This is, more than likely, my only attempt at a Snow White and the Huntsman story. I finally sat down to watch the movie this week (even though I have owned it almost since it's DVD release) and I fell in love immediately. I bought it for my kids because they love movies with trolls, fairies and dwarves.

Charize Theron as Raveena was spellbinding. Hemsworth (not one of my favorite actors) was captivating as the huntsman, and Stewart impressed me so much with her Snow White, a character I'd never given much thought to before.

I have to admit though, that McShane as Beith was my very favorite. I adore that man and own almost everything he's been in.

Since it is highly unlikely there will ever be a sequel to the movie, I wanted to expand on the story for my own pleasure. I want the fairy tale ending. I want the declarations of True Love. So, being the arrogant cuss that I am, I wrote my own. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I do.


He watched from the shadows as the council left the throne room. They had a look of determination about them that didn't bode well for the Queen, Snow White. It had been only three weeks since the coronation. He had only seen her three times since, always from a distance, and only for a moment each time. He knew he shouldn't be surprised, or expect more, but he could not help desiring one last visit with her. A true goodbye, rather than slinking off out of the castle. But what use did a Queen have for a drunken, rough huntsman now that she had been restored to her throne, and the kingdom was once again at peace? With a silent wish for her happiness he turned and headed toward the castle gates.


Snow released a weary sigh. She understood, truly she did. They had spent years under the thumb of a tyrant. They wanted reassurances. They wanted a ceremony, a symbol, that the future would be better. They wanted her to honor the pact her father had made with the Duke so many years ago. William was willing enough, even eager to wed.

She, however, had other plans. Other wishes and desires. She would rule, because she had to. But she would not bow to pressure. She could not marry a man she did not love just for the peace of mind it would give a dozen men. What she needed was someone who would support her. Someone wise to counsel her. She needed someone she knew and trusted. Snow smiled softly to herself. And she knew exactly where to find what she needed.


Eric washed the blood from the buck he had killed off his hands in the icy stream. The nights were growing warmer, spring slowly breathing life back into the land. The mountain pass would thaw soon and he would be able to safely leave the kingdom. Maybe then he could forget. He stood, shouldered his kill, and headed toward the dwarves' home.

He wasn't surprised to see Muir sitting on a log near the clump of wild roses. The dwarf had a talent for premonition and was often found sitting in that spot, looking far into the future. He laid the buck on a large stone slab and walked over to join his friend. "What do you see today?" he asked with a smile.

Muir smiled back and looked at the hunter calmly. "I told her you would return today. For a queen she is quite impatient."

Eric's heart stuttered in his chest as the cabin's door flew open and Snow White stepped out. She smiled widely and flew across the grass. Eric barely had time to drop his axe before she flung herself into his arms, hugging him around the neck tightly.

Eric closed his eyes tightly and held her against his chest. He knew he shouldn't. He knew she was too far above him. He held her anyway.

After several seconds had passed Snow released him, dropping back down to her feet. "You left!" she accused, slapping his arm hard. "No goodbye. No explanation! You simply left!"

He sighed and looked down into her eyes. "You had much to do, Highness. You did not need a lowly huntsman taking you away from important matters."

He didn't expect her to hit him. He definitely didn't expect her to pack that much force into the punch. Although landing on his arse in front of seven dwarves was probably harder on his ego than her fist was on his jaw.

Snow stood over him, hands on her hips, eyes spitting fire at him. "I should kick you, too! How could you leave me, Huntsman? I needed you! I still need you!" Tears swam in her eyes as she dropped to the ground beside him. "Please don't leave me," she whispered.

He knew he should be stronger. He couldn't resist her, though. He reached over and cupped her cheek. "I am sorry," he whispered.

Snow pressed her cheek into his hand more firmly. "I am queen of a kingdom recovering from years of oppression. I feel as if I am drowning. I have a council of men I barely remember making demands of me. I have an old childhood friend who expects me to fall into his arms simply because our fathers wanted us to. I am expected to give up my freedom just as I have regained it. I need someone I can trust. Someone I care about. Please," she begged softy. "I need you."

Eric closed his eyes briefly. This was a horrible idea. He would only cause himself pain. He stood and reached out a hand to pull her to her feet. "I will rejoin you and stay by your side for as long as you wish it."

Snow smiled widely and hugged him again. Eric could see Muir over her head. The old dwarf nodded his head approvingly. The other dwarves walked over and began preparing a fire for the evening meal. Snow grinned before releasing him and walking over to stand in front of Beith.

"Thank you, my friends. I am more grateful than you know." Snow looked around the clearing with joy.

Gort gave a disgruntled grunt, but the others gave her nods or smiles. Eric watched Snow strike the flint to light the fire. He wondered if there had ever been a queen in all the world like this one. One who was more at ease in a tunic, among the land and it's people than she was at court in all her finery.