The sweet venom Chapter 8: 7

Read chapter 8 of The sweet venom by aspa201 on NovelPedia.

On the morning of her departure, Helia stood before her mirror in her room while Lucille, her maid, skillfully braided her hair. The braids were meant to last several days, a practical style for her imminent journey. She wore a dark gray dress, simple yet elegant, perfectly suited to the circumstances. Lucille, anxious, couldn't help but ask for the last time the question that had been haunting her for two days. "Are you sure I shouldn't accompany you, miss? It is my duty to take care of you in all circumstances." Helia smiled gently in the mirror. She was used to Lucille's concern, but this time, she was resolute. "It is my choice to go to the borders, Lucille. I won't force you to spend days in a military camp and sleep in a tent." Her maid, though persistent in the previous days, finally resigned with a sigh. The debate had already gone on long enough. "Be careful, miss," she said, gazing at her Lady with a look full of concern. Once ready, she left her room. The carriage was waiting for her at the gate of her residence. Lucille followed, carrying her bag, which she handed to Sir Aldric. He noticed the worried look on Lucille's face and gave her a reassuring smile. "Do not worry, I will look after the miss," he said confidently. Lucille, though still a bit anxious, nodded. But it was at that moment that the familiar voice of Lucian was heard, emerging from nowhere. "I expect nothing less from you, Sir Aldric," he said, his tone slightly stern. Helia rolled her eyes with a hint of exasperation. Lucian, her older brother, never missed an opportunity to remind her how foolish he thought her departure was. He had relentlessly scolded her ever since he had learned she was going to the camp at the borders. "Relax, I come in peace," he added, raising both hands, a mischievous smile at the corner of his lips. She was clearly skeptical. Her brother pretended to ignore her expression and continued in a more serious tone. "I simply wanted to wish you a good journey and remind you to be careful." She looked at him still with some suspicion. "I truly appreciate your concern, both of you, but you really don't need to worry so much. I'm only gone for a few days, and I'm not in any danger. Many scientists have already gone to the borders and they all came back safe. The imperial knights are there to protect us." Lucian, determined not to give up so easily, replied. "It remains a dangerous expedition, especially for a w..." Helia immediately cut him off. "Lucian, if you dare say again that it's dangerous because I'm a woman, I'll make you swallow your tongue." Lucian, realizing he had gone too far, raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright, I told you I came in peace," he said with a slight smile before turning to leave. "Safe travels, little sister." Although he tried to hide his worry behind a smile, he was terribly anxious for his sister. However, he knew he had no say in her decision. He had insisted as much as he could with their father to accompany her to the borders, but their father had firmly forbidden it, arguing that he had too much work to do here. Their father had also tried to reassure him, saying that Helia would be protected by the imperial knights and that Sir Aldric would personally watch over her. She finally got into her carriage. On the way to the imperial palace, a slight apprehension overcame her. But she also felt a deep excitement at the prospect of getting involved for the first time in such an important project. Her thoughts briefly drifted to her fiancé, Adrian. She had only bothered to inform him of her departure with a simple letter sent that morning. She sighed, thinking that would be a conversation to deal with upon her return. Arriving at the imperial palace, the carriage stopped in the large courtyard where the convoy was preparing to depart. Helia descended, assisted by Sir Aldric, and a man approached them. He was well-dressed, wearing a dark, elegant coat, with a neatly visible white shirt underne