9. Amanita

NINE

AMANITA

I remained quiet and observant, like a wallflower, watching Agaric's people as they danced and flourished in elaborate masks and brightly colored costumes, enjoying the festivities of the night. I enjoyed slithering along the shadows, studying those around me.

A nearby waiter offered his tray in my direction. I forced a smile, retrieving a tall flask of what appeared to be pink fizzing wine. I grimaced at the dainty drink, hesitantly tasting it, only to be equally dissatisfied as I had been with the rest of the wine in the palace. I carefully tossed the liquid over my shoulder into a vase of sunset flowers, hoping no one saw me, returning to the shadows.

My body ached, my wound throbbing due to the corset, the warm night adding to my growing discomfort as I carried along the edges of the ball. I forced a fake smile to those who passed me, offering their congratulations. Agaric had spoken to many of his people, mingling among them before eventually returning to me.

"My betrothed," he bowed as the words still hadn't quite settled in, "shall we dance?"

I blinked, immediately concerned with the realization that I wasn't sure if I even knew how to dance. My memory prior to the war had yet to return to me, leaving me wondering in a haze as to who I truly was before meeting him. "I fear, my prince, that I may not know how."

Agaric leaned close, his hand gently lifting my chin. "Allow me to be your guiding star." The words melted me as I fell into his control. He placed his hand around my waist, pulling me close as our bodies pressed into one another. "I shall be with you every step of the way. Just keep your eyes on me, Amanita." It was the first time he called me so casually by my name. I nodded, entranced by his beauty as he led me to the center of the dance floor. The music faded as gathering couples flocked around us, preparing for the next dance, eyes heavy along my back.

"Please," I whispered as he placed his arms around me and positioned us for the dance, the string music gently beginning, "promise you won't let me fall? I fear I may not be blessed with such grace as yourself, my prince." Agaric smiled, pulling me closer as he leaned close and whispered into my ear.

"As long as you remain by my side, I shall keep you standing tall." The music grew as he began to pull me, guiding my body with the rhythm of the song. Something was familiar about the melody, the motions to the dance seemingly flowing through me, as though it was something I had done many times before. "What a pleasant surprise! It seems you are a natural." He glowed, our steps perfectly mirroring one another as we moved, swirling around the dance floor. "Though it would make sense, as this is my mother's song." His mother's? "All of Dryade knows this dance. This, dear Amanita, should only further prove that you, my bride to be, are truly home."

Home . The word played through my mind as he twirled me out and back to him, my spine resting against his chest as we swayed with the music. The moon beamed high above, bathing us in her light as I lost myself in the music, the familiarity comforting me. Lost within the song and dance, I did, finally, feel at home.