The Queen

by mannaberry

Sarah was always told her mother abandoned her. She had no idea how much the truth would change her life. Torn away from the only life she's ever known, her fate now in the hands of a certain Goblin King who only wants revenge. *This story is AU. Rating is due to language at this point.*

1. Prologue

Prologue

Booker looked at her sadly, "I'm sorry, My Queen, but the time has come."

"No! It's too early. I have at least another ten years!"

"The council has spoken. You know what this means."

Shaking her head, she began to shut the door. Booker wedged his foot in the entryway, and pushed the door back open, "You cannot wait. You must go now."

Running a shaking hand through her hair, she looked at him with scared eyes, "Let me get Sarah. Robert won't be home for hours."

She turned away and began to head to the stairs, but Booker grabbed her arm, "I'll stay with Sarah. You know they'll never allow her."

Her eyes filled with tears, "But…Robert…He won't understand…"

Booker sighed, "You've never told him, have you." She shook her head, and he continued, "I'm sorry, but you knew this was possible when you came here. I promise I'll look after both of them in your absence."

She knew he was right. She glanced around, sadness filling her completely. Booker was right, though, she couldn't stay, and she couldn't wait for them to retrieve her. Still, "Do I have a few minutes? I just want to say good-bye."

He nodded, and she ran up the stairs. She pushed open the nursery door, and crept over to the crib. Sarah was deeply asleep, clutching her teddy bear. She leaned down, and planted a gentle kiss on the sleeping baby's forehead, and whispered, "I love you, so much. Never forget that."

Exiting the nursery, she headed across the hall to the bedroom she shared with her husband. From a chest of drawers, she removed an old fashioned cigar box. Opening it, she pulled out two sealed envelopes. Leaving the room she returned to Booker. She handed him the envelopes. "Please give Robert his when he gets home. It's not much of an explanation, but it's the best I can do. Keep Sarah's letter safe. I'll let you know when you can give it to her."

Booker took the letters, "I'll do as you say."

"Booker, promise me you'll tell my daughter how much I love her."

He nodded, "I will."

With one last look around the room, she disappeared leaving Booker alone.