A/N: Hi all! Welcome to my SWATH fic. What you are about to read is my take on the aftermath of Ravenna's death and Snow White's coronation, including what would become of the titular princess, now Queen, and her beloved Huntsman, Eric. I've been working on this for about a year now, since January 2015, and this first chapter is actually a re-uploaded, edited version (because I am very over-analytical with my own writing). I'm nearly at 8000 hits on this, with 17 reviews as of now, all of which have been oh-so sweet and kind, and they're what have been motivating me to continue with this story. Anyway, I'm done rambling. I hope you all enjoy!

It was the end of an exhausting and eventful day in Tabor. The crowds of loving subjects that once filled the throne room and corridors had left the castle. Servants and guards were the only ones left to roam the halls as part of their duty, save a few nobles that also remained. It was finally quiet, and it was a peaceful quiet for once. There was a sense of tranquility in the kingdom of Tabor for the first time in many, many years. Merely hours ago, a new Queen came to the throne, one that the people never expected to see since the evil Queen Ravenna rose to power. Snow White's coronation was the realm's sign of a new hope, and everyone rejoiced when the crown was placed atop her head earlier that day.

She was crowned on one of the first beautiful days that the realm had seen in a long time. A week had passed since Snow White watched the wretched Queen Ravenna fall into the hands of Death. The youth she'd stolen over the decades completely vanished from her face, and her once golden locks became shriveled and turned as grey as ashes. Her true age was revealed as she took her last breath, and then, it became clear that her reign was over. Snow White had watched it all happen the minute she drove the dagger into the witch's heart, a sense of relief washing over her as the weight was lifted off her armored shoulders. She'd looked into the mirror that Ravenna had been using all those years, and the young girl no longer saw the princess in the reflection. Instead, staring right back at her was the face of Tabor's new Queen—the rightful Queen for that matter.

Snow remembered how heavy the crown felt the moment it was set carefully upon her head, just a week after Ravenna's demise. She remembered how many pairs of eyes were glued to her in awe. They were all thankful, relieved gazes, all of which were accompanied by pleased grins. Some of the gazes were those belonging to William and Duke Hammond, who stood up front in her plain sight. The dwarves were grouped together across the aisle, and the people of Fenland, including Anna and Lily, were behind where William stood. Greta was there, too, standing amongst the young women from whom Ravenna had snatched away their youth and beauty. They had all been returned to normal the minute the evil Queen was killed. So many friends she met along her journey, all of which she knew and loved, were there before her in the throne room… all except one.

Where is he? She thought to herself, a sinking feeling growing within her. The face she wanted to see the most was nowhere to be seen. Tears pricked in her eyes, her heart growing heavy as her gaze fell to the ground. He couldn't have left. He has to be here.

Her trance was broken when she heard Beith, the lead dwarf, shout at the top of his lungs, "Hail to the Queen!" Immediately, the entire population in the room followed suit, chanting the phrase over and over. It gave her a little bit of happiness, but she still wished to see that one other face. She tried to put on her best smile to mask her pain, but just then, movement from the back of the room caught her eye. Her olive eyes flickered to the back row to find the Huntsman making his way into her view, sending her heart into flight. She had not seen him since the day Ravenna passed. He had told her he was going to pay off any debts he had, but after he left that afternoon, he did not return… not until now. He looked so cleaned up with his golden hair tied back and face shaven. A small smile came over his face as he looked at her. Snow felt her knees grow weak, as if she would begin to melt soon. She wanted to run to him, to leap into his strong, protective arms, to kiss him passionately, but she couldn't do that here. Not now. All eyes were on her, and she did not want to make a fool of herself in front of her entire kingdom. But the fact that he was there, with his blue eyes focused on her, gave her confidence. Snow took a deep breath, and she made sure to return the smile towards him.

However, as quickly as he appeared, the Huntsman turned on his heel and walked out the double wooden doors, disappearing from her view. Snow felt her heart sink deep back into her chest, a lump forming in her throat, but she choked it all back, and her confidence seemed to disappear into thin air, just as she watched the Huntsman do just then. For the rest of the ceremony, Snow had to do whatever she could to make sure she did not show her sadness.

Now, it was hours later, and Snow had found herself sitting in her throne. She couldn't believe he was actually gone, yet again. The Huntsman—her Huntsman—was gone, without even saying goodbye. He didn't stay to let her know where he'd been. Confusion sent her mind into a whirlwind of questions. What had she done wrong? Was it something she did that sent him away? Would he ever come back? The whole situation made her feel so alone. Out of complete loss and nothing to do about it, the young Queen stared at her hands in her lap. Her delicate fingers traced the golden embroidered designs of her red gown. She wanted nothing more than to see him, but she wouldn't know whether to hit him or fall into him. She was angry that he left without a single word. The lump returned to her throat as she continued to think about it. It was like she was trying to swallow an apple whole. The designs in the dress grew fuzzy as tears brimmed her eyes. There was no way she could hold them back this time. Finally, as she blinked, two tears fell, landing in her lap and seeping into the fabric, and Snow didn't even feel like wiping them away.

The new Queen was unaware that she was no longer alone. William stood in front of the double doors and was watching her intently. Despite such a long time of being apart, he still knew her better than anyone. He could see the inner trouble she felt, and he knew she needed comfort. He'd seen the way her face had become sullen from the moment the Huntsman had left. Though he had no idea that the Huntsman had even shown up, he could still tell something was wrong. Considering how she'd been closer to the hunter during their journey to Hammond's castle, he could at least guess what was going on. He walked carefully up to his friend, and the sound of his footsteps made the woman glance up from her lap with a small gasp. She quickly wiped away her tears when she saw that it was her childhood friend.

"Oh, William," she sighed. "I'm sorry. I thought I was alone."

"Don't worry about it," William replied. "Are you all right, Majesty?" He was careful to not call her by her nickname.

Snow, however, rolled her eyes. She would probably never grow used to this new treatment. "William, you've known me since we were children. Please, just call me Snow."

"Forgive me," the man said. "You look upset. Are you all right?"

She wasn't willing to explain what was bothering her just yet. "Yes," she lied. "I'm fine."

They sat in silence for a few moments before William walked up to the throne and held an offering hand out as he spoke again. "Snow, would you walk with me in the garden? It has been a while since we've been there."

The Queen smiled gently at his offer, admitting to herself that she could use the fresh air. She gladly took her friend's hand. "I'd be honored, William."

She rose from her seat with her hand still within William's as the two walked together out into the courtyard, where they used to play when they were children many years ago. Memories flooded her mind. Only for a moment did the thought of the Huntsman slip into nothing. Instead, she thought of the time she and William had climbed the apple tree in the middle of the gardens, with William teasing her with the apple like he always did. Those were the days; back when she felt true happiness. In fact, the last time she remembered being happy was when she was a child, way before Ravenna was even in the picture.

"This place was where we always played," Snow reminded herself. "Thank you, again, for bringing me out here. I needed it."

"Mm-hmm," William nodded with a reminiscing smile. "Forgive me for asking again, but, what was wrong?"

Guilt and sadness washed over her. "It's nothing. Please don't worry about me." When it was clear that she would never tell him, he went quiet as they kept walking. Deep down, he knew something was wrong. But he wouldn't argue. No matter how much he wanted to make sure she was okay, he couldn't disobey. Snow kept her mind focused on the gardens. "There are so many memories in this place," she spoke uneasily. "I can't believe how different things are now."

"Indeed," William agreed. "It is hard to believe how everything's changed. I remember how we used to be, back when we were children…" He then stopped and took both of Snow's hands in his own. "Back before I left you…"

"William—" Snow began, but she was cut off.

"I'm so sorry about that night," he continued. "You have no idea how I will never forgive myself."

Snow exhaled at the reminder of the night her father was killed. "William, please," she said as she turned away from him. "It wasn't your fault. What happened that night was not on you. We were children. It's in the past. You're here now, and that's all that matters." She let go of his hands and continued walking.

Silence fell over them once again. William cursed silently at himself for bringing it up again. He was so worried about her all the time, and he wanted desperately to give her what she wanted, but some part of him simply couldn't, and he would always hate that part of him.

All of a sudden, the sound of something moving through the nearby bushes reached their ears, and Snow and William jumped and stood their ground. William placed himself in front of the Queen when they saw a shadowy figure in the darkness. By the way it stood and the way it was quite large, it looked like the figure of a man. He had his hands up in surrender.

"Whoa, whoa, take it easy," a voice said. "I don't want any trouble."

Snow's eyes went wide at that very moment. That voice… she knew it, and she knew it well. She recognized the deep tone it had and how soothing it sounded to her ears. She felt her heart would explode as her jaw dropped. She stepped around William, who held up a dagger in defense, and tried to wrap her head around what was happening. Her mouth fought to find the words before she managed to get only one past her tongue.

"H—Huntsman?"

AN: Well, that's the end of the first chapter. Sorry if it's a bit short. Not all of them will be this short, I promise! Review if you liked it!