7. Amanita

SEVEN

AMANITA

Agaric held my hand high as we entered the garden, the usually empty terrace now filled with members of his court and kingdoms, all eyes on us. On me. The music and voices faded, lowering as everyone observed us. Part of me wanted to raise my head with confidence at the sight of them before me, basking in the position of power, the idea exciting me.

"Presenting his royal highness, Prince Agaric of Dryade, the rightful king and heir to the throne!" The crowd of masked people cheered, clapping as he slightly bowed in respect, myself curtseying in unison. He turned to look at me, smiling, his entire costume glowing in the candle-light as he addressed the crowd.

"It is my honor to present to you, my faithful subjects, Lady Amanita." The crowd hesitated before clapping, murmuring to themselves while offering me their cheers. "She has become a dear friend of mine since my brother's defeat, offering me such kindness and company. I hope you all may grow to love her as I have." I froze at the mention of the word love. Agaric kissed my hand, lowering to his knee as he stared up at me through his warm mask. "Lady Amanita," the crowd gasped as my heart stopped, "will you do me the honors of becoming my bride?"

Words escaped me, as I stood still, staring at him before me. The prince was asking for my hand— me. Yes, we had grown fond of one another and enjoyed each other's company, but I hadn't even begun to think of him in such a way until today. As a husband. I did enjoy his minor flirtations, sparking something buried inside me, but was it love? I glanced from Agaric to the onlooking crowd, panic ensuing as my heart raced with anxiety. Their eyes were heavy, desperately waiting for my reply. My face burned with emotion, unsure of what the correct answer was. I felt pressured and inclined to accept the proposal, torn.

"My lady," he whispered. I glanced back at Agaric. "I know this may seem sudden and even frightening, but know that I will spend every waking moment loving you. I will make you happy. You may not feel so now, but one day, you will love me. And when I am crowned king, you shall be my queen." Queen. The title and promised power was enticing, tempting me to accept my fate. I swallowed hard, making my choice as I shook my head yes.

The crowd cheered, screaming in excitement as Agaric rose, gleeful. He retrieved something from his tunic pocket. It was a small ring. Agaric gracefully removed my sheer glove and slid the silver piece of jewelry across my ring finger, his skin touching the old scar of my palm in the process.

"This was my mother's ring," he spoke gently to me, "and now, Lady Amanita, it shall be yours, as you are now mine." I was too mesmerized by the silver encrusted jewel to realize what he had said, entranced by the piece of jewelry as it sat along my pale finger. The ring fit perfectly, as if made for me, and it felt right resting across my skin. It was as if, somehow, this ring was always destined to be mine. The center moonstone sparkled in the candlelight flashing from a cloudy white to vibrant blue, surrounded by antique silver vines that branched around my finger completely.

"It's perfect," I whispered. Agaric placed his hand along my back, pulling me close, causing my cheeks to burn a vibrant pink. The same old man from the storage closet appeared, clearing his throat as Agaric glanced at him.

"I must speak to a few of our guests, please excuse me. I won't be long, my bride." His bride . Agaric kissed my cheek before fading into the large crowd. The music resumed, life flowing back to the outdoor ball. I wasn't sure if it was the proposal, the excitement of the ball, or Agaric's touch that excited me more. So much had transpired in such a short amount of time. I was living a fairytale dream—the damsel in distress rescued by the charming prince. I glanced up at the sky, the moon shining brightly. Damsel in distress . It didn't feel right referring to myself in such a way. Despite all the things, why did I feel like something was still missing? I closed my eyes and soaked in the sight of the sky.

A symphony of stars.