The Queen's Voyeur Mirror

Word was the queen spent hours making her magic mirror show her the most beautiful women in the kingdom. Motivated by envy and insecurity, of course. What other reason could a woman possibly have for gazing upon gorgeous maidens in her free time?

The Queen's Voyeur Mirror
Photo by Habila Mazawaje / Unsplash

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Prompt from PrideOnThePage

Everyone knew that the queen, being not only wealthy but a powerful sorcerer, had managed to create a marvellous magic mirror. The crafted soul within was as intelligent as a person, capable of conversation as well as carrying out various tasks.
Word had even got out that the queen spent hours making the mirror show her the most beautiful women in the kingdom.
Motivated by envy and insecurity, of course. What other reason could a woman possibly have for gazing upon gorgeous maidens in her free time?

“Hello, Vivian.” The mirror’s natural face, which resembled an unpainted porcelain doll’s, emerged out of the milky magical depths. “How was your day?”
“UGH don’t get me started.” Vivian slumped onto the sofa and took a deep swig of her wine. “Festering elves and festering trade negotiations and festering ent protesters. I ought to take a leaf out of grandma’s book and turn them all to stone. Humph.”
“Oh dear, I’m sorry to hear that you’re frustrated.” The mirror said sympathetically, prudently not acknowledging the fantasy about magical crimes. “What would you like to see today?”
“Hmm…” Vivian folded her hands in her lap and settled back in the sofa. It was resplendent, silken velvet and encrusted with jewels (carefully placed where they wouldn’t affect comfort). A stark contrast to the battered, plain old robe she was garbed in.
She’d spent all day being pretty and put-together and majestic. This was her time. Here in the safety of her personal tower she could finally relax. And be as slobby as she liked.
“Show me a beautiful girl out on the town. Having fun.”
“But not with a man, correct?”
“No, no men.”
It ruined the illusion. Shattered the fantasy. Made her feel more alone.
The face vanished into the swirling magical mists and a faint, pensive humming issued forth. It was technically a fault in the enchant, one that properly ought to be addressed, but honestly she found the quirk endearing.
“Do you wish to see a girl out alone, or with friends?”
“Uh…” Vivian pondered. “Can you show me one who’s out with a friend, but show only her?”
“I can try. Would you like to see this woman, then?”
The mists parted to show a dimpled young woman with curly hazel locks piled high and a daring fashionable dress which hugged her curves and flashed her ankles at each step.
Vivian sat up and grinned. “Ooh. Yes, show me more of her.”
So the scry panned along the street with the woman. The mirror transmitted the evening bustle, muffled such that it wouldn’t aggravate the throbbing between Vivian’s temples, but filtered out what the woman was actually saying as she talked to her friend. Instead the mirror imitated her voice and prattled cheerfully. A stream of harmless empty banter. Vivian sat back and let it wash over her. Drinking in the woman’s cheeky smiles. Pretending they were aimed at her.
Oh, if only magic could make this dream real…

Prompt was "Mirror".

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