part 3

Queen rushed to Princess Emily side, her face filled with concern and shock. princess's hands were indeed covered in blood, and she was playing with a carefree expression.

QUEEN: (alarmed) princess, why did you do this? What's going on?

princess giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Princess: (innocently) I don't know! I was just playing, and then... (giggles some more)

The Queen's gaze shifted from princess to the concubine, who was writhing in pain, her cries echoing through the room. The Queen's expression turned stern as she addressed the others.

QUEEN: (firmly) This stays within the palace walls. None of you are to speak of this outside these doors.

The courtiers and guards nodded in unison, their faces grave with understanding.

The Queen then turned to princess, who was still giggling, seemingly oblivious to the tension. She gently took princess's hand, her touch firm yet caring.

QUEEN: (softly) Come, princess. Let's get you cleaned up.

The Queen led princess out of the garden, the sound of the concubine's cries fading into the distance as they walked toward princess's chamber.

The Queen gently finished cleaning the princess's hands, her touch tender. She kissed the princess's forehead, her voice soft.

The Queen's thoughts drifted to the witch's curse, a flicker of worry crossing her face. Before she could process it further, the princess reached out and placed her hand on the Queen's eyes.

The Queen jerked back in surprise, her heart racing.

PRINCESS: (concerned) What's happened, Mother?

The Queen looked at her daughter, and the princess's smile reassured her. The Queen's expression softened.

Princess: (warmly) I love you, Mom.

The Queen leaned in, embracing her daughter tightly.

QUEEN: (whispering) I love you too, my dear.

QUEEN: My dear, don't do it again, okay?

The princess took a step back, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

PRINCESS: (playfully) I like to play with blood.....

The Queen's voice was soothing as she spoke to her daughter.

QUEEN: Close your eyes, my princess.

PRINCESS: Not now, my friend! Read a story for me. When you forget, she reads for me.

The Queen looked around the room, but there was no one else present. Confusion flickered across her face.

PRINCESS: (giggling) She's here with me.

The Queen's eyes returned to her daughter, a mix of concern on her face.

PRINCESS: She's not pretty, but she's good!

Before the Queen could respond, the princess's laughter turned into squeals.

PRINCESS: (laughing) Ahh, don't do it! Ahh, don't tickle me!

The Queen's eyes widened in fear, her gaze darting around the room as if searching for the source of the princess's distress. Her face was etched with concern.

QUEEN: (alarmed) What's wrong, my dear?

The princess's laughter and cries continued, leaving the Queen bewildered and frightened.

The princess's eyes sparkled with mirth as she looked at her mom.

PRINCESS: (laughing) She tickles me! Ahhhh! (laughs) Ahhhhh!

The Queen's face was a picture of confusion and worry, her eyes scanning the room as if searching for the invisible presence her daughter seemed to be interacting with. The princess's giggles filled the air, and the Queen's expression softened slightly, replaced by a deepening concern for her daughter's well-being.

The Queen swiftly wrapped her arms around the princess's waist, pulling her into a tight hug. The princess's laughter and giggles continued, but they were muffled slightly as her face pressed against her mother's shoulder. The Queen held her close, her grip firm but gentle, as if trying to protect her daughter from some unseen force. The princess's arms wrapped around the Queen's neck, and she nestled into the embrace, her giggles slowly subsiding into contented snuggles.

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