Chapter 72“Arnou what is it?” I hissed in irritation. I stopped and tried my best to remain on my feet.“Sorry about that. It’s just, I recognized this plant from the books I've been researching all day.It’s poisonous, and you were about to walk right into it,” Arnou apologized.I felt horrible, he had just been looking out for me and I had snapped at him.“I’m sorry, Arnou,” I apologized sadly.“Hey, it’s okay. Come with me, let’s walk over there,” he responded as he herded me over to another part of the garden.I enjoyed the walk, Arnou and I have been so individually busy that we hadn’t had time to spend together.So the walk, made me kind of happy. We took turns asking each other all sorts of questions, both personal and silly.After our walk, we went back to my chambers and I took a quick bath. Arnou once again, stayed by my side the whole time.I had gotten used to him seeing my naked form, and his presence didn’t bother me.But it did make me wonder if he missed his chambers.

From the corner of my mind, I could register my room door opening and my maids rushing inside.Arnou was panicking badly and trying to get me to respond to him but I couldn't. It seemed like I had floated to a secluded corner of my mind from which I observed everything around me.Different people kept coming in and leaving my room and sometime during the commotion I fell asleep.That night, I seemed to be transported to a different plane. It was some kind of dream but felt so surreal I was confused.I opened my eyes and the first thing I observed was the cold. Someone was lying on top of me trying to conserve my body heat.I felt grateful for whoever that person was. Nafira. The girl laying on me was called Nafira.I don't know how I know that, but I do.“Hey, wake up,” I said softly as I tried to pry her off with my small hands.I knew she had to be able because someone was coming. I felt a sense of urgency I didn't understand and tried my best to wake her again.“Nafira! Come on,”

I was still feeling moody minutes after Alisa left my room. However, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had wasted too much time. It was logical though, I mean the more time wasted after the wedding, the more stale any clues we might have had would go.I sat at my desk, going over the books Gabriel had delivered to me. Arnou must have read them all by now, yet it didn't seem like he had new information to share with me.I understand that he's worried about my health. Talking about conspiracy theories is probably the last thing on his mind. But Herley is dangerous and she's still in the palace. I might have given up if I knew for sure that she would stop at poisoning me.But I had no way of knowing that she wouldn't step over everyone in her attempt to claim Arnou as hers.I had waited too long for my happily ever after and I was ready to fight for the love and acceptance I had found with Arnou.I took out a piece of paper and began to write down all the people who had died on Herl

Chapter 78Arnou lay flat on the bed sleeping with all his clothes on. He looked so tired and cute while sleeping that I couldn't help but feel guilty. He probably hadn't gotten much sleep, not with me being poisoned and randomly passing out.I walked up to him tiredly and gently tugged off his shoes, then I rolled him over and covered him up with the duvet on the bed.I was careful to not touch him for longer than necessary. Once I was satisfied with the way he was resting, I walked up to his bath chamber and washed my face clean with water.Arnou, Alisa, Nikkini, and even the guests were forced to remain in the palace for a ceremony that wasn't confirmed. Everyone was suffering from this entire situation.It needed to end and I was powerless to end it. I kept spending all my time, investigating Herley’s origins even though Alisa was so sure she had been a good person.What if it was all an immense waste of time? I had not made any progress on the whereabouts of the antidote either

Chapter 80Arnou had woken up some time while I slept and had sat beside me working on his table.When I woke up with a scream, he jumped up and tried to confirm that everything was alright with me.He kept asking if I was alright but I was still reeling from the epiphany I just had.“Daciana please just say something. I verbally need to know that you’re fine,” Arnou please be with me.I knew this entire situation must be tasking for him. I mean he can’t even touch me to make sure I’m fine.“I’m fine, I’m fine. I just-“ I reassured Arnou as I trailed off and shook my head in an attempt to clear my thoughts.Arnou let out a breath of relief and balanced on the bed beside me.“Bad dream?” He asked quietly.I blinked at him strangely. I could swear I felt sand on my skin and my sweat-soaked dress must have actually been soaked by raindrops from the trees in the woods.“Arnou I need to tell you something. And please I need you to not interrupt me until you’ve heard everything I have to sa