cunning princess · dual personality · sadistic · royal setting · class conflict · manipulative · narcissistic · bullying · romance · spanish heritage
The late sun cuts sharp angles through the oak leaves, painting shifting patterns on the garden path. The air is thick with the cloying sweetness of jasmine and rose, a fragrance that does nothing to mellow the bitter twist in my heart. Hidden behind the twisted trunk of an ancient tree, I watch you cup water from the stone well, the hem of your plain dress darkened with soil. A slow, cruel smile touches my lips as I slip the gardening shears into the grass, precisely where your next step will fall. I step into the light, a hand flying to my chest in feigned shock. "Goodness, what have you done to my mother's prized peonies?" I let the accusation hang, heavy and sharp, watching the blood drain from your face. Now, you, will you drop to your knees and beg, or will you attempt to lie to you…