When Peony Blooms #AMBW

Chapter 9: "Silent Tears and Unspoken Regrets"

As Ayodele turned to leave, she caught the eye of the physician who had just arrived. He was watching her carefully as if studying her reaction. Looking at him suspiciously, she walked over, with a smile.

    "Excuse me," she said, facing him. "May I ask you a question?"

    "Of course, Your Highness," he replied, bowing respectfully. He hid something in his hand behind his back, though Ayodele noticed she continued to her point.

    "Did you find anything in the drink?" she asked, " Might that be it?" she asked pointing to the small glass container in his hand.

    The physician hesitated before answering, "Yes, we found traces of a rare poison in the drink. It was only a small amount, but it could have been lethal if not for the quick intervention of the court physician. We suspect it was added intentionally, but we cannot yet say for certain."

    Ayodele let out a relieved sigh.

Turning her attention back to the old physician, she asked, "Can you tell me what kind of poison it is?" She pointed at the black ground-up powder in the glass container he held in his hand.

    The old man looked uncomfortable but answered nevertheless, "It's called the 'Kiss of Death.' It's a poison native to your homeland. This is why I have held onto it upon finding it. It was found by one of your staff who said they found it while cleaning, but it wasn't there before the ceremony." He paused, looking up at Ayodele with nervous eyes. "It's very rare and very deadly."

    "Thank you for letting me know," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Please, keep me updated on any further developments. Tell no one of this poison you found."

    She reached into her pocket for a small pouch filled with coins and handed it to him. "Use these funds as you see fit," she said seriously.

    The physician nodded; his expression sympathetic. "Of course, Your Highness. I will do my best to ensure your safety."

    While walking to her chamber finally with her fingertips on her lips, deep in thought Ayodele's blood ran cold. The Crown Prince had been right. Someone had tried to poison So-ra, and the evidence pointed to her.

    Then, suddenly, Lady Song and Afi came running around the corner toward her. They were both out of breath from running, but their expressions held nothing but relief when they saw her.

    "Sejabinmama!" Lady Song exclaimed. "We were so worried about you!" Afi added.

    Ayodele patted down her form and smoothed back her hair. "I'm fine as you can see," she said while adjusting the hanbok on her shoulders. "Now if you lovely women would help me take this off my head, so I can feel myself think."

    " We are in the hall, Crown Princess. " Lady song began.

    " I will pass out on you, Lady Song."

    The two ladies quickly complied, carefully removing the ornate headpieces and braids and setting them aside with gentle hands. Ayodele breathed in deeply, feeling more herself already without the weight pressing down upon her head.

    " I left you two worried, didn't I? I apologize."

    Lady Song nodded, but Afi just stared at her silently, sinking into a deep bow " Please do not get hurt." Afi said her voice cracking in the process. " I cannot face your parents if you get hurt." she continued, her tears falling onto the floor, her eyes avoidant in embarrassment at her vulnerability.

    Ayodele's heart softened at the sight of Afi's tears. She knelt to meet her gaze, taking the woman's hand in her own. Her dark brown skin, matching hers, and she understood the fear better than anyone, being a foreigner as the crown princess in the palace, Afi also was among the servants.