Chapter 46: Missing Servants
Herbert’s atypical silence seemed to have created a cloud of suspicion as everyone at the table exchanged stupefied glances. Herbert was well known to be the most loyal guard who would not answer to anyone unless Lord Ivan approves of it.
Notwithstanding the several questions raised at him, Herbert remained mute like a mime.
In defiance to his quiescence, the once happy table was now filled with a distrustful silence - everyone except for Tobias who contentedly munched down on his juicy meat, rather fascinated by the unexpected show that would begin.
"Herbert, I need you to gather all the servants and bring them here. When I say all, I mean every last one of them. Leave none behind." Ivan’s direct orders sounded remarkably calm as he waved Herbert off to go get them. His judicious reaction to the noun plight made Samantha marvel at how well he handled the situation, despite being the victim.
But how did the golden goblet get poisoned??
When the little murmurings began to grow, one of the Courtier’s steadily rose to his feet and offered a deep bow to Lord Ivan. "My Lord, if I may speak, I believe it was your servant who brought the golden goblet forth." The Courtier named Albert candidly spoke, pointing an accusatory finger at Samantha who briefly met his glare.
"Why not interrogate him first while we wait for the others to arrive?"
Following his pointed finger, Samantha felt she had walked into her own personal hell when all eyes shifted to her. Another intense silence ensued in the forest, so silent that they could hear the clanking sound of Tobias’s knife and fork on his plate as he continued to enjoy his meal.
The green-eyed Samantha gulped softly at her own nervousness, and she avoided their judgemental stares. She was the one who was assigned to bring the golden goblet since it was her responsibility to serve it to Lord Ivan, but even if she had the intention of killing him, feeding him poison wasn’t the first option that would outrightly pop up in her mind. Poison! Of all things?!!