The Antidote for Longing I — Karl Dandenell

Lars Bjornsen was once an influential member of the Society of Poisoners, serving as imperial poisoner to Emperor Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, but Lars has been in exile for the past three years because he failed to assassinate the son of the Russian tsar. When an imperial messenger brings word that Emperor Gustavus has taken ill and the current imperial poisoner is dead, Lars realizes his oath of fealty requires he assist. He must be careful, however, because Lars’ former lover, Spymaster Maja Viklund, has eyes everywhere, and he faces imprisonment or execution should he be discovered.

Narrated by Thomas Baxter.
Published in Metaphorosis on 28 July 2023.
Find the original at magazine.metaphorosis.com.