J. Magi

The tree is rotting.

The corruption spreads outward.

Hidden by the leaves.

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The doctor arrived,

on her coronation day.

The staff was displeased.

Why was he so late?

There were just a few hours left.

Soon, she would be queen.

Her curse could not stay.

It needed to be lifted.

So, the doctor came.

They showed him through

To the cursed Princess’ rooms.

Tall, bright, and ornate.

Before entering,

The lady’s maid came to ‘explain’.

“The curse isn’t simple,”

“We don’t understand,”

“Some of the things that happen . . .”

“It’s unexplainable.”

The doctor sighed heavily.

He would need to know more.

“. . . How unfortunate.”

“Indeed,” the maid replied.

“Perhaps meeting her will help.”

She gestured forward.

They passed through gold doors,

And followed velvet carpet.

Swallowed by thick tapestry.

Her room was dimly lit.

Candles made gold accents glow.

Chairs dripped jewels and silks.

She sat at a table.

Drowning in a plush, blue gown.

Her eyes were distant.

“The tree is rotting.” 

She mumbled to the shadows.

“. . . I feel like rotting.”

“Lady Caroline?”

The maid inquired, unshaken.

“You're awake so early?”

The doctor stayed quiet.

He checked his watch--2 PM.

Not early for him.

“Lady Caroline?”

The Lady’s maid asked again.

“The Doctor is here.”

“Go away,” she mumbled.

The doors to her room opened.

No one had touched them.

“Don’t be silly dear.”

The maid slowly approached her.

“The Doctor will help.”

“He can’t do anything,”

Caroline insisted, curt.

“I don’t want him too.”

The doctor moved over,

And put his hands on the table.

“Do you often feel sick?”

“No.” Caroline said.

“Don’t you ignore what I said!”

“I don’t want you here.”

“I’m afraid I’m needed.”

The table shifted away,

Out from under him.

“Lady Caroline!”

The maid scolded her quickly.

“You're terribly rude!”

“Well, I don’t feel sick!”

“I’m fine, so he can leave now.”

She stared at the floor.