12. Morel

TWELVE

MOREL

The agony of holding back my emotions at the sight of her was beyond compare. The whole time she had been here, with him . My queen was not dead, but alive, and yet she seemed to have no recollection of me. The painful realization of her circumstances consumed me. Agaric must've done something to her, altering her mind in some way. I needed to fix this. I needed my wife back.

Hesper had remained silent the rest of the journey back to Grisset. It was a pleasant surprise, one my head was grateful for. Upon the arrival to the kingdom, she seemed taken back by its cold, snowy appearance. I couldn't help but watch her as the royal physician escorted her to her room. Despite her current predicament, she seemed oddly obedient and persuasive. It was as if she was waiting for someone—anyone—to guide her, like a puppet in need of a master. The behavior was a bit unsettling.

"Sir." Orion approached me as I sat at the large black marble table, unable to enjoy my meal.

"Yes?" I leaned back, gazing out the wall length glass windows that lined the dining room. They peered straight into the mountains, the brightness of the snow peeking through the thick blue colored glass, casting beams of light through the room, drowning it in a deep blue.

"The physician wishes to speak to you." I groaned, hesitant to hear what he had to say. Nodding to Orion, he bowed, leaving to retrieve the old man. My hand traced the silver utensils lined on either side of my plate.

"My king." The old man approached with Orion, bowing before me. I nodded, allowing him to speak. "I fear that the queen has experienced a severe trauma in her most recent past." My hand stopped as I listened intently. "It seems she has a poorly healed wound that pierces her abdomen. Whoever has been caring for her, has unfortunately not done so properly. Her wounds would need to be reopened and properly cared for."

"Is she alright?" I whispered, confused as to why Agaric would subject my queen, his ‘betrothed', to poor medical care.

"Indeed. However, given her current state, I am worried that the instructions you gave upon your return may further harm her—"

"Forgive me, old man, but are you saying you wish to disobey my command?" The question crawled from my throat as I glared at him.

"Heavens no, my king! I only meant th—"

"If you do not wish to die by my hands, sir, I suggest you return to your queen and continue with my instructions, as it seems she needs your care." The physician nodded, trembling at my aggression as he bowed, rushing from the room.

Orion remained, his hand resting on the pommel of his sword as it hung, sheathed at his side. "You did not need to threaten him."

Exhaling, I picked up a glass of dark red wine, quickly consuming the bitter drink. "And what would you have me do, Orion?" I held the empty glass in my hand, the light reflecting off the clear brim. "Tell me, if you were in my shoes, what would you do?" My irises shot to him as he shifted his weight.

"Sir, I would hope that our many years of friendship and my clear support of my king would allow me the freedom to speak openly." I nodded. "What you are doing is wrong." The glass shattered in my hand, crumbling into my lap as I stared at him. "Queen Hesper does not deserve the torture you intend on putting her through. I know your brother—"

"Agaric decided to change the rules of the game when he brought her into this. If he wishes to play, then I must break a few rules to win. I will not lose again, Orion."

"Morel," he addressed me casually, "she is y—"

"Enough!" I slammed my fist into the marble, my voice booming with power. "My command remains firm. Lady Amanita is to be left unbothered and alone aside from the physician himself. He is only to treat her wounds and nothing more. If I catch anyone offering her any kind of assistance," I rose, my fists clenched at my side, "I will kill them."

Orion's jaw clenched as he bowed. "Yes, my king. I shall see to it that your order is carried out."