Mirror Mirror On The Wall

Sitting on a swing which was attached to an old Oak tree which was at the end of the garden playground. In the meadowed area kids played about laughing . Chasing butterflies and running after each other. They looked so happy, so at peace. They belonged where they were. They were not out of place like I was

I swung my legs back and forth slowly to go with the tempo of the swing. I clutched the story book which was on my laps like my dear life depended on it. My knuckles were white and my eyes teary red.

"Hey freak!" A voice called out obviously addressing me.

I'm the only freak around.

I quickly cleaned my eyes and turned to face my tormentor.

It was a boy I knew all too well. The Prince charming. Prince Derick with blue eyes and honey colored hair. He had a smug look on his face and mischief dancing around in his eyes.

I took a deep breath. Bracing myself for whatever he threw at me.

"Why are you so ugly?." Prince Derick asked me.

I raised and eyebrow up." Huh?" I said pretending that I didn't hear what he said.

"I said why are you so ugly . " He repeated putting his hands on his hips and staring down at me.

"I don't know." I simply mumbled out and stood up from the swing. In I hurry to leave I lost my balance and fell flat on the ground.

Derick laughed at me and I fought the hot tears back.

"You obviously have to know." He pressed on even with me on the floor.

I stood up, dusted myself up and looked him straight in the eye.

"How am I supposed to answer that question." I asked him with tears burning my eyes.

"But you just have to know why. I mean your sister is so beautiful and sweet while you are....." He trailed off in his sentence and stared down at me in disgust ."... Unbelievably ugly and pathetic."

He words caught like razor and hurt my soul. Hot tears that were threatening to fall finally got their way and rolled down my cheek.

"Awwwnn is the little Princess crying..." he mocked me "well why won't you cry when you are weak. It's a good thing you're sister will be queen not you."

When he was done raining down abuses on me I heard a laugh from behind. I turned to see Derick walking over to a beautiful brown haired girl.

She smirked at my crumbled figure and blow a mock air kiss at me. She turned away and walked hand in hand with Derick.

The one person who was meant to be with me. To stand beside me was the one who tore me apart. My own twin sister.

Why I'm I not like my sister ? She's beautiful and loved by absolutely everyone and I ? I was a mistake from the beginning.

Several thoughts went through my head. Ways to end the pain forever and I was only able to find two. One way was to leave the palace and never look back, get enough gold to last me for a lifetime but I couldn't pull that off. I was only eight. Where would I go , how would I survive.

I won't last a second in that cruel world. I might be eight but I know that the world isn't rainbows and unicorns. Unicorns died up to a hundred years ago and they aren't coming back.

If they were still around,I would make a wish for it to all stop. The pain, the harsh treatment. I'm not Edith and I'll never be.

A queen

Ten years later

"Mom!" I cried out,dogging a blow from the beast.

Picking up my skirts, I ran as fast as I could down the halls of the castle.

Everywhere was silent and desserted. The only sounds were my laboured breaths and the beasts footsteps.

I hit a dead end at the end of a hall. The beast was right behind me and I couldn't fight it. I saw an open door to my left and I quickly slipped inside bolting the door.

"Hello Zarahani ."

I turned back in fright to lay my eyes on the most beautiful woman I had ever laid my eyes on. She was even more beautiful than my own mother and that was saying something.

She was a raven haired beauty. With ice blue eyes and red lips. She wore a black ceremonial ball gown and an Onyx stoned crown on her hair. On her neck lay a purple pendant which was glowing.

She looked so familiar. I just couldn't place my finger on it.

"Who are you?" I asked.

She simply smiled at me and said" I am you."

*************

"Is she alive?"

"Why won't she be alive , she's breathing."

"But we have tried everything she isn't waking up."

"Get away from me you seven legged troll worm." I grumbled in my sleep very annoyed with the squabbling voices that are disturbing my peace.

"She's really vast in her vocabulary. I mean that is for a princess."

"Shut up you pig wart"

"Really vast indeed"

"Hmmm tickling her didn't seem to work that means I'll have to try a new...ooh my lord.."

I heard her trail off. I was glad for the silence but slightly worried.

"Your highness Queen Snow , I didn't see you there .."

Queen Snow? As in my mother?

I don't know how and I don't think I will ever but I shot out of my bed and was standing on the ground before you could say peach.

"Mother, I didn't know you were there... well how would I had known I was sleeping..no I wasn't sleeping..I couldn't have possibly be sleeping at this time I was...um ..just resting..."

I rambled with my eyes fixed to the ground.

I continued my rambling until I realized something. Mother on a normal basis would have caught me off the minute I opened my mouth to speak. She wasn't particularly fond of my voice.

I heard a muffled laughter and giggling. My mother doesn't giggle. I raised my head to behold the devil herself.

"Adriana.." I glared at her.

"Yes your highness" she answer and flashed her sweetest smile and looked so innocent to mortal eyes. Only I knew better.

"Is it your mission to kill me?" I asked.

"No. why would you think so?"

She asked.

"Because that stunt of yours could have cost me my life."

"Oh please don't exaggerate Zarahani"

I turned to the owner of the voice and I saw Sali my cousin on my bed.

"Of course, why won't you be part of this plot you traitor." I said.

"Hey how I'm I a traitor. I didn't kidnap you and sell you to the Indians." Sali said in her defense.

"As if the Indians would be foolish enough to buy such a maniac. "

Adriana mumbled from the wardrobe where she was picking out my clothes for the day.

I rolled my eyes at her foolish comment and made a mental note to deal with her later.

"Now may I know why my sleep was disturbed. It's the weekend and I have no classes to wake up early for."

"Well it's seems you have forgotten that today is the fist Saturday of the month." Adriana said as she laid a shimmering blue gown on the bed.

Why would she bring that kind of gown out. I only wear such extravagant dresses on special occasions.

Adriana noticed the puzzled look on my face and she sighed. " It's the Royal picnic." She said .

Oh! That. The royal picnic. A day that all royals and noble blood look forward to. It's practically a day were all royals and noble blood come together to mingle and converse with each other with no hostility what so ever.

It's meant to be a way to ensure the continuity of peace and unity between the twelve kingdom since the vanquish of all the wicked nine bearers, but now it's just a time to see whether prince Harry has dumped princess Leia and gone to Duchess Carla or Princess Beatrix has left PRS ( Popular Royal Squad ) and Lady Gaga has taken her place.

It's a gossip center and no place for me. It's not mandatory to attend even though no one would miss it , but since it was my kingdom that was hosting it this month, my absence would just be a reason to cause rumors and rouse my mother's wrath.

"Great now I have to go down there and throw up."

I could never do that because I would ruin my family's reputation and would be declared pregnant. Over here if you are married and feel nauseous that expect a little you. It doesn't matter if you ate something that doesn't go with your system you take it like that.

"Here's your dress and your shoes...." She dropped a pair of silver heels at the foot of my bed.

".... Your bath has already been run so when you are done call me and I'll get you ready." She said and proceed to drag Sali from my room.

"But her bed is so soft ". Sali moaned and struggled with Adriana.

"You'll come back to her bed later but now let's go ." Adriana dragged her hand and led her out of my room.

"I'll be back for you my love. "Sali declared.

"Oohh chocolate? Why not. To the pantry." She said and most likely dragged Adriana off with her.

A small smile graced my lips at he thought of my little cousin and close friend. Sali was fifteen while I am seventeen soon to be turning eighteen in three months. She was in a little way like me. Shut off from the world and unaccepted.

The only difference was that her parents loved her the way she was and she was naturally stunning. She had dark chocolate hair and green eyes, pink full lips and a nice shape. She had a petite figure but she was small and mighty. The fire in that girl could burn a city down.

Her own reason for not being accepted was because she didn't have the same views the other royals had. She wasn't stuck up and prideful. But lately I could see their insults and taunting getting to her and it hurts me more knowing that I'm the cause of it mostly.

********

"Stay still Rahni." Adriana scolded me.

"If you want that to happen quit sticking pins in my hair." I growled and moved my head sideways. We continued with this cat and mouse game until it reached a point that I stood up and ran around the room with Adriana and her cursed comb following me.

We scattered the bed, toppled over the bookcase and broke the bathroom door handle. I don't think Mrs Fergus would be happy tonight when she comes to clean up the place, but she once said I looked like an over grown squirrel in my sleep so that would be enough punishment for her.

Soon Adriana gave up and sat on the bed with her face buried in her hands. I thought she was joking so I started jumping up and down the bed celebrating my victory. It was when I heard her sobs that I became worried.

I really should have let her dress me up. But I didn't think it meant so much to her.

"Adri what's wrong?" I asked.

"Is it because I didn't let you dress me up? I didn't know it meant so much to you."

"It doesn't.."she wiped her tears and took a deep breath." It's means a lot to you."

"Have you lost your marbles? It's doesn't mean a thing to me."

"Well it should." Her voice became a lot harder." Everyone keeps insulting you and calling you names. They say that you should have never been born, that how can the queen be sure that you are her child. You aren't even pretty in the slightest like your sister and parents are..."

So they even question my Identity

"They keep singing that sister of yours praises. That she is so beautiful like they haven't seen her since they she entered the world. That she's perfect for the throne and would make a fine queen and would give birth to fine babies as if they haven't seen enough babies to last a lifetime. I don't like what they say about you okay, it's hurts me that they don't know what a lovely person you are." She said her filled with tears and filled with pain. Pain for me.

Adriana sat back on the bed and stared into space. I leaned forward and wrapped my hands around her.

"I'm fine.."

She huffed and rolled her eyes

"... I've been for up to seventeen years and I'll be for a lot longer."

"Fine we'll continue this discussion later cause it's almost time and your mother will explode if you aren't there on time."

I gave her a smile and wiped her tears off.

"Yes we'll continue later." I promised her.

"Now..." She turned to me with hope glittering in her eyes and she held up her comb."... Can I continue."

I knew there was no way to escape so did what any sensible person in my situation would do.

"Pillow Fight"

I'm scared." Sali said as she stopped walking. Her hands were clasped together and we're trembling.

I smiled at her and gave her a tight hug. I didn't let go until I felt her body relax. I used my fingers to raise her chin until her on the same level as mine.

"Listen to me Sali. You are beautiful, smart and a totally bombshell."

At that her cheeks became red and she started laughing. " Where do you get your words from, there are not lady like."

"Their are a lot of things I do that can be considered unladylike." I pointed out.

"True." She said with a smile on her face and all traces of worry vanished.

"Look they will talk I assure you that all they know how to do nothing else, but it's your choice to choose the voices that you think you need to hear." I told her.

She looked at me strangely with an emotion in her eyes that I couldn't understand. But what she said got to me.

"I don't understand why you can't be queen."

I looked away from her.

"Let's go." I told her and forced a smile.

As we walked through the hallways I need myself thinking about what Sali had said.

I don't understand why you can't be queen.

Such a simple sentence that could cause havoc if anyone else heard it. Sali was young that's all . She has no idea why I can't ever be queen.

But she makes a good point.

My concise said but I shook my head.

My sister is going to be queen and that's it.

When we got to the garden gates , the royal herald had just announced a Royal that just enter and Sali was nervous about being announced.

"Why can't I just go through the back." Immediately she said that I shook my head vigorously.

"No way. You have no reason to doubt your self. You are amazing and you'll do just fine." I assured her

She sighed in defeat knowing that I would never allow her so it was a better option to just do exactly what I wanted. "Fine."

I gave her a big peck on her cheeks and sent her to the gate.

"Are you ready Milady?" The herald asked her. Her face turned white with fear and she glanced at me.

"You'll do great." I mouthed and gave her a thumbs up. Along with my charming smile of course.

She smiled and turned to the herald." I'm ready."

The herald nodded and opened up the gate. " Duchess Sali of Genova."

Sali took a deep breath and entered into the garden and a roaring applause was heard.

I turned away and went down the stairs. I passed some royals on the way and as always I heard snickers and rude comments as I walked by.

I rolled my eyes at their childishness and continued my walk. I entered the kitchen greeting the frantically working staff. They ignored my greetings, and I was actually grateful for that. The less people that see me the better.

Using the backdoor of the kitchen,I entered the garden where the picnic is being hosted. I can't remember the last time I was announced or entered through the front door.

I guess I lost interest in the glamour and bling, subjecting myself to the shadows. I remember the time my mother caught me using the back entrance. I thought she would scold me till my ears bleed. But she didn't. She told me it was much better that way. She ensured the door was always open during occasions like this.

She had five specific rules for me anytime we were outside the palace or hosting a party.

1. Never be announced.

2. Never partake in and performance.

3. Never dance.

4. Never draw attention to yourself.

And the most important one of all.

5. Never take the spotlight from Edith.

My mother took those rules seriously especially the last one. My twin sister Edith was her life and everything, absolutely everything revolved around her. I had no place in her heart. It was like if she had the chance she would go back in time and kill me before I was born.

To her I was a pest, a disgrace, and a mistake. You must be wondering why my own mother and kingdom hates me so much. Well I wonder too at times but it gave me headaches a number of times so I ceased thinking about it.

I still remember the story that mother usually told I and Edith when we were little. It was her own fairy tale story, although her role was boring and so unexciting. It started with the death of her mother and my grandfather's marriage to the evil queen Ravenna.. Once her evil stepmom, Queen Ravenna was vanquished, my mother and father - King Eric -rose and began to rule Asoria . Soon after, myself and my sister Edith were conceived.

The people were worried when the news of the queen being pregnant with two came out.

They didn't want an issue where the struggle of power would arise and cause chaos.

While the debate on which way would be fair and safe enough to determine who would be the next successor and heir to the throne, a powerful witch came into the court room. Let's say it was a bit of a mess

******************

"Your highness..." Governor Shaliv addressed the king."..may I voice out my opinion on the matter?" He asked.

"Yes you may." King Eric practically groaned out the permission . But no one could blame for he was the twenty seventh person who had an idea and the remaining where absolutely hogwash.

"On the issue of choosing the heir to the throne...."

"Yes we all know that. It's the reason you all were called here." The king muttered out a bit too loudly and he's words found their way into the governor's ears.

He glared at the king but couldn't do anything other than that unless he was going on a date with death and the king's men would gladly show him the quickest route, with their swords that is.

"Before I was interrupted by our dear king's kind words."

Translation:" Before the pee-brained trolls behind with a crown on his head shut me up."

"I believe a trial by combat should be held."

Positive mummers rose in the course and the huge weight that was on the king's shoulders were slowly reducing . Maybe this could finally be the answer.

"And at what level should the trial be set ." The king asked.

"Well that's easy..... combat till death."

And at that statement the load of worry that had been lifted from the king's shoulders came down with a tremendous force.

"Till death you say."

The stupid governor nodded his head vigorously.

"So you suggest that my children should fight and kill each other for the throne. Then why did we hold this meeting to find ways to avert this same situation."

The king leaned back into his throne, covering his face with his hands and let out a fustruated groan.

"Is there anyone who can give me a good suggestion.." The King asked.

Several hand where raised once again.

".. That doesn't involve death, banishment,troll or any other nonsense that you people have been sprouting from your mouths "

All the hands that had been raised suddenly disappeared in a flash.

"We're doomed." The king gave up.

"May I be of assistance my king

For it hurts me deeply to see you worrying." A female voice came from the entrance of the court room.

All eyes were directed to that point.

"Who speaks" The King asked sitting straight up at the foreign person in their midst.

"I am Mayfay." She said with a smirk

"State your business." The king demanded.

"To show you the way."

"The way to what exactly." Sir Aldrich, a member of the round table asked.

"To the problem you ponder upon.." she looked round and saw the disapproving looks she was getting from every corner of the room.".. but why is it that you all look upon me with scorn."

The king frowned." You interuptted the council meeting which is only meant for council members and other trusted personals. How did you even mange to get in here without the guards seizing you."

A mischievous smirk drew on her face." Let's say your guards are currently occupied."

It was at that minute that the head guard decided to show up.

"Your highness.." he cried out as he ran to the middle of the room."all the guards they are sleeping."

"On the job?" Sir Aldrich boomed cause the guard to turn pale." Isn't it your responsibility as the head guard to ensure the effectiveness of the palace guards."

"The fear that runs through his blood is cold

Leave the man for the fault is mine alone.

I Come with news that cannot wait

Should I speak or should hesitate."

She looked so sincere and serious. Like she really had something urgent to say. The king was confused.he wanted to grant her audience but the kingdom was still raw of the mistreatment of magic by the wicked nine bearers. Any magic bearer was scorned upon.

But he needed to know and she couldn't possibly risk her life and come here for nothing , besides dark magic isn't able to walk into the palace grounds. The barriers would stop them.

"Fine you may speak."

Marafay looked relived but governor Shaliv's face was horrified. "But your highness she is a dark magic bearer. How else would she be able to cast the guards to sleep."

"It seems like you have forgotten that light magic bearers can also cast the same spell. Wasn't it the Three fairies that casted the sleeping spell on queen Aurora. You are way behind on your history lessons Shaliv you need to get updated."

The king turned his attention from the fuming governor who probably had smoke coming from his ear and faced a smirking Marafay.

"You may deliver your message."

"Of course your majesty.

On the eighth day

When the moon shall awake

A queen shall be born into the world.

With her brown hair

And beauty so fair

She shall rule over us all "