Page 5 of Death Cap

A knock against my chamber door was immediately followed by his muffled voice. “My lady?” Agaric called.

“You may come in.” I adjusted my dress, pleased with how I looked as I turned to greet him, hoping to not disappoint. Agaric entered the room, beaming as always. He was dressed in a vibrant orange and gold formal tunic, flourished with golden accents, threading, buttons, and seams. Warm, fiery gemstones were sewn into his jacket, sparkling as he moved. It was as if the sun itself was shining before me as he embodied the light. His red hair was styled back beneath the large hand-carved, golden sun mark, red and orange feathers peeking from the edges. His contrasting eyes popped against the colors of his costume, shining like emeralds. He stopped, taking in the sight of me. He was exquisite. Breathtaking.

“You are—” He paused, looking me up and down. His eyes made my cheeks burn as I felt the heightened energy between us.“You, Lady Amanita, look as though the moon goddess herself decided to join us tonight.” He bowed, extending his hand. “Shall we?”

I stared at his gloved hand, my eyes trailing up towards his masked face. He was the sun, and I the moon. A fitting pair. I nodded, sliding my hand into his grasp. My sheer, diamond-kissed glove scratched the scars along my skin while elegantly hiding them in plain sight. “We shall.” I raised a brow. He grinned before leaning down, kissing the top of my hand as I gasped quietly to myself.

“Let us join the festivities, my goddess.” Hearing him call me such a name made my heart leap. Part of what drew me in towards him was the curiosity of the unknown behind his eyes. He was kind and caring, warm and inviting, but somewhere, deep in his soul, was something dark. Andthatwas what pulled at the strings of my heart. The darkness.

Agaric roughly yanked me close, the action thickening the moment as he stared into my eyes, a look of desire burning across his face. “I know you’ve felt out of place here, but after tonight,” he gently touched my chin as a soft gasp escaped my lips, “you will have a place.” His words made no sense, but I didn’t care for them. All I wanted in that moment was for him to keep inching closer. I wanted to feel his lips press against mine as my body melted into his, creating our own eclipse. Agaric studied my face, sensing my desire, the edge of his mouth curling up as he gently tilted his head. “You are bad, Lady Amanita.”

I couldn’t resist the urge to smile at the tease. “What’s wrong with being a little bad?” Agaric bit his lower lip. His hand gripped my jaw, yanking me close as our masks nearly made contact.

“You have no idea how hard it has been to resist the urge to throw you onto the bed and take you, right here. It hasbeenagonizing, Amanita, trying to control myself like a true gentleman.” Agaric sounded as if he was in pain. “If you were not hi—” He cut off his words, clearing his throat as he released me and stepped back, and I felt both disappointed and relieved by his hesitance. “Let us join the festivities.” He took my hand and led me from the chamber. Excitement and nervousness twisted inside me as we walked as one.

MOREL

“Hear my voice and listen,” I addressed the small group of men as I adjusted the back across my bag, revenge and darkness flowing through my veins as we approached the towering stone wall that separated the world from the kingdom of Dryade. “Agaric’s ball offers us the perfect moment to strike. The disguises allow us passage into the festivities, hiding our identities enough to get close. Remember, no matter what happens, Agaric dies tonight.” I turned to look at my second in command, my friend who had stood by my side almost as long as Hesper herself. Orion nodded, knowing what I meant.

“Yes, my king.” My men nodded, grunting in agreement as we approached the wall of Agaric’s dry kingdom in the cover of darkness, stealth and precision one of our many strengths.

The small cluster of men and I each tossed a grappled hook high to the top of the bricked barrier. I tugged at the rope. “May the night stay strong and give us the coverage needed to carry out my vengeance. Hesper,” I whispered to myself, climbing the thick rope, “I shall avenge your death, my love.” My hands burned as they carried me to the top of the wall. I stood, the light breeze entering my nostrils as I gazed out at the palace in the distance. A glow of light radiated from deep within the royalgardens, the cool breeze carrying the music as it played softly in the distance. I gazed up at the full moon and night sky, bursting with life. “If I am to die, may the gods allow me to join you in the heavens, where we will be together for the rest of eternity.” I glanced back at the royal gardens, my anger growing as Orion patted my shoulder.

“We’re ready, my king.”

I nodded, signaling to them as we descended the wall and scattered through the outskirts of the kingdom, swiftly making our way to the palace.

I’m coming for you, brother.

SEVEN

AMANITA

Agaric heldmy hand high as we entered the garden, the usually empty terrace now filled with members of his court and kingdoms, all eyes on us. On me. The music and voices faded, lowering as everyone observed us. Part of me wanted to raise my head with confidence at the sight of them before me, basking in the position of power, the idea exciting me.

“Presenting his royal highness, Prince Agaric of Dryade, the rightful king and heir to the throne!” The crowd of masked people cheered, clapping as he slightly bowed in respect, myself curtseying in unison. He turned to look at me, smiling, his entire costume glowing in the candle-light as he addressed the crowd.

“It is my honor to present to you, my faithful subjects, Lady Amanita.” The crowd hesitated before clapping, murmuring to themselves while offering me their cheers. “She has become a dear friend of mine since my brother’s defeat, offering me such kindness and company. I hope you all may grow to love her as I have.” I froze at the mention of the word love. Agaric kissed my hand, lowering to his knee as he stared up at me through his warm mask. “Lady Amanita,” the crowd gasped as my heart stopped, “will you do me the honors of becoming my bride?”

Words escaped me, as I stood still, staring at him before me. The prince was asking for my hand—me.Yes, we had grown fond of one another and enjoyed each other’s company, but I hadn’t even begun to think of him in such a way until today. As a husband. I did enjoy his minor flirtations, sparking something buried inside me, but was it love? I glanced from Agaric to the onlooking crowd, panic ensuing as my heart raced with anxiety. Their eyes were heavy, desperately waiting for my reply. My face burned with emotion, unsure of what the correct answer was. I felt pressured and inclined to accept the proposal, torn.

“My lady,” he whispered. I glanced back at Agaric. “I know this may seem sudden and even frightening, but know that I will spend every waking moment loving you. I will make you happy. You may not feel so now, but one day, you will love me. And when I am crowned king, you shall be my queen.” Queen. The title and promised power was enticing, tempting me to accept my fate. I swallowed hard, making my choice as I shook my head yes.

The crowd cheered, screaming in excitement as Agaric rose, gleeful. He retrieved something from his tunic pocket. It was a small ring. Agaric gracefully removed my sheer glove and slid the silver piece of jewelry across my ring finger, his skin touching the old scar of my palm in the process.

“This was my mother’s ring,” he spoke gently to me, “and now, Lady Amanita, it shall be yours, as you are now mine.” I was too mesmerized by the silver encrusted jewel to realize what he had said, entranced by the piece of jewelry as it sat along my pale finger. The ring fit perfectly, as if made for me, and it felt right resting across my skin. It was as if, somehow, this ring was always destined to be mine. The center moonstone sparkled in the candlelight flashing from a cloudy white to vibrant blue, surrounded by antique silver vines that branched around my finger completely.

“It’s perfect,” I whispered. Agaric placed his hand along my back, pulling me close, causing my cheeks to burn a vibrant pink. The same old man from the storage closet appeared, clearing his throat as Agaric glanced at him.

“I must speak to a few of our guests, please excuse me. I won’t be long, my bride.”His bride. Agaric kissed my cheek before fading into the large crowd. The music resumed, life flowing back to the outdoor ball. I wasn’t sure if it was the proposal, the excitement of the ball, or Agaric’s touch that excited me more. So much had transpired in such a short amount of time. I was living a fairytale dream—the damsel in distress rescued by the charming prince. I glanced up at the sky, the moon shining brightly.Damsel in distress. It didn’t feel right referring to myself in such a way. Despite all the things, why did I feel like something was still missing? I closed my eyes and soaked in the sight of the sky.

A symphony of stars.

EIGHT

MOREL

The soundof Agaric’s ridiculous ball flowed through the kingdom, growing in volume as my men and I neared the outskirts of the palace garden. We had the luck of the moon guiding us as we traveled within the shadows and gained distance. The royal garden was within eyesight, the sound of people dancing and intermingling, carelessly unaware of what was hiding just around the corner, oblivious of what was about to occur.

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