The sweet venom Chapter 46: 45

Read chapter 46 of The sweet venom by aspa201 on NovelPedia.

By a stroke of luck, that simple hypothesis had proven to be an invaluable lead. They had wasted no time; that very evening, paraformaldehyde had been dispatched along with a letter to Dr. Caisus, who then returned the properly fixed samples. At last, their analysis yielded concrete results. They were finally able to glean some information about the venom’s composition, not comprehensive, for contradictions still plagued the data, but combined with the findings of each scientist after months of intensive research, the pieces of the puzzle were slowly beginning to fit together. In the days that followed, Helia and the rest of the laboratory scarcely kept track of time. The joy of having a real lead on the antidote nearly made her forget her obligation to participate in the season’s social events, but Lucille was there to remind her. And so, on the appointed day, she allowed herself to be prepared for the next grand occasion: a picnic hosted by the Circle of Nobles. She chose a pale pink gown, the draped tulle catching the sunlight beautifully, soft, airy, and perfectly suited to an event held beneath the open sky. Arriving at the central park of the capital with her father and brother, she found the grounds alive with the season’s grandeur: colorful tents erected for the nobles, stands offering fine delicacies, others displaying games and activities, from archery to equestrian challenges. As was customary, her father and brother soon excused themselves to attend to their own engagements, leaving her free to wander as she pleased. She moved through the lively crowd, her gaze scanning the crowd in search of familiar faces. After a few moments, she spotted Sera and Celia in the distance. Catching sight of them, she adjusted her pace and made her way toward them. She had just reached them and was greeting them warmly when another familiar pair came into view. Rosalind appeared, walking arm in arm with Leon, approaching at an unhurried pace. Helia felt a quiet lift in her chest. Leon looked strong and in excellent spirits—far removed from the frailty she remembered. It was a reassuring sight. They joined them, and Helia inclined her head with a warm smile. "Hello, Rosalind. Sir Leon, how have you been? You look in excellent health, I am truly glad." Leon returned her smile. "It is a pleasure to see you again, Lady Helia." He then turned politely toward the other two. "And you as well, ladies." Turning back to her, he added with a light chuckle, "I am indeed doing marvelously well, thanks to my wonderful fiancée." He leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to her cheek. The gesture caught Rosalind entirely off guard; she stiffened slightly, a warm blush blooming across her face as he drew back. Leon regarded her with a smile that was almost boyish in its delight. "Stop doing that, you’re embarrassing me," Rosalind muttered under her breath, giving him a light tap on the arm in protest. He only laughed softly, clearly unrepentant. Sera and Celia exchanged amused glances, barely managing to suppress their laughter at the scene. Helia, too, smiled softly at the display, finding a quiet warmth in their easy affection. Then, from across the lawn, the Prince’s presence caught her eye. He was impeccably dressed, his posture radiating his usual aloofness, as if he would rather be anywhere but here. Leon followed the direction of her gaze. A knowing smile curved his lips, and he let out a low chuckle. "If you will excuse me," he said lightly, inclining his head, "I believe His Highness is in need of my unwavering emotional support." The irony in his tone was unmistakable. With that, he offered the ladies a courteous bow before stepping away from the group and making his way across the lawn toward the Prince. Helia watched him go, her gaze lingering as he approached him. She was somewhat surprised that the Prince’s presence had been required, considering his many responsibilities and the situation with Ravenor. Though perhaps it was not so surpris