Anne Lisbeth — Prologue
A fictional story based on an obscure fairy tale.
When Anne Lisbeth looked into the murky eyes of her screaming infant son, her lip curled, and one silver tear escaped her ice-blue eyes.
“Well, Miss Liz. He’s not the prettiest child God ever created. That’s the truth,” Maggie said as she took the screaming child, swaddled him, and began to pat his bottom gently.
Anne Lisbeth sniffed and turned her head.
“Take him away,” she demanded.
“But Miss, he needs his mother,” Maggie said.
Anne waved her hand in dismissal.
“He needs his mama,” Maggie repeated.
Anne’s face turned scarlet, and her full red lips pursed together.
“Maggie,” Anne said between clenched teeth,” I don’t want him. He is ugly. He looks nothing like me at all. His skin is dark, and his hair is thick and black.”
Anne opened her silver compact and gazed at her reflection.
“My skin is pale and creamy, my eyes are bright and blue, and my hair is the color of sunshine,” she said, smoothing her long locks, “Might I remind you that those are the words of the king himself?”
Maggie ducked her head submissively.
