softly, drawing Evelyn's attention.
Evelyn's breath hitched as her eyes landed on Gareth. Even in the simplest of attire, he exuded an undeniable aura of authority and charisma. His dark hair framed his chiseled features, and his piercing gaze seemed to command respect with just a glance.
When Gareth noticed them approaching, he dismissed the guard and turned toward them. His expression softened when his eyes met Margret's, though his usual composure remained intact.
"Good morning, my love," he greeted, his tone warm but restrained in front of company. His gaze shifted to Evelyn briefly. "Lady Evelyn."
Margret smiled, her hand resting on her belly. "Good morning, Gareth. Evelyn has brought gifts from Father. She's also offered to stay at the palace for a while to support me during the pregnancy."
Gareth's brow lifted slightly as he looked at Evelyn. "That's kind of you," he said, his voice measured. "You're welcome here, of course. Margret could use the company."
Evelyn curtsied, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I only wish to help my sister in any way I can."
Gareth nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I'm sure you'll be of great help."
With that, he turned his attention back to Margret, his gaze softening once more. "I'll see you later, Margret," he said before walking away, his presence commanding even as he left.
Evelyn watched him go, her eyes lingering on his broad shoulders and confident stride. She tried to compose herself, but her thoughts betrayed her. She had admired Gareth from afar for years, even before he married her sister. Seeing him up close, so composed and regal, only deepened the longing she had always suppressed.
Margret, unaware of Evelyn's inner turmoil, touched her sister's arm. "Come, let's walk in the gardens. You'll love the view from there."
Evelyn nodded, forcing a smile. "Of course."
But as they strolled through the palace, Evelyn couldn't shake the wistful ache in her heart, knowing that the man she had always desired belonged to her sister.
*********
A week later, Evelyn stood in Margret's chamber, adjusting her cloak nervously. She avoided her sister's eyes, busying herself with folding her gloves.
"I'll be heading to visit Father," Evelyn announced, her tone casual yet hurried. "There are some things I need to discuss with him, and I won't be gone long."
Margret, seated near the window with her embroidery, glanced up and smiled. "That's thoughtful of you, Evelyn. Send Father my regards, and be safe on your journey."
Evelyn nodded, clutching the edges of her cloak. "Of course," she replied softly, her voice wavering slightly as guilt gnawed at her.
Leaving the palace through the servant's exit, Evelyn mounted a small carriage and instructed the driver to head toward the outskirts of the kingdom. The journey was swift but tense, her heart pounding with each turn of the wheels.
When the carriage stopped, Evelyn descended quickly, pulling her hood over her head. The herb maker's cottage was nestled deep in the woods, its worn exterior blending into the shadows of the trees.
The door creaked open before Evelyn could knock. A hunched figure stood there—a woman with sharp eyes that seemed to pierce through the veil of secrecy Evelyn tried to maintain.
"Come in," the herb maker rasped, her voice low and knowing.
Evelyn hesitated before stepping inside. The air was thick with the scent of dried herbs and burning incense, and jars filled with mysterious liquids lined the shelves. The herb maker gestured for Evelyn to sit as she disappeared behind a curtain. Moments later, she returned, holding a small vial filled with a shimmering crimson liquid.
"This is what you asked for," the herb maker said, her voice laced with curiosity. "A love potion, potent and untraceable. But remember, such things come with a price beyond gold."
Evelyn pulled a small pouch from her cloak, placing it on the table. "Here is your payment. I don't need advice, only results."
The herb maker chuckled darkly, taking the pouch and weighing it in her hand. "As you wish."
As Evelyn left, the herb maker's sharp eyes flicked toward the curtain behind her. Kaelen stepped out from the shadows, his expression cold and calculating.
"Good job," Kaelen said to the herb maker, dropping a heavy pouch of coins into her hand.
"All is taken care of, Your Highness," the herb maker replied smoothly, bowing her head slightly.
Kaelen smirked, watching as Evelyn leave outside . Once she was gone, he turned to the herb maker, his voice low and dangerous.
"Make sure she believes it will work flawlessly," he said, his tone laced with amusement. "Let the foolish girl dig her own grave."
The herb maker nodded, her expression unreadable. Kaelen turned on his heel and disappeared into the shadows, leaving only the faint echo of his steps behind.
Evelyn returned to the palace the same way she had left—quietly, under the cover of night. She slipped into her chambers, her heart racing with anticipation as she clutched the vial close to her chest.
Soon, she thought to herself. Soon, Gareth will see me. He will love me.
*********
Two days later, Evelyn's opportunity finally arrived. She had been watching the maids closely, waiting for the perfect moment to execute her plan. When the tray of food was prepared for His Majesty, she quickly intervened, pretending to inspect the arrangement. With swift, calculated movements, she poured the crimson potion into the goblet of wine, ensuring no one noticed.
Her heart raced as the food and drink were carried to Gareth's private chambers. Evelyn lingered in the hallway, biding her time. The plan was simple: Gareth would eat the food, and once the potion took effect, she would ensure she was the first person he saw.
When the maids exited his chambers, Evelyn wasted no time. She peeked into Margret's chambers and found her sound asleep, the queen's exhaustion from her pregnancy working in Evelyn's favor.
Satisfied, Evelyn made her way to Gareth's chambers. She knocked softly before entering, her breath hitching as she closed the door behind her. Gareth was seated at his desk, his face thoughtful as he finished his meal. He looked up, surprised to see her.
"Evelyn?" he said, his brow furrowing. "What are you doing here at this hour?"
Before he could say more, Gareth's expression shifted. His head tilted slightly, his eyes blinking slowly as a wave of dizziness hit him. He leaned back in his chair, confusion flashing across his features.
"What… what is happening?" he murmured, his voice low and unsteady.
Evelyn locked the door behind her, her hands trembling with anticipation. She approached him slowly, her gaze intent.
"Shh," she whispered, her voice soft and coaxing. "You've been working too hard, Your Majesty. You need someone to take care of you."
"Evelyn…" Gareth's voice was a mix of confusion and authority. He tried to stand, but the effects of the potion rendered him weak.
As he struggled to focus, Evelyn began removing her cloak, letting it fall to the floor. Her trembling hands moved to the ties of her gown, her breath quickening with each piece of fabric that slipped away.
Gareth blinked, his mind foggy, his body heavy. He reached out weakly, his tone more forceful despite his state. "Evelyn, stop… What are you doing?"
But Evelyn was undeterred. Her confidence grew as she stepped closer, her gown pooling at her feet.
"You'll understand soon," she murmured, her voice filled with yearning. "I only want to show you how much I care for you."