Artemis and Caspian: The Spy

Chapter Forty

King Allister, muttering to himself missed the dark shadow watching him down the dark castle corridor. Two piercing eyes narrowed as they watched the King's retreating form vanish around the corner. The white from teeth exposed by a smug smirk glistened in the bright moonlight. When he knew he was alone, Arioch smoothly removed the black hood of his cloak off his head. Sauntering into the witch's room he casually picked up the bottle of henbane, turning it over in his hands. This would do nicely.

Setting it back down again, the duke removed a small vial from his pocket, quietly opening the cork with his teeth. With one ear on the door keeping track of annoying onlookers, Arioch used the rest of his concentration to pour the thick black mixture into the waiting vial, careful not to get any on his fingers. Once it had all gone in, he pressed the cork back down onto the vial opening, making sure it closed with a satisfying pop.

He had to be fast. Artemis was unaffectionately known throughout the court as the castle cat, able to move through the shadows without making a sound. If he didn't know any better, Arioch would've guessed she was part Celestian. Swiftly tucking the vial away deep into his pocket, Arioch arranged the bottle exactly how he'd seen the King place it. He knew, despite his many intellectual missteps, that Allister was smart enough to put the poison back exactly the way he'd found it. Along with being silent, the witch was also wickedly perceptive. Twisting the label around to face him, the duke took a moment to smile, satisfied with his handiwork. Then, slipping the hood back over his head, he slinked out of the room. Allister had unknowingly given him the last piece of information to carry out his plan.

Strolling along the abandoned hallways Arioch couldn't help grinning with pride. He would make Lord Cerberus proud. Rounding a corner he turned on his heel and began to pick up speed, anticipation taking over. The Queen had been a thorn in his side since the day he arrived. She knew more than he ever thought she could. Lord Aileron had brought her up well in the ways of politics but all of that would soon prove rather pointless. With one hand in his pocket, he ran a thumb over the outside of the glass vial. It was time for her holy highness to finally disappear, she was too powerful.

Arioch could feel his heart beat quickly in his chest, rhythmically tapping on his ribcage as the King's chambers came closer and closer. The duke had to stop for a second to steady his breathing as he scanned the hallway for intruders. He couldn't tell if the feeling boiling over in the bowls of his being was happiness, fear or a combination of both. He shook his head. It was happiness, Guilamontians didn't feel fear. He took the last few steps forward, arriving at the doorstep of the world's King. As he placed a trembling hand on the outside of the door, Arioch had to squeeze his eyes tight to keep a wave of nausea at bay. This was for his realm. This was for Cerberus.

Careful not to disturb the sleeping guards slumped over spears, Arioch stealthily crept over an arm lying sprawled out across the floor. Guards were so easy to trick with the right drink. He silently thanked the gods the drug hadn't kicked in before Allister entered the room. Pushing the door open a crack, Arioch peered into the dimly lit room. The King had left one candle burning on an end table, disappearing quickly into the wick. He frowned, poor lamb, the weight of ruling must have knocked him out. Confidently opening the door, Arioch snuck in, standing in front of Allister, letting his shadow dominate the boy's slighter figure.

The King looked less than regal with his mouth open lying face up on his mattress, limbs tangled in a messy heap, it made Arioch scowl. He could only thank the gods again that this indecency wouldn't stay on the throne much longer, his Lord had more sense than this. Moving over to the other side of the bed, he watched the Queen sleep. Elena lay delicately on her side, facing him. Her wavy hair lay strewn along her pillow like a halo framing her small head. Two hands were meticulously placed under a soft tan cheek, clasped together like they were in prayer. The Queen's long eyelashes fluttered as she dreamed, a small smile tugged at her lips.