Short Mystical Tales

Pure White Apples

"oh my magic mirror, do tell who is the fairest of this world" the queen had asked the large circular mirror that oddly enough didn't reflect the room, instead it showed a young lady in a robe. a shadow over her face as she doted over the queen.

she paused as if hesitating. "it... it isn't you... my queen" 

the queen's fist slammed against the cold dry stone wall. the side of her hand now scratched and bloodied, staining the crevices of the stone ever so slightly. "tsk... why... why am I thinking of something so annoying... why would I worry about that? that ugly dirty brat will never be prettier than me...  right?"

her long, thick layers that built up her large dress dragged against the wood-planked ground as the queen went to her marble balcony. the ivory white railings were overgrown with vast vines of wisteria, trailing down to the courtyard. a small one surrounded by a large garden, fenced by stone and tall wisteria and willow trees.

Not far from the winding marble stairs I had just cleaned, was a well, favored by the bluebirds and white bunnies.  there I rest calmly knowing that I have finished moping, wiping, dusting, and sweeping every part of the courtyard. from leaves to dust, I am finally free, for now, that is. 

though, instead of enjoying the company of my animal companions, I held a hand over my chest, rubbing against the cool metal under the fabric. the pendant of a necklace that my father gave me. even though he is no longer here, I always like to think that he is fulfilling his promise of giving me luck and keeping me safe by wearing this necklace.

I brush a hand over the slightly damp and cool stone that built the well, turning to gaze from the reflection of the well's water far from the mouth of the well. that is until I hear the cracking of branches and crunching of grass under two pairs of boots. 

no, no one is allowed to see me.

I rush inside, nearly tripping over the rags I wear as I hid behind the door that led to the garden. I gaze out of the small arched window-like hole in the stone wall that sat beside the wooden door bound by metal. through the thick vines that covered half of the glass-less window, i could see two figures. two young men my age, wearing rather expensive and lavish clothing. they looked like they belong here. which is saying something seeing as I'm from here.

I press my back against the rickety wooden door, letting out a sigh as i held the necklace tightly. "i... I should be less reckless... i nearly let them see this necklace" I glanced out again, a smile creeping up my face. "they nearly saw me!" a small giggle escaped my lips before my smile finally dropped "they nearly saw me... stepmother won't be happy about that... but I have to say... the older one is... extremely attractive..."

I realize the words that had slipped out of my mouth and jumped on my feet. my face turning bright red. "r-right, my mother... my mother will definitely welcome them.. and she'll do it with me.. i-i have to get ready!"

shaking my head once to clear it of odd unwanted thoughts, I quickly bolted through the halls. rays of golden light from the sun shone through the dust, reflecting it so much that it's blinding though it did light up the hallway. the arching ceilings held up old yet elegant metal chandeliers. my chambers are far, seeing as it's up a lonely Tower far far away from the main palace, my trip is quite lengthy and goes through the entire castle. I even ran past the queen's quarters on my way to my own.

the queen's dark and quiet quarters. the light, usually blocked off by the purple velvet curtains. the walls holding up paintings of beautiful landscapes throughout her land and one of her family. her dead husband, her dead daughter, and the ugly, useless, clumsy brat, the offspring of the late king.

the queen rests, leaning against the tapestry covered wall, looking out to the gardens as she folded her arms. "hm.. that ugly thing went inside right after seeing the two princes... good... really good. her filthy face is not worthy of a noble's eyes... not to mention a prince... still" she peeled herself off the weaved tapestry and slammed her hand beside the mirror. "absurdly large mirror, who is the prettiest in this castle?"