Chapter 2
Daniel was brushing one of the horses the following day when two soldiers appeared at the entrance.
"Excuse me, sir," one of them said, "we are looking for a man named Daniel."
"I am Daniel," Daniel answered in surprise.
"We need you to come with us," the soldier responded.
"Why?"
"The king has requested your presence. You'll have to ask him why."
"Alright, but may I at least let my employers know where I am going?" Seeing no way to refuse the men, and not sure if he would see her again, Daniel was hoping to see Regina one last time.
"No need to worry about that, they've already been informed. Let's go."
The soldier motioned for Daniel to follow as he exited the stable. Seeing no alternative, Daniel reluctantly followed. What could he have possibly done to come under the notice of the king?
Daniel entered the hall accompanied by the soldiers still full of trepidation. His companions had refused to tell him anything, though whether that was due to ignorance or orders he could not be sure. Daniel had no difficulty in identifying the man now approaching as the king, given his elaborate clothes and crown adorning his head.
"Is this the man?" The king questioned his guards.
"Yes, your majesty," they replied.
"Excellent, you may go now."
The guards left, leaving Daniel alone with the king. He hoped that the exit of the guards was a good sign.
"Daniel, I find myself greatly indebted to you. You have saved the life of my most precious daughter, Snow."
"The girl on the horse - Snow – she is your daughter, sir?"
"Yes. I would like to somehow attempt to repay the debt I owe you. Tell me, Daniel, is there anything you desire?"
"Your majesty, thank you for your gratitude, but I only did what anyone would do. I am happy to have been of service to you and your daughter. I already have the most wonderful thing a man could ask for, and that is the love of a most wonderful woman. I cannot ask for more."
"And yet, I will not be denied the pleasure of being of service to you. You say that you love somebody. Are you to be married?"
"Well, that is certainly what we both wish, but Regina does not think that her mother will approve of me. I know that I can make her happy, but Regina and her mother do not agree on what one's happiness depends on."
"Well, perhaps I can be of some use in the situation. Daniel, I will help you gain the consent of your beloved's mother to marry her, if you agree to spend some time every year here at my palace. Young Snow has quite taken to you and I hope will enjoy your company. And I hope that she will take a shine to your Regina as well. Snow could use a woman's influence in her life."
"I would be happy to do so, your majesty."
"Wonderful. Here's what I have in mind."