Chapter 52: Death Shade Essence
Gasps filled the great hall like wind through shattered glass. One moment the banquet had been alive with music, noble laughter, and the gentle clatter of silverware against plates, and the next, it was a scene of chaos.
Prince Darius slumped over the table, pale and shaking, his fingers curled tightly around the edge of the table as if trying to keep himself tethered to consciousness. His guards had rushed forward the moment the first goblet spilled. Now, more soldiers arrived in haste, surrounding the prince in a protective circle as if their presence alone could stop the venom spreading through his blood.
"The prince has been poisoned!" someone screamed from the far end of the table.
There was an eruption of noise after that, chairs scraping, servants crying out, nobles backing away in terror or confusion. The music died mid-note. Panic rose amongst the people.
"Call the Royal Physician! Get him now!" one of the guards repeated Princess Nyx’s orders.
Princess Nyx was already kneeling beside her brother, her face stricken, one arm around his shoulder. Her elegant silver gown pooled on the floor beneath her, forgotten. "Darius, look at me!" she said, but his eyes were dazed, rolling slightly back.
The king stormed into the scene not moments later, having heard the commotion from his elevated seat. His robe trailed behind him as he pushed past guards and nobles alike. "What in the name of the heavens is going on!?"
His gaze fell on his son, pale, trembling, lips turning bluish, and his voice dropped into a raw, trembling bark. "Physicians! Where are the damned physicians!?"
The Queen, regal and normally composed, lost all semblance of grace. She shoved her way to her son’s side, her hand trembling violently as she reached for his face. "My son! Darius! Stay with us!"
The palace’s physicians finally burst through the doors in a flurry of robes and medical kits. They fell on the prince like bees on honey, testing pulses, checking his breath, forcing vials of antidotes into his mouth, burning incense under his nose, casting diagnostic spells. Nothing worked. Darius flailed briefly, his body convulsing once. Then he went limp again, a hollow groan escaping his lips.
The Queen screamed. A wail that pierced the ears of every noble in attendance.