The closer they got to the coronation, the more nervous Snow became. When the day came, her stomach was in knots, and she felt her knees trembling. She couldn't get it into her head that she was going to be queen. She'd known all her life that she eventually would be, but now that the time was here, it felt unreal.

She wondered how her father had been on his own coronation day. He probably had been strong and willing to take on such a responsibility. She wished with all her heart that she had known him better. This day would certainly have been easier with her parents there to guide her.

She sat as one of her ladies, Eliza, arranged her hair.

"Are you sure you want it so simple? Perhaps I could do some kind of bun." Eliza asked.

"With that big crown on my head, the last thing I need is an elaborate style," Snow said.

Eliza finished, and let Snow look at herself in the mirror. The top half was gathered in a braid, and the rest fell in curls.

She nodded her approval, and Eliza secured it with a few more pins before moving aside. Her dress was brought out, and Eliza and Anna held it so that Snow could step into it.

She wasn't accustomed to being dressed like this, and felt uncomfortable. At Rosenshire, she dressed herself when she was old enough to. She hoped that it wouldn't be like this every day. She didn't like being waited on so much.

When she was ready, she dismissed everyone except Anna.

"You've been with me from the very beginning, Anna. I just want you to know that I appreciate everything you have ever done for me." Her eyes grew misty. "I don't know if I would have made it this far without you."

The servant took her hands. "My lady, I have every confidence that you will do fine. You are stronger than you think you are. You are the daughter of King Leopold and Eva. Their strength and wisdom passed onto you, I am sure of it."

"I wish they were still here to teach it to me. I feel so inadequate. . ."

"You will do well, my lady."

Without a word, Snow embraced her. "Thank you, Anna." The servant was surprised, but returned the gesture. She had grown to care about her mistress over the years, and wanted nothing more than for her to succeed.

Straightening, Snow smiled. "I suppose it's time." She stood in front of the mirror as Anna made last adjustments to her hair and dress. The dress she wore was white with silver sequins and jewels sewn in. The top had straps and hugged her waist snuggly, and the bottom flowed gracefully outward. It reminded her of a wedding dress.

When Anna finished, she stepped aside and escorted Snow to the ceremonial hall.

As soon as the doors opened, Snow felt her knees grow weak. Hundreds of faces that she didn't know turned to see her, and everyone rose. Someone announced her name as she stepped forward. She walked down the length of the large room by herself, hearing her footsteps echo in the quiet room. It was through sheer willpower that she kept going until she knelt before Blue. For the ceremony, she was human size, and refrained from using her wings. She wasn't wearing the traditional fairy garb, either. Instead, she was wearing a simple light blue roble-like dress.

Snow had met her a few times since she had arrived, but was still amazed every time she saw her. Growing up, she knew that fairies existed, but seeing them in the flesh was different entirely.

Although Blue was addressing everyone , Snow didn't hear a word she was saying.

A red cape was placed on her back, a scepter in her right hand, and lastly, the crown was lowered on her head.

Snow felt the weight of it. How much heavier would be the task ahead?

ooOoo

The feast would take place six hours after the ceremony, and during those six hours, Snow tried to remain calm. It still didn't feel real. Surely, she would wake up in Rosenshire Castle, and realize it was just a dream. But which was preferable? Being locked away from the world, but having no care, or ruling an entire kingdom, and be expected to make things right?

Snow knew the answer. She didn't have to even think about it. In Rosenshire, she had no purpose. She was alone, and contributing to absolutely nothing. Here, although she was terrified of being the sovereign, she had the opportunity to finally do something of use. She had a chance to right all the wrongs that her uncle had done. No matter how difficult the next few years would be, it would be selfish to leave now.

This was her kingdom. Her kingdom. Her responsibility.

She vowed that if it was the last thing she did, she would restore it to its former glory.

A few hours before the feast, she sent for James. She needed to distract herself from her thoughts.

"I didn't see you there," she said when he arrived.

"I suppose it would have been difficult to see me in that large crowd," he said.

"How did I do?"

"You were perfect," he said, smiling.

Snow's heart skipped a beat and she turned around before he could see her blush. "I was so nervous. I thought I would fall walking down that room; my knees felt so weak," she said before she thought the better of it. It probably wasn't a good idea to tell him how terrified she was.

"I'd be more concerned if you weren't scared, Snow," he said, surprising her.

When she looked at him in question, he continued.

"This task you have before you. . . it's not something to be taken lightly. You hold the entire kingdom in your hands. You have the power now to do so much good, but you also have the power to let it fall. Snow, if you weren't taking this ascension the way that you are now, I would fear for the welfare of your people. Being daunted by this new journey shows that it is important to you. Does any of this make sense?"

"It does," she nodded. She folded her hands in her lap and looked at him. "May I ask you something?"

"Anything in the world."

"Why do you live here, instead of in The Glades with your father?"

She could tell she struck a raw nerve with that question, and immediately regretted it.

"I'm sorry, James, you don't have to answer that," she said quickly.

"I told you that you could ask me anything—"

"We all have secrets, James. Things we don't want others to know, or don't feel comfortable talking about. You don't owe me anything," she assured him. She didn't want to pressure him into spilling his entire private life on her.

James looked relieved. "Thank you, Snow." He raked a hand through his hair. "It really is a long story, and I'm not sure how much of it I can tell." He laughed softly. "I guess I better be careful next time I say 'anything in the world'".

She smiled slightly and looked at her hands. Now that she had seen him for the past few weeks, Snow felt that their friendship had deepened. She was comfortable enough to tell him nearly anything, and he had enough confidence to tell her what he really thought.

Beyond that, she felt that he sincerely cared, unlike so many others with whom she felt only wanted something from her. She hadn't officially had a council meeting yet, but she had met all the members. She wasn't sure about them; most of them were loyal to her uncle, and she wasn't sure if she could trust them.

James stayed for a few hours before he had to leave so Snow could prepare yet again for the feast.

It didn't take as long this time, thankfully.

When the feast began, she stood at her throne in front of the royal court and guests. "I'd like to thank you all for honoring me with your presence. It is my hope that I can be the leader that my father once was, and that I can earn your trust and love. I also ask that as you have faithfully served those that have gone before me, you would do the same for me."

She took a breath. "I know some may doubt my capability to rule because of my youth, but I promise you all now, that I will do everything in my power to make his land what it used to be." She bowed her head. "Thank you."

When she sat down, servants began bringing the food, and the music started. Snow tried to sit as tall as she could, but the throne seemed to engulf her. Her chief advisor, Lord Hugh, sat at her right hand, but the seat on the left was empty.

She wasn't sure if she trusted Lord Hugh. It was said that he had a hand in the kingdom's downfall, and any man who had a part to play in that could not be trusted. Moreover, he treated her like a child. In the short time she had been here, she had only asked his advice once. The rest of the time, he had given it to her without her asking. He had been fiercely opposed to cutting the cost of the feast, and was still angry that she hadn't followed his advice.

"It seems all the spending wasn't necessary, Lord Hugh. Our guests seem to be happy enough," she said to her advisor.

"If your subjects think that they aren't worth spending money on, they won't be happy." He was still frustrated with her, and didn't try to hide it.

Snow didn't say anything. Sometimes she decided it was best to let things go; not everything was worth the trouble of making a big deal of it.

A table was brought before her laden with various trays and delicacies.

She watched as a servant began setting her a plate, then the royal food taster came to test her food. She didn't like feeling pampered like this, but that was the way things were.

James was sitting at one of the tables closest to her, the ones reserved for the honored guests. Since he was basically the only one she knew, she wanted to invite him to sit next to her, but she didn't want anyone to get the wrong idea.

After she was done eating, various lords and ladies came to present themselves to her. She lost count of them and what their names were, but she tried her best to remember their faces at least.

She saw two girls flirting with James. They were both standing on either side of him; one was leaning against the table, and the other had a hand on his shoulder. They were both laughing, trying to get him to flirt back. He looked uncomfortable, and offered them nothing more than cordiality.

An older, regal looking woman called the two girls, and all three came forth. The caller announced them as Lady Tremaine of Serilia, and her two daughters Anastasia and Drizella.

All three bowed. "Your majesty, it is an honor to see you in the flesh."

"The honor is all mine, Lady Tremaine, especially since you traveled all the way from Serilia."

"Yes, of course. May I present my daughters to you?"

Both girls were pretty, and near her age. Anastasia was lovely in her pink dress and red hair, and Drizella looked stunning with her black hair and green dress.

"I am pleased to meet you, ladies."

Anastasia started giggling her thanks, but after a sharp look from her mother, she grew serious.

After what seemed like hours, the introductions were over, and the musicians played a song that was her cue to start the dancing. Lord Hugh took her hand, and they both stood and made their way to the dance floor, leading the dance. Others began joining soon, until the whole floor was covered in swirling figures.

When the next song played, another lord whose name she didn't recall requested a dance.

"I notice this feast is much less grand than the ones King Ivan used to host."

Not that again. "My uncle made it a habit to spend more than necessary. While I do agree that this day is important, it is only one day. To spend so much on one feast is careless."

"Do you not think it careless to offend people who have come to share this moment with you?"

She thought carefully before she spoke. She didn't want to risk offending anyone, especially not her first day as queen. "Tomorrow morning, sir, you and I will wake up in our homes to another full meal, while the rest of the kingdom is starving. In order to make this land prosper again, I have to think about the needs of everyone, not just the court."

"Well said, your Majesty."

She danced with two others before James finally asked her. "I've come to rescue you from the vultures," he said lightly.

"What makes you think I need saving?" she teased. "Do I have the look of a damsel in distress?"

"Perhaps not, but I still wanted a reason to dance with the fairest of them all."

"How charming of you to say," Snow laughed.

He laughed as well, and looked around. "What did you think of everyone?"

"Well, I barely remember their names, but I will in time. I suppose they were all friendly."

"And Lady Tremaine?"

Snow cocked her head in curiosity. "Do you know her?"

"Before I came here, she came to my father's court often, and practically threw her daughters on me."

"You don't think highly of her," she noted.

"She is an opportunist, and would do anything to elevate her status."

"I got that vibe," Snow agreed.

"I feel sorry for her daughters though. Lady Tremaine has tried marrying them to several people, but because of her reputation, no one ever agrees."

"Does she have any other children?"

"She has a step daughter, but she is insane, so she can't leave the house."

"Well, I must admit it speaks highly of Lady Tremaine that she is kind enough to keep an insane step daughter in her own home rather than send her off on the streets."

"You always see the good in everyone," James said.

"I guess one has to in my position."

"Snow," he began, "I know we haven't known each other very long. Well, we knew each other as children, but I think we can both agree that it's not the same. I just want you to know that in these past few weeks, I have come to respect you and admire you more than I thought possible. I know it sounds crazy, but I feel like I've known you my whole life, like we never lost contact at all."

Snow smiled softly, moved by his words.

"I have faith in you. Your heart is so pure and kind. And before too long, your people will see it too, and they will love you for it."

"I'm afraid you have more faith in me than I have in myself," Snow said almost sadly. "I hope and pray that you are right, but I still feel so unfit for this task." She smiled at him warmly. "But I'm glad I have you on my side."

ooOoo

A servant girl stood in the corner, unnoticed by everyone. Everyone, that is, but Snow White. For a moment, she was certain she was caught when Snow smiled at her, but the foolish girl must not have recognized her.

Stupid, stupid girl. She had no right to be on the throne. She was a constant reminder of her own failures, and the failures of her mother. It wasn't fair. Why should this child be on the throne? What experience in leading did she have? None.

Her only claim to the throne was through her parents, but they were long dead.

She watched as the fool queen danced with King George's son. The way they were talking and smiling made her grimace.

She felt a tug of sympathy, as she remembered that Snow wasn't her real enemy. She was just a pawn in the way. But pawns were disposable. She couldn't let sympathy get in the way. She had to be strong like her mother had been. Stronger, even.

Don't worry, mother, I will finish your work, Regina silently promised her mother.

With a scoff, she left the room. When she was out of the castle, she shape shifted back into her own form, and disappeared into the night.