_Alina's POV_
After Alaric left, I felt a surge of determination. I needed to find Juliet and uncover the secret behind the drink. I couldn't believe that she would harm me without reason; there had to be a motive. Before Alaric discovered the truth, I had to act, or Juliet would face the grave accusation of attempting to murder the queen. The punishment for such a crime would surely be execution.
I straightened my attire and prepared to leave the palace. I walked briskly through the corridors, my mind racing with thoughts of Juliet's unusual behavior. She had been my best friend, my confidante. Why would she poison me? There had to be an explanation.
As I turned a corner, I unexpectedly saw a woman who bore a striking resemblance to me. I stopped in my tracks, my eyes widening
