Sit children, for it is time again for a story. This one you might know, for it is older than anyone you’ve met. But, this story is not what you know, it is different and all because of one choice.
Long ago, there was a queen. She was seen as heartless and cold by her subjects, for after the passing of her husband, 3 nights after their wedding, she stripped her stepdaughter of her titles and made her the maid. But they do not know what happened behind the castle doors. They did not see the anxious woman grieving her husband. They did not see the master witch being manipulated by a mirror.
The queen stood before her mirror, draped in finery and sparkling with jewels. “Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all.” The words fell from her mouth, each syllable causing her throat to close up. The reflection shimmered until her face, covered in anxiety and worry, was replaced by a relaxed expression and an amused smile.
“Greetings my queen, mistress of magic and wonderful feats, a woman of beauty that life did treat. On to your question, you are fair it’s true. But today is the day, there’s one fairer than you.”
The queens chest felt sharp, her throat closed, and her breathing turned shaky. “Who… who is it?” She whispered, balling the folds of her gown in her hands.
“A betrayal like this you must set right, for the traitor in question is your own Snow White.”
She dropped her gown, a gasp coming from her mouth and she took a step back. “Snow White? But… she’s just a child! What can I do?” The mirror tilted its head in amusement.
“There is one way for you to reclaim your part, kill the girl and feast on her heart.”
The queens blood turned cold as she stared at the reflection. The mirror queens mouth was contorted in a mischievous smile and her eyes were filled with malice. The queen stared at her for what felt like ages, thoughts running through her mind. “Well, every queen needs an heir.” She finally said, looking at the mirror, whose smile dropped in surprise.
The queen turned, ignoring the shouts of the mirror as she retreated from the tower. She stopped at the bottom and turned to the guard. “Shatter the mirror. Its use has gone.” Before making her way outside. Snow White stood scrubbing at the well, her calloused hands working well into the stone. “Snow White.” The queen said, motioning the girl over. “I… I have treated you in ways unforgivable. I removed you from your position, took away all your father has given you, and I can never undo that. But I can start trying.” Snow Whites shocked expression pained the queen, but that soon went away as Snow pulled her into a hug. “Thank you, Grimhilde.”
“Please child, call me mother.”