In a moment of impetuousness, the kind she hadn’t felt since she’d been a child running through the forest around her great-grandmother’s house, she grabbed the hair comb from the cabinet and thrust it into a small box. She didn’t pause. She didn’t hesitate. She didn’t want to change her mind. She ran out through the empty library, one hand holding her skirt up while her hair flew out behind her like a bridal train. Maybe she could make things better, after all. Maybe false happiness wouldn’t be so bad if the person didn’t know. Surely the happiness was all that counted?

By the time she arrived at Snow White’s rooms she was flushed and out of breath. It had been a long time since she’d moved with such abandon, and she paused and smoothed her dress and stood tall before opening the door. She could do this. She could apologise.

The two maids were tidying the room and changing the water in the jug on the table. Lilith stared at the large bed that was now neatly made and empty.

‘Where’s Snow White?’ she asked. ‘I thought she was recuperating?’

‘She’s gone out,’ the prettier of the two answered. ‘Don’t worry, she’s not gone riding. She’s still too bruised for that.’

The barb in the remarks stung but Lilith kept her chin up. She might owe Snow White an apology, but not these girls.

‘Where is she?’

‘She went walking,’ the drab-looking thing said, eager not to be entirely outdone by her peer. ‘Not sure where though. Maybe to the market.’

Lilith didn’t pause. She knew if she hesitated then she’d change her mind and the moment would be lost. She thrust the box at the more confident girl. ‘Here. It’s a gift for her.’

The servant took it cautiously.

‘It’s for Snow White alone. No one else is to touch it. Do you understand?’ She was glad to hear her voice returning to normal. To the icy cool that had become normal at any rate. ‘There will be grave consequences if you disobey me.’

‘Yes, your Majesty.’ The girl’s eyes dropped. She knew her place. ‘Of course, your Majesty.’

‘Tell her I want . . .’ Lilith stopped and her voice softened, ‘Tell her I would like her to wear it to dinner this evening.’

‘Yes, your Majesty.’

‘Good.’ She turned and left them, and she felt better than she had in a long time. Perhaps it was just the wine.

The girl died two hours later.