Snow
I gazed into the golden mirror. Everything else of Ravenna's had been burned, save this. I could not articulate a reason, but I felt the need to keep it. All, save Muir, were against the idea. But Muir understood. I took that as a good omen, for he was a seer.
"How can I lead? How can I inspire men?"
"Just as you led me when we were children. I followed you everywhere…"
But that was not true. That was not even William who said it. Ravenna was just trying to lull me into a false sense of security…I should have realized that it was not my William speaking. This left me with the same question today as I had that morning in the forest.
"How can I lead? How can I inspire men?"
"You have already proved your ability to do so, Princess," rumbled a sonorous voice from behind me. A voice I would know anywhere.
"Huntsman?"
"You convinced me to not only refrain from killing you, but to guard you. You convinced eight dwarves to leave everything they knew to follow you. Gus even lost his life because he felt it not too high a price for your safety. Did you not hear the cheers; see the men bow to you after your speech upon awakening at the Duke's castle? Did not over three hundred men answer your call to battle?"
"You really believe I can do this? That I can be Queen?"
"Without a doubt, Princess."
"Thank you, Huntsman." I wanted to hug him in gratitude, but I was afraid he would find it childishly sentimental. "Was there a reason you came up here, or did the fairies send you to encourage me?"
"I came to say goodbye, Princess."
"Goodbye? No! Can you not stay here?" I will be lost without you…
"I, um, have some personal business I must attend to in my village. It was not my plan to be away from home so long."
I felt guilty then. He had been dragged from his village to hunt me, and prevented from returning by protecting me.
"Of course, Huntsman. It would be selfish of me to detain you. Will you return for the coronation?"
He shifted awkwardly from one foot to the other.
"I am not sure that I can make such a promise, Princess."
I swallowed hard. "Will I ever see you again?"
"I do not know. I hope so, my Princess."
This time, sentimental or not, I hugged him.
"I hope so, too, dear Huntsman."