Apple of Innocence: Historical Fiction or Fantasy

The apple lay half-eaten, fallen from her hand, as she fell outstretched upon the ebony coffin of her lord. Her skirt was hiked up around her knees, for she had been climbing apple trees. It was old and patched and worn, but she looked no less a queen for her garb. Sorrow in a moment laid years of dignity upon her mean. She wept a few brief tears upon the coffin, before she looked up to the men who had carried it into the keep. And demanded how this came to be. It was the reavers who fell upon us, they said, as our lord went hunting in his wood. They did not stop at threats or promises of gold. They wanted only to steal that which they took: the life of our lord. She stood and stared at them. Then they shall be given more than they stole, and their own lives shall be forfeit. The men bowed their knee to her, their new queen. Bowing, they were nearly her height. She led them out, putting aside the things of childhood and leaving behind one half-eaten apple.


Inspiration: A half-eaten apple on my desk.
Story Potential: Medium.
Finished Length: ?
Notes: Reword the revelation of her age, obviously. Aside from that? Could be straight fiction or skewed to fantasy. Also? Time for another drink. Party in the house tonight and I'm still getting this done. Aren't I dedicated?