Sails of Destiny

A Light in the Darkness

The palace was alive with the hum of excitement. Preparations for Snow White's coronation were in full swing, and every corner of the grand castle seemed to sparkle with anticipation. Servants moved swiftly, hanging garlands and polishing the crystal chandeliers until they shone like stars. In the midst of all the hustle, two young girls were being fussed over in their mother's chambers.

Amira, just barely ten, tugged at the tight braid her hair had been twisted into. "Do I have to wear it like this?" she complained, her dark brown waves fighting to escape. Beside her, Snow, at twelve, smiled gently as she adjusted the tiara on her head.

"Yes, Amira," Queen Eva said with a smile, her voice soft but commanding. "Today is a special day for your sister. We must look our best." She smoothed a hand over Amira's hair and then cupped Snow's cheek, her eyes filled with pride. "My beautiful daughters—one ready to lead and one ready to shine in her own way."

Amira looked up at her mother, a question lingering in her eyes. "Will you be by Snow's side the whole time, Mama?"

Queen Eva's smile faltered for just a moment, a flicker of something hidden behind her warm eyes. "Of course, my love," she said, her voice carrying a reassuring lilt. "I wouldn't miss a moment."

Snow, however, noticed the slight hesitation, the way her mother's gaze seemed to shift as if she were looking at something far away. But before Snow could ask, Queen Eva suddenly coughed. It was soft at first, but then it became harsher, and she pressed a hand to her chest as if trying to steady herself.

"Mother?" Snow said, her voice filled with worry. Amira's eyes widened, and she reached out to her mother, but Queen Eva waved them away.

"It's just a little cough," she assured them, her smile returning though it didn't reach her eyes. "I'll be fine."

At that moment, the door opened, and Johanna, their mother's faithful handmaiden, entered. She took one look at the Queen and her brow furrowed in concern. "Your Majesty, perhaps it's best if you rest for a while."

Queen Eva nodded, her strength seeming to fade as she allowed Johanna to help her to her bed. "Perhaps just for a little while," she said softly, her eyes turning to Snow and Amira. "Stay strong, my loves. This is your day, Snow."

Snow nodded, her eyes glistening as she leaned in to kiss her mother's forehead. Amira, however, felt her heart pounding, an unspoken fear rising in her chest. "You promise you'll be okay, Mama?" she whispered.

Queen Eva smiled again, her fingers brushing against Amira's cheek. "I promise," she said, her voice barely a whisper now.

But as the day wore on, Queen Eva grew weaker. Johanna stayed by her side, but the air in the palace seemed to grow heavier with each passing hour. The grand celebration of Snow's coronation was overshadowed by the whispers that spread throughout the castle—whispers of illness, of something dark taking hold of their beloved Queen.

As midnight approached, Snow was approached by the Blue Fairy, her bright wings shimmering with magic. "There is a way to save her," the fairy said, her voice filled with an otherworldly calm. "But it comes at a cost—dark magic must be used."

Snow shook her head, her heart aching but resolute. "No," she said firmly. "Mother would never want that. We cannot use dark magic, no matter the cost."

And as the clock struck midnight, Queen Eva drew her last breath. The room fell silent, the weight of loss crushing down on them. Snow held her mother's hand, tears streaming down her face, while Johanna bowed her head, her own eyes filled with sorrow.

Amira stood at the foot of the bed, her heart shattering. Anger and grief mingled within her, and she felt something strange—a warmth spreading from her chest to her hands. She looked down, her eyes widening in shock as her hands began to glow with a soft, golden light.