10. Morel

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 to see 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 kill her ."

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.