Shadows on Snow: A Flipped Fairy Tale (Flipped Fairy Tales) Read Online Free PDF Page B

King Alder descended the stairs, dressed from head to foot in crimson and gold. The prince appeared behind him, and I swore every lady in the place audibly gasped at the sight of him. His commander’s uniform glittered in the warm light of the ballroom, his medals and mask catching the reflections of the hundreds of candles in the chandeliers and ensconced on the walls. Strange that, even though the king was far more opulent in his attire that dripped with jewels, there was no question which of them looked more regal.
    A slimy smile crawled across the king’s face, sending a shiver down my spine. I remembered that look from my childhood, and it frightened me now as much as it did back then.
    “Ladies and gentlemen,” he said. “Allow me to officially welcome you to the palace. Tonight, we celebrate the return of Prince Leopold as he prepares to ascend to his rightful place on the throne.” His eye twitched a little at that. “It is the queen’s dearest wish that we not mourn for her delicate condition, but give thanks for the prince’s safe homecoming. And, as it is my duty to carry out her commands…” He lifted his hands, clapping them three times. “Let us make merry this night!”
    At his words, the musicians struck up once again with a happy tune, inviting a circle dance onto the floor. With a sigh, I recalled that, long ago, it was one of my favorites when I was invited to participate. Smiling a little, I resumed my watch, continuing to note the comings and goings of the servants. The swish of fabric of every lady’s gown accompanied the rhythm of the music, and the gleam of silver and gold sparkled in the warm light any direction I turned. The dances spilled across the center swath of the room, flowing from the grand staircase all the way to the steps of the dais holding the thrones.
    As my gaze drifted over every magnificent color and graceful movement, I jerked when his dark eyes met mine.
    Spirits help me, I knew being there was a mistake. He had me in his sights.
    Prince Leopold’s smile, even from the other end of the ballroom, sent me into a nervous panic, which was made no better when he moved towards me.
    As a crowd of twittering ninnies bent on catching his eye surrounded him, I saw my opportunity. Setting my hand against the gem at my neck, I shimmered and vanished, quietly sneaking in behind a servant carting off empty glasses to the kitchens. At the first turn in the wall passages, I broke away from the man and went in search of my quarry. The clock was ticking and I didn’t have much time. Exiting the tunnels through the library in the east wing, I was finally on my way. Not a soul lurked in the hallways, and I ran through the corridors until I neared the queen’s quarters, my soft slippers barely making a sound against the stone floor. Seeing two guards posted outside her door, I crept into the adjoining quarters for her handmaidens and closed the door with a soft click behind me.
    Unlike the opulence of the rest of the palace, there was a soothing quality to the soft blue and green fabric draped along the walls, posters of the beds, the curtains… everywhere. For the first time in six months, I’d found a room in the palace where I felt like I could breathe, but, under the circumstances, I didn’t have the luxury of enjoying myself there. Tiptoeing, so as not to disturb the two women slumbering in the bed, I made my way to the door leading to the queen’s bedroom.
    The moment I entered, I had to cover my mouth to stave off the cloying smell hanging in the air. Searching for the source, my gaze pulled to the bed, taking in the form of the withered Queen Muriel. I gasped and tried not to cry out. Her hair, thin as smoke, wafted across the pillows in pale waves, stirring at the slightest breeze. Her skin was so ashen and transparent that every vein in her body was visible through it, her bones poking up at harsh angles to further show her closeness to death.
    My mother once looked as she