A/N: This story is based on the awesome TV movie "Snow White: A Tale of Terror". I hit a bit of writer's block with my other stories, but I wanted to keep writing. So I decided to adapt the first and BEST gritty Snow White retelling into the Zelda world. I think the plot lines up perfectly with the Zelda characters, especially when you remember how much of a bastard the prince from Zelda 2 is. So enjoy this short yet fun fairy tale adaptation! And to those who've seen the movie (or read any of my other fics for that matter), you'll know exactly who gets the girl! ;)

King Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule was a kind soul, and wanted nothing more than peace for his people. Because of this, he chose to abandon the symbol that had marked his family's prosperity for generations- the Triforce of Wisdom. It was a third of the sacred Golden Power, and the only one not lost to time. Using his remaining magic, he enchanted the relic and hid it beyond mortal reach. He then passed the location down through his bloodline, creating a spell that would reveal it only to a single child at one time.

Hundreds of years later, the crown was passed to Edwin, Prince of Hyrule. Edwin was an impatient man, bored by Hyrule's years of peace. He had eyes on the territories to the west and south, and hoped to add them to his kingdom. Always digging for more information, he happened across an old tome detailing the blackest moment of Hyrule's history, the Sealing War. It spoke of a relic able to grant the desires of any who touched it, and part of that relic supposedly belonged to the Royal Family.

Edwin then remembered an old folk tale from his nursemaids, about the great king Daphnes who "gave up his fortune for the kingdom". Surely there was no greater fortune than this relic, and Edwin was determined to find it.

After years of investigation, he discovered the truth. The relic did exist, and not only that, but its location was to be passed on to one child in each royal generation. But he did not have this information. So he dug through all his belongings and interrogated all his advisors, before realizing there was only one other place it could be. His little sister.

The first born daughter of the royal family was always named Zelda, in honor of the family matriarch who first settled Hyrule. Edwin's sister held the name, though her looks were quite different from Zeldas past. Her hair was a darker brown, nearly black against her pale skin. But she was just as kind, always treating the commoners with the same respect as the nobility. Zelda had a glow to her, one that made all who met her love her as they would their own.

"Zelda knows where it is," Edwin huffed to himself in chambers, wearing the floor down with his pacing. "I knew there was something to her goody-goody attitude." He stopped in front of his large mirror, as if to ask his own advice. "How can I get her to tell me where it is? Every time I approach her, that nursemaid and the boy who wishes to be her husband glare holes through my spine while she does her petty 'I don't know what you mean' speech."

Cast her out.

"What? Who said that?" Edwin glanced around, finding no one in the vicinity. He settled his gaze on the mirror again, and for a split second he thought it was talking back.

The old Sheikah nurse and the forest boy, they're in the way. She won't fear you if her supporters are near. Teach the woman what it means to oppose you. Cast her out.

Edwin stared back at the reflection with a look of doubt. "But if I cast her out, then the people will know. They'll surely depose me. I have might, but not enough to overcome the rage what would follow if they accuse me of murdering the precious princess."

Use their sorrow against them. They'll demand action if her life was taken in an accident...

"Yes... accident..." Edwin's look of doubt curled into a sick smile. "She'll have to tell me where it is if she wants to stay safe... And if she doesn't and instead meets her death, the knowledge will pass to me. Perfect!"

"If I may say so, Your Highness, that dress makes you look like the Goddess incarnate," a blond man garbed in green said with a bow, and promptly handed a bouquet of flowers to the blushing princess. "Not even the Faeries could top your beauty."

"Oh, stop it, Link. You needn't be so eloquent." Princess Zelda took the flowers from the older man with a smile. "To what do I owe this honor? You were just visiting yesterday, and yet you've come again?"

"I... I have something to ask your brother, the King." Link scratched his head and mumbled, "I thought I would get your approval before I do, though." Zelda knew exactly what he was getting at, after all he had the most readable body language she had ever seen. He was a member of the Knights of Hyrule, and always made time to visit the castle between his trips to Kasuto and Mido. The reason why was obvious. "After all, this next trip may have me gone for quite some time, and I..."

"I approve, Link. You may ask him for my hand." She leaned up and kissed Link's forehead. He was a bit empty headed, but his lineage and skills in battle made him a suitable prospect. True, she knew little of what he was outside of his duties. But he seemed honest, and was much better looking than any of the other suitors.

"Great, then I shall request an audience right away!" Link darted off, leaving Zelda standing by the stable. She had a confused expression on her face. Shouldn't they go together?

"What's the hurry?" she mumbled, a bit annoyed but otherwise content. She sat the flowers down in a nearby planter and started to walk back, but changed her mind and grabbed a horse. It was a nice day to ride.

Returning from the path, Zelda noticed a man hunched by the trees. "Sir, are you needing assistance?" she called as she dismounted, pulling a small aid kit from the saddle. "If you are injured, I can help..."

"I am not injured, but you might be..."

Zelda blinked, unsure she heard correctly. But then the man stood, a gleaming dagger in his hand. She then recognized him- he was one of the King's guard, a shifty looking man called Sakon. She took a step back in fright. "Sir Sakon, what are you..."

But she didn't get to finish her question, as he swiftly raised the dagger to strike. Zelda turned to run, but caught her heels on the hem of her dress and tumbled down the edge of the path. Sakon was coming after her, so she had to flee. The woods were dark, and she couldn't see where she was headed until she took a step off an outcropping. The fall was steep, and she plunged headlong into the river.