Finding Hell in Fairytales

The feel of manual labor, how I’ve missed it.

“Annabelle, can you groom that horse please? Third stall.”

“Yes sir.”

My beauty.

Lyric.

“Be careful with Ol’ Lyric there, she can be rather feisty. Doesn’t really like anyone.”

Gingerly I put out my hand, hoping she would remember.

A snort escaped before she bucked the wall.

“Sh, Lyric, it’s okay.”

I watched her ears twitch at the sound of my voice and a gleam of recognition cross her features.

She nuzzled my hand, allowing me to enter.

I stepped in the stall, hugging her ever so slightly.

“Well look at that. She’s never taken to anyone before.

What is your secret Annabelle?

Are you a witch?”

“I am no witch.” I laughed, brushing Lyric’s mane. “I’m just good with animals I suppose.”

“What else are you good at?”

Am I good at anything?

Yes.

Being a fool.

“You shouldn’t have to think so hard for an answer.

I’m sure there’s something.”

“No. Nothing. I’m just an ordinary woman. Nothing special about me.”

“There’s something special about you, something big, I’ll figure it out.”

If the witch is real, you’ll never figure it out.

“I saw you come from the woods.”

“Saw who come from the woods sir?”

“This wench here.”

The palace guard went to grab me, but Lyric stopped him, rising onto her back legs.

“I wouldn’t touch her guard. The prince’s horse has taken a liking to her.”

“Probably from the witches magic. She’s trying to steal his heart.”

“My good sir, I did come from the woods, I was hiding from a group of thieves-”

“Thieves?” I knew that would catch your interest. “Where did they go? Why did you not inform me sooner?”

“I did not inform you earlier because you were busy accusing me of witch craft. Learn some respect for the people you protect.”

“Yes ma’am. Sorry. Do you remember which way the thieves went?”

“Towards the chapel. Go now, get them before the prince hears of your impotence.”

The guard slightly bowed before running off, leaving Joshua to stare.

“Are you positive you’re not a witch? He listened to you as if you were queen.”

He did, didn’t he?

“I can assure you I am not a witch. However, that guard was correct. I was at the witch’s cabin, not to steal the prince’s heart, but to keep myself protected.

I have a tendency of, getting hurt.”

_____

“The work day is over Annabelle, would you like me to accompany you home?”

What a gentleman.

“Thank you Joshua, but no. I think I’ll stay here just a bit longer.”

“Very well. I shall see you tomorrow.”

He slightly bowed with a smile.

Quietly I climbed the ladder, finding nothing but crates and hay on the second floor.

With a sigh I lay, hoping to actually get some sleep.

“Wake up Annabelle, you’re wasting the day away.”

Oh no.

Please no.

This must be a dream.

“Do you need me to wake you?”

“No. Please. I am awake.”

The whip was already in his hand.

“Undress.”

Weakly I moved my body, removing my night clothes.

“One.”

This isn’t right!

“Two!”

He’s hitting much harder than usual.

“Three!”

“No! Please stop!”

“Four!”

“Stop!”

I could feel the welts split wide open, blood seeping down my back.

“Annabelle? Is that you?”

Joshua?

It was a dream.

But, why does my back hurt so badly?

“Annabelle? What are you doing here? What happened to you!?”

Jumping from the ladder he ran over, gently touching my soar back.

“He whipped me.”

“Who did? Who did this to you?”

“Please take me to Adaryn, the witch in the woods.”

“But-”

“Please Joshua.”

By the time we reached Adaryn’s cabin Joshua’s arms were covered in my blood.

“Adaryn! Open the door!”

“Who is there?”

“Joshua. I have Annabelle. She is badly hurt. Pease open the door.”

The door flung open, showing a pale witch. “By the gods, what happened? Come in quickly.”

“Where should I set her?”

“Here. Now tell me, what happened.”

“I found her this way, in the stables. She said he whipped her. That’s all she would say.”

With my back facing Joshua, Adaryn pulled down my hood, taking a good look at my face.

I could feel my hair tumble down, covering most of my back.

“Are you okay?”

“It hurts, but I will survive.”

Without thinking, I went to turn, only to be stopped by Adaryn.

“You must leave.”

“I will stay.”

“You will leave Joshua.”

“I am not afraid of you witch. Release my arm.”

If only I could see what was going on.

“It is improper for a man to be in the same room as a changing woman.

She will return to the stables within a few days.”

There was a moment of silence.

“I live in the third house to the right of the stables. You may come there whenever you need anything.”

“Thank you Joshua.”

I listened for the door to close before turning.

“How did this happen?”

“Old wounds opened is all. I’m sure that’s what happened.”

“Lower your dress, let me see.”

Gingerly I disrobed, allowing the witch to examine me.

“These are fresh, what have you done!?”

A yelp escaped my lips as she turned me, clinging to my arms.

“I did nothing. I swear!”

“Than why do you have fresh lashes?”

“I dreamt it!”

Her grip loosened at my answer.

“What do you mean you dreamt it?”

“I dreamt Rowland had whipped me four times, much harder than normal. When I woke, I was bleeding.”

“You.” She paced the room, thinking. “You dreamt it.”

Grabbing a bowl and a rag she began to clean my wounds, using a bit of magic to heal them.

“You must stay here. I fear more of these dreams will continue.”

“How did this even happen? It has never occurred before.”

Adaryn sat silent, unwilling to speak.

“How Adaryn?”

“It seems Rowland’s personal warlock, cast a spell on you.

This time around your prince could tell you were trying to leave, so he had a spell placed upon you.

Now, whatever you dream, whatever nightmare you encounter, if you become injured in your dream, you will become injured in real life.”

“But he no longer knows who I am, why is it still attached to me?”

“It seems,” She stood, grabbing the bowl of blood soup. “When I left the welts, I left the spell.

Before you ask, it will take some time to break.

So I’ll need you to sleep as little as possible.

Stay here, I will return from town shortly.”

She just, left me.

What am I to do while she’s gone?

A sticky sensation, of dried blood and sweat, caught my attention.

I shall go clean up at the lake.

I am putrid.

Quietly, carefully, I left for the lake, making sure no one was around.

The cool water never felt so heavenly.

With a smile I began to swim, feeling the filth slowly washing away.

Time rushed by before I finally returned to the cabin, the evening sun lowering itself behind the treetops.

“I told you to stay.”

“I needed to bathe. I was filthy.

“Did anyone see you?”

“No. I made sure of it.” There was a doubtful look on her face. “I was careful. Do not worry so much witch.”

“I only worry because my life is on the line as well. Sit. Supper is almost ready.”

My stomach growled loudly.

I had not eaten sine she changed everything again.

“Do not eat so quickly Annabelle, you will choke!”

Is this what it’s like to have a mother?

I do not remember mine.

“Adaryn?”

“Yes dear.”

“Who are my parents?”

Adaryn swallowed her food, then wiped her hands.

“You’ve never asked this question before.”

She motioned for my hand.

Both of her hands clasped mine, and her eyes slightly glazed over.

“My dear, your parents are, no longer with the living. Your mother passed while giving birth to you.

Your father-”

Suddenly she pulled her hands away and began to eat yet again.

“What? My father what?”

Adaryn continued to avoid my gaze.

“Please tell me.”

“Your father, was killed. He would not allow you to marry Rowland, so Rowland killed him.”

______

I am at the lake, but I do not remember walking here.

“You need to bathe Annabelle. You’ve got blood everywhere.”

“Joshua?”

“What have you done child!?” Adaryn screamed, hands in her hair.

“I did nothing. What is wrong? Why am I covered in blood?”

Joshua smiled, a dark, cynical smile.

“You killed the king, to repay the prince for killing your father.”

My heart hammered in my chest.

“W-what? I would never.”

“There she is! Get her!!”

The palace guards?

Slowly I backed away, my feet treading into the water.

Spears and blades were soon shoved into my face.

“Stop!” Rowland. “I will do it.”

Do what?

What does he wish to do?

“You handle the witch and the stable boy.”

“No!” My voice echoed through the trees.

Within a blink of the eye Rowland was before me, hands wrapped around my throat.

“First you leave me, and then you kill my father? You have disgraced me for the last time.”

My knees buckled from loss of oxygen.

Soon I was under the water, staring up at Rowland.

Am I dead?

“Annabelle! Wake up child!”

My eyes flew open, and I soon realized I was floating in the air, as if in water.

I turned my head to the side, coughing up water as I fell to the bed, soaked to the bone.