Page 10 of Wolfsbane

He gripped my hand, forcing me up from the snow as my body slammed into his, his arms casually resting around my waist as we stared into each other’s eyes. Time felt like it had slowed, nearly halting as I gazed into the warmth of his irises, the sun glaring back at me. I was lost in the sky of his presence, the heavens and the stars colliding in that moment as I felt something I had never felt before.

“Here.” He lifted his necklace, gently placing the crystal around my neck.

“Why—no, I cannot.” Why would he give me such a treasure? I couldn’t accept it. I tried to remove it, but he stopped me.

“Please.” The whispered word sounded more like a plea than anything else. “I thought I needed it, but it seems I don’tanymore. If my mother truly was a daughter of the night, then it is only fitting you wear it, as you are one yourself.”

“But this is all you have of her.” Why would a king gift someone like me such a valued thing?

“My mother would want you to have it.” My heart nearly skipped at his words, feeling the crystal against the skin of my chest as it glowed. “It seems to feel safe with you.”

“My parents wanted me to find you,” I whispered as he watched me. “I was going to marry him—Boletus—to save them, but they refused. They wouldn’t let it be, saying the only reason to marry is for love, and nothing else. They knew their fate when they sent me away. I tried to convince them to join me, but my father said ‘a king shall never abandon his kingdom’.” Tears began to form in my eyes as I refused to blink. I didn’t want to appear weak, not to him. “The last thing my parents said to me was to find the kingdom of shadows and trust only the king of darkness. Be like the sky and remain true; an unchanging symphony of the stars.”

“What does that mean?” he asked, unchanged by my words.

“Hellbore is a kingdom of the night. We study the heavens and let the moon guide our hearts. It is a phrase taught to us all, to remain true and strong even in the face of death itself. Like stars, burning with a desire to exist. Now that Boletus has taken control of my kingdom, there will be no more kingdom of the night. He will destroy it and leave only fire and poison in his wake. Please.” I slid from his gentle grasp and fell to my knees. “I, Hesper, princess and daughter of Hellbore, pledge my loyalty to you, same as my father, King Regalis. My only request is that you avenge my parents and help me reclaim my kingdom.” My eyes rose, a single tear falling down my cheek as I stared up at him. “Help me kill Boletus, and I shall forever be in your debt, king of darkness.” The king delicately grabbed my hand and helped me to my feet.

“You are Hellbore. You bow to no one.” His statement confused me. “I may be a king, but you are not just the princess of Hellbore. You, Hesper, are now its queen, and I,” he lowered himself down to his knees, “I bow atyourfeet.”

I couldn’t speak, too shocked and perplexed.

“A king bows to no one,” I whispered.

“The king of darkness does whatever he pleases, my queen.” His queen. “I will help you avenge your parents, but I must be truthful. Grisset, my kingdom, is still growing. We are no match for Boletus and the forces of Hellbore. Help me build this kingdom and train its forces, and I shall lead you to Boletus myself and place your father’s crown upon your head as you take back your throne.”

I didn’t personally enjoy the idea of having to wait for my revenge, but if helping him ensured an easier victory, it only made sense. Truthfully, I was grateful.

“I shall do as you ask, my king, and help you build your forces and train them in that of Hellbore’s ways.” I softly offered a curtsy as he smiled, rising to his feet.

“Morel.” He picked up the two swords, offering his back to me.

“What?” I stared at the pommel, hesitating before accepting it.

“My name is Morel.” He gently guided me away from the garden of mushrooms. “Now, let me show you my kingdom of shadows.”

My eyes returned to the fluorescent heaven behind us as we approached an ivy curtain. I stopped, a sadness falling over me. Morel noticed, patiently waiting.

“Is everything alright?” My eyes grazed the snowy escape, breathing in the thick, cold air. He watched me closely, realizing my hesitation. “Do you enjoy them that much?” he asked.

“I do,” I whispered.

“Then you are welcome here whenever you like, Hesper.”

“They are like a garden of shadows,” I stated softly, turning to face him, my fingers curled along the crystal that now hung from my neck.

“A garden of shadows. What a fitting name.” Indeed it was. I glanced at the notorious king.

Heavens knows what gifts lay sleeping in his midnight soul.

The kingdomof Grisset was bursting with life, something I hadn’t expected. Everyone was helping one another, bustling with joy and happiness. I watched as children ran past us, playing with Morel as he laughed alongside them, the legendary king of darkness nothing more than a humble man who flourished with his people. It was warming to watch as more of his people would venture near, informing him of their triumphs and success in building the kingdom. He asked about their lives and acted as though he was one of his people. It reminded me of my father. It was no wonder he trusted Morel.

As we approached the gates of his castle, I noticed a vibrant purple flower growing along the stone path and gothic gate.

“Wolfsbane,” I whispered with excitement, rushing to it.

Morel stopped, watching me as I approached the wildflowers, brushing their petals with the tips of my fingers.

“You know this flower?” he asked, shadowing me. “Careful.” He tried to hold me back, but I gave him a look. “I’ve seen what they can do to people if you venture too close.”

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