Wicked Stepmother

"Mirror, mirror"

Edward was not pleased that I insisted on having Orion in the throne-room with me, even feeding him in front of the subjects. I managed to charm and sooth him into allowing me, although he always hated it. I also kept reassuring him that I realised he would be Snow White's general, not the king: "But he will be used to being present at occasions of state" I pointed out.

On this occasion (like on many others) there was a commotion. 

"Go and see" Edward (as usual) told his spy Jerome, a 14 year old skinny runt of a lad, and Jerome ran off immediately to do his Lord's bidding. He soon came back and whispered to Edward.

"A dwarf" Edward hissed, so that I could hear, "who claims to know where Snow White is" I struggled to remain calm. There were dwarves where Clovis was. But had the potion worked? Maybe this was a good thing, Edward would ride out and rescue her.

"I think you better see him then" I said calmly wanting to tell him to get on his horse and follow the dwarf immediately. Was she alright? I hoped the dwarf wasn't here because she was dying or dead. Surely they wouldn't bother if she were dead."

"You seem very calm about the favour I show my firstborn" the king looked at me puzzled.

"I have learned the value of one's own child" I gazed down at beautiful, perfect little Orion who was asleep, but curled his tiny fingers around one of my fingers.

"Aye, it has changed you." he said thoughtfully. He asked the guards to bring the dwarf to him. They never questioned how he knew things, which either meant they knew about Jerome or that they thought kingship came with extraordinary powers.

The dwarf when it was brought before us was a female. She smelled of clean laundry and spicy cooking, which was a scent I would expect from a respectable farmer's wife, not a dwarf.

"Your majesty" she said curtsying in the most grotesque manner imaginable. "I know where the Princess is, but her evil stepmother has tried to kill her."

"What nonsense" Edward thundered, "Tried to kill her? I am sick to death of these nonsensical accusations against the queen. I will not hear them." The dwarf glared at me angrily, though she had seemed kindly enough when I was in my guise as the old crone.

"I can stay in the palace and the King can ride alone to his daughter if that is seen as better" I said calmly, "I want her to be safe but I can stay out of the way if people think I am some sort of a threat." I wanted her in my arms, that was the real problem. But safe would do.

"Yes of course you must stay here and look after the prince." the king said to me, with the tiniest nod that he understood why I had said it publicly. I had no real affection for my husband and I loathed the nights when he sought me out in my bed (although he had the decency to let me know ahead when he planned to do this) but I had to respect the trust he placed in me, and the freedom he allowed me.

Up until that point I had respect for the man, and his partiality to his daughter could really only recommend him in my eyes.

Edward rode out and I felt some misgivings. I went up to the tower.

"Mirror, mirror who see everything and know everything" I said as if I expected any answer, "Will Clovis be ok?" the mirror misted over again as it sometimes did. I seemed to be developing second sight, not only that but my mirror aided me to see.

"Mirror, mirror show me" I said impatiently. The mist cleared slightly and I saw a determined young woman, a queen.

"That's just me" I muttered. The mists rolled over my face and I saw Clovis falling, rolling down a grassy hill in that threadbare gown of hers. I saw her caught up in arms, slender but strong arms cloaked in burgundy velvet. My arms then. The mirror showed me my own image again.

"Oh hell" I said aloud, "she will not be safe unless I by-our-lady go and MAKE her safe."

But I had to prepare in secret as I did not know who my adversary was.