The Princess's heart - D.M. Royal FanFic

XII

The conversation with Prince Aric of Eldoria had left me both unsettled and intrigued. His words echoed in my mind as I lay in the chamber, still recovering from the poison. The prince had spoken with a calm authority, his demeanor almost too composed for the gravity of the situation. There was something in his eyes—an intensity that suggested he knew more than he let on.

As I stared at the intricate patterns on the ceiling, my thoughts swirled like the remnants of a storm. The recent attempt on my life was a stark reminder of the perilous game I was now a part of. Each suitor, each prince, held secrets and ambitions that could shift the balance of power in ways I could barely fathom.

The quiet of the room was interrupted by the soft knock of the door. Healer Granger entered with a tray of nourishing food and a concerned look on her face. She set the tray down on a nearby table, her eyes meeting mine with a mixture of empathy and professional detachment.

"Princess," she said gently, "you need to eat to regain your strength. We cannot afford any more setbacks."

I nodded, taking in her words with a sense of grim determination. The poison had not only weakened me physically but also mentally, clouding my judgment. I needed clarity to navigate the treacherous waters ahead.

"Thank you, Healer Granger," I replied, attempting to keep my voice steady. "I will eat and regain my strength. We have much to do, and I cannot afford to fall behind."

As she left, Draco re-entered the room, his expression as guarded as ever. The tension between us was palpable, a reminder of the unspoken truths that hung heavily in the air.

"I've arranged for a meeting with the remaining suitors," he said, his voice firm. "It's crucial that we continue with our plans despite the recent events. We must maintain the appearance of normalcy, if only to mask the chaos beneath."

I met his gaze with renewed resolve. "Then let us proceed. We must discover who is behind these attacks and ensure the safety of our kingdom."

The road ahead was fraught with danger and deceit, but as I prepared to face the next suitor, I knew that I would not face it alone. With Draco and my allies by my side, I felt a flicker of hope amid the encroaching darkness.

Healer Granger entered once more, her expression resolute after hearing Draco's words. "She can resume the meetings tomorrow. For today, I will release her to her room, with you remaining present, Sir Malfoy."

Draco and I nodded in unison.

"Here, Princess, let me help you up," Draco said gently.

With his assistance, I made my way back to my chamber, leaning on his arm for support. The Herald for Eldoria, who had been waiting nearby, spoke up. "Princess, the throne room is in the other direction."

"The healer has given me leave to attend to the suitors tomorrow. For today, I still need rest," I replied. "If you could inform the suitors of the delay, I would be grateful."

My head spun with each step, a lingering effect of the days I had spent confined to bed. The exertion of walking felt overwhelming, but I trusted Draco to uncover the truth behind the attack on my life.

The Herald nodded and departed to relay the message. As Draco and I entered my chamber, I made my way to the bed, eager for rest. Beatrice was already there, seated on the couch.

"Princess!" Her voice was filled with relief and joy.

Overcome with emotion, I embraced her tightly. She returned the hug with the warmth of a mother's love, and we both shed tears of relief. "I'm glad to see you are on the mend from the attack," Beatrice said softly.

"Let's get you into bed," she continued. "I'll be down in the servants' quarters, trying to glean any useful information that might aid your investigation, Sir Malfoy."

"Thank you, Beatrice," Draco replied, his gaze full of gratitude.

As Beatrice helped me settle into bed, Draco stood nearby, his expression a mix of concern, joy, and sadness.

"Princess," he began, his voice steady but tense, "I must confess that I have a suspicion about who might be behind the attack on your life."

I sat up quickly, my heart racing. "Who do you think it is?"

"I believe," Draco said slowly, "that it is someone from your own kingdom, someone within your court."

My breath caught. "Do you have any idea who?"

"No, unfortunately," Draco admitted. "But I am determined to find out. We must uncover the traitor before they can strike again."

The weight of his words hung heavy in the room, the shadows of suspicion now casting a darker pall over our already turbulent situation.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. "We must act quickly. The safety of my kingdom, and indeed our own lives, may depend on it."

Draco nodded firmly. "I'll use all my resources to investigate further. I'll speak to the guards, the servants, anyone who might have seen something unusual. We need to uncover who among us could harbor such treachery."

Beatrice, who had been quietly preparing the room, turned to us with a determined expression. "If there is anything I can do to help, you have only to ask. I have long served the royal family and will not stand idly by while danger threatens."

"Thank you, Beatrice," I said, feeling a surge of gratitude for her unwavering support. "Your loyalty means more to me than you know."

As Beatrice finished her preparations and left the room to begin her own investigation, I turned back to Draco. "We must also ensure that the suitors are kept unaware of the danger. I do not want to alarm them, nor do I want to provide any advantage to the perpetrator."

Draco's eyes were filled with resolve. "I agree. We must be cautious in our approach. I will maintain a close watch over the suitors and ensure that no one is allowed to approach you without thorough scrutiny."

I settled back into bed, exhaustion beginning to overcome me despite the adrenaline still coursing through my veins. "Draco, promise me you'll be careful. I can't bear the thought of losing you as well."

He took my hand in his, squeezing it gently. "I promise, Princess. I will do everything in my power to protect you and uncover the truth. You are not alone in this."

I nodded, feeling comforted by his presence. "Thank you. I feel stronger knowing that you are by my side."

As the night drew on, I tried to rest, but sleep eluded me. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and fears about the impending threat. Each creak of the floorboards or whisper of the wind outside seemed amplified, a reminder of the danger lurking in the shadows.

Draco remained vigilantly at my side, his presence a steadying force amidst the uncertainty. I could see the resolve in his eyes, a reflection of his dedication to both me and the kingdom.

The dawn of a new day brought with it a sense of urgency. The investigation into the assassination attempt would continue, and the suitors' presence in the castle could not be overlooked. We had to remain vigilant and ensure that no stone was left unturned in our quest for the truth.

As the first light of morning filtered through the curtains, Draco and I prepared to face the day, determined to uncover the identity of the traitor and safeguard the future of Ravenwood.