Queen Evelyn's Secret Regime

20260303

Prompt from DailyPrompt.com

CW: Mention of infanticide.

“Queen Evelyn baths in the blood of babes to maintain her youth!”
An annoyingly persistent rumour which was thankfully dismissed by most as petty envy. Pure nonsense.
Those few who knew the truth all agreed that it was necessary. An acceptable sacrifice for their kingdom’s ongoing peace and prosperity. Evelyn liked to think that the populace would, if the matter was made clear to them, willingly offer up their unwanted children.
For they were never stolen! No, they were always taken from orphanages or the street; sickly or infirm, or bearing bad blood, or an unfortunate combination. None had futures worth envisioning. At least this way they were able to become part of something greater. Heroes, in a sense.
Their screams still haunted Evelyn’s dreams, but she had special teas to help with that. And it was necessary.
After all, without the rulers of so many larger, more prosperous, better armed kingdoms being eager to curry her favour, her kingdom would be in a precarious situation indeed. It was her born duty to be its defender, and her weapons in this delicate, ever-shifting battle had to be honed and carefully maintained. A moment’s weakness could have tragic consequences.
So she performed the ritual each full moon without fail and quaffed as much soothing tea as was needed to keep the nightmares at bay. Observed a strict diet and exercise regime. Spent hours cleansing her skin and caring for her hair. Employed only the most skilled attendants to apply her makeup and help her dress.
She must remain a beguiling prize. It was necessary.