𝐒𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐇𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐊 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 sight of the bag’s contents, but nothing more. She dared not imagine what some of the equipment was used for, what medical procedures would need such instruments. The bottles had labels she couldn’t make out, their contents dark and threatening.
Looking back to her grandfather, some child-like part of her felt a thrill at his praise. Not half an hour before, he had been whipping her hands bloody and now she was receiving his kindness once more. The rational side of her knew it was simply a matter of time before she upset him again, as the cycle always went, but she still wanted his love. His affection. His approval. He was her king, her grandfather. Over the years, she had internalised his hatred, told herself if she was just different, he wouldn’t treat her the way he did.
“Yes, Grandfather,” she said, taking the bottle. She held it between two fingers, looking at the colour that was so different to the others in the case. Perhaps later she would question just where it had come from, how the man could be so sure of its ability to take away her magic. “Should I… start now?”
The Doctor smiled at the young woman, his eyes staring at his own creation like it was a gift he held dearly and was finally on the promised hands. “Be sure to drink at once” he explained, stepping closer, “I added some sweet juice to make it taste better,” maybe way too close.
“I knew you would be brave, Elsa,” the King said with his eyes almost shining. All of his faith resting inside a small flask.
Gerda, who got her tray with the King’s calming medicine, walked in quietly, feeling the tension and expectation hit her soon as she walked past the door. It carried a strange weight. Even more unsettling than the common negative energy that emanated from that place. Disrespecting her orders to not raise her eyes from the floor, she peeked at the trio. Elsa was almost covered by both men, she was surrounded with barely enough personal space to breathe. What could be happening? She prayed to any god to have mercy, whatever was about to come.