One Hidden Queen

Prynn

The poisoner queen sits, perched on an old mahogany chair, the rough cushions like rocks on her back. Across from her, Lio sips his tea, surveying the view outside the large bay window. They have found a quiet place for tea in this drawing room, one of many scattered throughout Ivywood manor. The walls are covered with sage green wallpaper, though it is beginning to peel.

A large bay window lets the sun in, framing the little table and chairs they have dragged in front of it. The sunlight illuminates the dust particles dancing through the air, like an ethereal ballet. It seems that spring has crept upon them, if only for a day, allowing the ice and snow to thaw on the manor grounds. Still, a chill has crept into the large house, and Aceline has donned a long wool dress.

Lio is different than the older poisoners Aceline has encountered before. He does not dye his gray hair, or dress in fine silks. His hands are smudged with ink, and smile lines frame his kind eyes. It is hard to believe that he raised Victoria.

They sit in silence, sipping tea and reading. The tea is sweet and calming, a blend of chamomile, hemlock, and mistletoe. Aceline had empty nearly half the honey jar into her cup, producing a chuckle from Lio. It is hard not to enjoy his company.

Lio is like sweet, old dog, one who curls up in your lap and sleeps. Even Noella, who is usually so harsh, seems to like him. She likes to imagine the he is her grandfather, though that is not true. Victoria would scold her if she knew. Aceline was never allowed to call Victoria mother, the Arron matron was quite careful to differentiate Aceline from her family. The queen has felt like a guest in Ivywood manor, someone who does not fit into the family tree.

Suddenly, an ember of memory sparks in Aceline's mind.

A large cottage. A cool spring day. Her sisters, floating in a stream, with Aceline faithfully keeping watch. A young woman, with crimson hair, smiling down a them.

"Queens have no mother."

Kalani, her bright eyes shining with hope.

"I would like it if you were our mother, Wren"

Aceline draws in a sharp breath, her hands shaking. She forces the memory into the back of her mind, disposing of it. She can not remember. That will make her task all the harder

"Aceline, are you alright?" Lio asks, concerned.

"Yes, I am fine. It was only a daydream," The queen replies. But she is not fine, nor will she ever be. Though, she hopes her sisters are better than she is. And, for their sake, she prays that they do not remember.

(I think that I'll implement a time skip after this chapter. It will jump ahead to roughly a month before Beltane.)