I introduced Father Yei too early. So after Anai tried to stab herself, a doctor came to give her medicine and he suggested the queen go to other means (pushing a cross into her hand). This chapter follows directly after those events.
1 year has passed.
I tap a small bristle filled with powder onto my face, fixing my appearance in the mirror's reflection as I prepared ready for the day. Although I was gone in mind, I could not deny my beauty. A full year had passed since I last listened to the voices; well....that is the lie I told my mother to seem sane.
I press my fingers onto my lips, trying so hard to prevent my laugh from escaping. I still remember the day my mother pleaded for me to be sane, starving me until I complied.
What an evil little Queen she was.
I made sure the voices could not control me anymore, for my mother's sake.
Maybe this prince will be the one?
"No... he won't" I whisper, shutting my eyes to block the voice. My mother comes in, beaming with pride as two servants enter with a plate of food in each hand.
"Look Anai, food!" my mother announced, coming over to take in my appearance. I had barely fit into the dress she had imported from the distant kingdom.
"And the cook made it just as you liked it my lady" one servant bragged, refusing to meet my eyes. I push my mother aside and step to the servant, towering over her as she quivered with fear.
"Just how I liked it?"
"Yes," she said again, refusing to look away from the ground. I take the spoon from the tray and push it into the porridge she held, scooping a lump and lifting it to her lips. "Eat it then Deliah."
"We cannot my lady. Servants are not allowed to take food from royalty." She did not miss a beat.
"I insist!" I pouted, pushing it into her cheek. My mother rolled her eyes before clapping to break me away. "Deliah, you are free to go."
"Thank you my lady" she cried before running out the door. My mother locked the door behind her before facing me. I take the bowl and leaped across my room, throwing it out my open window and giggling as I watched it fall down to the ground.
"Anai, must you do this every day!" my mother sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose. She was tired of my constant outbursts and defiance.
"Every other day" I smiled warmly, looking down as it hit an unsuspecting scribe. "Got him!" I clapped, waving to him below as he looked up to see where the porridge had come from.
My mother sighed once more, holding her head in her palms.
"Well? Get on with it!" I smile, sticking my hand out to wait for her gross brew. I knew the true intentions of why she visited my room every morning at half past 10.
"Get on with what daughter?" she mutters, still exhausted by my personalities.
"The medicine dear mother! It is half-past 10. Time to sedate me again." I smile sarcastically, waiting for her impending admission. She looked into my eyes and stood, pushing the small vial of clear liquid into my palm.
"Delightful!" I clapped, snatching it from her palm and skipping to my bed. I sit with pride and tilt my head back, making sure to drink every last drop. "Delicious! Like fresh-brewed poison." I beamed. And I would know the taste! I have tested it twice." I bragged, filling her in on facts known to her.
