Leila stepped forward toward the small child before her, who held a book close to her chest, her face bandaged from her nose, all the way down her neck, and into her shirt. The Queen bit her tongue as her hand reached up to touch the faded burns upon her own torso; it had been so long since she had thought about this day. She could see the sadness upon the child's face, and feel the pain in her eyes.
"You opened it. You read the words and lost control; and this is what you will have to overcome." Leila crouched before her younger self, gazing over her, and her mouth curved upward into a fond smile. "Oh, but you will. You will. I know it hurts, and I know you're scared, but you will be fine in time. You will find the most wonderful people, and they shall guide you into adventures with such love and understanding. May I..?"
She reached out to pat the child's shorter, singed hair for a moment, taking the book carefully from her arms. She flicked through the pages slowly with melancholy in her amber eyes before passing it back and pulling the girl into a gentle hug, speaking softly.
"And that funny feeling you have whenever the maids daughter looks at you? Dad will understand, I promise; and you will in time. Don't be afraid to talk to him, he needs you just as much as you need him. Fight hard, but run when you must. Don't lose hope, and don't be afraid to show your emotions."
Leila got to her feet, her dress falling around her ankles, and she only smiled down at her younger self, reaching up to readjust the crown upon her head. With a last look at the child, she felt a calm wash over her being, and there was peace with herself settling inside her heart as she walked away.