ᓚ₍ ^. .^₎

She longed for a transformation, a profound evolution far beyond her current self. Yet, no amount of preparation could have steeled her for the relentless horrors of ceaseless war, nor for the ceaseless toll of bearing the mantle of heroism. Each day was a new trial, the weight of leadership pressing into her bones, the relentless strain of guiding a kingdom—of all things—unimaginably taxing. The pain was constant, an ache that reverberated through her soul. Yet, as each day unfolded, the pressure would quietly settle upon her, a companion that arrived with the dawn and lingered until nightfall.

The glass made a delicate, familiar sound as it met the polished marble counter. She’d heard it far too many times, but it never failed to soothe her. The rich, crimson liquid cascaded down her throat, seemingly bypassing her senses and seeping straight into the raw ache of her heart, dulling the sharp pain just enough to offer respite. Her mind, fogged and unsteady, betrayed the intoxication that clouded her judgment. The familiar burn of the berry-infused drink—always reliable, always effective—provided an escape. No more suffering for tonight. No more burdens. Only the blissful numbness that came from the sweet embrace of alcohol. The sting of the morning light didn't deter her this time around, 'Queen Mother' was away, today, she was nothing more than Hollyberry Cookie. A self-proclaimed Coward.

" What..am I to do..? "

She spoke, her voice a shot in the dark, slurred and unsteady. She felt inside that nothing was quiet perfect enough with her life..The shield became heavy at times. Drowned too far into her sorrow, she hadn't realized the soft footsteps approaching.