Fairest Blood

Rivanna could hear the soldiers coming. Her mother spoke her voice ragged, yet beautiful. 

“Your beauty is all that can save you Rivanna.” Outside the world was white as snow, and ash from the building the soldiers burned. Freya was out in the snow cover forest. Hiding away as she did for days on end. The guards would not go there. The cold would protect Freya. As it always had. Her brother Finn looked at her then with wide doe like eyes. He was cowardly, loyal, and did whatever anyone told him. He was a man. His weakness will keep him alive long enough for her to save him. To use beauty manipulate herself in the power. To fain innocence, and kindness. To protect both her siblings. Still she was afraid. So was her mother. Her old, wrinkled hands shook as she cut her eldest daughter’s hand. Three rose red drop fell into white milk. “This spell will make your beauty your power, and your protection.” They shared a glance then. Though young Rihanna was not naïve all things girls knew. Things all girls were taught since they were young. Beauty with a double edged sword. It could be powerful and manipulative, or it could lead to a young woman’s ruin.  To be used and discarded. “By fairest blood it is done. Drink, drink.” They were coming closer now. Rivanna could hear the horses hooves crunching on snow. She drank the potion, as her mother chanted old words. She saw herself in the mirror. She didn’t feel different. She looked as beautiful as before. Her mother spoke again. “But be warned; by fairest blood, this spell can be undone.” There was cry’s, and screaming now. Finn looked like he wanted to run, but would not leave her. The soldier is burst then. One moment they had been alone. Then they were pulling her from her mothers arms. Her mother clung to her. Rivanna cried out for her. Her mother tried to reach for her children. Rivanna screamed. “Rivanna, avenge us!” Then her mother was killed in front of her. For her mother was not pretty enough to let live.