Page 9 of Wolfsbane (Deadly Duet #2)

NINE

HESPER

“Care to explain what is going on, Orion?” Morel plopped down into his throne. It was large and elegant, made from black onyx, like many of the furnishings in his now-completed castle. Orion stood at the foot of the dais that led to Morel’s single throne, his arms clasped behind his back as he sighed, preparing to speak as I watched from the side of the grand throne room.

“I believe I can answer, my king.” An older man stepped from the shadows, startling me as Morel’s face lit up in his presence.

“Dr. Altair!” He stood from his throne and rushed to the man, embracing him in such a familiar way. “I have sent many messengers to find you! You’ve been gone far too long! How are you? How was your journey?” Morel helped the old man to a nearby chair, hanging onto his every word.

I stepped from the wall and approached Orion, eyeing the man closely as I watched him and Morel exchange pleasantries.

“If I didn’t know any better, I would presume that man to be Morel’s father.” Orion lightly chuckled at my words, glancing back at me.

“They may not share blood, but Dr. Altair is the only true father Morel has ever had. He has only ever loved and supported him, even when he served King Jove in Dryade.”

“He served Morel’s father?” I asked, surprised by the fact. Orion nodded.

“Indeed, though his true allegiance was to Morel’s mother, Queen Mellea, and Morel. He always looked out for them, protecting them from King Jove’s hatred.” I watched as the two men continued to speak.

“Why did King Jove hate them so?” Orion’s eyes met mine as he sighed.

“King Jove was a jealous, hateful man. He ruled not with love, but fear, the opposite of Morel’s mother. You see, their marriage was not for love, but power. It was the only thing the king cared for until Agaric was born. He’s the spitting image of their father, unlike Morel. You could stand them side by side and see the similarities, but Morel is the complete opposite of his twin in every way. While Jove took a liking to Agaric, Mellea did so with Morel. She nurtured him with kindness and love, protecting him from his father’s abuse as much as possible. When she died, Morel had no choice but to leave.”

“Why?” Orion looked back to Morel, beaming at the old man.

“Because he claimed he was the devil’s son.”

“But he is not.” I stated. “The only difference is the hue of his existence.”

“Indeed, but King Jove is not a logical man.” A sadness fell over me. “Truthfully, I think he knew Morel would blossom into the man he is, and I think it terrified him. He favored Agaric, and any threat to Agaric’s reign was a threat to the king himself, even if it was his own son.”

“Why is Morel Agaric’s opposite in every way? His mother did not have the same features, did she?” I felt curious to know his story, the truth of how he came to be the man he was.

“I cannot say, but I know she was gifted. No one was as smart as Queen Mellea.”

“Hesper! Orion!” Morel called us over, his happy, joyful expression replaced with something more serious. “You might want to hear this.”

The two of us exchanged a look, stepping to join him and the old man.

“I was informing the king of the reasoning behind my prolonged journey back home. Boletus has not only overthrown Hellbore, but he has now expanded his reach to the small outer towns. There is nothing left.” My arms fell at his grim words.

“Are you sure? All the outer cities?” Dr. Altair nodded.

“I’m afraid so, Queen Hesper.”

“You know who I am?” I asked.

“Of course, word has spread of your residence here in Grisset. On my trip back to this kingdom, I gathered what remained of your people and guided them here.”

“My people?” I knelt, gripping his hand sweetly. “Sir, do you mean they were able to escape?” He nodded.

“More than you may realize. Apparently, when Boletus overthrew your parents, your people witnessed a great fire that poisoned many. Those unaffected ran in fear, retreating to the small outer cities in hopes of escaping Boletus and his men. Yes, there were casualties when he burned them to the ground, but many survived, thank the goddess. They have been starving, struggling to withstand the cold. Forgive me, my king,” he turned to face Morel, “but I hope you can welcome them here.” Morel smiled, patting the old man’s shoulder.

“Anything for you. Grisset is a kingdom for the people—all people.” His eyes raised to me. “Your people are most welcome here, Hesper.”

“I should tend to them.” I stood as the old man gripped my hand.

“Queen Hesper?” I stopped, looking down at him. “If word of your survival reached the outer cities, then it is only a matter of time before Boletus learns the truth. Once he has discovered you are here, he will come for not just you, but all of Grisset.”

My eyes raised to Morel’s as the color drained from my face. I had never thought of the consequences of hiding in his kingdom, the danger I held over his people. It made me sick to think such a looming threat was my fault.

“Then I must leave before he can harm this kingdom.” Morel’s face hardened at my words.

“I’m afraid it is too late.” We both snapped our focus back to Dr. Altair.

“What do you mean?” Orion asked. The old man released my hand, sighing as he rubbed his face.

“My return was not only delayed due to Hesper’s people, but because we had to find an alternate route back to Grisset. Boletus and his army are on the move. It seems he has received word of Hellbore’s people seeking refuge here in Grisset. Our aide to them insults him, and now, he plans to make an example of us to all who dare defy him. If my presumptions are correct, he and his army will arrive in a handful of days.”

The room fell cold and silent as we all stood in absolute dread.

“If Boletus and his army are looming over our doorstep, then let us ride out and face him head-on. You’ve seen our army, you know their capabilities. Hesper has trained them well. We can take him.” Orion tried to break the tension and come up with a plan. “Let us show him that Grisset is just as powerful as the ancient kingdoms.”

“I cannot ask your people to endure Boletus on my behalf!” I snapped, the three men looking at me. “Attacking him in Hellbore was one thing, but here in Grisset? I will not allow such trauma to destroy another kingdom I love.” I tried to fight back tears. “No, I cannot allow such a thing.”

“Hesper.” Morel stepped around the other and approached me. “If this is how we defeat him, then we will endure. My people will follow me anywhere.”

“ Your people,” I snapped. “Do you not see? They are not mine to command, to ask such a thing. No,” I shook my head. “You have built a haven here in these mountains. Do not throw it away for my revenge.”

“You have built just as much of this kingdom as me.”

“That doesn’t make it mine.” I turned away from him and approached Dr. Altair. “You say he is a few days away? If I leave now, do you think it’ll give me enough time to lead him away?” The old man looked past me to Morel as he fumbled his words. “Dr. Altair!” I snapped. “Do not look through me. I may be a woman, but I am a queen, and I demand you answer me truthfully.”

“Hesper,” Morel growled.

“No!” I hissed back, remaining focused on the old man. “If I leave now, will Grisset be safe?” The old man struggled but confirmed my question.

“Yes, it would.”

“Then it is settled.” I turned to run into Morel, staring up into his amber eyes burning with rage. “Step aside.”

“No.”

“Morel, I must do this.” My hands clenched into fists at my side as he refused to move.

“There has to be another way.”

“There isn’t!” I tried to shove him, but he only remained still, refusing to let me leave. “There is no other way!”

“Forgive me,” the old man stood, approaching us. “But there is one way to solve both your fears.” Morel and I exchanged a look. “Morel, you do not wish for Hesper to travel out alone, correct?” Morel nodded. “And Hesper, you do not wish to ask Grisset to fight for you, as you are not one of us?”

“Easy,” Morel growled.

“Forgive me, I am only asking and repeating her words.” Dr. Altair looked back at me with gentle eyes. “Am I correct?” I swallowed, trying to ease my anger.

“Yes.”

“Then the only reasonable and strategic action that will solve all your problems and strengthen your power is simple.” He clasped his hands together as we both looked at him, waiting.

“Dr. Altair,” Orion chimed in, “You do not suggest what I think you are suggesting.”

“It’s the only plausible way to protect Hesper and Grisset as well as Hellbore.” Dr. Altair made no sense.

“Whatever it is, I will do it.” Morel eased. “If it protects both Hesper and Grisset, then I agree.”

“Careful, Morel. You don’t know what he’s saying,” Orion warned.

“What? What is he proposing?” I asked Orion anxiously. His eyes fell as he quickly glanced at the old man, Morel and I waiting for an explanation.

“Well.” Dr. Altair cleared his throat. “The only way to truly ally your two kingdoms and strengthen your armies while protecting your people is to hold a royal marriage.”