The Forgotten Heirs

    By Mary Abi Teana Avance

    The Forgotten Heirs cover image

    15 Apr, 2024

    a group of people in formal dress sitting in a room with chandeliers and a chandelier, rococo, a flemish Baroque, Christopher Wood, promotional image

    In the grand yet chilling castle, Mary, Isabella and Henry were living a life of forgotten heirs. Their royal status was now reduced to mere titles.

    a group of people in renaissance dress standing in a room with chandeliers and chandeliers on, renaissance, a renaissance painting, Anne Said, promotional image

    Their stepmother, Anne, found joy in their misery. She ensured that they were mistreated and ignored by everyone in the castle, including their father.

    three women sitting on straw in a barn with a candle in their hands and a basket of hay in front of them, arts and crafts movement, a detailed matte painting, Anne Said, promotional image

    The children were sent to sleep in the attic, a far cry from their once-luxurious chambers. Despite the hardship, they clung to each other for comfort.

    a boy sitting on straw in a attic with a bed of hay in the background and a basket of hay in the foreground, arts and crafts movement, a character portrait, Bertram Brooker, promotional image

    Henry, the youngest, soon fell ill due to the harsh conditions. His once rosy cheeks now held a pale hue, his laughter replaced with feeble coughs.

    two women sitting on the floor in a room with straw and baskets of food on the floor and a basket of eggs in the floor, arts and crafts movement, a detailed matte painting, Anne Said, movie still

    Mary and Isabella, despite their own struggles, took turns to care for Henry. They shared their warmth, their food, and their love with their little brother.

    a painting of three girls standing in a field of flowers with a castle in the background and a forest, fantasy art, a detailed matte painting, Brothers Hildebrandt, official art

    In the secret meeting place, Mary, Isabella, and Henry made a pact. They decided to fight for their rights and reclaim their birthright.

    a woman in a garden with flowers and a castle in the background with a sky background and clouds in the sky, gothic art, a detailed matte painting, Anne Said, promotional image

    Mary, the eldest, took the lead. She was determined to bring justice for her siblings and herself. She started gathering support among the castle staff.

    a woman in a brown dress standing in a field of flowers and flowers with a castle in the background, pre-raphaelitism, a character portrait, Anne Said, promotional image

    Isabella, though timid, found her voice. She started speaking up against Anne's cruelty, showing courage that surprised everyone.

    a young girl walking down a path in a garden with flowers and a castle in the background with a brick walkway, arts and crafts movement, a matte painting, Edmund Greacen, promotional image

    Henry, despite his illness, showed an indomitable spirit. He refused to bow down to Anne's tyranny and stood by his sisters.

    a group of women in renaissance dresses standing next to each other in front of a building with columns and arches, fantasy art, a detailed painting, Donato Giancola, highly detailed digital painting

    The day of reckoning arrived. Mary, Isabella, and Henry confronted Anne in front of the entire court. The accusations left everyone, including the king, stunned.

    a group of people in renaissance dress standing next to each other in a hall of people in formal clothing, renaissance, a flemish Baroque, Anne Said, promotional image

    Mary presented the evidence of Anne's cruelty, her voice echoing in the silent court. The nobles whispered among themselves, shocked by the revelations.

    a group of people in medieval costumes standing in a church together with a man in a crown and a woman in a gown, pre-raphaelitism, a flemish Baroque, Edmund Greacen, promotional image

    In the end, the king could no longer ignore his children's plight. The siblings' bravery and unity had won the day, paving the way for their future.