The people in charge of the food and drink were questioned one by one, but no one seems to know anything about the poisoning.
They all claim to have followed the usual protocol for preparing the meals, and none of them saw anything suspicious.
The king is frustrated and worried.
He doesn't know who to trust, and he's afraid for his daughter in-laws safety.
He turns to Rainer and Ryker.
What do we do now?
Rainer thought for a moment. I think we should investigate the princess's servants, he said. Maybe one of them was bribed or threatened into poisoning her food, but still I don't understand the reason behind that.
Ryker nods in agreement. That's a good idea, he said I'll start questioning them right away.
The king nods. Do it, he said. And Rainer, you stay with the princess.
I don't want her left alone.
Ryker nods and turns to leaves, to start his investigation but froze midway thinking to himself, Lady Calantha was acting strange earlier today. She was trying to seduce my brother, and the princess saw them. Could she have poisoned the princess out of jealousy?
That's a possibility.
I'll add Lady Calantha to our list of people to investigate.
prince Rainer goes to the princess's room and sits down beside her, taking her hand in his. He looks at her, feeling a mix of emotions: worry, fear, and love.
The doctor comes in and checks on the princess, then turns to Rainer.
She's doing well, he says. She should wake up soon.
Rainer nods, still holding the princess hand. He looks at the doctor.
Do you think she was poisoned on purpose? he asks.
The doctor hesitates. I don't know, he said.
But I do know that the poison was meant to put her to sleep for a long time.
If she had eaten more of it, it could have been fatal.
Rainer's eyes widen. We have to find out who did this, he said. Before they try again.
Rainer sits in the princess's bedside waiting for her to wake up.
He's worried and scared, but he's also determined to find out who poisoned her and make them pay.
After what felt like days, the princess finally starts to stir.
Rainer jumps up, leaning over her and taking her hand.
Princess Ayla? he said softly. Can you hear me?
The princess opens her eyes slowly, looking up at Rainer.
She tries to sit up, but Rainer gently pushes her back down. Don't try to move, he said.
You've been poisoned. Just rest.
The princess looks at him, confused.
Poisoned? I asked. What happened?
Rainer smiles, relieved that she's awake and talking.
You don't remember? he asked. You ate dinner and then you fell. We think someone poisoned your food.
The princess looks worried.
Who would do that? I asked slowly.
Rainer shakes his head. We don't know yet, he says. But we're going to find out.
The princess looks at Ryker, her eyes filled with fear. What if I'm attacked, what is their reason?
Rainer's expression turns grim. They won't, he says.
I'll make sure of it. I'll be by your side every minute, and I'll make sure that everything you eat and drink is safe.
The princess nods, feeling a little better. She reaches up and touches Rainers face, her hand gentle. I love you, she said.
Rainer smiles, his eyes softening. I love you too.
And I'll do everything in my power to keep you safe.
Just then, the door opens and Ryker walks in.
Rainer looks up at him, hoping for good news. Did you find out anything? he asked.
Ryker nods. I think I did, he says. I found one of the servants who saw something suspicious.
She said that Lady Calantha was in the kitchen earlier today, talking to one of the cooks. And then later, that same cook was the one who prepared the princess's dinner.
Meanwhile Lady Calantha and her mother, Lady Valtira, sit in their chambers, waiting anxiously for news. Did it work? Lady Calantha asks her mother, her voice trembling with excitement and nerves.
Lady Valtira smiles, her eyes gleaming with malice. I'm sure it did, she says. That cook we bribed did exactly as we told him.
The princess should be dead by now.
Lady Calantha nods, a smile spreading across her face. And now, Prince Rainer will be mine, she says. I'll be the queen, and no one will be able to stop me.
Lady Valtira nods, her expression serious.
But we can't get ahead of ourselves, she says. We need to make sure the princess is really dead before we make our move.
Lady Calantha nods, her smile fading. You're right, she says.
I'll send one of our servants to find out if the princess is dead.
If she is, we'll start making our plans to get me married to Prince Rainer as soon as possible.
Lady Valtira nods, a smile spreading across her face. And once you're married, we'll get rid of The king,Prince Rainer and his brother, Ryker she said. Then, we'll be the ones in charge.
Lady Calantha nods, a determined look on her face. I'll make sure it happens, Mother, she says. I'll do whatever it takes to be queen.
Lady Valtira smiles, her eyes gleaming with pride. That's my daughter, she says.
The made returned and reported that maids are restricted from the princess quarters and were unable to get any information on the princesses health.
I'll go myself Lady Calantha said.
Ok! Lady Valtira replied, now, go find out if the princess is dead. And be careful.
If anyone finds out what we've done, we'll be in big trouble.
Lady Calantha nods and left her mother's chambers, making her way to the princess's room. She sees Rainer standing outside the door talking with a guard. She smiles sweetly at him. Prince Rainer, she says. How is the princess?
Rainer looks at her, his expression cold. She's alive, he said. And she'll be staying that way.
Unlike some people, I actually care about her life.
Lady Calantha's smile falters for a moment, but she quickly recovers. I'm glad to hear that, she says. I was worried about her.
May I see her?
Rainer shakes his head.
No, you may not, he says. No one is
allowed to see her except for the doctor.
Lady Calantha's eyes narrow, but she said nothing. She turns and walks away, returning to her mother's chambers. Mother, she says. The princess is still alive, how is that possible with the amount she consumed,what did we do wrong?
A while ago Ryker told Rainer, It seems that Lady Calantha and her mother, Lady Valtira, have been plotting against the princess.
One of the servants overheard them talking about how they wanted to get rid of the princess so that Lady Calantha could marry you and become queen.
Rainer's eyes widen in shock. That's ridiculous, he says. I would never marry Lady Calantha.
Ryker nods. I know that, and you know that. But Lady Calantha and her mother don't seem to care. They're determined to get what they want, no matter what it takes.
The princess looks at Rainer, her eyes filled with worry. What are we going to do? she asked.
Rainer takes her hand, his expression grim. We'll figure something out, he says. But for now, let's just focus on keeping you safe.
The princess is still recovering, unable to handle to situation passed out falling back asleep.
While, Lady Calantha is in her mother's chambers, trying to come up with a new plan.
Mother,I have an idea. What if we don't kill Ayla. What if we just make her leave, and make Prince Rainer love me?
Lady Valtira looks at her daughter, intrigued. Go on, she said.
Lady Calantha smiles. We can use a spell on Prince Rainer. A spell that will make him forget all about the princess and fall in love with me instead.
Lady Valtira's eyes light up. That's a wonderful idea, she said.
Lady Calantha nods.
And I've advanced in my portions making and I know exactly how to cast the spell.
Lady Valtira smiles, Then do it, she said. Cast the spell and make Prince Rainer fall in love with you and all this will be ours.