Fawn Brown (Kindle Single) by Zoe McAuley

Author:Zoe McAuley
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2013-12-11T00:00:00+00:00

The pennants and banners were gone. Thick black drapes hung heavily in their place, smothering the drab winter light filtering through the shutters. Gone, too, was the rich red roll of carpet which led from the great hall’s doors to the high table. Instead I walked on an ancient strip of black cloth, its edges embroidered with a tangle of bones. Worn thin in places, faded grey in others, I had walked this path once before, while the first layer of snow fell on Father’s fresh-filled grave.

The black dress of fine-spun wool rucked about my feet as I walked, the ermine trim threatening to trip me. Beneath the dark lace veil the heat was becoming unbearable and the silver circlet clawed into my scalp. With the greatest care I shuffled to the throne.

It loomed over me as I ascended the stairs, in a way I had never noticed before. Curling blooms, carved and gilt, coiled out of the ancient wood, a new cushion of brown silk resting on the seat.

The cushion had been white a month ago.

The throne creaked as I sat down gingerly. This was far from the first time I had sat upon the throne. I had played upon Father’s knee as a small child while he gave audience. I had clambered upon it in the storeroom, Snow White and I taking turns to play at being queens. I had been sitting on it that very afternoon during the ceremony rehearsal. But this time I could feel the ghosts of a score of dead monarchs judging me, reminding me that I had no right to sit here while my sister still lived.

The soft melody of the pipes faded away to silence. Only the hushed breath of hundreds of courtiers and dignitaries could be heard. Then the Chamberlain, Lord Audetto, rose from a seat at my right hand. The richly furred robes swamped his aged and slender frame, but the years had not softened his renowned speaking voice.

‘Greetings, my lords, my ladies, subjects of this realm, honoured guests from lands afar, I welcome you to our hall and yet I mourn the need for your presence, for we are gathered to grieve.

‘The moon has waxed and waned since we last saw our gracious Queen Snow White. Though no body has been found nor any culprit identified, there has been no sign of Her Majesty. No ransom has been issued, nor have we found any rumour of her presence. The Privy Council has considered the possibilities through and through and with heavy hearts we have arrived at the conclusion that our dear Queen must have perished through some lonely misadventure.’

My eyes darted to Mother, sat at my left hand. She did not flinch or flicker, but held the perfect image of a brave public face masking grief. Those council meetings had carried on deep into so many nights. Lingering at the council chamber door, I had not been able to hear the words, but I had heard Mother’s voice dominate the proceedings.

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