Rebirth Of The Evil Queen

Chapter Two

It was just before dawn when the knock came. The sky outside was still cloaked in darkness, with only the faintest hints of light signaling the impending morning. Selene had not slept well; her mind was filled with turmoil and memories she had tried so hard to bury.

When she opened the door, two young women in the familiar uniforms of her family’s household stood there, their faces a mix of apprehension and determination. The embroidered seal of the house of Thorne, a golden horse rearing on its hind legs, gleamed in the faint lamplight.

As soon as they saw her, they dropped to their knees, bowing their heads deeply. “Your Majesty,” they intoned in unison, their voices carrying the weight of tradition and respect.

Selene felt a jolt, a sudden rush of memories from her time in the palace when she was Queen Selene. The echoes of her past life were suddenly so loud she could almost hear the court's whispers and the rustle of silk gowns. Her heart ached with a mix of anger and sorrow, emotions she had long tried to suppress.

The maid who had spoken first looked up, her expression nervous but resolute. “The Duke has sent us to help you prepare for the journey, Your Majesty.”

Selene’s mouth twisted into a sneer, though there was little amusement in it. “There is no need for such formalities,” she said coldly. “ I can manage on my own.”

The maids exchanged a quick glance but did not argue. They had been given orders, and they dared not defy them, but neither did they dare to defy the woman before them.

Without another word, Selene turned away, her steps firm as she headed to the small kitchen area. The cabin was modest, a far cry from the opulence of the palace, but it was home. She began to light a fire in the iron stove, her hands moving with practiced ease. She wanted to warm water for her adoptive father and her son, Elias.

The door creaked open behind her, and she sensed rather than saw who it was. Her brother, General Rhys, stood there, shock evident on his face. He had always been tall and imposing, his presence commanding respect and sometimes fear. But now, he was at a loss for words.

“Selene,” he began, his voice a mix of confusion and frustration.

“Ophelia” she corrected sharply, not looking up from her task.

“Ophelia,” he repeated, the name tasting foreign on his tongue. “What are you doing? You’ve never done any housework in your life. You’re wearing tattered clothes that have been mended more times than I can count. And your hair...” He trailed off, staring at her short, dyed-black locks, a stark departure from the long silver hair that was a distinctive feature of their family.

Selene continued to work, her movements steady. “I’ve learned to take care of myself and my family. The person you knew, Selene, died a long time ago. I have nothing to do with the Duke’s family or the royal family.”

Rhys’ face flushed with anger. “Is this another one of your tantrums?” he demanded. “You’ve always been dramatic, always making scenes to get your way. But this... this is madness!”

He stepped forward, his hand reaching out to grab her shoulder, but she shrugged him off, glaring at him with a hatred that made him recoil. There was something different about her, something hard and unyielding that had not been there before.

“You know nothing of my life,” she said, her voice icy. “I am not the same person who left the palace. I am Selene, and I will not be dictated to by you or anyone else.”

Before Rhys could respond, her adoptive father hobbled into the room, leaning heavily on his stick. “What is going on here?” he asked, his eyes darting between his daughter and General Rhys “Your grace?”, he spoke but only received a glare from Rhys.

“Father,” Selene said softly, stepping towards him. “Please, sit down. I’m just preparing everything for our journey.”

The old man nodded, his eyes full of concern. “Ophelia, are you sure about this? Traveling back to the capital... it’s a long journey I may just slow you down.”

“I have to go,” she replied, helping him into a chair. “My Grandmother needs me, and she means a lot to me. And I can't leave you behind either who is going to take care of you?.” plus her father said her grandmother was the one that sent him to look for her, so she wanted to know how she found out

Rhys watched the interaction, his frustration mounting. “Do you really think you can just ignore who you are? You are the queen, for God’s sake! This isn’t just about you. Our entire family—”

“Enough, Rhys,” the Duke’s voice came from the doorway, calm but firm. “This isn’t helping.”

Rhys turned to face their father, his fists clenched. “She’s throwing everything away! Our heritage, our duty—”

The Duke stepped forward, placing a hand on Rhys’ shoulder. “We will respect her wishes. For now. Selene please get ready. We leave at first light.”

Selene nodded, ignoring the fact that he called her by her birth name, and turned back to the stove, focusing on her task. The rest of the preparations went quietly, the tension in the room a palpable undercurrent.

As the first light of dawn began to creep over the horizon, Selene had everything prepared, her mind buzzing with thoughts and plans. She dressed quickly, choosing simple, sturdy clothing suitable for the long journey ahead. She helped Elias who was still asleep get ready, making sure he was warm and comfortable.

When the knock came again, she opened the door to find the same maids. They bowed, but she cut them off with a curt nod. “We’re ready,” she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

The Duke, Rhys, and the rest of the retinue were waiting outside. The purple and gold carriage stood out starkly against the rustic backdrop of the mountain, a glaring reminder of the world she had left behind. Selene led her small family to the servant’s carriage, intending to ride there to avoid further confrontation.

“Selene,” the Duke called, his voice gentle but firm. “You will ride with us in the carriage.”

She shook her head. “There’s no need. We’ll be fine here.”

Rhys stepped forward, his anger flaring again. “Stop being difficult! —”

“Enough, Rhys,” the Duke interrupted, his son was always impulsive and had a short temper which is why he sent him to train instead of serve in the king’s court. He turned to Selene, his eyes kind but resolute. “Your adoptive father will be more comfortable in the carriage. It’s a long journey, and I won’t have him cramped with the servants.”

Selene hesitated, glancing at her adoptive father, who gave her a reassuring nod. Her adoptive father knew this was her family he didn't know what happened for his daughter to dislike them this much but he just wanted for them to get along. “Very well,” she said finally. “We’ll ride with you.”

As they settled into the carriage, Selene couldn’t help but feel a pang of unease. She had vowed never to return to the capital, never to entangle herself with the royal family again. But circumstances had forced her hand. She would see this through, for her grandmother’s sake, and then she would return to her simple life, far away from the palace and its treacherous intrigues.

The journey began in silence, the rhythmic clatter of the carriage wheels the only sound. Elias sat close to Selene, his small hand clutching hers tightly. Her adoptive father dozed fitfully beside her, his face pale and drawn. The Duke sat opposite, lost in his thoughts. While Rhys rode on horseback.

As the sun climbed higher, the landscape began to change. The rugged mountains gave way to rolling hills and then to the flat plains that stretched out. Selene watched the familiar scenery pass by, memories flooding back with every mile. She remembered her childhood, her training as a queen, and the pressures and expectations that had shaped her. And she remembered the pain and betrayal that had ultimately driven her away.