Eleanor stared at Catherine, surprised that she was helping her out.
She felt skeptical, but she was pressed for a way out of the situation.
"Bring the bottle to me," Lucas demanded, his eyes fixed on Catherine.
Eleanor's body froze, and her heart stumbled within her.
Murmurs exploded among the nobles.
Eleanor's lips pressed into a thin line as she opened her mouth, but no words came out. Her maid tried to interject, stepping forward nervously.
Catherine reached into the folds of her gown and pulled out the small vial, handing it to Lucas, who in turn beckoned to Nathan to pass it to the royal physician.
"Confirm the content."
The physician examined the powder, crushing a bit of it into a small solution, and watched as it foamed darkly.
"This… this is not a relief aid, Your Majesty," he said, his hand trembling slightly, and Eleanor's breath caught in her throat.
"What is it?" Lucas asked.
"It's dragon venom," he revealed, and Eleanor's feet gave way beneath her.
