Unfortunately, I'm an Evil Villainess

Chapter 115 - Aftermath (III)

Darkness. Voices. Slipping in and out of consciousness. Faint chanting.

Gradually, I opened my eyes, allowing them a moment to adjust to my dimly lit bedchamber and observe my surroundings.

"Oh, darling!"

Before I knew it, Mother's arms were around me. I embraced her back, grateful for her touch, her warmth, her concern. By which I mean that I held onto her with one hand, as the other was firmly clasped in Damian's. He lifted his weary eyes to meet mine, and kissed my hand feverishly.

"We were so worried, my sweet Val."

"Now, dear, let her breathe," Father said to Mother. She loosened her grasp but still held onto me, her grey eyes shining with tears that barely restrained themselves. Father reached out a hand and stroked my hair with a gentle smile. "I believed you would pull through, my angel, as strong as you are. Nevertheless, it was rather a shock."

Damian coughed. "He was worried sick," he fake whispered.

A faint smile crept to my lips as I sat up slowly, surrounded by my family. My head empty from the recent oblivion, it was the most peaceful I'd been in a while, without the reports of the grand duchy, the buzz of high society, and the prophecies of the novel all clamouring for attention. I squeezed Damian's hand, its firmness reassuring.

Rain splattered on my closed windows. It was light outside, but cloudy and grey. I estimated it to be around early morning. My family seemed weary, like they had not slept, but not overly exhausted to indicate several days of fear.

"How long has it been?"

"An afternoon and a night. How do you feel, Your Ladyship?"

Nathaniel sat by the foot of my bed, a prayer book in hand. I had been certain that my loyal priest would rush to my side at the first news of my impairment, and I had been correct. Upon this fact, I had hinged my life, if anything had gone astray.

It was not the first time I had fallen unconscious from deadly nightshade, as my poison training had pushed my limits many times before, but the dosage I had instructed for this was slightly higher than the maximum I had withstood, to ensure an authentic alarm. After all, the greater the damage, the deeper the water Catherine was in. Without inconveniencing myself too much, of course. That peasant was not worth any lasting damage to the future queen.

I assessed my faculties. My head was plagued by a hint of dizziness, but otherwise clear and nothing a few good day's rest wouldn't fix. A few spots danced in my vision, but they were already fading as my sight grew used to the environment. My limbs were a bit sore, but that usually went away in a couple of days. I reported my symptoms to Nathaniel and asked for a glass of water, which Father readily provided, and drank it all, the cold rousing my mind back to full alert.

"Thank you, Your Eminence," I addressed Nathaniel. "Your blessings were undoubtedly vital to my survival, and you have my heartfelt appreciation."

"It was merely my duty," Nathaniel said quietly.

"The temple's swift action is to be commended," said Mother. "Indeed, pray for us, Your Eminence, that God will bring justice for such a senseless crime just as quickly."

I looked around. Father, Mother, Damian. At the moment, they were all I needed. The glee of Catherine's downfall was not yet there, only the bliss of being surrounded by my loving family, and the satisfaction of knowing that I would finally be able to protect this happiness forever.

Nathaniel stood up. "Yes, Your Grace. Justice," he said slowly. "Will definitely be served."

A chill ran down my spine, but I pushed it away. It struck me then that everyone in the room could likely guess the truth, though God forbid anyone speak it. I decided to take it as an accomplishment, that I could have an understanding family and a powerful subordinate in the temple who did not dare defy me.