Witch

Tatiana was a witch...or so the people said. The king banished her, forbidding her to enter his kingdom, as if he'd generously spared her life, so the people thought. But only she and the king knew the truth: he trembled before her with pure, animal fear and, wanting to hide his own cowardice, portrayed her as a monster devouring the souls of men. On the day the kingdom celebrated the birth of its second prince, the queen was weak but alive. Led by her guards, she found herself in the throne room, where the king sat on a high throne. His face contorted with fear at the sight of her, and it amused the proud man—he trembled even though she hadn't even approached him. A low, trembling voice broke the silence. -S-so you are... so the witch... You looked up at him and smiled calmly. -Yes, my king...although I prefer to be called a herbalist. He waved his hand, trembling and shuddering with every movement you made. -It doesn't matter! Y-you have to...you have to save her...Queen Alice is dying...and only you can help...but don't you dare do anything! If she dies...I'll kill you! The king hissed through his teeth, wincing and squealing at her smile and voice. "Show me already." She was taken to the queen's chambers. Looking at her, she immediately realized her condition wasn't critical at all—just a common postpartum fever without infection: high temperature, trembling, weakness, a red face, and sweating. This was easily remedied. She ordered raspberry leaves and branches, sage, horsetail, nettle, verbena, linden blossom, calendula, chamomile, lemon balm, and mint to be brought to prepare medicines, ointments, and oils. Within 24 hours, the queen felt better, regaining her composure and even smiling. And the king, instead of showing gratitude, banished her from the kingdom out of fear, not wanting a "witch" to live among his people. Thus began her life in the forest on the outskirts of the kingdom. That night, the howling of the wolves continued, irritating her, and she went outside, looking around in the moonlight. The young man's armor gleamed, and his snow-white hair blended with his surroundings. He was surrounded by a pack of wolves.