Chapter 55
Lucien sat up slowly, his vision still a little unsteady, the bitter aftertaste of the potion clinging stubbornly to his tongue like wet leaves in a storm. His limbs, though no longer aching, still held a lingering sourness, as though his very bones were stretching after a long slumber. Beside him, Marie gently held out a hand to help him to his feet.
"Easy now, young master," she said softly, wrapping her arm under his shoulder with a practiced strength. Lucien rose unsteadily, wobbling for a second before finding balance. Marie steadied him without effort.
Lucien groaned lightly and rolled his shoulders, flexing his neck from side to side as if trying to shake the soreness away. "Ugh. That potion was a nightmare..."
Marie chuckled, then dusted off his clothes with a keen eye. Her hands smoothed out the front of his tunic, patting away the grass and dirt that had clung to him while he slept. Her touch was meticulous, almost tender. She paused for a moment, her gaze drifting to the fallen dessert a few paces away, her expression tightening.
Lucien didn’t notice the sudden chill that passed through her eyes.
"You should go ahead now," Marie said, her voice firm but composed. "I’ll clean up here."
Lucien nodded, still feeling the sluggish effects of the potion. "Thanks, Marie. I owe you one."
She gave him a short bow, but her gaze lingered coldly on the stained jelly lying abandoned in the grass, her fingers curling ever so slightly.
Lucien, unaware of her quiet fury, began his slow walk back toward the mansion. Each step was a bit easier than the last, though a faint throb still pulsed in his temples. He grimaced and gently rubbed his head.
That headache... What the hell was that? he thought.
When he tried to recall what happened, a sharp pain pinched behind his eyes. He winced and sighed. Nope. Not yet.