Erich and Oriana arrived at their destination and proceeded directly to Erich’s study. With a grave expression, Erich wasted no time in questioning Oriana. "What have you discovered?"
Oriana hesitated briefly before responding, "I detected a evil dark energy within the King’s body that is gradually weakening his constitution."
"Are you certain?" Erich inquired, his concern evident.
"Yes, I can sense it quite distinctly," Oriana affirmed.
"Dark sorcery," Erich murmured, his voice laced with concern. "Conventional medicines won’t have any effect on it."
"Master, I will find a solution," Oriana assured him, "but it will require some time. In the meantime, we must ensure His Majesty’s health remains stable."
"What is your plan?" Erich inquired.
Oriana gestured gracefully, summoning several books to the table. "I intend to study these books on witchcraft."
Erich nodded without a hint of doubt. "Carry on with your research. I will prepare a fresh batch of medicines for him."
As Erich departed, Oriana settled into her chair, her thoughts drifting elsewhere.
’The same evil dark magic I sensed on His Highness that night," she mused silently. "The essence is unmistakably identical, and the perpetrator of both instances is likely the same individual. Does this imply that the same Black Witch is afflicting both father and son? Is she lurking in proximity to the royal family? Are there other members of the royal household suffering as well? I must uncover the truth.’
-----
Meanwhile, Arlan returned to the Thistle Palace, where he found someone already waiting for him. As he entered the foyer, Roman promptly informed him, "Your Highness, Sir Peryl is here."
Arlan acknowledged the information with a nonchalant hum and ascended the stairs. Upon entering his study, Alexander Peryl respectfully bowed and greeted him. "Greetings, Your Highness."
Seated in his chair, Arlan fixed his gaze on Alexander, silently urging him to continue.
"Your Highness," Alexander began, "there is still no sign of the young girl near Philip Verner, despite his illness. We may need to wait for her to reappear."
"If this girl has only the old man as her family, she will eventually return to him," Arlan surmised. "And what about my father’s actions?"
"Under Duke Wimark’s orders, they have not taken any overt action either. Like us, they seem to be waiting for the girl to resurface. It appears that His Majesty’s objective is to bring this girl back to Karlin, and..." Alexander trailed off, recognizing the seriousness in Arlan’s countenance.
She was Arlan’s betrothed and once she get’s into King’s hands and they managed to bring her back to Karlin, Arlan had to obey his father’s orders.
"We cannot allow her to fall into my father’s hands," Arlan declared resolutely. "The moment we acquire her, we must eliminate her. I will personally depart for Wimark in a few days."
"If Your Highness departs, it may arouse suspicion among His Majesty’s operatives," Alexander cautioned.
"We shall not let them know of our intentions to travel to Wimark," Arlan asserted. "You understand what must be done."
Alexander comprehended the unspoken implications. "I will make the necessary arrangements."
Walking along the silent part of the garden, she contemplated her options, a daring thought crossed her mind. freēwēbnovel.com
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