The Mexican Empire is crumbling! Queen Isabela is the last of her lineage and now her kingdom and her people are threatened. The invading forces occupy the streets and her home, her caste will host the Peace Treaty signing. All Isabela must do is learn how to dance properly and behave like a "true" queen and everything will be alright. But, can she do it? Can she save her kingdom even if that means surrendering herself? How can she? She is the Queen after all.
Published in September, 2020. Written by Axel Trujillo Ledesma with a cover illustration by Axel Trujillo Ledesma and lettering by Aaron Trujillo Ledesma. This ebook is written in Spanish and it is an original work of fiction.
"El Baile de la Reina" is a short story dedicated to the women of Mexico. This short story was inspired by the constant struggle for true equality that Mexican women face everyday. It was also inspired by the Author's memories of the famous castle which still stands on top of Mexico City; The Chapultepec Castle. Which historically has been the home of the Spanish Viceroy and Mexico's infamous second emperor, Maximilian of Habsburg.
However, the Chapultepec Castle is repurposed in this short story to serve as the home for the Fictional Queen and Empress, Isabela. The last of her lineage.
In "El Baile de la Reina," Isabela is forced to sign a peace treaty by the invading forces who are occupying her country. And, after that she must dance the traditional dance of the invaders' homeland. She must learn to dance and move as they tell her to. She must do it for her country and for her people.
"El Baile de la Reina" is written as a Lyric. Though, it is not a poem. This short story is free verse. It is written in the first person point of view. The story is narrated by Isabela herself.
It is worth noting that the story's subtitle was inspired by the Mexican National Anthem. It is a recontextualisation of Mexico's famous words. Repurposed for the twenty first century.
This story is not about the Mexican flag nor is it mean to be allegorical for any other monument. This story is about women and Mexico. "El Baile de la Reina" is about Women in Mexico. Finally, the story is about Mexican Women.
"Monuments lose their meanings when they cannot stand any longer without us noticing the blood in our hands."
-Axel Trujillo Ledesma
"El Baile de la Reina" was finally published in September 15th of 2020. The same day Mexico celebrates their Independence Day.