Deathly Flowers part 2

"He will not be able to help," Lyrienne declared one hour later with a grim expression as they were both watching the best healer available examine the ambassador. Unfortunately, the most talented ones were gone with both of their parents.

Éldorine clenched her fingers. "Cirane?"

"Cirane indeed. Only the islanders know how to deal with that."

And there would be no time to get one of their own healers here. Location pentagrams did not work above water, which was the whole reason the Islanders needed to trade through ships.

Éldorine forced her fists to relax. "Was the poison meant for you or did someone know of what you intended?"

Lyrienne grimaced and turned fully towards her. "There is only an abundance of choice regarding the culprits. I had to use intermediaries to establish contact with the Islands. My little project has hardly been a secret from everyone in the Estate. Whether the poison originates with the Northern coalition or the Islanders themselves is of little importance. If the ambassador dies, the whole of the Southern coalition will suffer."

"And whose brilliant idea has this been?"

He lifted a hand and stroked her cheek in a half mocking gesture. "Do not be so grim. Once we solve this contretemps, the ambassador will be indebted to us and will have no choice but to offer us very favourable terms."

Éldorine hissed and stepped away from him. "I could almost believe you are the one who plotted this whole little contretemps. Do tell, what is your new brilliant idea?"

"You flatter me, my dear. I assure you I am not that devious. As for our miracle solution, why of course we need to use miracle apples."

She froze. "You cannot be serious."

He laughed softly. "Let us go get your location pentagram. While the situation is not quite desperate, we are rather press for time."

Since that argument was unassailable, Éldorine did not bother to argue. The idea was crazy, but so was the whole situation.