Chapter 855
“Detoxification?” Sally’s eyes widened. “Are you saying Hollis was poisoned p>
“In a manner of speaking, yes,” Caitlin confirmed with a slight nod.
“But all of Hollis’s food is strictly screened. How could he have been poisoned p>
Caitlin explained, “This wasn’t a direct poisoning. Someone tampered with Prince Hollis’s diet. In Eldermere medicine, we understand that certain foods have adverse reactions when combined. For example, heated milk should not be consumed with persimmons, nor should it be paired with spinach p>
She continued, “Prince Hollis has a naturally sensitive constitution. Things that a normal person could eat without issue can create toxins in his system. These effects are negligible in the short term, but over a long period, they cause a catastrophic breakdown.” Caitlin paused. “Later, I will provide you with a chart of these food incompatibilities. With that, you should be able to determine the root cause of his illness p>
Sally nodded. “Thank you, Miss Gonzales. We would be very grateful p>
Caitlin then turned to Zach.
“Zach p>
“Yes, Master p>
“Go prepare a bowl of sophora flower infusion p>
“Right away,” Zach replied.
Since Zach was a student of traditional medicine, Witting Castle was equipped with a full apothecary of herbs and remedies. He was able to prepare the infusion quickly and returned with a bowl.
“Master, here is the sophora flower infusion you requested p>
Caitlin stood up, making room for Zach by the bed. “You administer it to Prince Hollis p>
Zach took the bowl and carefully spooned the liquid into Hollis’s mouth. The process went smoothly.
Caitlin then took out her acupuncture kit and began sterilizing the needles. When she was finished, she looked at Sally. “Your Majesty, could you please give us some privacy? Zach and I are about to begin the Golden Needle Channel Activation p>
“Of course.” Sally led the servants out of the room.
In an instant, only Caitlin and Zach remained.
Caitlin handed a set of golden needles to Zach. “I will recite the principles. You will perform the needling p>
Zach froze, swallowing nervously. “M-Master, you have… an incredible amount of faith in me p>
“There is a first time for everything. One must learn to stand on their own,” Caitlin said, pressing the needles into his hand. “Don’t be nervous. I am here with you p>
Zach’s anxiety had been palpable, but her words settled him. He took a steadying breath and accepted the needles. “Yes, Master. I will follow your lead p>
He had his master with him. Even if he made a mistake, she would be there to correct it.
Caitlin nodded. “Then let us begin with the first needle p>
Her voice was calm and rhythmic. “The three channels of the hand and foot; from
the hand to the head, from the head to the foot p>
Zach listened intently to her words, his focus absolute.
He placed the first needle.
Then the second.
With each placement, his hand grew steadier. The two worked in perfect harmony a picture of focused collaboration. Though Caitlin was much younger than Zach, the way he addressed her as ‘Master felt completely natural, a testament to her authority and his respect.
Outside, Sally and the servants waited. As the minutes ticked by with no sound from within, Sally’s anxiety grew. She began pacing back and forth in the hallway her steps echoing her frantic heartbeat.
Meanwhile, at Windsor Castle, Will was still waiting for Celia’s call.
Ham stood beside him, speaking cautiously. “My Lord, I don’t think Miss Palmer will be calling you today. Perhaps you should go have dinner p>
“No,” Will said, his eyes narrowed with conviction. “She will call p>
Unless Caitlin Gonzales wanted to rot in prison.
And who would want that? Right now, he was the only one who could save her.
Ham glanced at the clock on the wall. “But it’s already ten o’clock at night p>
Will followed his gaze. It was true. It was already ten.
Caitlin had been arrested shortly after eight this morning. More than twelve hours had passed. And Celia had been back for a long time now.
Will turned to Ham. “Do you think… Celia is waiting for me to call her p>
Girls could be proud, after all. It was possible Caitlin was too embarrassed to have Celia reach out to him again.
Ham, struggling to follow his lord’s logic, paused for a beat before cautiously agreeing. “Th-That’s a possibility, I suppose p>
A smirk played on Will’s lips. “In that case, I shall grant her wish p>
He wouldn’t be so accommodating for just anyone.
With that thought, Will pulled out his phone and dialed Celia’s number.
She picked up quickly.
“Hello.” Her voice came through the line.
Will’s smirk widened. He had no time for pleasantries and cut straight to the point.
“It’s Will. Celia, has Miss Gonzales made up her mind yet p>
“Will, who do you think you are? Why on earth should Freya agree to your condition p>
Her tone didn’t faze him. He chuckled. “Why? Because right now, I am Miss Gonzales’s only salvation. The only one who can get her out of there p>
He despised empty posturing. If you
had the power to back up your words, fine. But it was clear Celia didn’t have the ability to save Caftilin.
In the end, both she and Caitin would have to submit to him.
Celia laughed, a sound full of scorn. “Don’t flatter yourself! Freya is her own salvation. She doesn’t need saving from anyone p>
With that, she hung up.
After ending the call, Celia still felt a surge of anger. She glared at her phone. “Jerk! Absolute, delusional jerk p>
Thank God Caitlin was so capable. Otherwise, Will’s arrogant act might have actually worked.
Staring at the disconnected call, Will frowned. He turned to Ham. “Quick, contact Audley. Find out what the hell is going on p>