I woke with my head throbbing from the impact of something striking it.
I shot up in fright, but the chains tangled around my ankles, and I fell hard onto the floor. The guard in front of me was already preparing for another blow.
— Wake up, cursed witch! We already told you, if you want food, you must be awake to receive it.
I growled in annoyance and spat at his feet, earning a slap across the face in return.
— I’m awake now. Have a little empathy, will you? After all, I’ll be dead in twenty days, won’t I?
I gave him a mocking smile, and he glared at me with murderous eyes before tossing the bowl down, its contents spilling partly over me. As soon as he left, I wiped myself off as best as I could and let out a frustrated huff.
— Idiot. He could at least have a little care. I barely get any food as it is, and he still wants to ruin what little I have.
I had been wearing the same clothes since the day the guards dragged me away from the massacre in my village: a black dress, now torn to shreds. That day, I had also worn black shoes, but they’d taken those from me not long after my capture.
Clicking my tongue, I began pacing again — an irritating habit I had developed in captivity.
— I thought when I died, at the very least, it would be in my own home. I’d be godmother to Ben’s children, watch my best friend marry, see Paulo fulfill his dreams. — I sighed, picking up the bowl from the floor. — If I was meant to die, I’d rather it had been fighting.
Suddenly, an unbidden smile crossed my face. I could hear her laugh echoing in my head, even though she wasn’t there. Clarissa hadn’t visited since the day she brought me cookies.
— It’s been a week… I hope she’s alright. — I shook my head, flushing as heat rose to my cheeks. — Damn it, Melanie! What are you saying? I must be losing my mind. Who wouldn’t, in a place like this?
I slapped my cheek and widened my eyes at the realization.
— Alright, I’m not crazy. Not yet, at least. That’s good — sanity is still with me, for now.
Leaping up, I resumed pacing, speaking to myself.
— Melanie, you never cared about anyone outside your family, obviously. So what’s happening now? Of all people in the world… why the princess?
I raked my fingers angrily through my tangled hair, then grabbed the bowl again and hurled it across the cell.
— Perfect, — I muttered as the pottery shattered. — Another warning for breaking the dishes.
I almost lifted my hands to repair it, then remembered — I had no magic anymore. Kneeling, I picked up a shard, squeezing it tight in my palm and watching the blood drip from the wound with a weary sigh.
Rising again, I pressed my head as far as I could out the narrow window, just enough to glimpse the outside world. Rain was falling. I smiled at the scent, at the sound it made. Peace came to me in an instant. I breathed deeply, wishing everything might still turn out right in the end.
...
The sound at the door jolted me upright — and then my sun walked in, lighting everything at once.
— Hi, Melanie! Clarissa greeted me cheerfully. — Did you miss me?
— Not at all. — A lie. — To what do I owe the honor of this visit?
With all her grace, she set her bag on the ground and rummaged inside.
— As I promised last time, today I’m going to do your hair.
She pulled out combs, hair cream, a spray bottle of water, ties, a hair dryer, and even a flat iron.
— You know there aren’t any outlets in here, right?
— I know. They’re rechargeable. No plugs required.
She pointed to a spot for me to sit, and I obeyed. Then she began brushing my hair with such care, as though afraid to hurt me, chatting lightly about her week as she worked.
— I couldn’t come all week because there was a meeting with another kingdom, and I had to play hostess for their princess. Unlike me, she’s terribly dull.
I chuckled softly at the remark.
— A princess calling another princess dull? The world truly has changed.
— Very funny. — She rolled her eyes. — I know how my father rules, but before my mother passed away, I swore I would never govern like him. Mother raised me alone; I never needed him for anything. So his teachings on politics will not guide me either.
A smile lit her lips, and something in me sparked with hope. I trusted Clarissa enough to believe she could make the kingdom better.
— Your mother must have been wonderful, to have raised you. You’re kind… but I still hate your father.
She laughed at my bluntness, and I was almost certain she was blushing.
— Then your mother must have been wonderful too. You’re funny, Melanie. — She smiled. — So, you really didn’t miss me?
Solitude had been gnawing at my mind; for a moment, I wondered if I had imagined the note of disappointment in her voice.
— Just a little.
— A little? she teased.
I crossed my arms as best as I could with the chains.
— Fine. I missed you a lot. You’re the only one who calls me by my name. Everyone else just calls me “witch” or “monster.” The most creative one yet was “that thing.”
Her eyes widened in shock at my confession.
— Seriously? How rude of them! When I’m queen, I’ll correct that.
— When you’re queen, you’ll fix the whole kingdom.
Her cheeks flushed faintly, and I allowed myself to study her sharp, delicate features.
— Not that I’m wishing your father dead or anything, but… how long will it take before you’re queen?
She stopped brushing, tapping her chin as if the question required deep thought.
— Well, if he were to die today, the coronation would be immediate since I’m already nineteen. Otherwise, I must wait until he willingly passes the crown, and he believes I’m not ready yet.
— Wow, I had no idea.
— Few do. Monarchs rarely surrender their power; it’s almost unheard of for a king to abdicate in favor of his heir.
She returned her focus to my hair, then pulled two mirrors from her bag, handing me one.
— Finished! What do you think?
She had used the flat iron to create soft waves, then tied a black ribbon atop my head, letting it fall loosely.
— It’s beautiful. I always wanted my hair like this but could never manage, so I’d just cast a spell and be done with it. But it’s not the same when you don’t do it yourself.
She smiled, applying a few finishing touches.
— I learned from my lady-in-waiting. She has a little girl, and sometimes brings her along to court. The girl often begged me to do her hair, so I practiced on her.
— I’ve always liked children, I said without thinking.
— You?
Her tone was teasing and curious all at once. I rolled my eyes.
— Yes, me. I really do. I’ve always found their way of thinking amusing.
Clarissa wandered a little, thoughtful, before suddenly stopping with a spark in her eyes.
— Next time, I’ll bring her along to keep us company.
I laughed aloud, pulling a smile from the princess.
— Very well. I’ll be waiting for that visit.