I woke in the garden and I saw blood on my apron where my child had been. The king was standing over me, blocking the sun. He was convinced that I had deliberately allowed my baby to be taken by wild beasts.

He walled me into a high tower. I have not seen the sun or the moon for many years. Today, the king’s men have come to lead me to a feast, for my son has come home and the culprit has been caught.

I have no wish for food. The gracious and merciful God who supported me in the tower will soon set me free.

The Liberated Queen in The Pink, Grimms. Picture by Léon Spilliaert.