Poison
Delphi pulled her hood up more to cover her face. The darkness of the night should keep her concealed, but she was paranoid she would be recognized. It was rare for her to be in the village alone. This was something she had to do on her own. If anyone spotted the princess…Delphi didn’t even want to think about what could happen.
She went down the back of the shops lining the street until she came across a small building a little further back from the main street. It was a place that only the truly desperate would find themselves at.
Delphi went in and looked around. When she saw she was alone, she slipped off the hood of her cloak. She went to the back and took a deep breath. Here goes nothing. She knocked on the door twice, waiting for it to be answered.
Not a moment later, an older woman opened the door. She had dark, wrinkled skin and her silvering hair was pulled back into a braided bun. The woman gave Delphi a kind smile.
“Why, Ms. Howard. I haven’t seen you in ages. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“Hello, Agatha. I hope I’m not bothering you.”
“Not at all. It’s always great to see you. Please, come in.” Agatha moved out of the way so Delphi could walk in.
“This won’t take long.” Delphi turned and faced her, “I need your help.”
“Most people don’t come here this late. You must be in some trouble.”
“I guess you could say that. I do have a problem and I believe you can provide me with a solution.”
“And what kind of solution are you looking for?”
“Something that would make a man sleep forever.”
Agatha cocked an eyebrow, “I may have something. But you know I don’t give away anything for free.”
“When have I ever not paid you?” Delphi took out a pouch full of coins, tossing them to the shopkeeper.
She opened the pouch, letting out a low whistle when she saw the amount, “I’m assuming this is also to buy my silence.”
“I don’t need anyone knowing my business.”
“Smart girl.” Agatha stuffed the pouch into her pocket of her apron and crossed the room to the glass cabinet. She opened it and shifted through the tiny bottles. When she found what she was looking for, she pulled it out and turned back to Delphi.
“This will only take two drops to solve your problem. It’s odorless and tasteless.” She went to the young woman and handed it to her, “Once it passes his lips, he will be no more.”
Delphi closed her hand around the bottle, “Thank you, Agatha.”
“My pleasure. You should get back to the palace, it’s getting late.”
Delphi nodded and put up her hood. She left the back room and went out the front. When she felt safe, she snuck her way back to the castle.
Persephone held the glass bottle up to her eyes, looking at the clear liquid inside, “Just two drops?”
“That’s what she said.” Delphi said from where she was sitting on the bed.
Persephone shook the bottle, watching the little bubbles form. Strange to think how something so benign looking could have such power, “Are you ever going to tell me who this mystery woman is?”
“Maybe someday. I still like to keep some secrets.”
The princess lowered the bottle and turned to her love, “You’re sure this won’t be traced back to you?”
Delphi nodded, “No one will be able to trace that back to the source.”
Persephone took a deep breath, “So then tonight’s the night.”
“Are you having second thoughts?” Delphi got up and made her way over to her.
“Never.” Persephone turned her head to face her, “This is it. Step one is almost complete.”
Delphi took a piece of Persephone’s hair, twirling the strand around her own finger, “Things will be chaotic. I probably won’t be able to see you until tomorrow.”
Persephone kissed her lightly on the lips, “I’ll be alright.” She gave her a small smile, “I should go.”
Delphi nodded and stepped aside. Persephone slipped the bottle into a pocket near her chest and went out the door.
She went down the winding halls until she came to Casper’s chambers. She was just about to knock on the door when it opened.
“Oh, Persephone. I didn’t expect to see you.”
Persephone smiled, “I wanted to make sure I saw you before the big day tomorrow.”
Casper laughed softly, “Tomorrow is going to be insane. Just think, I’m going to officially be the king. I’ve been working all week on some things I want to bring up in court, and-”
Persephone quickly cut him off, “That’s nice. Listen, I know tomorrow is going to be a lot and I’m sure you want your rest, but I have a surprise for you.”
“A surprise? What kind of surprise?”
“My bleeding has stopped, so I can finally let you into my private chambers.” She winked.
Casper’s face lit up, “Really? Tonight?”
Persephone nodded, “Come to my room around six. We will wine and dine and then become official man and wife.”
Casper leaned against the door frame, a smirk on his face, “I look forward to it, my wife.”
“See you tonight, husband.” Persephone let her hand slide down Casper’s arm then turned and walked away, making sure her hips swayed with every step.