Transforming

She stared at The Fox and wondered whether he could see specific details in someone's future. That wasn't possible, since he would never make such a comment if he knew the kind of fate she had suffered in the hands of Penelope.

_____

Twelve years ago.

"Mama, why can't I ride a horse?" Delaney asked after bursting into her mother's room.

"Where are your manners?" Penelope roared as she turned to the door to face the young girl who had once again forgotten to knock on the door. What were the guards doing instead of stopping her?

Delaney was about to apologize when a small bottle caught her eye. It was nearly hidden behind the queen but she pointed at it. "Mama, what's that bottle behind you?"

"Nothing an eight-year-old should be asking about instead of playing with her toys. Ylvia!" Penelope screeched.