Queen Keira rushed into my bedroom chamber gasping for air. Gray lines and brown specks covered her ivory skin. The waves of her scarlet hair stopped halfway down her frame before transforming into a wiry sage color, withering and falling to the floor with every step.

"Anadora, bring me a cup of Midnight Dust tea. One spoonful. Hurry."

"What has happened Your Grace?"

"Quickly... the Midnight Dust."

I scrambled barefoot to the kitchen downstairs and cupped water from the iron cauldron and poured the steaming liquid into a cup. I tossed in a spoonful of the rare Midnight Dust powder.

The Queen coughed as she entered the room behind me. "Put...more."

I nodded nervously and doubled the ingredient, taking care not to waste a single particle.

"More!"

"But Your Highness-"

"I said more!" The Queen slammed her hand onto the cupboard and began coughing uncontrollably.

I dashed over to her side with the tea in hand. The queen took a sip and swallowed hard as the medicine made its way to her stomach. I stared helplessly as the Queen Keira sat back in the worn wooden side chair and rested her head against the stone wall. Her unsteady breath grew calmer, more peaceful. She raised her head weakly. "I don't think it worked."