Unknown Happen Stance

Chapter 31: Lonnie's Aroma Therapy

I have confirmed it on good authority with a clearly written source from one of Google's website. The Desert rose is not completely inedible to people, it is toxic to dogs though. However toxicity depends on dose and tolerance level of each individual person. Low dose of tea made of a Desert Rose is safe for people to drink. The roots of the plant are used to heal open wounds in some African countries by taking extract out of the roots. So do not fuss over this. But please take into consideration this book involves a different universe different plants that don't work for us in the real world Earth of ours may work differently for Descendants Characters they live on Earth where none of us ever existed and don't forget every individual is different and there are those could be cases of those who might have been proven to build up immunity to dangerous toxins before and there is natural food to help battle some of the danger off. Don't try it because it's cool to take risks do it with care and under expert supervision. Or Two don't do it at all. Don't try this at home especially if you are a mere child ever. _Lumna10.

Lonnie had made rose tea from the Desert Rose in Minglania, a tradition that spanned generations. She poured two cups, one for herself and one for Ben.

"Indulge in the smell of the tea and take slow sips. Despite its stress-relieving properties, it can give allergic reactions. My people have built up immunity to the toxins of this plant, Ben," she instructed, her tone gentle.

"Nothing in this world comes without painful side effects," Ben admitted, his expression sobering.

"That is so true for physical items, actions, and feelings," Lonnie said sincerely, her eyes reflecting understanding.

"Thanks for defending me. You're a real friend," Ben said appreciatively, gratitude evident in his voice. "And for being insistent that Audrey apologize to Jane for leading her astray before she asks for my apology."

"I know how to figure out people's true intentions. My mother, Mulan, and Shang, my father, taught me well," Lonnie replied, her confidence showing in her tone.

Ben inhaled the lovely aroma and took a small sip. "Is this your mother's recipe?" he asked, curious.

"No, my grandmother's actually," Lonnie stated proudly.

"It's delicious," Ben remarked, a smile breaking through as he savored the flavor. "You followed her instructions well."

Just then, Evie walked in, her expression a mixture of concern and curiosity. "I heard you managed to improve your relationship with Chad, Evie. That's good," Lonnie began, creating an open atmosphere for conversation.

"Ben, what happened?! Why the frightened face?!" Evie asked, her eyes wide and searching.

"Audrey slapped him and pushed him against the wall," Lonnie admitted, the tension reentering the room.

Ben nodded in agreement, then asked Evie, "How are you feeling?"

"Worried," she confessed, her voice tight. "How long can Chad hold back from his old ways with her around?"

"Chad must learn for himself how bad an influence Audrey has become. When he does, Jane will walk him through the therapy session. We can't interfere with his life lesson," Lonnie said. "If we try to force it on him, it won't work—that's where Fairy Godmother messed up, Evie. You must be aware of that, being Acting Headmistress in training."

"Congratulations, Acting Headmistress Evie," Ben remarked, taking another sip of tea.

"Believe it or not, I don't know how to leave it alone," Evie confessed, her voice breaking slightly. "I hate the idea of someone backsliding when I could prevent it with my teachings, Lonnie. It's too painful. Maybe I'm not cut out for this job after all. You were right; my mother did love me from the very beginning, Lonnie. I'm not used to backsliding. I don't know how to connect with anyone." She paused, worry creeping into her voice. "Even Mal's been a bit distant from me. She won't tell me why, and that's the worst."

"Give her time. She'll speak to you about whatever she's hiding when she's ready," Ben encouraged gently. "She's going through a lot."

Lonnie pulled up a chair and poured a shallow cup of tea. "Have a drink, Evie, you're stressed," she insisted, guiding her friend to sit down. "Relaxation is an attitude of the mind as much as it is inactivity." She made sure Evie was comfortable, pushing her chair in and placing the cup in her hands.

After opening the window to let in a burst of fresh air and morning light, Lonnie noticed Evie's countenance begin to change as she took a sip of tea. She set a timer for five minutes, a folded piece of paper beside her bearing tally marks on one side. Every hour's chime signaled it was time to open the window.

"You all need a distraction, really," Lonnie went on. "Perhaps something naturally artistic—views and crafting activities. Musa is half Chinese; she told me herself. Why don't we spend some time in my kingdom with my family, Ben and Evie included?" She left the invitation hanging in the air, hoping they would accept. "She's already said yes, and my mom has approved. Friends?"

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