174 The broken mirror (5)

That night, Marlena couldn't sleep. She tossed and turned in bed restlessly. After what felt like endless hours, she got out of bed and  decided to go to the kitchen to find some warm water or milk. 

Maids weren't usually allowed to take anything from the kitchen if they had not been permitted by the head maid or the queen but since Queen Loretta had set her eyes on passing Marlena off as a princess, she had allowed the young woman unlimited permission to eat and drink anything she wanted. 

She was surprised to find Regina already in the kitchen. 

"Mother?" She called. 

Regina poured something into a cup and brought it to her, making Marlena step back from the offensive smell emanating from the strange-looking concoction. 

"What is this?" 

"The best drink you will ever have to help you sleep. You have been restless. I thought you might need something to help you fall asleep."