Adeline's Ball

Amidst the sea of swirling colors, my gaze locked onto a figure that stood out like a vibrant flame in the midst of the night. Adeline was resplendent in a crimson and ebony ballgown that seemed to set the room ablaze with its intensity. The rich hues of red and black cascaded down her figure, accentuating her grace and beauty with every step she took.

Beside Adeline stood her husband, Alexander, his presence as commanding as ever in a sleek black suit adorned with intricate red trim. His arm was linked with Adeline's, their connection a testament to their bond and unity.

There seemed to be a hint of sadness in Adeline’s eyes. My heart swelled with pride as Adeline presented herself as a proper princess should.

I watched with a tender smile as Adeline, and Alexander took to the dance floor. The strains of a hauntingly beautiful melody filled the air, casting a spell of enchantment over the ballroom as they began to move in perfect harmony.

Adeline's gown billowed around her like a cloud of crimson and ebony, the fabric catching the light in shimmering waves as she glided across the polished floor. Her movements were graceful and fluid, a testament to years of practice and refinement under her mother's careful guidance.

Beside her, Alexander moved with a strength and confidence that spoke of his noble lineage and warrior's spirit. His hand rested firmly on Adeline's waist, guiding her with a gentle but assured touch as they danced.

While they twirled and spun, their movements seemed to defy gravity, their bodies perfectly attuned to each other's rhythm. There was a quiet intimacy between them, a shared language of gestures and glances that spoke volumes without the need for words.

My heart swelled with pride as I watched them, my daughter and son-in-law, bound together in a dance that seemed to transcend time and space. In that moment, they were not just a princess and her consort, but two souls united in love and devotion.

The dance continued each step as a testament to their bond and the strength of their connection. The music swelled to its crescendo. I felt tears prickle at the corners of my eyes, moved by the beauty and poignancy of the moment.

Once the dance came to an end King Charles gave a toast. I took a sip of my champagne. The taste was off and mine seemed to be bubbly. I shook this off as me being paranoid.

I found myself drawn back to the present moment by a familiar touch. Turning, I met the warm gaze of Jacob.


"May I have this dance, Your Majesty?"


Jacob asked with a soft smile, his hand outstretched in invitation. I nodded, placing my hand in his with a grateful smile. Together, we stepped onto the dance floor, joining the other couples in a graceful waltz.

We moved in synchrony to the lilting melody. I felt a sense of peace settle over me. We danced in comfortable silence for a time, our steps light and effortless as we circled the ballroom.

With a final twirl, our dance came to an end.

Jacob whispered in my ears, “Let us go home.”


I nodded. I wanted to stay but I knew that arguing with him was pointless. He gently took my hand and led me to Adeline. She was sad to see us leave. I gave her a quick hug before Jacob pulled me out to the carriage.

I made my way through the bustling corridors of the palace. My steps faltered slightly, a peculiar sensation washing over me. At first, I brushed it off as mere fatigue, the weight of my regal duties pressing down upon my shoulders like a heavy cloak.

I continued on my journey towards the awaiting carriage. The feeling intensified, a creeping unease settling in the pit of my stomach. It was as if a shadow had descended upon me, casting a pall over my senses and clouding my thoughts.

My footsteps slowed, each movement suddenly feeling labored and cumbersome as if my limbs were made of lead. A cold sweat broke out across my brow, my skin growing clammy beneath the layers of silk and lace that adorned me.

Alarmed, I reached out for support, My hand grasping the ornate marble banister that lined the grand staircase. Even as I clung to it for stability, a wave of dizziness washed over me threatening to send me sprawling to the ground below.


"Katherine, are you all right?" came a concerned voice from behind me.


It was Jacob. His features were etched with worry as he hurried to my side.


"I-I don't know," I replied, my voice trembling with uncertainty.
"I feel...strange."


Jacob's expression darkened with concern as he steadied me with a firm hand.


"Let me help you, Katherine," he said, his voice urgent.
"We must get you to safety."


With Jacob's assistance, I managed to regain my footing, though the strange sensation that gripped me showed no signs of abating. While we made our way towards the waiting carriage, each step felt like an eternity, the world around me spinning in a blur of colors and shapes.

The carriage awaited us, its sleek black exterior gleaming under the moonlit sky. Jacob steadied me as I approached, his strong arm providing a much-needed anchor amidst the swirling chaos within me. With each step, I fought against the disorienting sensations threatening to overwhelm my senses.

We reached the carriage. Jacob helped me climb inside, his concern evident in the furrow of his brow. I sank onto the plush seat, grateful for its stability as the world continued to spin around me.


"Are you alright?" Jacob's voice was laced with worry as he settled in beside me, his steady presence a comforting reassurance amidst the turmoil.


I nodded weakly, attempting to muster a reassuring smile despite the queasiness churning in my stomach.


"I'll be fine," I murmured, though the words felt hollow even to my ears.


The carriage lurched into motion, the rhythmic clatter of hooves against cobblestone providing a steady cadence to the journey. I closed my eyes, willing the dizziness to subside as I focused on regulating my breathing.

The dizziness did not lighten up despite my pleading. The jostling of the carriage only made me dizzier. I was not sure how long we traveled. I lost all track of time. Lodamir Castle soon came not view. Once the carriage stopped Jacob picked me up.

He quickly carried me to my chambers. He swiftly went about taking off my shoes. Next, he moved to unbutton the corset. I felt a weight lift off of my chest. Somehow this did not help my breathing. He slipped a soft nightgown around me.

He immediately called a guard into the room once the covers were settled around me.


“Get a physician quickly.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”


A few minutes later a physician walked into the room.


“Your majesty, what seems to be the problem.”
“Doctor, she seems dizzy and unresponsive.”
“Is there any pain?”
“No doctor.”


The doctor put his hand on my forehead. He immediately yanked it away.


“She is burning up.”
“What could have caused this doctor?”
“I cannot be sure.”

“When did the symptoms start?”
“It came on suddenly.”
“I suspect that it might be poison.”
“Are you sure doctor?”
“No, there is only one way to be sure.”


The doctor's grave expression sent a shiver down my spine as I lay on the bed, my body wracked with fever. Jacob stood beside me, his brow furrowed with concern, his hand still clasped tightly in mine.


"What do you mean, poison?" Jacob demanded, his voice tight with worry.


The doctor hesitated for a moment before replying, his gaze flickering between us.


"There have been rumors of foul play in the realm as of late," he admitted, his tone somber.
"It's possible that someone may have sought to harm her."


My heart pounded in my chest at the thought, the realization sending a wave of nausea crashing over me.


"Who would want to harm me?" I whispered, my voice barely above a hoarse whisper.
“We have not had an assassination attempt in years.”
The doctor's expression darkened further.

"There are those who would stop at nothing to achieve their own ends," he replied cryptically.
"For now, we must focus on treating the symptoms before it's too late."


Jacob's grip on my hand tightened, his jaw clenched in determination.


"What can we do, doctor?" he asked, his voice steady despite the fear that lingered in his eyes.


The doctor's gaze softened slightly as he turned to face us.


"There is a remedy," he explained, reaching for a vial of dark liquid from his satchel.
"It is risky.”
“We must administer it swiftly if we are to have any hope of saving her."


I nodded weakly, my trust in the doctor's expertise outweighing my fear. Jacob's hand never left mine as the doctor prepared the antidote, his movements swift and sure.

The bitter liquid trickled down my throat. I braced myself for the unknown, praying that it would be enough to quell the poison that threatened to consume me.

The antidote coursed through my veins. A surge of warmth spread through my body, chasing away the chill of the fever that had gripped me. I closed my eyes, focusing on the steady rhythm of my heartbeat, willing it to grow stronger with each passing moment.

Jacob's hand tightened around mine, his touch a lifeline in the darkness that threatened to overwhelm me.


"You're going to be alright," he whispered.


I forced my eyes open, meeting his gaze with a flicker of determination.


"I have to be," I replied, my voice hoarse but resolute.


The doctor watched on with a mixture of concern and hope, his gaze never wavering as he monitored my condition.


"The antidote seems to be taking effect," he observed, a note of relief evident in his voice. "We must remain vigilant.”
“The poison may still linger in her system."
“Thank you, doctor.”


The doctor left the room. Jacob’s worried look quickly turned into a sly grin.


“How do you feel Katherine?”
“Like death is knocking at our door.”
“That antidote will not do you any good.”

“What do you mean Jacob?”
“This is a new poison.”
“It has no cure.”
“In a week you will be dead.”


“You poisoned me.”
“I did poison you.”
“It is time you pay for your treachery.”
“I no longer need you.”

“What do you mean Jacob?”
“This is all just a means to an end.”
“Nobody will be able to prove that you were poisoned by my hand.”

“Tomorrow you will wake up feeling like you are on fire.”
“Then your mouth will be so parched.”
“Some moments you will feel like you are frozen solid.”
“When the pain becomes unbearable, you will beg me to kill you.”
“I will not give you that satisfaction.”
“Your death will be slow and painful.”

“Why now after all of these years?”
“I no longer need you.”
“Your death will no longer be of any consequence.”


His laugh echoed through the dimly lit room, sending shivers down my spine. I could feel the weight of his gaze, cold and calculating, as if he was sizing me up for some unknown purpose. The flickering candlelight cast eerie shadows across his face, accentuating the sharp angles of his features.


"Something amusing?" I managed to choke out, trying to hide the unease creeping into my voice.


His smile widened, revealing a set of perfectly white teeth that seemed out of place in the midst of his ominous demeanor.


"Just enjoying the moment," he replied, his voice dripping with sinister amusement.


My heart raced as I struggled to maintain composure. He leaned in closer, the intensity of his gaze locking me in place.


"This is just the beginning," he whispered, his breath hot against my ear.
"You wanted answers, didn't you?”
“Well, prepare yourself.”
“The truth can be a cruel mistress."


With that, he straightened up and turned away, leaving me alone in the suffocating silence of the room.