Wicked Stepmother

The bride

They were wrong you know, I didn't resent the idea of a step-daughter, and not even one that was my own age and rumoured to be a beauty. People kept telling me I would resent her, but I was only 16, a child-bride really and I wasn't convinced. Maybe she would be an ally? Maybe we would wear each other's clothes? Maybe...? But I knew by now there was no point in maybes and hopes. I had to say goodbye to Agnes, that was harder than I had even thought it would be. My parents were watching so she didn't cry, or make a fuss, or hold me like I needed her to. She simply told me (in front of them) to be careful of my elaborately coiffed hair and remember my manners and then she was gone. My Agnes.

"I want Agnes to come with me" I said,

"You don't need her" my Mother shushed me. She frowned at me for betraying affection for a mere servant in this way.

"Don't be such a baby Kiora" she said sharply, "You are 16, that is older than I was when I married. You can't cling to your childhood. Your Father has overindulged you so far, but being a queen is serious business. And this brat of your husband's is an unfortunate complication."

"She might be nice" I offered

"Your job is to be the most beautiful woman in the kingdom, and produce a male heir as soon as possible to aid diplomatic ties between our countries."

"You mean I have to..." My Father frowned me to silence before I finished the sentence.

"A princess is beautiful and privileged, but she has certain duties." my Mother said softly and sadly, "becoming queen is the start of most of them."

I was whisked into the carriage with an attendant from my husband's castle (so not someone familiar to me) and not allowed to embrace my parents, or cry, or even really wave. My corset dug into the flesh around my hips and pushed my breasts uncomfortable and I looked forward to discomfort and boredom throughout the weary night, since I would not (of course) be able to undress for sleep in the carriage.

I wasn't willing to face my fear of anything further than that, just the uncomfortable journey was enough. But I had been taught well. I didn't cry.