Page 10 of Wolfsbane (Deadly Duet #2)
TEN
MOREL
A ROYAL MARRIAGE?
The room had fallen into a cold spell, all our bodies rigid and stiff as my eyes slowly moved to Hesper. She was pale, more so than normal, her eyes absent of any emotion as she stood there like a statue. I could only imagine the flood of emotions she was experiencing. Once again, Hesper was in a position where she must marry to stay, one I knew she didn’t like.
“Dr. Altair,” Orion stepped past Hesper and me as her silver eyes reluctantly raised to lock with mine, sending a shiver down my spine. “Politically, a royal marriage is the most ideal option; however, the ancient kingdoms do not recognize Morel as a legitimate king. He is the second born and exiled. Even if such a marriage took place, his title would not be respected or honored in the realm. And Hesper’s kingdom—” His words blurred as time began to slow, the only sound filling my ears that of my own heart as her metallic irises remained locked with mine, filling me with a warmth I had not felt since the day I first saw her.
A royal marriage. Yes, it would allow my kingdom the right to stand and fight, protecting Hesper from Boletus, aligning Hellbore and Grisset, but it would mean I could protect her, in every way. Boletus wouldn’t dare attack if it meant going to war with my kingdom— our kingdom. As much as I personally enjoyed the idea of having Hesper by my side, as my queen, I would never force such a thing on her. If I could lay my power and forces at her feet without marriage, I would. I would give her everything… if she would just let me.
Time resumed as Dr. Altair’s voice broke the spell between us, Hesper’s eyes racing to him with my own.
“Queen Hesper is a queen by birth, and regardless of the ‘legitimacy’ of Morel’s position and title, her hand in marriage alone would solidify any doubt. It would be a most beneficial alliance for the two kingdoms and its people. Grisset is already larger and more powerful than most of the ancient kingdoms, but with Hellbore’s queen at its side, the kingdom of shadows would become nearly unstoppable. No man would dare attack such a force.” The whole proposal was such a beautiful thought, painting a perfect picture, but it was too good to be true. Hesper would not want this. She wouldn’t want me.
“You really believe that a marriage between Morel and Hesper, Boletus would just turn his army away and leave Grisset be?” Orion crossed his arms, obviously unsure of Dr. Altair’s suggestion. I couldn’t speak, my own thoughts speeding behind my eyes too quickly to focus or form words.
“Boletus is no fool. If he were to attack, his parents would have no choice but to interfere, breaking age-old treaties and igniting a war amongst many of the ancient kingdoms.” Orion looked to me, waiting for a response, Dr. Altair’s eyes shadowing his.
“I—”
Before I could even finish the single syllable, Hesper bolted from the room, a dark cloud hanging over her as she rushed through the doors. My heart began to sink in an odd fear as I watched her disappear from view. This wasn’t right.
“I will make no such choice for another. This is Hesper’s decision, not mine.” I turned to face the door, hesitating, wondering if I should follow her. Every inch of my being felt pulled to chase after her, to grab her and beg her to stay, to let me fight for her.
“But Morel?—”
“No,” I hissed at Orion. “I will not do to her what Boletus did.” Without dismissing myself, my restraint broke as my overwhelming feelings took control, and I began to run after Hesper, my speed quickening as I frantically searched for her.
Please, don’t leave. My thoughts began to sour, fearful that the suggestion of marriage would trigger her and scare her away. From me. Please, don’t leave me.