The sweet venom Chapter 15: 14

Read chapter 15 of The sweet venom by aspa201 on NovelPedia.

Two days later, Helia was making her way back to the capital in a convoy transporting the wounded to the military clinic, escorted by the Prince and several knights. This time, she had taken her place in the carriage reserved for the injured, surrounded by medical attendants. Her heart was heavy with fatigue, but she also felt a sense of satisfaction. Throughout the journey, she monitored the condition of the patients, carefully noting every detail to complete the report she would submit to the clinic regarding the progress of their conditions and the treatment they had received. This trip had exhausted her, but she was happy and, for the first time in her life, felt that she was where she truly belonged. As she thought of returning home, she was already contemplating how to prepare the samples for sequencing, anxious about the results. Barely had she entered the foyer of her family home when she was greeted by her father and brother, their faces marked by concern. Lucille, her maid, was also present, her expression shifting from surprise to shock in an instant. Helia had clearly lost weight, dark circles shadowing her tired eyes, and her hair was disheveled. Yet, a smile illuminated her face. "I'm home!" she exclaimed, trying to mask the exhaustion that was eating away at her. "Helia!" cried her brother, stepping forward to embrace her tightly. "What happened to you?" He stopped, looking at her face with concern. "You look awful! How long has it been since you've had any sleep?" She had not expected compliments or kind words from him, but she knew it was his way of welcoming her. She rolled her eyes before responding, "Such kindness, Lucian, it warms my heart. I'm happy to see you too." Lucian retorted, "It's only the truth. Have you looked at yourself in the mirror this past week?" She chose to ignore him. Her father, though stoic as always, observed the scene, and Helia approached him, bowing respectfully. "Father, it's good to see you again." He responded with a simple nod. "It's good you're back. Go rest, you look exhausted." "Yes, father, I have a few things to take care of first, but..." Lucille, knowing her Lady well, was aware that if no one stopped her, she would forgot both sleep and food for her research. "Miss, I've prepared a warm bath and a good meal for you. You should go rest first; you'll have all the time tomorrow." She intervened kindly. "But it's really important, I can't waste any time," Helia insisted, but her father, with a fatherly authority, intervened once again. "Helia, listen to your maid. Rest is not time wasted." She sighed, realizing no one would let her proceed for the moment. She allowed herself to be convinced and did not regret the decision. She had almost forgotten the sensation of warm water and cleanliness, as well as the taste of good food. After more than a week of cleaning herself with nothing but a cold damp towel and eating unrefined meals in a military camp, she appreciated the comfort of her home. After a restful night's sleep, she woke up in the morning, her heart racing with anticipation. While having breakfast on the terrace, enjoying a moment of peace before beginning her arduous work, Helia flipped through the letters she had received. Her smile widened upon discovering one from Lady Sera, who wished her a good return and congratulated her on her achievement, offering to have tea as soon as she had the time. As she savored these words, the door opened, pulling her from her reading. "Miss, your fiancé has come to visit you," announced a maid. "Ah, good, let him join me," Helia replied enthusiastically. Adrian entered, and she greeted him with a wide smile. She was truly happy to see him again after such a long week. "Adrian! I'm glad to see you, come, sit down..." But he interrupted her, his expression serious. "Helia, we need to talk." Her fiancé’s voice made her shiver. She understood he was not in a good mood. "Adrian, I..." she began, but he interrupted her