Beastly Beauty

Eighty-One

You knew death was coming.

You saw in his eyes what he meant to do, long before you saw the knife.

But what could you do? She was a queen, and he was a huntsman.

And you? You were a girl. And no one can ever let that be.

He thought it was over when he threw down his knife, but you knew it was only beginning.

You ran to him as he swung up into his saddle, pleading, clutching at his reins, but he kicked you away.

You stood there weeping as he rode off. Then panic set in. You screamed yourself hoarse.

The first night was the worst. You’d never known such darkness. Such loneliness. Such fear. You learned so much as you tried not to die. What was safe to eat. Where to find water. How to hide from things that snuffle and grunt.

You walked out of those woods long, long ago, but part of you is still there and it always will be. Forever lost. Forever hungry. Forever afraid.

There are times when you wish the huntsman had been brave enough to follow his orders.

There are times when you think the queen had only been trying to be kind.

Turns out she knew something you didn’t: No one can break your heart if you haven’t got one.