Wicked Stepmother

Clovis

We were not yet married, so I did not yet have the duties of the Queen- neither thankfully those of the bedchamber nor those of the state. Noone really bothered about what I did, once it became clear that I liked to do ladylike things like being bad at archery and good at needlework, and that I modestly preferred to do them without company or an excess of attendants. Once this was established, I set out to find an ordinary outfit for getting around in, not so poor that I would be seen as a trespasser, but not queenly either. 

I have been called "beautiful", but I do wonder how much of that is my robes and jewels. Bedecked I have sat in front of my mirror and questioned it. 

"Who is the fairest in all the land?"

"You are" my image is clear evidence it cannot lie, and now

"Who is the fairest in this new land."

"They have always said Snow White, the King's young daughter." I look around at the voice that does NOT come from myself in the mirror or my inner self. A servant woman hastily curtsys,

"Begging your pardon Madam, but perhaps they meant before you came,"

"No, but I am curious to see this great beauty" I told her, "Why has no-one introduced her to me?"

"I cannot say Madam" she said softly.

"How can I meet her?" I ask frustrated.

"She loves to ride" the servant says desperately, "Perhaps if you take an interest."

"I have always loved riding" I say honestly, "when I don't have to be encumbered by a side-saddle and a lot of fuss that is. Agnes...that is someone I knew used to...but no matter. I will ride. Can you procure me a riding habit? An ordinary one, not one that proclaims to the world that the Queen rides out!"

"I will do so Madam, if you do not tell the king" she said nervously, "he may not..."

"Nonsense, His Majesty has no need to know every little detail of my life" I told her, "What is your name?"

"Clovis" she said and curtsied again and withdrew.