It was her wedding day and The Queen, Snow White, could not have been more miserable. Everything seemed perfect; she was wearing her mother's wedding gown, all friends would be in attendance, and the kingdom would at last have a king again. If only the king had been of her choosing.
Council was held the day after Snow's coronation, and it was immediately decided that Snow should not rule alone. She was strong, yes and very capable of reigning over the kingdom, but sooner or later there would be difficult decisions to make and furthermore the kingdom would need an heir eventually. Of course, Snow was more than willing to take a husband, as she had already fallen in love with a huntsman named Eric, and she thought he'd make an excellent king. Needless to say, she was heartbroken when the council refused to see Eric take the throne. He was of common birth, a man recovering from a life as a drunkard; there certainly would be no problem in producing an heir, but to have a commoner as king? It was unheard of. It was unexpected, to say the least, when Walter Hammond offered to marry the young Queen. He explained to the council, that at least it was better than marrying a complete stranger and perhaps in time they could become accustomed to one another.
Snow scoffed at the idea of becoming accustomed with Walter Hammond. He was the father of her childhood friend, William, who was now married himself. She even recalled when she was eight and Duke Hammond had to lift her up to take a peek at a bird's nest, then only later complained about his back being sore. Age aside, there was no possible way that Snow could ever truly love him. Bring him comfort when he was sad, share a quiet meal, perhaps even call him a friend, but love was not an option. Her only love was and would always be Eric.
"My lady?"
Snow turned away from the mirror and saw one of her ladies-in-waiting, Katherine, standing at the chamber door.
"Yes, Katherine?"
"It's almost time. You must go to the chapel."
As if hearing Katherine speak, the bells of the chapel began to ring loud and clear. It was only then that Snow noticed her chamber was ajar; she could still get away. She could run to the window, climb out of it, find Eric, and they could run away. But then what would become of the kingdom? Her subjects? They needed a ruler, a ruler they could trust as they did her father and mother. Duty had to come before love.
"My lady, we should leave. " Katherine said.
"Yes, you're right."
Stepping off the stool, Snow followed Katherine out of the chamber.