Queen Petunia was beautiful, as always. She sat, unmoving in her great throne, which was at the center of a velvety rose. Pollen particles floated all about the courtroom, giving it an ethereal feel.

“Ailen, I understand that there have been certain whisperings about you,” Queen Petunia noted, her brown eyes sparkling dangerously.

Her chocolate colored hair was tied up meticulously, set in place with a fine silverweb tiara.

Silverweb came only from the spiders on the edge of the Thorns, and I wondered who and how they obtained it.

The Queen’s voice brought me back to reality.

“Can you hear me?”

“Yes, your Majesty,” I said, bowing respectfully. My wings were twitching, like they always did when I was nervous.

Sparkling fairy dust was coming off them in great clouds, due to my upset nature.

Her voice was stony and her face chiseled as she spoke.

I felt a chill run down my spine, and I looked her in the eyes.

“Ailen, resident of Buttercup Haunt, you are hereby banished forthwith.”