Buried Light

“Head up straight, Astrid.” Queen Kahil warned.

The young girl lifted her head so her mother could easily braid her hair. Astrid’s dark hair and pale skin mirrored her mother’s perfectly, but her dark emerald eyes gave the same cold stare as her father’s.

“It was nothing, darling.” The Queen’s voice was firm and left no room for argument.

Nothing?

No.

Not nothing.

Something.

“It didn’t sound like anything…” Astrid mumbled.

“Astrid,” Kahil said sternly. “That is enough.”

“Sorry, Mama,” She mumbled, “Can I ask a question though?”

The Queen sighed. “Yes, my love, you can.” She took a hair tie from the vanity.

“What does disowned mean?” Astrid asked, her small voice filled with pure and unruined innocence. “Father yelled at Damon. Is that bad?”

The Queen’s hand froze. “Were you eavesdropping, Astrid?” She asked sharply.

Astrid’s eyes widened at her mother’s sudden anger. “N-no! I was playing with Torin and we passed Daddy’s office!”

“What did I tell you about going over there?!” The Queen snapped. “You are to stay with your handmaids at all times!” She finished the braid harshly and stood up.

Astrid scrambled to her feet. “I’m sorry, Mama!” She cried, her tiny legs were not enough to keep up with her mother’s long strides. “Please don’t leave!”

The Queen barely glanced back at her daughter as she threw open the door and then slammed it shut behind her.

Astrid reached for the door handle just as the lock turned. “Mama! Please! I’m sorry!” She cried, trying to open the door. “Please come back!” Tears streamed down her face as she kicked and pulled at the door.

She could hear her mother’s retreating steps, but not once did those steps stop and maybe feel just a hint of remorse.

The Queen had probably told the maids to leave her be, let her stew in her punishment for going to a forbidden part of the castle.

Astrid kept kicking, kept crying, yelling, for anyone to just open the door. She didn’t like being locked in. The room felt too big and yet too small at the same time.

Astrid knew she shouldn’t have asked, but she had wanted to know! Damon, despite himself, looked incredibly upset when he stormed out of the office.

A long time passed, in that time, Astrid had curled up on the floor, staring at the light underneath the door, waiting for someone, anyone, to come open the door.

When Astrid woke up, she was tucked gently into bed, the blankets wrapped tightly around her small body.

“Mama…?” She mumbled, yawning as she began to sit up. It was so dark, her night light was off for some reason.

“Go to sleep, Astrid.” Someone pushed her down, a boy, young by the sound of his voice. “I’m really sorry, but I have to do this.”

Before she could think of a response, a fine dust was sprinkled onto her face, and she coughed. “Dam-”

“I’m sorry, little sister.” He whispered. “Hope you fare better than I do.”