One Hidden Queen

Prynn

Aceline slowly descends down the stairs, a heavily drugged, bright green snake wrapped around her shoulders. A crowd of poisoners mill about, deathstalker scorpions or toxic snakes wrapped around each. She walks about, making small talk with the assembled poisoners. There is a grim edge to everything though, and the Gave Noir will begin soon.

Aceline takes a glass of champagne tainted with hemlock, and downs it in one sip. Her snake curls around her shoulders, and it's tongue flicks in and out. Soft string music is playing, and people begin to dance.

Aceline dances for six songs, changing partners often. None of them are particularly special, though each one can make some claim to Arron blood. She scans the room, searching for Noella. Aceline finally spots her, standing at the edge of the room, cast in shadows. She looks almost evil, eyes glinting in the light of the chandelier. Noella gives Aceline a wicked smirk, and takes a long sip from her champagne glass.

Then Victoria clinks a knife against her glass, and says "The Gave Noir will commence,"calling everyone's attention. She motions to Aceline, who makes her way to the table.

"Queen Aceline, are you hungry?" Victoria asks, giving the scripted dialogue.

"I am ravenous,"

"What would be the death of others will nourish you, the goddess provides. Are you pleased?"

"The offering is adequate,"

Victoria bows, and the servants announce the dishes, one by one. A cake with belladonna berry filling, more of the hemlock wine, a roast hog tainted with oleander, pie filled with yew; sprinkled with yew seeds, a salad scattered with holly berries, maple roasted buckeye nuts, soup filled with mistletoe and laced with arsenic, cheese and flat bread soaked in white snakeroot. Finally, the centerpiece of it all, 15 little rolls, each filled with scorpion venom, with sugar coating on the outside, sprinkled with venom from Aceline's own snake.

She devours it all, and the poisoners cheer. Sauces drip down her face, and for once, she lets them. It feels amazing, like watching a star burst into an explosion of light. It feels like power. Her stomach feels a little hot, but her gift will help. Aceline slams her hands down on the table, and the poisoners roar.