Page 6 of Death Cap

“Sir?” Orion tapped my shoulder. I turned to retrieve the bag he offered, containing my costume. Nodding, I stepped around a corner and began to change my attire as my men did the same. The only way to infiltrate such an event without being noticed was to blend in, and I fully intended to do so.

“My king,” Orion handed me a mask. We all had switched from our usual dark Grisset gear to elaborate, brightly colored costumes, fitting in with Agaric’s court, the pastel and warmer colors making me sick to look at. We each bore elaborate masks, perfectly hiding our true identities. Unlike my men, I choose to remain dressed in my usual colors, wearing shades of blues and silvers adorned with diamonds and sapphires. The mask Orionhad handed me was a personal choice, made of black satin with vibrant blue night caps branching off one side, glowing in the night. The same as my mother’s favorite fungi.

“Remember, we are to slowly bleed into the ball, appearing as if we belong. Once we find Agaric, you are to circle him, cutting him off from those around so that I may make my strike. I shall pierce his heart with this,” I held up a small blade, dipped in the poison of death caps, sheathed for my protection, “and if the stars allow it, we depart, leaving Dryade weak and mine for the reaping.” My men nodded, ready to die in my service. I signaled quietly as we adjusted our postures and stepped from the shadows into the moonlight.

I shall avenge you, my love.

NINE

AMANITA

I remained quiet and observant,like a wallflower, watching Agaric’s people as they danced and flourished in elaborate masks and brightly colored costumes, enjoying the festivities of the night. I enjoyed slithering along the shadows, studying those around me.

A nearby waiter offered his tray in my direction. I forced a smile, retrieving a tall flask of what appeared to be pink fizzing wine. I grimaced at the dainty drink, hesitantly tasting it, only to be equally dissatisfied as I had been with the rest of the wine in the palace. I carefully tossed the liquid over my shoulder into a vase of sunset flowers, hoping no one saw me, returning to the shadows.

My body ached, my wound throbbing due to the corset, the warm night adding to my growing discomfort as I carried along the edges of the ball. I forced a fake smile to those who passed me, offering their congratulations. Agaric had spoken to many of his people, mingling among them before eventually returning to me.

“My betrothed,” he bowed as the words still hadn’t quite settled in, “shall we dance?”

I blinked, immediately concerned with the realization that I wasn’t sure if I even knew how to dance. My memory prior to the war had yet to return to me, leaving me wondering in a haze as to who I truly was before meeting him. “I fear, my prince, that I may not know how.”

Agaric leaned close, his hand gently lifting my chin. “Allow me to be your guiding star.” The words melted me as I fell into his control. He placed his hand around my waist, pulling me close as our bodies pressed into one another. “I shall be with you every step of the way. Just keep your eyes on me, Amanita.” It was the first time he called me so casually by my name. I nodded, entranced by his beauty as he led me to the center of the dance floor. The music faded as gathering couples flocked around us, preparing for the next dance, eyes heavy along my back.

“Please,” I whispered as he placed his arms around me and positioned us for the dance, the string music gently beginning, “promise you won’t let me fall? I fear I may not be blessed with such grace as yourself, my prince.” Agaric smiled, pulling me closer as he leaned close and whispered into my ear.

“As long as you remain by my side, I shall keep you standing tall.” The music grew as he began to pull me, guiding my body with the rhythm of the song. Something was familiar about the melody, the motions to the dance seemingly flowing through me, as though it was something I had done many times before. “What a pleasant surprise! It seems you are a natural.” He glowed, our steps perfectly mirroring one another as we moved, swirling around the dance floor. “Though it would make sense, as this is my mother’s song.” His mother’s? “All of Dryade knows this dance. This, dear Amanita, should only further prove that you, my bride to be, are truly home.”

Home. The word played through my mind as he twirled me out and back to him, my spine resting against his chest as we swayed with the music. The moon beamed high above, bathingus in her light as I lost myself in the music, the familiarity comforting me. Lost within the song and dance, I did, finally, feel at home.

TEN

MOREL

My mother’s song played,stopping me in my tracks as it carried with it a new wave of sadness. I inhaled, shoving the feelings from my heart as my men and I slowly entered the royal gardens and faded into the habitants of the ball. My eyes shot to every face, searching for Agaric’s eyes hidden behind the masks. My hand gripped the small blade that hung from my side, impatience and anticipation flooding my being as I slowly pushed through the crowd. Everyone was gathered around the dancefloor, watching handfuls of couples as they danced to my mother’s song. I caught a faint glimpse of Agaric’s hair, vibrantly burning amongst the rest in the center of the dance floor. He was gliding along to the music, beaming more than his usual cocky self. He seemed enamored by his dance partner, the woman dressed differently than the rest. She seemed regal, wearing the colors of the night as a moon hid her face. She did not fit in with the rest of the crowd. Agaric dipped the woman, her dark hair sparkling like the night. It was as if I was watching the sun and moon, dancing in cosmic bliss. Something about them pulled me closer, my steps carrying me further into the crowd, struggling tosee who this mysterious woman was. Something about her intrigued me.

The music suddenly came to an end, the sound of people cheering and clapping startling me as I broke my gaze. Orion’s distant eyes caught mine as he nodded, my thoughts returning to the task at hand. I could spy my men slowly gathering in the surrounding crowd, preparing as the residents of Dryade applauded Agaric and the woman. It was time.

I pushed closer, my hand gripped the poisoned blade at my side, lightly unbuckling the sheath as I replayed my plan. The woman's back remained to me as Agaric lifted her hand and kissed it. Something on her finger reflected the moonlight, catching me off guard. I stopped, a gust of despair slamming into my chest, staring at the ring. I knew the piece all too well, as it was once my mother’s ring—but most recently, it had been the ring I had gifted it to my bride on our wedding night. It was Hesper’s ring.

The realization that Agaric had not only murdered my wife, but ripped my beloved’s ring from her corpse sickened me. He hadn’t just robbed me of a lifetime of happiness, but also celebrated that significant loss by gifting the only remaining piece of my love to some whore he was courting. He had stolen my bride, and now, I would do the same to him. He would feel the same pain he gifted to me.

“My king?” Orion whispered to me from behind. “Shall we strike?” The crowd continued to cheer, too focused on the happy couple to notice my dark presence. I blinked, composing myself, my eyes glued to the two. “No.”

“Sir?” He seemed confused.

“I am changing my plan. Agaric doesn’t deserve such a swift death. No, that bastard should feel what it is like to lose the one you love most, and experience that agonizing torture of watching her die before him as he remains helpless, unable to save her.”I turned to face Orion. “No, we will not kill Agaric. At least, not yet. Instead,” I pointed to the pale woman, her back remaining to me, “we are to killher.”

Orion and I stood, watching as the couple bowed to the crowd and casually strolled past, heading deeper into the royal garden. They were heading towards my father’s sunflowers, a tucked away piece of the garden where no one ventured.Perfect.

I searched the sea of masked faces catching the eyes of my men, signaling for them to follow. Orion and I carefully began to shadow the couple, keeping a safe distance to avoid suspicion. A waiter passed us by as I yanked a flute from the tray, taking a sip while keeping my eyes locked on my brother. The liquid was revolting, both sweet and bitter. I quickly tossed the glass into the bushes as Agaric and his whore stepped past the stone archway that led to the sunflowers. Orion and I nodded to one another, my men shadowing us as we snaked into the rows of sunflowers, their scent tickling my nose as we crouched deep within the golden sea attempting to remain unseen.

Agaric stopped at the weeping willow, the darkness dulling his light. My men and I inched closer, skilled with stealth and the ability to see better in the dark. We quietly stepped closer, taking our time as we waited for the perfect moment to strike.

Tonight, dear brother, you shall know the agony of a broken heart as I shatter yours before you.

ELEVEN

AMANITA

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