An Eternity of Nihility

Chapter 12: « Miss Scralet »

— Well, is everyone there? asked Hucral. Wait a minute, where are Anna and Bianca?

— They couldn't make it for some reason, said one of them.

— I see. (I'm using all my mental strength not to burst out laughing, but I've got a feeling I'm going to let go).

While the witch laughed inwardly, outwardly, they prepared medicine for the queen. One by one, they studied the flowers, applying precise doses. Others plucked oleander and foxglove. In this way, water and soil were detoxified. Meanwhile, Hucral prepared a plan in her head for the troll's arrival tomorrow. She would have to be careful in her choice of words and actions, so as not to gut him when she saw him.

So that the fairies wouldn't make any more mistakes, the scarlet-haired woman gave them a copy of her book.

— (I'll just give them the part about plants, otherwise I know some who'll misuse it).

To make sure the remedy was safe, Hucral tested a few grams.

— (There are no side-effects for the average person, but I hope that's the case for the queen too).

Having completed all these tasks, our star made her way to the room where Titania was resting. Once she had worked her magic, the sorceress told the queen, with a childlike smile, of the feats she and her subjects had accomplished today.

— Thank you, Hucral, said the Queen tenderly.

A warm spot crept into the apothecary's chest. At her kindness, she wanted to cry and take her in her arms. But she contented herself with a sincere smile.

She opened the window and dusted off the room, then left for her bedroom.

Unsure of what to do next, she grabbed her drawing materials and notebook, to put her plan into shape. She tried to make herself comfortable, but something was missing.

— Damn, they didn't put a chair in here, sighed Hucral. Well, too bad.

She levitated slightly above the floor, her back against the wall. She began to scribble dialogue, but got stuck after three sentences. She sighed loudly in disappointment.

— No, this isn't right, she said to herself, grumbling. I don't understand why I'm bothering so much. I could just knock him out and hold him prisoner, couldn't I?

Even though she was convinced of her idea, Hucral went for her deck of cards anyway. There was a time when she was a master in the art of divination, but by the time she stopped practicing, she'd forgotten the basics. However, she had started again 2 centuries ago, to keep herself busy. Today, she indulges in the art purely for her own pleasure. In the past, when she drew them, she amused herself by making them float, just as she did. She picked one of the cards spinning around her.

— Well, that sounds good. Let's hope I haven't lost my touch.

She picked up her notebook again and, instead of writing dialogues, tried to imagine every possible and unimaginable situation.

The diviner was so absorbed in her work that she didn't even realize she'd been at it half the night.

___________________________

As Hucral drifted off to sleep, her bedroom door suddenly opened, knocking her onto her back. Her head hit the floor hard.

— What the hell is wrong with you!

She was about to throw a tantrum when she saw the queen. She got up quickly and rushed towards her.