The had passed, and then a year, but nothing had changed. I stopped counting the number of rejections. I stopped counting how many times people asked me how I lost both my husband and daughther. I heart the whisperers that maybe it was my failt. They weren't wrong.
Yet again, I entered the forbidden room. And somehow, it sparkled as always.
"Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?"
"She may be out of sight, but it still Snowwhite."
"Maybe we should get back to the original plan? In a moment, I'll be an old hag. Unless there is magic which you make others fall in love with me in the near-decade."
"A year ago you let Snowhite go. If you came here, I would tell you what a horrible mistake you have done."
"Until now, the most horrible mistake was listening to you," I crossed my arms angrily.
"Never mind, it can still be fixed", the mirror ignored my words "If you want more beautiful than Snowwhite, you have to kill her."
"There's just one thing. Killing her won't make any more beautiful, and last time I checked, The absence of Snowhite doesn't help me in one bit!"
"Well, if you just kill her, nothing will happen. But with my magic spell, you can steal her beauty,"
I looked at the mirror. I wasn't so old, but the figure in my reflection was twice as old.
"What should I do?"
"Bring a poisoned apple to the room, and I'll put a spell on it."
I didn't think twice and did as it said. I found a shining red apple and positioned, like the one I gave to the king. I looked at the apple as I returned to the room. How pretty it was. It was hard not to take a bite.
"Where do you go, your majesty?" The servant from the day I found the forbidden room approached me.
"To bite a beautiful apple such as this," I smiled. "Can't a queen have some peaceful moments?"
"Of course, your majesty, but now it's not the time for rest."
"Why, if I may ask?"
"You need to beauty yourself for your suitor who arrived just now. It is better not to let him wait."
"Suitor...? What Suitor...?" I asked in confusion. I didn't remember hearing anything about one.
"He suddenly came, without any announcement. I told him you are busy on the kingdom's affairs, but I can't let him wait forever."
"I guess the apple can wait."
I hurried my steps towards my room for two reasons. First, I was excited. For a long time, no one even tried to see me a potential bride. But more importantly, I had to get rid of the apple. I managed to throw it through to window before the servant arrived with black and red dress/
I was so excited by the upcoming offer. Maybe this time...! I felt my heart racing in my chest. I didn't expect him to be perfect. Just... that he'll agree! After I changed clothes, I went to the crown room and waited for my guests of honor. I realized he came with his father, but it wasn't unusual.
"The king Fridrich and his son Karl enter the room!" the announcer called.
The name Fridrich made me sick. It was the name of the king who took over my kingdom. But it was a common name in the principalities, so I took a deep breath. But my jaw almost dropped when into the room entered a young man, 5 years younger than me, whose brown hair reminded me of Martin, and by his side a man middle age, his hair half golden half silver. It was not another Fridrich.
Just the thought of it made my blood boil. I clenched my fists which were on the throne's handles, trying to hide my anger and insult.
"The years didn't hurt your beauty," Fridrich said with a fox's face.
I couldn't look weak. Not again.
"Your son is handsome as well, I might say," I said as peacefully as I could.
I looked at the thin prince. It was hard to say he looked like a royal. He looked down, and it almost seemed as he tried to hide. But with such a father... it's no wonder.
"I am certainly happy you greet us with such friendliness," the king smiled even more "I didn't want to threaten you with war. And you know how good I am this..."
"What a shame you came unannounced," I tried to smile and ignore his words "The designated bride is not here."
"Isn't it you?" Fridrich asked as he looks at me with his big blue eyes.
"What a ridiculous idea," I laughed scornfully "That I marry someone younger? It is only makes sense for him to mary a virgin, don't you think?"
"I guess my son doesn't deserve a used woman."
I felt my cheek twist from anger.
"I'll make sure she'll come back earlier. Why won't you rest until then?"
"Thank you, your majesty," Karl made bowed his head.
"How many times did I tell you not to bow your head?!" Fridrich hit his son's shoulder.
"But..."
"No but!" Fridrich didn't add another word and left the room, followed by Karl who went like a deserted puppy.
I couldn't but sigh. How did it happen to me? Even when Snowhite was gone, I didn't have the choice but to let her marry first. It's not that the princes looked bad, in both meanings, but I really didn't need any family connection with that man who he called father. No, No, I definitely didn't plan to tolerate him for the rest of my life.
After the two left the room, the annoying servant entered.
"The king looked agitated. Should I worry?"
"You may think I am a disaster in every possible way, but just so you know, I am not the one he is angry on, Herbert,"
"What are you talking about, my queen? And how can I think something like this? You brought prosperity to our king sings your coronation. "
He was right. Actually, he never frowned at me or said a bad word. But for some reason, I always had the feeling he doesn't appreciate me. On the other hand, who did?
"Call to the hunter once again," I said.
"You aren't satisfied with less than the best, are you?"
"Are you still here?" I said impatiently. The faster he comes, the faster I'll get out of here.
"I'm no longer here," he smiled his annoying cocky smile.
I knew I wouldn't miss him. But I didn't know how much...