Ice climbed up the window as the snowstorm that surrounded the kingdom raged on. Portland’s harshest winter yet, and they were right in the middle of it. The castle was cold, with temperature continuously dropping, the people were growing desperate. Handing out blankets, lighting all the fireplaces, gathering together in groups just to keep warm. Yet, they still couldn’t escape the frost that bit at their noses. All the subjects stayed at the lower levels of the castle, they left the many rooms dark and vacant. However, from the outside, the top window dimly shines through the blizzard night.
The Queen of Portland sat in a chair next to the poorly lit fireplace. She wore a long, short sleeved nightgown with a light blanket over her shoulders. She hummed a quiet tune as her slender fingers weaved thick needles through strands of yarn, twisting them together to make a larger fabric. A beautiful ruby red ring around her ring finger.
Her body shook violently beneath the cold, her hands numb and pale. Her breath was shaky and could be seen every time she exhaled. Goosebumps rose on the surface of her skin, they pricked her nerves, causing her to inhale through her teeth. Though her body appeared to be freezing, a wide grin spread across her face. She wore the thinnest clothes but it was the warmest she had ever been.
As the Queen continued knitting, a sound perked her ears and she froze. She listened more with a painfully revolting feeling that someone was watching her. She felt a prick in her neck, a feeling behind her back. Yet, she continued to nit. Her fingers painfully poked the needles together. They cracked when she bent them too much, and froze still when she didn’t move them enough. Even her smile seemed to be frozen in place.
That was until she heard a creak in the hallway.
She stopped. Her eyes instinctively looked towards the door. Her hands slowly lowering onto her lap, her smile shakingly disappearing. Her eyes blurring in and out, her breathing quickening. The thought of someone beyond the chamber doors.
Another creak and the Queen began to falter. Her eyes drew a dark color, masking the room in red. She sank into her chair and sucked in air through her teeth. Her ring finger throbbed in pain as she dropped the needle and thread. She watched as the ring began to tighten, the skin around it becoming purple and plump. Her heart beat in her ears and her body began to burn. Sweat uncomfortably soaking her neck, drawing down her dress. All she could do was stare at the tourniquet ring, fearfully watching it compress her slender finger. She almost screamed, opening her mouth for a lump to lodge into her throat. She choked on her tears, gasping for air.
Then a thump, a tink, and a drip…drip. Drip.
The Queen’s eyes widened, they pulsated at the finger that lay powerless on the ground. Her hands shook, blood leaking into her palm. The crimson red sinking down her arm, infecting its color onto her perfect dress. She heard nothing but a ring, not even her own breathing. Then she felt nothing but her own death. Forever isolation, and no one would care for her. That fear alone made her insane. She smiled again, a forced and frozen little giggle as she stared at her missing finger. The beauty of her uselessness, the art of her waste. It was so funny she laughed over and over. Tears running down her face. Hysterical at how she wanted to kill her husband, mad at how she wanted to burn the castle, desperate to destroy the lives of those who hated her. She wished for that chance, accepting her fate.
“Your Highness.”
The Queen blinked. She looked up to the chamber doors. The head maid had entered the room. Her glare trying to stab dominance on the Queen.
“Y-yes, what do you need?” The Queen frigidly asked.
“The King has demanded your presents.”
“Oh, yes. Of course, I will be down in a moment.”
The maid furrowed her brow, “He needs your presence Immediately!” Her voice raised.
The Queen paused, the two eyeing each other. One with great control, the other with failing confidence.
“Yes,” the Queen finally said, “I will be right there.”
The maid turned away, walking back into the hallway. The Queen swore she saw a smirk hidden behind the greed.
The Queen sighed, then, a short gasp escaped her lips as she stared. Her finger back on her hand as if nothing had ever happened, with the ring bound neatly around it.
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