Bound By Heartstrings

Poisoned

The next morning, early sunlight filtered through the window, illuminating Miss Victoria's room. Emily slowly opened her eyes, blinking a few times against the light. She still felt fatigued, but she realized she was lying on a soft bed, wrapped in the warmth of silk sheets.

"Uh... Miss." Emily murmured. Beside her, Miss Victoria, still dressed in her gown from last night's party, was sleeping slumped over. Who would let the mistress sleep on the floor while she lay in the luxurious bed of a noble?

"Miss..." Emily's weak voice called out, addressing the person who had cared for her through the night.

"Emily, you're awake! How do you feel?" Victoria's voice was warm, but it couldn't hide her concern.

Seeing the dark circles under her mistress's eyes, Emily felt even more guilty. Not only had she failed in her duties, but now her mistress had stayed up all night to care for a worthless servant like her...

Emily slowly sat up, her eyes wide as she looked around the room. "I'm... I'm sorry, Miss. I broke your precious vase. But why am I in your bed? If Lady Evelyn finds out, I will surely be punished."

Emily's voice trembled with guilt and fear, as she hurriedly climbed down from the soft bed, trying to pull Victoria up with her remaining strength.

"No, stay still, young one." Victoria, now fully standing, immediately leaned closer, her eyes full of concern and a hint of sternness. But she didn't want to make the girl more anxious and risk her health. Victoria gently squeezed Emily's hand to reassure her.

"It's alright, Emily. The vase is just an object. Your health is far more important. I'll catch up on my sleep later. Don't worry. No one will tell Lady Evelyn."

Victoria's gentle and warm actions touched Emily's heart. The mistress was known for her cold demeanor, but she was being so kind to her. Were the rumors about Miss Victoria really true? Could she be as cruel as they say... but what other servant would be cared for by their mistress like this?

"Miss... You’re so different from what people say... You’re so warm, just like the late Earl and Countess who saved me from the traffickers..." Emily said, choking back tears.

Victoria was silent for a moment, looking deeply into Emily's emotional eyes. She knew these words were not just gratitude but an acknowledgment of her genuine care.

"Emily, don't worry about what others say about me. What matters is that we know who we are and stay true to ourselves," Victoria replied softly, her eyes full of empathy.

Emily felt a weight lift from her heart, as if her fears and worries were being washed away.

"Kh... kh..." Emily suddenly coughed up a dark, bloody substance. Victoria's fear spiked as the situation seemed to grow more critical.

Just then, Mr. Thompson arrived with his test results.

"Miss Victoria, I'm afraid I have bad news. Emily has been poisoned by the broken jade vase. This toxin is very rare and dangerous, and it needs to be treated immediately. Also, the jade vase is a fake." Mr. Thompson said, his expression grave.

"A fake?"

Victoria could hardly believe her ears. All the treasures in the mansion were supposed to be rare and valuable. How could one be a fake?

"I stake my life on it being a fake. In my opinion, the vase was stolen and replaced with a counterfeit."

"…"

"We'll deal with that later. Mr. Thompson, what do we need to do to save Emily? She just coughed up blood," Victoria said, her voice filled with urgency.

Understanding the critical situation, even as a renowned physician, Mr. Thompson had never encountered such a potent poison. After a moment of contemplation, he made a risky decision.

"We need a rare herb from the northern mountains. I’ll send someone immediately, but it will take time to find and bring it back."

Worried about not saving Emily in time, Victoria felt her anxiety grow. Not only was a life hanging by a thread, but the vase had also been swapped by an intruder...

"Very well. Don't delay. Send the fastest and most skilled people. Emily must be saved." Victoria ordered, her voice firm.

Emily looked at Victoria, tears welling up in her eyes. "Miss, you don’t have to do this... I'm just a servant..."

"You are not just a servant, Emily. You are my person, and I do not want to keep changing my servants. Trust me, you will be saved. Your life was saved by my family, and it will be my family who decides your fate." Victoria said with determination.