I forced my voice to stay calm. "Take me to the infirmary. Now."
The servant nodded quickly and led the way, Klara and two guards falling in behind me. My heart pounded as we hurried through the corridors.
The royal infirmary was a secure wing near the royal apartments, cleaner and better guarded than the rest of the palace. The steward lay on a narrow bed, face ashen, lips stained with dark blood. The royal physician knelt beside him, looking grim.
When he saw me, he bowed quickly. "Your Majesty… it appears to be the same poison as before. Slow-acting, but deadly. He swears he only tasted the wine meant for your table tonight."
My blood ran cold.
Someone had tried again during the banquet.
I stepped closer, ignoring the maids' horrified gasps. "Who prepared the wine? Who had access to my cup?"
The steward could barely speak, coughing weakly. "Many hands… Your Majesty. The king's tasters… servants… the cask was brought from the royal stores… I do not know who touched it last…"
