Chapter 3

Daniel and Snow returned much to the relief of everyone in the camp. Leopold was the first one to gather Snow in his arms. He bent down trying to check for any injuries.

"Snow, are you alright?" he asked.

"I'm fine father," Snow answered. "We're okay."

Leopold looked up at his son. Daniel only nodded his head confirming Snow's story. He took Daniel to the side. "You saved her. Thank you."

"Actually, a woman saved her. She did it out of the kindness of her heart," he said.

"Who was this woman?" Leopold asked.

"Regina," Snow piped up. She walked over to them. "Father, she is the most beautiful woman in the world. She was very kind to me." Leopold looked down and smiled at her. An idea clicked in his head the minute Snow spoke highly of her.

Daniel could see the wheels turning in his father's head. He didn't know whether it was a good thing or not but decided not to press the issue. He had to focus on Snow.

"Snow, do you think you can ride a horse right now?" Daniel asked softly.

She shook her head no. "Can I ride in the carriage for now?"

"Of course sister," Daniel answered and guided her to the carriage.

Leopold called one of the guards. "Find me everything you can on this Regina and do it quickly," he instructed. His eyes fell on Snow. He may have found a mother for his daughter after all.

The rest of the journey went rather smoothly. Snow rested on Daniel's shoulder. "Danny, what do you think about Regina?"

"Um, she seemed nice. I think she is a very selfless person," he responded. Snow nodded in agreement. They remained silent for the rest of the trip.

A majestic castle came into Daniel's field of vision. He glanced at Snow who had fallen asleep. "Snow, wake up," he whispered. He nudged her gently. She stirred a bit before opening her eyes.

"We're here," Daniel explained. Snow crossed over him to see the castle.

"It's beautiful Daniel," she said. Daniel just smiled at how everything seemed to bring a smile to her face. Her innocence was refreshing to see.

The carriage pulled up to the castle. They got out and waited for Leopold. Daniel noticed the king along with his guards descend the steps. The king appeared to be Daniel's height and had the brightest green eyes he had ever seen. There was a haunting look about him.

"King Leopold, welcome to our home," the man greeted.

"King Thomas, thank you for the warm welcome," Leopold respond. The men shook hands before Thomas turned his attention to Daniel and Snow. "These are my children."

Thomas politely kissed the back of Snow's hand and she subsequently curtsied. He then stood in front of Daniel. He held out his hand for Daniel to shake. Daniel did but felt an overwhelming uneasiness as Thomas seemed to be scrutinizing him.

"A fine young man you have Leopold," he stated as he looked over to his left. "A fine young man." Thomas let go of Daniel's hand and proceeded to have the guards escort them into the castle.

As Daniel walked through the courtyard he noticed a shadow hiding behind one of the pillars. He narrowed his eyes and looked in the shadow's direction for any other hint of movement but nothing moved.

"Daniel…come on," Snow whispered pulling him by the end of his sleeve. Daniel looked up to see the two kings a few feet ahead of him. Daniel moved forward and put whatever he saw out of his mind.

Later that evening, Daniel walked into the ballroom behind his father feeling all eyes trained on him. He sat at the guest table in front of everybody and watched as Thomas' court presented them gifts. Daniel glanced over at Snow who was enjoying the show immensely. He caught her eye and winked at her. She giggled and turned her attention back to the crowd in front of her.

Daniel noticed the king stand up and so did the people. He stood as well wondering what he was about to see.

"If it would please King Leopold, I would like to present the precious gift of all…my daughter, Alexandra," he announced. Leopold gave a quick nod and Thomas ordered the guards to open the double doors.

Alexandra walked in her eyes focused on the people standing in front of her. Her green eyes traveled to Daniel and locked with his brown eyes. She gave a quick courtesy before walking the rest of the way.

Daniel took her in. Blonde hair, green eyes, petite. She was beautiful but he thought even her beauty didn't compare to Regina's.

"Your majesties," Alexandra greeted. "I am honored to be in your presence."

"The honor is ours," Leopold said.

Thomas signaled for the music to start. "Now a dance with our visiting prince and the princess Alexandra."

Daniel suppressed a sigh. He didn't want to be made a spectacle but did his duty nonetheless. He approached and bowed out of respect. She curtsied once more before they started gliding across the dance floor.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Alexandra said.

"Likewise. You may call me Daniel," he responded.

"Daniel," she repeated. "I was wondering how you looked up close and personal."

He creased his eyebrows in confusion until he remembered the shadowy figure in the courtyard. "That was you."

"Indeed. I had to see what my future husband looked like," she said. Daniel didn't respond and she tilted her head.

"My father hasn't informed you of the plans then," she realized.

"No," he said his voice on edge.

"Don't worry Daniel. My father doesn't bite," she said. "I'm sure in due time our families will get along perfectly."

Daniel plastered a fake smile. Somehow he knew trouble was brewing.