Snow White Queen [NaNoWriMo 2018]

Chapter Twenty-Three

Lilia read over the statement she had written. It was short and to the point. She wanted to get the point across without giving the people any reason to hate her even more. The point was to announce Neva's death, nothing more.

There was one thing she had to consider. Should she mention that Neva was a vampire?

On the one hand, it would explain a lot. And there was a chance that they would side with her.

On the other hand, since Neva wasn't actually dead, she had no proof. Since she was presumed dead, she would be even more loved than before. If Lilia accused her of being a vampire, they would assume they were trying to turn them against her and she'd become even more of a martyr.

Better play safe for now, she thought. She'd reveal the truth in time.

~~~

"I know many of you have heard rumors regarding the Princess and her well being. I am here to address them."

Lilia stood on one of the castle balconies, overlooking a giant crowd in the courtyard. They were silent, for now.

"I deeply regret to inform you that our beloved Neva Erythrodis was assassinated several days ago."

The crowd gasped in unison and broke out in shocked muttering. Lilia waited for the noise to die down before continuing.

"I know you all loved her. So did I. She may have been my step-daughter, but in reality, she was more like my sister. My transition from my previous life into life as part of the royal family was not easy. Neva was one of the few things that made my life enjoyable here. She will be dearly missed.

"Unfortunately, Neva's childhood friend and suitor, Dorian Nezerra couldn't be here to speak. I know they loved each other. Anytime he visited, the two were practically inseparable. I can't imagine the pain he must be going through.

"If I could have one more moment with Neva, I would tell her that even after everything we've been through, I still love her. I only wanted the best for her. Our differences drove a wedge between us. If she were still alive, I would hope that we could someday find our way back to each other."

Lilia paused, debating how to end the speech.

"I love you, Neva, and I always will. Never forget that."

With that, Lilia turned away from the balcony and retreated inside.

She was grateful that they hadn't rioted. She figured that they were too stunned to hear that Neva's death had been confirmed to do anything. She hoped that this announcement wouldn't do anything to increase their resentment for her.

At least the castle staff was on her side.

Now, what to do about Neva?

~~~

The dark figure stalked through the halls of the castle. They were honestly surprised at how easy it was to get in. Then again, they were a trained professional, and Lilia wasn't an adept enough leader to be able to regulate an army, even in her own home.

The royal bedroom was easy to find. Why she still slept there, the assassin had no idea.

Quietly, they slipped into the room. Lilia was sound asleep in a bed that was much too large for her.

The assassin silently sheathed their dagger as they tiptoed closer to her bed.

~~~

Lilia had trouble falling asleep that night. She couldn't stop thinking about Neva.

She thought she heard her door open. She listened for a second more, but heard nothing else.

It's probably nothing. She hadn't heard it as much as felt it.

She dismissed the thoughts from her mind and tried to fall asleep.

She felt another movement, this time closer to her bed. Cautiously, she turned over so she was lying on her other side and found herself facing a dark figure standing over her poised to kill.

Lilia jumped into action. She rolled away from them and grabbed the dagger she kept on hand at all times. The assassin chased her around the bed, trying to back her into a corner.

Lilia kept trying to dodge them, but no matter what she did, her assassin kept getting closer and she kept inching backwards toward the wall.

Her back hit the wall. She tried to move to her left but was stopped by her closet. Right - blocked by a table containing a bite-sized leftover snack.

She was cornered.

The assassin advanced on her raising their dagger. Clearly, they were relishing in the moment, as they didn't seem in any hurry to kill her.

Without thinking, Lilia thrust her knife forward, not knowing where it would land. At the same time, she closed her eyes and waited for death.

A death that never came.

After a minute, she opened her eyes and saw the assassin slumped over her dagger, lifeless eyes glazed open.

She tossed the body away from her and ran to get help.

~~~

The assassin's body was taken care of. Lilia had instructed the guards to never speak of this. If the people found out that an assassin had been allowed inside, they'd be emboldened.

Lilia spent the next day thinking about the encounter. Except for that dagger, she was helpless to defend herself. She was very lucky to have come out of that encounter alive.

She'd need a way to defend herself, and she needed more than just weapons training if she was fighting against Neva.

Lilia had no idea how magic worked, or if she could even do it, but she could at least try. Luckily, she knew someone who could help.

~~~

For the second time that week, Lilia found herself on the witch's doorstep, preparing to knock. What she was asking this time was much greater than her last request.

She swallowed her fear and knocked. She didn't have to wait long for an answer.

The witch smiled and let her in. "How may I help you?"

"I was wondering if you could tell me anything about magic."

"Anything specific?"

"How to do it."

The witch opened the door wider and gestured for Lilia to come inside. Lilia obliged and sat down in the chair that was offered to her.

"So, you want to learn magic?"

"Yes - I mean, if it's possible."

"Of course it's possible, why wouldn't it be?"

"I mean, it can't be that just anyone can do magic-"

"That's exactly the case. Everyone has the potential to do magic. It's just a matter of whether or not they believe they can."

Lilia nodded, feeling enlightened. "Will you- Will you teach me?"

"Of course. I assumed that was clear from the fact that you're sitting at my kitchen table."

"Thank you." A thought occurred to Lilia and she smacked her forehead. "How could I be so rude? I'm so sorry, I've never even asked your name."

The witch smiled warmly. "Don't worry, dear. My name is Amantha. I know yours, but I don't think I've had the pleasure of being formally introduced to you."

Lilia smiled back, relieved. "I'm Lilia. Lilia Er- Corryntine."

Amantha nodded approvingly. "Now, for your first lesson..."

Okay, I really don't have much to say. Here's the update.
Also I should mention that I'm using this as my Camp NaNoWriMo project.
Hope you enjoyed. If you did leave a vote and comment with your thoughts. I'll see you next time.
~Patchesmimi