The sweet venom Chapter 4: 3

Read chapter 4 of The sweet venom by aspa201 on NovelPedia.

A few days later, Helia found herself in her carriage, observing the line of vehicles ahead of her. The long procession of nobles was heading to the count's grand estate for the much-anticipated banquet. She had purposely delayed her arrival to avoid curious stares. She needed a moment to herself before facing the evening. The carriage stopped at the entrance to the estate. After a quick check of her identity by the guards, she entered the grounds. Once inside, sheltered from prying eyes, she activated the bracelet the family sorcerer had entrusted to her a few days earlier. In an instant, her amethyst eyes turned to a cold blue, and her light brown hair became a shimmering, almost ethereal silver. She wore a simple, elegant dark blue gown, a deliberately modest choice, quite different from the colors and styles she usually favored. She didn't want to attract attention tonight, only to observe. She stepped out of the carriage, her shoes sinking slightly into the gravel of the gardens before the count's house. The nobles around her, radiant in luxurious attire, laughed and chatted merrily as they made their way to the ballroom. Helia, adjusting her dress slightly, suddenly felt nervous. Sir Aldric, her personal knight, looked at her questioningly. He was a man in his forties, his face marked by time and battle, with a few discreet lines at the corners of his eyes, evidence of years of service and trials endured. His golden eyes sparkled with unwavering loyalty, while his short, dark hair framed his stern features. He hesitated before gently asking. "Lady Helia, would you like me to accompany you?" She shook her head, trying to appear confident. "Thank you, but I prefer to go in alone." Without waiting for his reply, she made her way toward the grand estate. Her heart raced, a mixture of fear and excitement filling her. This evening could either confirm or dispel the doubts she secretly held about Elysia, but deep down, she still hoped to be wrong. When she reached the grand door of the ballroom, she felt a brief moment of apprehension. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and entered. The sight that greeted her left her speechless. The ballroom was breathtaking. Crystal chandeliers cast a soft, golden light, illuminating a sparkling dance floor where numerous couples twirled gracefully. The walls were adorned with lavish tapestries, and enormous tables covered with delicate dishes stretched along the room. Music resonated softly in the air, adding a touch of magic to the atmosphere. She felt dizzy from the sheer magnificence. This was far from the cynical description Elysia had given her. Everything here seemed paradisiacal, and for a moment, she even forgot why she had come. Then, her gaze fell on Adrian, her fiancé, standing at the other end of the room. Surrounded by influential men, he was engaged in animated conversation, a glass of champagne in hand. Helia knew he must be gathering support for his cause, his focused expression betraying the importance of the conversation. After observing Adrian for a moment, she let her gaze drift across the room until she finally spotted Elysia. The young woman was, as always, stunningly beautiful. She wore a deep red gown that caught every eye. Her golden hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her skin seemed to glow under the candlelight. She was surrounded by several ladies, all hanging on her every word, as if she were the queen of this small social circle. Helia hesitated for a moment, her heart beating faster. She didn't want her suspicions to be true. She decided to descend the stairs and mingle with the crowd. Slipping discreetly toward the buffet, she approached the group without drawing attention, pretending to serve herself a glass of wine while listening carefully to the conversation. Elysia and the ladies were talking about a trivial subject. One of them, a young woman in a green gown, laughed as she mentioned a recent ball, while another Lady, with a mocking smile, told