Chapter 56
Sloane's POV
Everyone stared at Saskia, waiting. My heart was pounding so hard.
What's she gonna say? Is she gonna back up her brother's lie like she did ten years ago?
The tension was suffocating. Juan leaned forward, hoping his daughter would clear things up. Eloise wore this smug look, obviously expecting Saskia to confirm Zaid's story.
Saskia looked at her brother, then at me, then back at Juan. When she spoke, her voice stayed calm.
"I didn't see exactly how it started," she said slowly. "But I did see them rolling down together, and Zaid was still grabbing onto Sophia's collar when they landed."
My jaw dropped. What?
Eloise's face changed instantly.
"Saskia," she said, her voice cutting with pressure, "are you sure about that? Are you absolutely certain?"
Saskia didn't even blink under that stare. "I'm sure. I'm telling the truth about what I saw."
Zaid lost it completely. His face turned bright red as he tried to sit up straighter on his couch.
"Saskia!" he snapped. "Why are you talking nonsense? When Sophia pushed you down the stairs back then, I stood up for you!"
Ice shot through my veins.
"You owe me for that," Zaid kept going, "I protected you then, so you should protect me now!"
But Saskia's face didn't change. If anything, she looked more determined.
"What I said is the truth," she replied steadily. "And these two things have nothing to do with each other. I don't need to lie."
What the hell is happening? Why would Saskia suddenly tell the truth?
Did something change? Did she finally grow a conscience?
Juan watched this whole thing with growing confusion, but I could see him changing his mind.
"Alright," Juan said finally, his tone way calmer than before. "Let's just call this whole thing a misunderstanding and move on."
He looked straight at Zaid. "I don't want to hear you making accusations against Sophia again. And both of you need to figure out how to get along like proper siblings instead of creating these kinds of scenes."
Eloise jumped in fast, obviously trying to save face. "Of course, dear. I'm sure this was just a misunderstanding. Zaid probably got confused when he bumped his head."
But even she couldn't make that sound believable. Juan was already standing up, clearly done with this whole mess.
"Sophia," he said to me, his voice much gentler than when he'd first walked in. "I'm sorry you got hurt in all this. Get some rest and take care of that bruise."
He kissed my forehead, then headed for the door with Eloise following behind.
"We'll let you both recover," Juan said over his shoulder. "No more fighting."
The second the door shut, Zaid exploded.
"What the fuck, Saskia!" He stood up. "You lying little bitch!"
I jumped between them, ready to stop him if he tried anything. "Zaid, sit your ass back down."
He stared at me with pure hatred, but he was too banged up to really fight. I grabbed Saskia's arm gently.
"Come on," I said to her. "Let's get out of here."
We left Zaid sitting there steaming on his couch and walked out into the hallway. For a few seconds, we just stood there in awkward silence. Saskia was looking at her feet, and I was trying to process what had just happened.
Finally, I couldn't hold back anymore.
"Saskia," I said quietly, "why did you help me in there?"
She looked up at me. "I didn't help you."
"What do you mean?"
"I just said what I saw," she replied simply. "That's not helping anyone, that's just telling the truth."
Before I could say anything else, she turned and walked away, leaving me standing there staring after her.
What is going on with that girl?
The rest of the day was awkward as hell. Since both Zaid and I were injured, everyone ended up eating in their own rooms to avoid more drama.
The next morning, Eloise showed up at breakfast practically bouncing with excitement.
"The testing delegation will be here this afternoon," she announced, her eyes bright. "I want all the women in the estate to remain on the property today. Everyone needs to be available."
Testing. My stomach flipped.
Of course I want to be chosen. Who wouldn't want to be the Moon Goddess's representative? But the realistic part of me knew this wasn't something I could control or manipulate.
What really sucked was that this meant I couldn't send that message to Beatrice today. My plan to contact Philip would have to wait.
Damn it.
I went back to my room after breakfast, trying to figure out how to handle the afternoon. That's when one of the maids showed up with a glass of fruit juice.
"Miss Sophia," she said with a polite smile, "Lady Eloise thought you might like some refreshment while you rest."
"Thanks," I said, taking the glass from her.
I lifted the glass to my lips, I caught a scent that made me freeze.
What the hell?
I sniffed more carefully, and there it was. Faint, but definitely there. An herbal smell.
Dizziness weed.
My blood went cold. I'd studied this plant during my medical training. It made people drowsy and disoriented for a few hours. Hard to detect after the fact, and it looked like natural tiredness.
They're trying to drug me. My mind raced. The antidote is mint. I need mint leaves, and I need them fast.
I immediately linked Anna.
Anna, I need you to go to the garden and pick some mint leaves. Fresh ones. Bring them to my room right away.
Miss? Is everything alright?
Just do it, please. It's urgent.
The maid was still hovering nearby, clearly waiting to make sure I drank the juice. I forced myself to smile and took a sip.
Shit, I hope Anna hurries.
I pretended to drink more while the maid watched, fighting to keep my expression normal. Finally, she seemed satisfied and left the room.
The moment the door closed, I spit out what little juice was still in my mouth. But I could already feel the effects starting. My head was getting fuzzy, and my eyelids felt heavy.
Come on, Anna. Where are you?
Just when I thought I might actually pass out, Anna burst through the door with a handful of mint leaves.
"Miss, I brought them as fast as I could. What do you need them for?"
I didn't bother explaining. I just grabbed the leaves and stuffed them in my mouth, chewing frantically. The sharp mint taste cut through the drowsiness immediately.
Anna stared at me. "Miss Sophia, are you feeling alright?"
"I'm fine," I said, still chewing the mint. "Anna, I need you to do something important for me. When the testing people arrive this afternoon, you have to contact me through the link immediately. Can you do that?"
"Of course, Miss. But why—"
"Don't ask questions right now. Just promise me you'll let me know the second they get here."
"I promise."
After Anna left, I climbed into bed and pretended to fall asleep. Sure enough, within a few minutes I heard my door creak open. Someone was checking to make sure the drug had worked.
Yep. They definitely tried to knock me out.
I kept my breathing slow and steady, pretending to be unconscious. Footsteps moved closer to my bed, then retreated. The door closed softly.
About an hour later, Anna's voice came through the mind link.
Miss, they're here. The testing delegation just arrived.
I crept to my window and peered out carefully. There was a small group of official-looking people in the courtyard, and I could see women from the estate lining up to be tested.
I watched as they went through each woman one by one. Maids, kitchen staff, even Saskia and Eloise took their turns.
When the last maid had finished and the delegation was starting to pack up their things, I made my move.
I walked out of my room, making sure to look a little sleepy and disheveled, like I'd just woken up from a deep nap.
"Oh no," I said as I approached the group in the courtyard, "I'm so sorry! I just woke up from a nap and realized I missed the testing. Is it too late?"