The First Murder

Persephone lit the candle in the middle of the table, then shook the match so the flame would go out. It was a simple set up, two plates filled with cheese and grapes next to the glass goblets already containing the red wine. Persephone took the small bottle of poison out of her pocket and popped off the cork. She took a deep breath then slowly poured the two drops into the goblet closest to the window. She watched the poison disappear into the liquid. This was it. No turning back now.

She replaced the stopper back into the bottle and slipped it into its hiding spot. She went to her mirror and fixed her hair and dress. A tiny sliver of guilt crawled up her throat but she quickly squashed it down. This was a necessary evil. This had to be done. For the good of the kingdom, for Delphi, for herself.

As soon as the clock tower rang out six times, there was a knock at the door. Persephone put on her most confident face and crossed the room to answer it.