A Cry In The Night :Chapter 3

Rebecca stood with her back to the royal family, her hands moving with precision as she concocted a poisonous draught from the delicate petals of a rare flower. The first Queen, Evie, had dismissed the doctor, citing the need for a specialized medicine to aid the second Queen, Sofia, in her delivery. The doctor's reluctance was palpable, but he departed nonetheless, leaving the Queens to their sinister intentions.

As Rebecca finished her task, she turned to face the royal family, her eyes locking onto the two Queens. Queen Evie's countenance was serene, her brown hair styled in an elegant coiffure, her eyes downcast in a pose of demure submission. But Rebecca was not fooled – she saw the calculating glint in Evie's eye, the subtle tension in her shoulders.

Queen Sofia, on the other hand, lay abed, her pale complexion a stark contrast to her usual radiant glow. Her dark blonde hair was scattered about the pillow, her deep blue eyes closed as if in surrender to the fever that racked her body.

And then, of course, there was Queen Lillian, her black hair pulled into a severe knot, her eyes glinting like sharpened steel. Her lips, painted a deep crimson, curled into a cruel smile as she gazed upon Rebecca.

"It is done," Rebecca announced, her voice low and even.

Queen Lillian's eyes lit upon the potion, and she strode forward, her hand closing around the vial like a vice. "Finally," she breathed, her voice dripping with malice. She turned to Queen Sofia, her eyes flashing with triumph, and poured the potion down the helpless woman's throat.

As the liquid was swallowed, Queen Lillian's smile grew, her eyes glinting with malevolence. "Guard, summon the doctor. We are ready for him... and see Rebecca out. Pay her handsomely for her services."

The guard bowed, his eyes flicking to Rebecca before he escorted her from the room. Minutes later, he returned with the doctor, who promptly ordered everyone to leave.

Queen Lillian retired to her chambers, where her children, Richard and his sister, awaited her. "Richard, what are you doing up so late?" she asked, a hint of concern creeping into her voice.

"We smelled something burning, Mother," Richard replied, his eyes wide with worry.

Queen Lillian's expression smoothed, her voice taking on a soothing tone. "Nothing is burning, dear. Now, off to bed with you both."

As her children departed, Queen Lillian made her way to her bath, where she indulged in a leisurely soak, her hair flowing down her back like a river of night. She donned a silken nightgown, its fabric clinging to her curves like a lover's caress, and settled onto a cushioned stool, a glass of wine cradled in her hand.

As she gazed out the window, a sense of triumph swelled within her. She had won, and her victory was sweet indeed.

But her reverie was short-lived. A guard burst into her chambers, his face pale and drawn. "Your Majesty, Rebecca has been found dead."

Queen Lillian's glass slipped from her fingers, shattering on the stone floor as she spun to face the guard. "What?" she breathed, her eyes wide with shock.

And then, as if fate itself was twisting the knife, another guard appeared, his face grim. "The second Queen is dead."

For an instant, Queen Lillian's face froze, her eyes locked onto the guard's. And then, a slow smile spread across her face, her eyes glinting with malevolence. "And the child?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

The guard's response was like a blow to her gut. "Lives."

Queen Lillian's face contorted in rage, her eyes blazing with fury. But before she could respond, a faint cry pierced the night air, the sound of a baby's wail echoing through the castle corridors.

The darkness outside seemed to recoil, the clouds parting as if to make way for the newborn's cry. And Queen Lillian's face, twisted in a snarl, as if the child's cry mocks the second Queen of her sudden predicament.

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