After hours of searching, Olessia straightened from the garden beds, dirt clinging to her fingers. She scanned the rows again, slower this time, checking the familiar leaves, the stems she knew by heart, but there was nothing here.
Her steps slowed. The realization settled quietly in her brain, that there was nothing here at all. This garden held many remedies, but not the one she needed. The queen's careful planting had missed it.
Olessia wiped her hands against her gown and drew a steady breath. If the plant wasn't here, then it had been planted elsewhere. And that meant time mattered now.
Physician Valtor entered the garden moments later, his steps careful not to distract the women, his expression filled with confusion. When Lady Eirene asked to be alone with Ziven, there had been no room for argument.
Valtor hadn't returned to his chambers. Instead, he followed the quiet path to the garden. Olessia and Her Royalty Ysera were already there.
