The Queen's Handmaid
1105 Words
I lingered in my daughters’ chambers longer than I should have. Katya and Aurora were already growing sleepy, their small hands still tangled in the daisy chains they had insisted on bringing with them. The court attendants moved quietly around the room, drawing the velvet curtains and lighting their little lanterns, providing them with a dim night light.
I brushed a kiss over each tiny forehead. “Sleep well, my loves,” I whispered.
Aurora mumbled something unintelligible and burrowed deeper into her blankets. Katya squeezed my fingers once before drifting off completely.
For a moment, I stood there watching them breathe, memorizing the peaceful rise and fall of their chests. Part of me didn’t want to leave. But the palace was already abuzz in anticipation of the Renewal Rite Ceremony.
When I stepped into the corridor and down the hallway, I began to make my way to the room where I would be prepared and readied for the ceremony.
My mind kept circling back to the same moment. The door opens. Lilithien steps into the hallway. Followed by that smug smile on her lips.
I pushed the thought away and continued toward the lower wing of the palace, where the royal attendants kept their quarters.
I knocked once on the carved oak door, and it opened almost immediately.
Cassia dipped her head politely, pushing the door aside so I can come in. “Your Grace.”
I stepped inside, and the door closed behind me gently. And, for a moment, neither of us spoke. Then she looked at me more closely, her brows drawing together.
“…Kristina?”
The simple sound of my name nearly broke what little composure I had left. I exhaled slowly. “I need something from you.”
She straightened immediately. “Anything.”
The words felt heavy in my mouth. “I need a fertility suppressant.”
Cassia blinked in surprise. “For tonight?” she asked in confusion.
I nodded. "Yes."
She studied my face for a moment, clearly startled, but she didn’t question me.
“If that is what you want,” she said gently.
“It is,” I replied.
Cassia gave a small nod. “I can prepare one quickly. A moonshade extract should take effect almost immediately.”
“Thank you,” I said, with a sigh of relief.
She squeezed my hand briefly. “I’ll bring it to you as soon as I can. I won't be long...”
I nodded. “Thank you, I'll be in my chambers," I said, before leaving.
***
By the time I returned to my chambers, the palace attendants were waiting to prepare me for the ceremony.
At last, I slipped into the dress that was given to me to wear tonight. Delicate lace ran along the sides, and the ancient symbol of the Elderwood Kingdom was embroidered across the fabric. Paired with white strappy stilettos, the look was understated, but unmistakably regal.
My hair was brushed and styled half up, half down, a magnificent clip encrusted with diamonds securing it in place.
The maids worked quietly and efficiently. I sat still through it all, my gaze fixed on my reflection in the tall mirror across the room.
The chamber door opened softly behind us.
Cassia stepped inside. I could see she was holding a small crystal vial filled with shimmering violet liquid.
The attendants immediately bowed.
“Your Grace,” she said respectfully.
I met her eyes in the mirror. “Thank you for coming, Cassia.”
She inclined her head toward the other attendants. “I will see the rest of Her Grace’s preparations.”
They curtsied and slipped from the room one by one. The moment the door closed, Cassia let out a quiet breath.
“Goddess, Kristina.”
I turned toward her, and she crossed the room and pressed the small vial into my hand.
“One dose,” she said quietly. “It should take effect quickly.”
I turned the vial slowly between my fingers, watching the violet liquid catch the light.
“And it will prevent…”
Cassia nodded. “For the duration of the night, and until you take the reversal draught.”
I swallowed. “Good.”
She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around me.
I clung to her before I could stop myself. A tear slipped down my cheek. “I think he’s betraying me, with my sister.”
Her arms tightened around me. “Oh, Kristina…”
“I saw Lilithien leaving our chambers,” I whispered. “And before that I heard sounds coming from the chamber...”
Cassia was silent for a moment. She didn’t look shocked, more thoughtful.
“That man has never deserved you,” she said finally.
A shaky laugh escaped me. “You’ve always said that.”
“And I’ve always meant it,” she replied.
I leaned back slightly. “I might be wrong.”
“Maybe,” she said. “But something about him has always felt… off.”
The words settled heavily in my chest.
Cassia brushed the tear from my cheek. “I’ll ask around. Handmaids talk…a lot. I'll see what I can find out.”
I shook my head immediately. “No!”
“Subtly,” she insisted. “No one will know. You have my word.”
After a moment, I nodded. “Thank you.”
We embraced again. I kissed her cheek. “I don’t know what I would do without you.”
She smiled. "I feel the same way about you.”
The sudden ringing of a distant bell echoed through the palace halls, making us both jump slightly. It was the signal that the court was gathering.
Cassia stepped back and adjusted my gown. “Go remind them who their queen is.”
I smiled. I was so lucky to have a friend like her. When she slipped from the chamber, the room suddenly felt very empty. I turned slowly toward the mirror. For a long moment, I simply stared at my reflection. On the outside, I looked every bit the queen they expected. On the inside, I felt like a fraud.
My fingers tightened around the vial, then I lifted it and drank. The liquid burned faintly as it slid down my throat before a wave of warmth spread through my body.
It was done. I set the empty vial aside and walked toward the door. I took a steadying breath, then I opened it.
And instantly froze.
A sharp gasp escaped me.
Standing in the corridor before me was someone whose presence alone made my blood run cold.
- Writer
