The Maiden's Song (draft-editing)

Chapter 23 Poisoned

Hi, I'm trying to speed up a little the events. I hope you like this chapter so far. Thanks for reading and please do not forget to comment and vote!!! Luv you all!!!

Rosaimee

Chapter 23 Poisoned

Lady Katharina couldn't be happier. She was almost jumping in one foot. Finally she was officially betrothed to the prince. The blond belle was about to become a princess and then the queen of Abhainn. She kissed both the king and the queen's hand and ran to step in front of the prince. She pulled herself up and gestured to kiss Alasther who was totally absent minded. He could only react by instinct and protocol leaning and kissing Lady Katharina... sealing then the pact of engagement.

Lady Katharina was congratulated by everyone, feeling ecstatic with joy. But opposite to what she expected, the expression on her fiancé's countenance was not of entire happiness.

Prince Alasther was shocked. He became muted with the commotion... She noticed his face appalled as the king proposed a toast in honor of the recently engaged couple...

A toast? Engagement? Happiness!!! Everything Prince Alasther wanted to do was to find Amalthea amongst the crowded salon. But everywhere he looked he couldn't spot her. He searched back and forth and from east to west. Finally, in the middle of the fete he found her... standing next to Lord Roderick, looking directly at him. He felt terrible... Betrayed... But betrayed by who? Isn't was supposed how things had to be? What did he do to prevent this to happen... Nothing.

Amalthea's heart sank directly below her feet level. Prince Alasther was about to get married... and she couldn't believe why was everybody feeling so cheerful, except for her.

The duke was raising up his glass to make the toast, but Am remained still. She felt she had nothing to celebrate. In her memories, images of her and the prince made her feel nostalgic. She cherished those moments: the first dance, the heat of his body against hers; he finding her all naked and wet, their chatting at the picnic; his invitation to the masquerade and the beautiful dress she was wearing... She felt like if someone tore something from her bared soul.

The duke was looking at her beloved maiden now. She was definitely not happy with the prince's celebration. 'Was she in love with the prince?' He thought. He noticed how her stamina changed completely after the announce was made. She seemed to be lost... in some distress.

"Are you feeling sick, my dear?" The duke asked Amalthea. She didn't react at first, so he had to grab her arm and move it gently and asked her again."Am, are you feeling sick? You are pallid, my dear."

Am reacted, but still a bit absentminded she managed to speak. "No... I... I am fine. It is just I feel suffocated... It's too many people near..."

"We can move near a window or stand in one of the verandas, so you can breathe some fresh air... Is that what you want?" The duke asked.

"Yes, I think I need some fresh air. Thank you, Roderick." They walked together to the closest balcony.

The wind was blowing chilly in the terrace, but Am felt heat inside of her. She felt very thirsty. Lord Roderick walked to bring her a glass of water, and her fur coat. She was looking outside the balcony. It was still in the first floor, but somewhat elevated from the floor a few feet. Her gaze went from the garden to the sky. The clouds moved swiftly, leaving a beautiful full moon uncovered. Immerse in her thought, she didn't notice, she was not alone anymore.

"Are you fine, dear?" A feminine voice spoke behind her. Am turned to face the woman. Of all the persons in the world, why was she talking to her? Lady Katharina was smiling widely to Am, holding to glasses of wine. Am didn't answer. Lady Katharina spoke again. "Lord Roderick informed that you were feeling dizzy... Here take a glass of wine... it will help a little with your... faintness."

"Thank you, Milady" Am answered timidly taking the glass of wine and drinking it slowly, tasting the delicious red liquor. Lady Katharina smiled with an expression of triumph.

Soon after, the duke returned to the terrace and interrupted the ladies. "Am, dear, the king told me he desires you to sing for the engaged couple. Do you want me to inform you feel sick?"

"No, it is fine. Singing will make me feel better." Am answered, grabbing the duke's arm and walking into the salon. Lady

Katharina followed the couple pretending to be excited with Am singing for her and the prince. 'Let us hear the maiden's song... I crave to hear her.' She whispered to herself and left the empty glasses on a tray and walked join the royal family... her family now.

Am stood in front of the orchestra. Maestro Romanelli was giving some last instructions to Am and to the musicians. Everybody was staring at her: the guests, the duke, the king, the queen, the prince, and Lady Katharina, who couldn't avoid showing that grin on her face.

The music started playing. First the flutes, then the harps and the rest of the instruments joined the melody. Am opened her mouth to sing... but no sound came from her vocal chords. She grabbed her throat and felt desperate. She was mute... literally muted. She wasn't able to sing. Maestro Romanelli looked at her with bewilder. The crowd started murmuring. The musicians kept playing.

In the royal table, Prince Alasther stood noticing the despair on Am's face. Lady Katharina was smiling ever wider with a wicked expression on her face.

Lord Roderick also noticed something was wrong. Am looked even pallid than before. He hurried to where Am was standing. She was grabbing her own chest and extending her hand looking for some support...

The maiden felt extremely dizzy. Her throat burned in fire. Her heartbeats increased rapidly and her chest was about to explode. Then everything became just a blur, as her lungs craved for air. Am couldn't breathe and her legs didn't support her body any longer... She felt like falling... And darkness absorbed her whole existence.