The Three Queens

Prolouge: In Youth

                                Ruby

"Done," Eric said as he wiped the grease from his hands, "keep that thing oiled and it should continue to beat like a real heart." Amorette looked down at the fresh stitches along her chest and winced. I walked over to her and placed my hand on hers "it's gonna be ok, remember your not damaged Amer." She followed me out to the yard where Clarity was trying out her new leg, She lost hers in one of Amorette's so-called games. Amer's games have more in common with a knife fight than what you think a four-year-old girl would play. For some reason, Amer never talked to Clarity, even though she was closer to her age, but she was absolutely smitten with me and she would start to hurt herself if we were ever apart, so I was tasked with keeping an eye on her. My father even had us share a room. Sometimes, I just want to be thirteen, but I'm forever chained to my sister's side.  

                      Clarity POV

I still have nightmares. Never-ending horrors that keep me screaming throughout the night and haunt me all day. Today I'm getting my leg fitted after being in a wheelchair for five months after Amorette's last tantrum. My father and Ruby said she was playing but I know the truth, and I relive that day every time I close my eyes. Amorette had killed my cat and when I'd found the body, I'd screamed at her. The next morning when I was walking outside I saw Amorette smiling down at me, but the smile wasn't friendly. A cloud of black smoke enveloped my left leg and I felt the worst pain I had ever experienced. Hot tears splashed on my cheeks as I cried out for Amorette to help me, but she just stood there laughing. When the pain stopped, my left leg was gone, and my vision went black. They found me the next day.