I've been planning another story of Queen Marissa from "The Island Princess" - she is the most wonderful character. And here it is then, finally!
Melanie walked down the palace hall, carrying the Queen's breakfast with her.
She was Queen Marissa's favourite maid and also a close friend to the royal woman. Melanie was older and sometimes wiser than the middle-aged Queen. She was like a supporting mother for Her Majesty, and the only family she had left.
Queen Marissa was a widow. She had been that for ten years, since her husband and daughter had passed away most sadly. Marissa had ever since then been a little less sociable, sharing her true feelings with only the few people who were the closest to her. But the years that had passed and the injuries of her heart hadn't changed her gentle beauty and friendly nature. She was a kind woman, a beloved Queen, but also a fragile soul.
"Melanie," a tall and handsome man greeted the older maid as he met her. "Going to the Queen, are you?" This was Frederick, Queen Marissa's personal guard for the occasions when she had to leave her palace. He was a nice and decent man, with a tall and strong posture, and with the kindest brown eyes.
"Yes," Melanie answered joyfully. "Good morning, Frederick. I'm bringing the Queen her breakfast."
"Good, then please give this to her as well," the man said and set an envelope on the maid's tray. "A letter for the Queen," he explained. "It came this morning, and I believe it is from the royal family of Apollonia. Their writer has never gotten our Queen's name right."
Melanie took an interested look at the letter, and found an amusing "Queen Marisa" written on it.
"I'll give it to Her Majesty," Melanie replied with a chuckle. "But I'm afraid she won't open it until tomorrow. It's The Day, you know?" she added quietly.
"Ah, I see," Frederick agreed, understanding. "In that case I wish you good luck with the Queen," he said compassionately.
"Thank you, I'll need it," Melanie replied, and continued her way to Queen Marissa's bedchamber.
When Melanie entered the Queen's room silently, Marissa was already up and dressed in a black silk gown. Her Majesty was silently standing by the window, looking at the calm sea by the palace, when her maid came and she turned towards the older woman.
"Good morning, my dear," Melanie said cautiously. "Did you sleep well?"
Marissa only sighed, looking at the light pink dress of her maid. "You know I can never sleep at this night," Marissa answered cheerlessly. "Every year. I see it all happening again."
Today ten years ago had the King and the Princess passed away. Every year on their death day, Queen Marissa went through the same pain. Every year on that fatal night she had the same nightmare, and every year on that day she mourned her husband and daughter.
"Marissa, it's been ten years," Melanie said as she set the tray with the Queen's breakfast on her table, and walked to the woman in black. "As much as I feel sorry for your loss, I believe you should let go of the past," she said caringly and took Marissa's hands in hers.
"Believe me, I've tried," Marissa said dolefully as tears crept into her eyes. "But it seems just like yesterday when I lost them. I just can't help it that I feel this way once a year." A couple of tears escaped her eyes as she talked. Melanie pulled her into a warm embrace, but the tears kept rolling down Marissa's cheeks now.
"Shh... It's alright," Melanie said tenderly, caressing Marissa's head fondly. The Queen's warm tears fell on the maid's shoulder as she cried, but Melanie didn't mind. She was there for her Marissa. She had always been, and would always be.
Sorry, the first chapter is a little short. But I'll update soon!