Anastasia watched in horror as her friend's horse ran out of control. Something had to have spooked him. Snow's horse was one of the best in the kingdom. After a little begging, Anastasia's father agreed to let her and Dmitri join Snow on a journey to find the king a new wife. Dmitri was one of the stable boys at Anastasia's home. They grew up together in the castle and became incredibly close. Snow White was the princess of a neighboring kingdom. Their fathers held meetings together frequently as they made a truce long ago to watch over each other's kingdom. Their truce was as strong as their growing friendship.

"You two stay here!" Johanna, Snow's maiden, commanded as she took off after Snow on her own horse.

Anastasia looked toward Dmitri for comfort. His eyes held concern, but hope was there too. "She'll be okay, Anastasia." He said. His confidence and faith made her relax some.

The seconds seemed to tick by before she saw Johanna and Snow appear from over the mountain. The horse was calm now and Snow looked unharmed. Anastasia let out the breath she didn't know she'd been holding. Her friend was okay!

000

A few weeks later, their fathers had one of their frequent meetings. This time, they were in Anastasia's kingdom. Snow, Dmitri, and Anastasia were enjoying each other's company over cookies and milk. Anastasia was pleased that Snow would be getting another mother soon. Who knew that the woman that saved her on the horse would take on this new role?! As the group started to talk more and more about it, Anastasia noticed that her friend did not look as excited as she should have been.

"What's wrong, Snow?" Anastasia questioned.

Snow looked desperate. "I…can't tell you."

"Why not?" Dmitri asked curiously.

"Because I promised I wouldn't." Snow whispered. "I promised to keep it a secret."

Anastasia met Snow's gaze. "Is it about Regina?"

Snow hesitated than nodded. Anastasia continued, "You don't have to tell us, but if you want to, we're here to listen."

Snow bit her lip, weighing her options.

"We won't tell anybody, Snow." Dmitri piped in.

Snow sighed. "Regina isn't going to be my mother. She's in love with somebody else."

"Oh," Anastasia was taken back. "Is that what's bothering you?" Anastasia thought her friend would be fine with that. She knew they both agreed how important it was to marry for true love. They hoped for the day they would find it for themselves.

Snow shook her head. "No, it doesn't bother me." Snow smiled. "Nothing can break true love." Her face turned serious. "What's bothering me is that Regina and her mother aren't close. She's running away with Daniel without telling anyone, because she is afraid of what her mother would think."

"Who's Daniel?" Dmitri asked, with his mouth full of a cookie.

Anastasia glared at him. "Don't talk with your mouth full! That's horribly rude, Dmitri! Daniel is Regina's true love...try to keep up!"

Dmitri frowned. "Sorry!" He sarcastically whispered.

Anastasia shook her head at him and then turned her attention back to Snow so she could finish.

"No one should lose their mother." Snow said. "We all know how hard that is."

Anastasia nodded in agreement. All of the kids surrounding the table had lost their mothers, all in different situations. The subject was a soft spot. "I don't understand. Why would Regina's mother not want her to be happy?" Anastasia asked.

Snow shrugged. "I don't know…she just said I couldn't tell anyone. I guess she doesn't trust her mother very much. I don't think they are very close."

"That's sad. I think her mother would understand." Dmitri stated. "Regina should give her a chance. I bet she wouldn't mind at all!"

Anastasia nodded again. "Maybe you should do something, Snow…..losing people you love is the worst curse of all."

Snow bit her lip. "Maybe you're right."

000

A week later, the wedding ended with a grand ball. Anastasia sat in the ballroom with Snow. Her grandmother Marie was close by. They were both sad to hear that Daniel left Regina. However, they agreed that everything had worked out: Regina still had her mother and Snow would get one too! Anastasia couldn't wait to meet Snow's new mother.

"Can we go now?" Anastasia asked as she watched Regina take her seat. Snow laughed with delight.

"Yes, now!" Marie stated. She said they had to wait until Regina had a moment to spare.

The both ran across the ballroom floor to where Regina sat, giggling the whole way. "Regina," Snow began anxiously, "this is my friend Anastasia."

Regina smiled. "Hi, Anastasia. It's nice to meet you."

Anastasia smiled back. She liked her already. "It's nice to meet you to, your majesty. I think you'll like living in a castle. It's fun! I'm sorry to hear about Daniel."

The queen's smiled faded. "Excuse me?"

Anastasia cringed. "Oops…" She looked at Snow, guilt crowding her eyes.

"Snow…." Regina began, trying desperately to control the anger that swelled within her. "Who else have you told about this?"

Snow shook her head. She looked as though she might cry. "No one! Only your mother and Anastasia…..well, and Dmitri, but he doesn't really….."

"Who's he?" Regina cut her off.

"He's a stable boy in my kingdom." Anastasia explained. "He won't tell a soul. I promise!"

Regina calmed down some. She was afraid of who Dmitri might be. The fact that he was a poor child gave her no reason to worry. "Good." She put on a fake smile. "If you'll excuse me, girls, I believe the king is calling me over."

The rest of the evening, Regina was fuming inside. Snow was no longer the only one to blame. She had help from her friend, this Anastasia. She had obviously planted ideas in Snow's head. They shared the blame….nothing close to what Snow had done, but still….she needed to pay.