Page 14 of Wolfsbane

“You can scar my skin whenever you like, my queen.” He suddenly sprinted towards me, completely throwing me off as I tried to outrun him. I smiled, breathing through my teeth. Fighting Morel, having him chase me, was exhilarating.

My feet kicked off another rock as my body rotated. I dropped, facing him as I pushed and used the snow to slide beneath his legs, knocking him to the ground. He rolled, catching his footing as we both turned to face one another, half crouched and panting from our used energy. Before he could make a move, I lunged to my feet, running towards him, aiming the sword. He blocked my strike, spinning as we spared, meeting each other’s blows. It felt like a warrior’s dance, the two of us moving to the army’s beating shields as we swayed and matched in both skill and speed. I could see sweat forming around hisforehead and body, causing his pale skin to glisten in the light. Despite the strength he used, he was anything but tired.

“Tell me,” I huffed, crossing blades with him. “Now that your army is ready, will you strike Hellbore?” Morel’s face remained firm, his thoughts concealed from me as I watched him closely, waiting for a response. He pushed me back, continuing our dance as we moved together, shadowing the other.

“I gave you my word.” His voice was flat. I could sense another emotion hidden within it, I just wasn’t sure which.

“What if—” I kicked his torso as he stumbled back, quickly regaining his footing, holding his stance strong. My eyes fell to his sword in my hand, eyeing the Gemini etching closely. “What if I asked you to break your word?”

Morel’s stance slacked as he eyed me.

“Do you think they are not ready?” He spun towards me, hitting my blade as we stood face to face, our swords crossed as our eyes locked.

“Your army is more than ready. But I fear?—”

“What do you fear?” He stepped closer, his amber irises filled with such concern. My voice struggled to form words, overtaken by the sight of him. “Hesper,” he whispered. “I promised to protect you, but I cannot do so if there is something ailing you. Please,” his soft begging nearly melted me, “what do you fear?”

“What if we attack Boletus and take back my kingdom?”

“Then you will be crowned Queen of Hellbore and rule as your father intended.”

“What if that’s a future I no longer wish for?” His face pressed with confusion.

“What are you saying?”

“What if—” My eyes studied him closely, anxious and scared to admit the truth. “What if I choose to remain here, ensuring your forces were unstoppable? Would such a future bepossible?” His eyes burned into mine, our swords close to our faces.

“You are owned by no one, my queen. If you wish to stay in my kingdom, you need not ask my permission.” My heart sped faster and faster, increasing in speed with each second. The air thickened between us, our breaths fogging around our faces as we froze in that moment.

The army suddenly stopped pounding their shields, breaking the spell between us as I blinked, the sound of footsteps trotting through the snow.

“Am I interrupting?” Orion asked, approaching us in the field. Morel’s face softened as he slowly lifted his sword and stepped away from me, smiling.

“Not at all. Queen Hesper was simply pointing out how rusty I’ve become.” Morel’s eyes finally broke away as I exhaled, relieved at their absence.

“And such a task requires the king to be shirtless?” Orion asked, looking between the two of us. Morel gripped his clothing, grimacing.

“Either tell me the news you bare or grab a sword.” He had such a temper.

“As much as I’d love to join you, I’m afraid your presence is required in the throne room.”

“Very well,” Morel grumbled.

“Forgive me, my king, butbothyour presences.” Their eyes moved to me as my stomach dropped.

NINE

HESPER

“Care to explainwhat 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.

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