"She was poisoned," the physician repeated.
"What?!" Andreas roared. "Who did this? Who would dare? And the child—is the child safe?"
"They are both out of danger for now, Your Majesty," the physician replied, wiping sweat from his brow.
"Your Majesty," a maid stepped forward, trembling. "Princess Melissa was with the Queen when it happened. Her Majesty was the one who called for us."
Andreas turned his gaze toward Liliana. Their eyes met—his full of accusations, hers reflecting a cold, weary clarity.
"What?" Liliana asked, her voice devoid of emotion. "You think I did it? You must be joking."
"Who else?" Andreas stepped closer. "No one else has a motive. No one hates her presence here more than you!"
Liliana stood in silence for a long moment, staring at the man she once loved. "Fine," she said, her voice dropping to a deadly chill. "Let's say I did it. Why, then, would I call the guards and the maids the moment she collapsed? Why would I save her life when I could have simply watched her die? Answer me that."
Andreas flinched, but his pride would not let him back down. "Guards! Accompany the Queen to her quarters and lock the doors. She is to remain under house arrest until further notice!"
Liliana was shocked, but she didn't fight. She didn't plead. She simply allowed the guards to lead her away.
"We will investigate this matter," Andreas called out after her. "If you are innocent, you will be released. But if you are not..." He looked at her with merciless eyes. "You will regret this day, Liliana. If you have any conscience left."
Liliana was locked in her chambers with Anna. Outside, the palace was in turmoil. Larissa and Tiana had been taken to the dungeons for questioning. Late that night, a shadow flickered on the terrace.
"Ria," Liliana said, not needing to turn around.
"Your Majesty," Ria whispered. "It is as we suspected. Larissa was working for Baron Calon. He is the husband of the Marquis Franke's younger sister."
"I see," Liliana murmured, looking out at the dark horizon. "The plot thickens. Let us see what story she tells the King tomorrow."
The next day, Liliana was summoned to the Grand Hall. Andreas sat on his throne, looking exhausted but stern. Larissa was on the floor, weeping hysterically.
"Now," Andreas commanded, "say it again in front of the Queen."
Larissa sobbed, pointing a shaking finger at Liliana. "Her Majesty... The Queen was the one! She forced me to put the poison in Princess Melissa's tea!"
"Me? Truly?" Liliana asked, looking down at the girl with pity.
"That is her testimony," Andreas said, his voice hard. "And the search of your wing turned up a pouch of the same poison—a rare toxin ordered from a foreign land. What do you have to say, Liliana?"
Liliana looked at him and smiled. It wasn't a happy smile; it was the smile of someone who had finally stopped caring. "If I say it was me... what kind of punishment will you give me? I'm curious."
"So, you admit it?" Andreas's voice wavered. "What punishment would suit a Queen who tries to kill an heir?"
"I don't know," Liliana mused. "Stripping me of my title? Banishment? Or perhaps you'd prefer to take my head? Which one would make you and your mistress feel safest?"
She watched him, testing him. She wanted to see if there was a single shred of affection left in his heart after all they had been through.
"I will tell you my decision—" Andreas began, but the doors swung open. Lancel and Ria burst into the hall.
"Your Majesty! Stop!" Lancel shouted. "The Queen is innocent! We have proof!"
"Speak," Andreas ordered.
"Larissa was in contact with Baron Calon," Lancel explained, presenting a stack of letters. "Ria has been suspicious of her for weeks. I followed Larissa and saw her meeting the Baron in secret. He gave her the poison."
Ria stepped forward, holding up a signet ring. "This was found in Larissa's possession, Your Majesty. The emblem of the Calon family."
The hall went silent. Liliana watched the color drain from Andreas's face as he realized his mistake. He turned to the guards. "Bring me Baron Calon. I will deal with him myself."
As Liliana left the hall, Ria walked beside her. "I don't understand," Ria whispered. "Why would a relative try to kill Melissa and her child?"
"He didn't want to kill Melissa," Liliana said, her face emotionless. "He wanted to eliminate me. He figured that if I were blamed for her death—or even just for an attempt—I would be executed, and Melissa could become the sole Queen. It was a play for power."
News soon arrived that the King intended to execute the entire Calon family. However, Melissa begged for mercy, as they were her kin. In the end, they were stripped of their titles and banished from the country forever.
Later that evening, Andreas summoned Liliana to the Main Palace. He stood by the window, unable to look her in the eye.
"I am sorry for what I did," he said, his voice low. "I admit... I was wrong."
"I told you," Liliana replied softly. "I told you that you would regret it."
"I will do anything to make up for my mistake," Andreas pleaded.
"Do not be so sure," Liliana cut him off. "Not everything can be fixed."
"I am listening," Andreas said, turning to her. "Whatever you want."
Liliana took a deep breath. She looked at the man she had loved since her childhood, the man who had broken her heart a thousand times, and she felt nothing but a desire for peace.
"I want one thing," she said clearly. "I want a divorce. And I want to leave this country forever."