Fortunately, Althea had just finished expelling the poison when Gavriel returned. She quickly stepped out of her chamber.

“Your Majesty,” she greeted politely, bowing her head.

His gaze immediately swept to Melva behind her. “Leave,” he said curtly.

Without hesitation, Melva slipped away and closed the door behind her.

Gavriel's sharp eyes moved back to Althea, scanning her from head to toe. “I heard my mother visited… with a tray of tea.”

“Indeed,” Althea replied, ...