The Evil Queen (The Forest of Good and Evil)

by Gena Showalter

  Streams of heat and energy flowed into my every cell, and I moaned. Had strength ever been this intoxicating? I wanted more, more, more. More strength meant I could safeguard who and what I loved.

  A truth I’d learned: love without strength equaled misery.

  Strength equaled security.

  Or maybe I should cut ties with those loved ones instead. No ties, no heartache. I would be bulletproof.

  With a twirl of my finger, I unleashed a tendril of magic to craft an illusion of calm. Excellent. After faking a yawn, I buffed the metal claws that adorned my fingers. “Why am I not surprised you claim to want me while defending her? Oh, yes. Because you always defend her.”

  Eyes hauntingly beautiful as they filled with torment, he said, “Do you not see the irony, sweetling? You plan to commit the same crimes as the one you loathe.”

  How dare he! I would never be like Farrah. “This just in,” I said, mimicking a prime-time anchorman. “Prince Charming could have enjoyed a happily-ever-after with the Evil Queen, the best thing to ever happen to him. Alas. The fool tossed her aside, and she moved on.”

  “You are the best thing to ever happen to him?” Farrah laughed. “Poor, poor Prince Charming.”

  Do not react. “Yes. Poor, poor Prince Charming. A supervillain in denial.”

  Without missing a beat, he said, “Every hero is a villain, and every villain is a hero. It just depends on who you ask.”

  He wasn’t wrong. I was a villain to many and a hero to...myself. Roth and Farrah were heroes to the world, but villains to me.

  I had a brand-new “no mercy” policy for my villians.

  “She struck at you, and we will punish her for it—calmly, rationally,” he added. “Otherwise, we merely perpetuate the cycle of violence.”

  My heart leaped. We would strike at his sister together? “Tell me how we’ll punish her.”

  “We will lock her in the tower to suffer as you suffered.”

  I waited for him to elaborate, to mention the whipping I’d suffered, too. The forced marriage to an old man. The insults lobbed at me, and the common kindnesses I’d been denied. But he didn’t. Of course he didn’t.

  “We both know you’ll fill her cell with luxuries, then free her far too soon.” Not. Good. Enough. I doubted any sentence but death would be good enough. “Face it. You are blind to her many, many, many faults.”

  “How can you...you can’t...” Farrah peered at Roth, the fury melting from her countenance, leaving only raw despondency. “She killed our king and hopes to break our bond. You cannot support her.”

  “I can. I will.” He held my stare, unwavering. “I will do anything for Everly—except help her destroy herself.”

  I thrilled, and then I cursed. Enough! If anyone had the power to sway me from the proper path, it was this boy and his black-magic voice. But I couldn’t let him do it. Not this time. Pretty words meant nothing without consequent action.

  “You have made your choice,” I told him, “and I have made mine. Our course is set.”

  “That is true, though it will not end the way you hope.” Farrah’s fury returned in a flash, her gaze spitting fire at me. “Prophecy says I will come back to life and slay you. Prophecy is never wrong.”

  Prophecy was fairy tale, and fairy tale was prophecy. While some parts were literal, other parts were symbolic. Oh, how I prayed my death and her victory were symbolic.

  “You will not harm Everly,” Roth snapped, causing Farrah to flinch.

  I kissed the tip of my middle finger and blew in her direction. Once, I’d admired this girl, and yes, okay, I’d envied her, too. Such strength! Now? Pure, unadulterated rage blistered me inside and out whenever I thought of her.

  “Why don’t we liven up this party?” I twirled my finger, unleashing another tendril of magic.

  No need to look over my shoulder to know vines had grown together to construct a regal throne, different flowers blooming over the seat, creating a colorful bouquet.

  Head high, I swished the tail of my gown aside and eased down.

  Creatures hid in nearby shadows, watching as the prophecy unfolded. I welcomed our audience, calling, “Come one, come all. Look. See. Learn what happens when you betray the Queen of Evil...”

  One by one, the creatures moved into sunlight, forming a circle around us. Trolls and chimera, unicorns and griffins, nymphs and centaurs. What a fearsome sight they made.

  How much more fearsome was I?

  Incalculably. I almost fluffed my hair.

  As the creatures twittered with excitement, Farrah shrank back. Roth raised his chin higher, refusing to back down, no matter the odds stacked against him. Violet and Saxon struggled against their bonds, determined to aid their royal charges. Vikander merely watched as if satisfied.

  Drumming metal claws against the arms of the throne, I announced, “Today I am your judge, jury and executioner. Spoiler alert. You’re all guilty, and you’re all going to die. But we shouldn’t let the outcome taint our enjoyment. There’s fun to be had—for me. Shall we begin?”

  Stubborn to his core, Roth took a step in my direction. An action he surely regretted when the vines jerked him back in place, their sharp thorns cutting into his wrists, streams of his blood dripping to the ground. “This isn’t you. Grief has hidden your joy, but we can find it again.”

  Hardly. “I was born to be the Evil Queen. The monster other monsters fear. Selected by Fate. Joy is the carrot forever dangled out of my reach.”

  He shook his head, a lock of midnight hair falling over his forehead. “Fate might have predicted our course, and the corresponding outcomes, but we decide what parts of the fairy tale are literal and what parts are symbolic. We still have freedom of choice, and I am thankful for that. You are the one I crave more than breath, Everly.”

  Perhaps. No ties. “You may call me Your Majesty.” A howling wind blew past us, leaves rattling and branches clapping, an eerie ballad I enjoyed. “Or Stepmother Dearest.”

  “I’m sorry you were forced to wed my father.” Once again, he took a step forward. Once again, the vines stopped him. But all the while, his eyes implored me. “Words cannot adequately express my remorse.”

  Another gust of wind, the scent of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves—his scent—filling my nose, stronger than before. Awareness heated my blood and fractured my defenses.

  Well, why not? He was my most wicked fantasy come to startling life.

  “Let me think about whether or not I care what you feel.” I drummed my claws with more force. “Still thinking...no. I don’t care.”

  He radiated abject disappointment. Too bad, so sad.

  Determined, I returned my gaze to Farrah, who regarded me with haughty disdain. “Come closer, child.”

  I made the vines push her forward. And okay, okay. Maybe I was showing off. But only a bit! I had a link to never-ending power; she did not.

  “Let’s forget the atrocities you’ve committed this day.” Do not choke on your hatred. Exhibit control. “You are also accused of selfishness, greed and rampant stupidity. Opening argument?”

  “You are guilty of being a plague upon humanity.” She struggled for freedom, a little crazed. “One day, one day soon, I will burn you alive, just as our fairy tale suggests.”

  I canted my head and met Roth’s gaze. “Any admonishments for her?”

  “Right now, you are my primary concern.” He searched my eyes. Hoping to find a hint of the optimistic girl he’d first met? “You have never enjoyed harming others. Don’t start now.”

  “Don’t do this. Don’t do that,” I mocked. Inside, I commanded, Don’t soften. “You’re no fun anymore.”

  But then, I wasn’t fun anymore, either. Once, I’d been an innocent who’d thought I could have anything I wanted as long as I worked hard enough. Once, I’d chosen to believe the best of people. Once...but no lo
nger. You could work yourself to death and gain nothing. And people, well, they would always put themselves first, no matter how many others got hurt in the process.

  To survive, I had to do the same. I had to be tougher, smarter, stronger.

  Everything always came back to strength.

  Finally, one of the protectors decided to speak up. The one I hated almost as much as Farrah. “If you do this,” she said, “if you step off this emotional cliff, you will fall.”

  “I guess you would know,” I snapped. “All of you fail to comprehend a single glaring fact.” I motioned to Farrah. “I will eagerly walk into a sword as long as I can impale her, too.”

  The members of my audience regarded me with horror and awe—the perfect combination.

  I stood and sauntered toward Roth, the hem of my gown swishing at my feet. “Evil isn’t born, it’s made. One thought and action at a time.” I paused for effect. “Take a good look at what you’ve made.”

  Farrah spit curses at me.

  When I stopped a few feet away, Roth swept his gaze over me, slowly, leisurely, devouring me one tasty bite at a time—and I liked it.

  “I’m looking,” he rasped. His irises flamed, every muscle in his body knotting with sudden tension. “Never want to stop.”

  New shivers almost knocked me down. Hide your vulnerabilities. Grin. Better. I traced a fingertip along the dark stubble that shadowed his jaw, then glided around him, scrutinizing him the way he’d so often scrutinized me. Could I truly destroy this beautiful warrior?

  He turned with me, twisting the vines that bound him. Fraying the vines. Soon, he would gain his freedom.

  “Want to know the difference between us?” I asked, unconcerned. “I admit I’m bad. You pretend you’re good.”

  The vines fell away, and he walked me backward. Soon was now. Got it. My heart raced. Eventually, a tree trunk halted my retreat.

  Roth reached up, bracketing my temples with his hands, caging me in. At six-foot-four, he loomed over me, his gloriously broad shoulders seeming to surround me...and I loved it.

  When I inhaled, he exhaled and vice versa. We breathed for each other, agonizing awareness sizzling between us.

  “Once, I hurt you when I should have safeguarded you. Something I will forever regret. But I have learned from my mistakes.” He moved one of those big, calloused hands to my jaw and traced my cheekbone with his thumb. “Your happiness is my happiness.”

  Pull away. Pull away now! But my limbs had frozen and refused to obey my mind. I stood there, floundering, trapped by my own weaknesses. For him. For what he made me feel.

  And he wasn’t done! “Marry me, Everly. Become my wife. Let’s make each other smile and laugh for eternity.”

  I gulped. Technically, I could wed him. My so-called husband was dead. But...

  No! “You can’t be serious,” I said, my heart racing faster, thudding against my ribs.

  “This madness must cease.” Farrah yanked at her bonds. “Has she ensorcelled you?”

  The protectors issued protests of their own, until my tree limbs stuffed their mouths full of leaves.

  “Your thoughts and opinions are unwelcome,” he told his sister. His gaze never released mine. Those exquisite eyes, framed by the longest, thickest black lashes, created a beautiful portrait of fierce adoration. “Say yes, Everly.”

  Must stay strong. If I weakened, the vulnerability he oh so easily cultivated would cost me everything—again. I’d lost too much already. “I say...no. My vengeance will not be denied.”

  I twirled my finger, new vines wrenching Roth back in line. Much better. I returned to my throne and sat with far less grace than before.

  “Do I have your full attention?” I asked.

  He remained unperturbed. “You’ve had my full attention since the moment we met.”

  Ignore the pleasure of his words. Forge ahead.

  “I declare everyone is guilty as charged.” I extended my arm to the side and slowly opened my fist. At the same time, a tree branch stretched out...out...to place a white apple in my palm. Prophecy proclaimed I would kill Farrah with poisoned fruit—for a time, at least—so I would. Only, hers would not be a restful sleep. “Now, for the sentencing portion of the trial.”

  Just as the Apple of New Beginnings had once granted me life, the Apple of Life and Death would grant me peace.

  “One bite,” I said, “and you will sleep for eternity.”

  Still not good enough. I raked my claws over my forearm. Skin tore, my venomous blood welling. I painted each claw crimson before I sank the metal tips into the apple.

  In seconds, one-half of the fruit turned red.

  Fear shook Farrah when I added, “You will willingly eat this poisonous, poisonous apple, Princess, or you will watch me force-feed it to your friends. Decide.”

  Roth jerked as if I’d struck him.

  Realization: yes, I could destroy him, as long as I destroyed Farrah, too. I might feel guilty for it, but I wouldn’t be swayed from my course. Not again. This is justified.

  She paled, her mouth floundering open and closed. “I won’t...you can’t...”

  She would. I could.

  Sounding resigned, Roth said, “This is what you need, Everly? This will help you heal from the damage we’ve caused?”

  The questions surprised me.

  “Without a doubt,” I replied. Except, deep in my bones, I knew I couldn’t heal. Some wounds were permanent.

  “Very well. For you, my queen, I will do anything. Even this.” Somehow, he freed himself a second time, shot across the distance in a blink, and snatched the apple from my grip.

  No! “Don’t you dare—” Too late.

  With his gaze still locked on mine, he bit into the poisoned fruit.

  45

  The taste of vengeance is foul, not sweet.

  If only you hadn’t believed the deceit.

  Roth had chosen to act as Snow White, to epitomize her character and take his sister’s place. A true sacrifice. He’d given to me, expecting nothing in return. He’d trusted me to do the right thing.

  As soon as he swallowed the bite of apple, time stood still—but he and I did not. I leaped to my feet, and he collapsed.

  Blood rushed out of my head and dizziness rushed in.

  Farrah screamed a denial. Vikander and Saxon shouted obscenities. Violet watched everything happen, tearful and shamed.

  I dropped to Roth’s side and patted his cheek. “Come on, you foolish boy. Wake up.” We were still linked; I syphoned a small stream of power, let compulsion coat my tongue, and said, “You will wake up.”

  But the compulsion could not supersede another’s magic, which meant I couldn’t compel him from this. Not now, not later. Not ever.

  Every few seconds, the muscles in his jaw spasmed, indicating an influx of pain caused by the mystical venom in my blood.

  “You had no right to do this, no right to take my vengeance from me,” I croaked. I had to wake him up. I couldn’t let him suffer endlessly for Farrah’s crimes.

  Desperate, I kissed him, even though there wasn’t a kiss in the fairy tale, pressing my lips against his, willing him to respond. Please, wake up. Please!

  No change.

  “You.” Glaring at Farrah, I bounded to my feet.

  She stared at her brother’s unconscious body, sobbing. I wanted to kill her more than ever, but I wouldn’t. I wouldn’t void his sacrifice. He’d been right. If I acted in anger and grief, I would be no different than her, the one I hated. I would be no different than Violet. It hadn’t mattered before—or I hadn’t let it matter—but it did now. Had I walked away this time, rather than striking, he would not be in this situation.

  Every decision I’d made had backfired in some way, and I didn’t have to wonder why. I’d based everything on my emotions. But Farrah had just taugh
t me an invaluable lesson. Emotions were fleeting and always subject to change; they led you astray.

  Despite my epiphany, I would not be letting Farrah go free. Fate believed Snow White needed to spend quality time inside a glass coffin, so that was what I would give her.

  There were little shards scattered throughout the forest, things people had dropped or broken. Not enough to do what needed doing. But there were thousands of diamonds.

  “Bring me diamonds,” I whispered, my voice carrying on the wind.

  In the end, you, Everly Morrow, will sparkle.

  Birds, squirrels and mice rushed to obey, laying diamond after diamond at my feet. A small pile accumulated. Using vines, I forced a shrieking Farrah to stretch out upon the grass. Those same vines crafted a diamond coffin around her.

  I expected relief. It was done. Over.

  I just felt sad.

  When I freed Vikander and Saxon, they knelt at my feet, and bowed their heads.

  “I’m sorry for what transpired here.” Saxon dropped his head and cried for a moment. “I’m sorry for what I did to your sister. I’m sorry she hurt, sorry she died.”

  “I will never forgive myself,” Vikander rasped.

  I knew where to place blame. “Just go,” I said, cold, so cold. “Leave my forest.”

  But they didn’t.

  “Roth pledged his life to you,” Vikander said. “Now I do the same.”

  Saxon offered me the dagger sheathed at his side. “You are the chosen queen of my king. You are his family, and I will gladly give my life to save yours.”

  Looking at them was painful. I turned away—and came face-to-face with Allura.

  “You will accept my offer now?” she asked, hopeful.

  Would I? For a price... I gnashed my teeth, afraid to hope. “Can you save Roth?”

  Vikander said, “I would do anything, but I do not know how.”

  Saxon said, “Nor I.”

  I scrubbed a hand down my face and grumbled, “Quiet. I wasn’t speaking to either of you.”

  Both boys gave me a strange look. They couldn’t see or hear Allura?