Falling for The Enemy, d.n[1]

SIXTEEN

Flashback

The Genie cut an apple from the apple tree in the castle gardens, and he began to slice it when he heard foot steps behind him.

"I was beginning to worry you wouldn't come," Genie said.

"You were expecting the queen?" Henry Senior said as he approached him, carrying a box.

The Genie turned to him, "Who are you? What have you done with her?" Genie asked.

"The king has locked her and her daughter away in their chambers. My daughter and granddaughter are prisoners in their own kingdom," Henry Senior said.

"You are the Queen's father?" Genie asked.

He presented the box to the Genie, "Please, take this to the Queen. The palace guards won't allow me into her chambers. They know I'd die for her, for both of them. But you," the Genie took the box, "The King trusts you. He doesn't know that you have my daughter's heart. The guards will allow you in. Give her this box," Henry Senior said.

"Wait. I don't understand. What is in it?" Genie asked.

"This is the only thing that can free her from that wretched life. If you truly care for my daughter, I know you'll do whatever it takes to set her free," Henry said and walked away.

On top of the box a key was placed, and the Genie picked it up, taking a closer look at it.

----------<3----------

The Genie entered The Evil Queen's chambers, carrying the box he got from Henry Senior with him.

The Evil Queen saw him through the mirror, "It's you," she stood up and they hugged, "My love for you grows stronger with every beat of my heart. But the king has read my diary. Found my mirror," she sobbed and they pulled apart, "Soon he will discover the truth about us. There's no escape," The Evil Queen said.

"There's always an escape. Your father said what's in this box," he placed the box on the table, "Would give you your freedom," Genie said as he handed her the key.

Yes, I believe it will," she inserted the key, turned it and unlocked the box, revealing a two-headed snake inside, "The Agrabahn Viper. A snake so deadly it can kill anything," The Evil Queen said.

"With a single bite. This serpent is from my homeland. I know all to well of its poison. But why would you have it brought here?" Genie asked.

"My daughter was the only happiness in this life for me, and now he's taken her away. Now, I have no happiness. One small bite and I shall be free from this prison forever. I'm sorry we couldn't be together, my love. Perhaps in another life we will find each other again. If you see my dear Vanessa, tell her mommy loves her," The Evil Queen said and slowly reached for the box, inching her hand into the snake's reach.

The Genie grabbed her hand, preventing her from proceeding, "Tell her yourself because there is another way. What if...the King didn't live?" Genie said.

"You would do that for me?" The Evil Queen asked, surprised.

"For you, I would do anything," Genie said.