Page 15 of Wolfsbane

“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 oftime 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.”

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