Page 16 of Wolfsbane

“I cannot ask your people to endure Boletus on my behalf!” I snapped, the three men looking at me. “Attacking him in Hellbore was one thing, but here in Grisset? I will not allow such trauma to destroy another kingdom I love.” I tried to fight back tears. “No, I cannot allow such a thing.”

“Hesper.” Morel stepped around the other and approached me. “If this is how we defeat him, then we will endure. My people will follow me anywhere.”

“Yourpeople,” I snapped. “Do you not see? They are not mine to command, to ask such a thing. No,” I shook my head. “You have built a haven here in these mountains. Do not throw it away for my revenge.”

“You have built just as much of this kingdom as me.”

“That doesn’t make it mine.” I turned away from him and approached Dr. Altair. “You say he is a few days away? If I leave now, do you think it’ll give me enough time to lead him away?” The old man looked past me to Morel as he fumbled his words. “Dr. Altair!” I snapped. “Do not look through me. I may be a woman, but I am a queen, and I demand you answer me truthfully.”

“Hesper,” Morel growled.

“No!” I hissed back, remaining focused on the old man. “If I leave now, will Grisset be safe?” The old man struggled but confirmed my question.

“Yes, it would.”

“Then it is settled.” I turned to run into Morel, staring up into his amber eyes burning with rage. “Step aside.”

“No.”

“Morel, I must do this.” My hands clenched into fists at my side as he refused to move.

“There has to be another way.”

“There isn’t!” I tried to shove him, but he only remained still, refusing to let me leave. “There is no other way!”

“Forgive me,” the old man stood, approaching us. “But there is one way to solve both your fears.” Morel and I exchanged a look. “Morel, you do not wish for Hesper to travel out alone, correct?” Morel nodded. “And Hesper, you do not wish to ask Grisset to fight for you, as you are not one of us?”

“Easy,” Morel growled.

“Forgive me, I am only asking and repeating her words.” Dr. Altair looked back at me with gentle eyes. “Am I correct?” I swallowed, trying to ease my anger.

“Yes.”

“Then the only reasonable and strategic action that will solve all your problems and strengthen your power is simple.” He clasped his hands together as we both looked at him, waiting.

“Dr. Altair,” Orion chimed in, “You do not suggest what I think you are suggesting.”

“It’s the only plausible way to protect Hesper and Grisset as well as Hellbore.” Dr. Altair made no sense.

“Whatever it is, I will do it.” Morel eased. “If it protects both Hesper and Grisset, then I agree.”

“Careful, Morel. You don’t know what he’s saying,” Orion warned.

“What? What is he proposing?” I asked Orion anxiously. His eyes fell as he quickly glanced at the old man, Morel and I waiting for an explanation.

“Well.” Dr. Altair cleared his throat. “The only way to truly ally your two kingdoms and strengthen your armies while protecting your people is to hold a royal marriage.”

TEN

MOREL

A ROYAL MARRIAGE?

The room had falleninto a cold spell, all our bodies rigid and stiff as my eyes slowly moved to Hesper. She was pale, more so than normal, her eyes absent of any emotion as she stood there like a statue. I could only imagine the flood of emotions she was experiencing. Once again, Hesper was in a position where she must marry to stay, one I knew she didn’t like.

“Dr. Altair,” Orion stepped past Hesper and me as her silver eyes reluctantly raised to lock with mine, sending a shiver down my spine. “Politically, a royal marriage is the most ideal option; however, the ancient kingdoms do not recognize Morel as a legitimate king. He is the second born and exiled. Even if such a marriage took place, his title would not be respected or honored in the realm. And Hesper’s kingdom—” His words blurred as time began to slow, the only sound filling my ears that of my own heart as her metallic irises remained locked with mine, filling me with a warmth I had not felt since the day I first saw her.

A royal marriage.Yes, it would allow my kingdom the right to stand and fight, protecting Hesper from Boletus, aligning Hellbore and Grisset, but it would meanIcould protect her, in every way. Boletus wouldn’t dare attack if it meant going to war with my kingdom—ourkingdom. As much as I personallyenjoyed the idea of having Hesper by my side, asmyqueen, I would never force such a thing on her. If I could lay my power and forces at her feet without marriage, I would. I would give hereverything…if she would just let me.

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