Take Back the Kingdom

DISCLAIMER: Sadly, I do not own Once Upon a Time or any of its fabulous characters. All recognizable players, dialogue, and/or magic spells belong to ABC and Disney.

Battle, Balls, and Bad News

...

Snow cried out in pain. She twisted and struggled, dodging this way and that to escape the flames. Her eyes stung in agony at the heat of the unnatural fire. Her muscles were as tense as an animal being stalked and racked with the pain of being unable to flee. She couldn't get a breath in all of the smoke.

She missed Charming so much. If only he were here, helping her get through all of this.

Snow burst into tears at the thought of her husband. She hated every second of sleep because it reminded her of what she had lost, and she grieved even more. She clutched the blanket to her chest in tightened fists and wept inconsolably.

"Snow?"

It was a familiar voice, but it was not Charming, it sounded female. "Snow, are you alright?"

Regardless of who it was, the voice pulled her out of the fire room just in time. She left the room and was finally able to pull a ragged breath that did not fill her lungs enough. She was lying on her cot, the blanket tangled completely around her because of all the thrashing she had done. The nightmares did not stop, every time she closed her eyes to sleep, they never stopped.

Snow tried to sit up. "Red?—," she managed to choke out. Her eyes were still half-closed, "Red help me!"

Someone grabbed her shoulders and began shaking hard. "Wake up! You're still asleep. Open your eyes Snow, wake up."

Snow blinked hard after she finally managed to push open her heavy eyelids. She gasped, trying to catch her breath, but she had finally stopped crying.

Her best friend Red was kneeling on the ground beside her cot and gripping her shoulders. "What happened?"

Snow ran her fingers back into her sweaty hair as she tried to sit up.

"Are you hurt? Are you sick? What can I do?" Red's face was a picture of concern as she steadied Snow White.

Snow struggled against Red's strong grip. Gradually, the tent came into view and she remembered where she was at. "It's the dream again Red. The fire and the room with the blood-red curtains and with no escape." She was in her command tent, lying in her cot where she had fallen exhausted after riding and battling all day. Snow shuddered hard. "I can't even close my eyes to sleep anymore."

"Snow," Red said in a concerned voice, "what happened in there?"

As she felt her face fill itself with red, Snow wished for Charming, yet again. How could anyone but him comfort her at a time like this? When she was most vulnerable. Still, her best friend was always a good listener.

"The flames are getting bigger, the room more elaborate"—Snow shivered hard—"I could not even move without being burned."

Red looked worried. She eased herself up and joined Snow sitting on the cot. "This has been happening ever since…" she cut off her own words then looked regretful about what she had said.

"Since Charming was kidnapped. You can say it Red."

Red sighed sadly and was about to answer when a dark form slipped into the tent. "What's going on?" It was Ariel's voice. The mermaid set a lantern onto the map table and the light suddenly made everything in the tent seem blindly bright. "Snow, I heard you screaming."

Snow felt her face go another shade of red. She had hoped she had not woken anyone else up with her nightmare screams and, right now, she really did not feel like explaining to anyone else about what she was going through. She wished Ariel had not heard her. In the sudden brightness of the room, she felt her resolve crumbling.

"It's nothing Ariel," Snow quickly said. "Go back to sleep."

Concern creased her young features as Ariel pressed her lips tightly together, looking very unconvinced. "You were calling out for Charming and screaming for help Snow."

Snow felt her face blush even further. "I know." She clutched the blanket to her chest. "I guess…I guess I just miss him…and with all that's going on…I know."

Ariel tilted her head, wrinkling her forehead, unsure what to make of all of this. Snow sighed and pushed her stringy, sweat-stained hair back again. Red reached out and began to stroke Snow's shoulder comfortingly.

Ariel came over and crouched beside the bed as Red had done. "Do you want me to stay?" she asked softly, "guard the door so you feel safer?" She reached up and gently touched the side of Snow's cheek, brushing away a tear as the princess had once done for the mermaid when she was on the verge of death.

"No, I'm alright." Snow managed a small brave smile down at the mermaid in the dim light. "Thank you for the offer though. You should get some sleep."

Red added, "And I think it best that we keep this between only us Ariel."

Snow nodded gratefully. "Yes, please. I…I don't want anyone else to know."

Ariel settled back on her haunches, keeping her hand on Snow's arm. As the teenager nodded shyly up at her, Snow realized that the mermaid was wrapped in a blanket and it looked like she was not wearing anything underneath. That was strange. Snow had not heard of any river expeditions being sent out.

Frowning, Snow gestured. "Ariel, did you go for a swim?"

Ariel glanced down and then quickly wrapped the blanket more firmly around, closing off the view of her body. "No! I mean,…not exactly…we were just…um…"

Snow did not miss the 'we'. "Ariel, is Eric with you in your tent?"

The mermaid shot to her feet, her face going as red as her hair. "Snow, it's late and you need to rest. Humans need a lot of sleep. Good night!" She beat a hasty retreat, her blanket cover flapping around her bare ankles as she left.

Snow smiled as she watched Ariel leave. She felt a sense of nostalgia for times gone by, when she was younger and full of life, as much as the mermaid seemed to be now.

Red shared her sentiments. "Ah, teenagers," she sighed, shaking her head from side to side.

"Yeah." Snow felt her smile fade as her doubts and fears crept slowly back in. A small part of her felt ashamed at how she had acted, showing her weakness in hard times as these. As she untangled the blanket from around her, she winced as she only then began to realize that she was hurt. She rolled up the sleeve of her nightshirt and flinched as she touched the burnt skin. Her forearms throbbed and felt as if they were still on fire.

Red was already moving. She fetched some aum cream from Snow's portable pantry of healing supplies. "Here," she said as she unscrewed the lid. "Hold still."

While Red worked, Snow rubbed at her eyes against the darkness. She was beyond aching now. The dull throbbing in her arms would probably not stop for a while. "Thank you Red."

She watched her friend apply the medicine for a while. Another night, all alone. Snow White was not usually once to indulge in self-pity, so many were worse off than she was and she was strong enough to take the ache. But that didn't make the feelings of loneliness hurt any less.

Just as Red finished, there came a tap on the tent flap. Snow frowned, tugging at the end of her sleeve to cover up the burns on her arms, making sure she hid her injuries. Who could be calling at this late hour? Did she wake someone else?

Sleepy, one of Grumpy's dwarf brethren, ducked under the tent flap as he stepped into the doorway. "Your Highness, if you are able, the fairy scouts are back and need to speak with you."

Red turned a hot glare to the dwarf. "In a minute." She clearly did not like the idea of anyone else seeing Snow like this.

As soon as he left, Snow got up. She quickly stripped off her dressing gown and pulled out some drawers in the small chest occupying the space under her cot, looking for what she needed. She found her dark green pants and her old bandit cloak. She buttoned up a shirt and tucked it into her wide belt. As soon as she was done, she stalked out of the tent with a purpose.

Red followed Snow out and closed the tent flap behind. Ariel was waiting for them, squatting next to one of the tent posts, still only wrapped in a blanket.

The teenager shot to her feet. "What's the news?"

"Ariel! I thought I told you to go back to your tent," Snow said firmly.

The mermaid folded her skinny arms across her chest and glared up at the princess. "No, you told me to get some sleep, not to leave. And anyway, I had no intention of leaving you unguarded at a time like this." She pointed to the ground against the tent. "I was going to take a nap here and stay close in case you had another nightmare."

Red nodded in satisfaction but Snow was a little taken back, she had not anticipated this. She turned to her best friend. "I'd better go see what the news from the Blue Fairy is. If it's this late at night, it cannot be good."

Instead reporting to the command tent, the Blue Fairy herself descended from just around the tent where she had been waiting until she heard her name. Small, but dazzling with magic and reason, she was an invaluable ally in this time of rebellion, especially since her high rank allotted many other fairies to their cause.

She summoned herself to her full form. "Your Highness, a column of relief troops are headed to the enemy encampment."

"How many?"

"At least three score. They are following the narrow path through the plains, only six men abreast so we have been able to track their route for some time now. Just now, they are doubling the pace and will intercept the main standing army by morning."

Snow rubbed her forehead as she thought. Red looked in a fearful mood and Ariel hugged her blanket covering tighter.

Finally, Snow spoke again. "Thank you Blue. You've been more than helpful, but I need to ask something else of you and your fairies tonight."

"Name it."

Snow's brow tightened. "Please gather your best fliers and tell them to bring the Sleeping Dust and Disappearing Dust that they used on the raid of King George's castle."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Blue nodded and summoned herself to the sky.

Snow touched her best friend's arm. "Red, would you please go get Lancelot? I'm going to need a good horseman. Tell him to bring a cloak, it's a cold night."

"Horses? Where will you go?"

"Tell him to meet me at the stables."

"The stables? Snow, why do you want to go there? What's this about?" The mermaid was now demanding answers.

Snow sighed. Red was eyeing her suspiciously and Ariel had stepped firmly in front of her, blocking off any chance of a hasty escape. She would have to explain it to them.

"I'm going for a ride."

Ariel clutched her blanket wrap tighter. "A ride? Snow, where are you going?"

"I'm going to engage the enemy."

Both Red and Ariel lifted their eyebrows.

The mermaid's surprise soon turned into anguish. "Snow, no offense, but that sounds like the worst idea in the world. It's the middle of the night!"

"I know. That's why they will not be suspecting it. Don't worry about me, I plan to make it quick and strike on their outer forces, where they will not be too thick with soldiers."

"Then I am coming with you," Red now spoke up.

Snow turned. "Red, this will be dangerous, and it needs to be fast." She lowered her voice. "You're not very good on a horse."

Red unhooked the fastening of her hood. "Who said anything about riding a horse?"

Before Snow could give another protest, Red tossed her red hood into the dark interior of Snow's tent. Then she turned again towards Snow, her expression expectant as she tilted her head.

Snow could not find it in her to refuse her friend. Then she had a thought. "Red, if you think you are up to the task, there is something else that I would like to do as well."

Snow glanced at Ariel, begging her indulgence as she leaned forward and whispered something in Red's ear. The wolf woman nodded her understanding, and then started away. Snow prepared to take off in an opposite direction.

"Wait!" Ariel trotted to keep up. "I'm coming too!"

"Ariel, you hate horses."

Her expression vexed, the mermaid put a hand on her hip. "I can help! That's why I'm here."

Snow remembered the story Ariel had told her, about the Queen's carriage nearly running her down. She knew the mermaid was terrified of horses. "Ariel, there is no need. Please…stay here." Then she remembered something else. "And for gods' sake, put some clothes on! I don't want you getting into any more trouble."

Ariel's blanket covering swayed as she shifted her weight. Her chin lifted with indignation. "I don't 'go into trouble', trouble usually just finds me!"

Against all odds, Snow chuckled silently. Then she thought of something. "Ariel, there is something else you can do." She laid a hand on the teenager's shoulder. "Scout the sea bay. Make sure we will not be taken from behind from forces in the water and report back to me."

A big, satisfied grin came to the teenager. Ariel straightened herself and touched her temple lightly, saluting Snow in a manner that looked slightly crooked. "You can count on me Snow!" Blanket cover flying around her, and with a look of utter determination, she jogged headlong through the camp.

"And be careful not to go too far!" Snow called out as she watched the mermaid leave. Then, before she lost her nerve, she turned around and urged herself onto the trail that would lead her through the camp, towards the stables.

Their army was doing as well as can be expected, considering that they were vastly outnumbered and in desperate times. There were no all-out battles by any means; Snow adamantly insisted on avoiding provoking any full forces because they simply could not handle it. The fights were limited to relatively minor skirmishes, always with the intent of breaking the main armies organization and formation, limiting its vast resources by forcing King George's men to fight in narrow valleys, old growth forest sites, and areas surrounded by water. As the night had fallen on this second day of battle, the fighting had finally ended. For the time being.

They had managed to secure the forest valley they were currently in and draw a section of the King's Army after them, away from major reinforcements, but who knew how long this stall would last. From what the fairy messenger had said, this new patrol could change the better of the war to shift towards the King.

Snow rushed through camp, past soldiers and infantrymen carrying supplies, weapons, and other burdens. She saw dwarves already at the forges repairing the broken or damaged spears, swords, pikes, and rapiers from the previous day's battle. A few fairies flittered around, providing healing magic or simply helping.

The sounds and smells of horses enveloped her as Snow drew nearer to the stables. She swept her eyes over the scene of her camp one last time before entering the dwarf constructed lean-to.

Standing in front of a bay stallion, Lancelot was looking as impressive as ever with his well-cut dark armor, his regal features, and his stoic expression. Since Snow was now the lone commander of the army, she had appointed the knight as second-in-command, due largely to his extensive experience in battle. The decision had not once been regretted; Lancelot proved to be a highly-capable leader and a strong right arm.

His dark eyes glanced up at her footsteps. "Your Highness, good evening," he said with his ever-formal communication and a nod of the head.

"It's actually 'good morning' Lancelot," Snow quipped.

That got a smile from him. "Indeed." His expression sobered. "What are your orders?"

"I am sure you have heard about this new regiment of soldiers from King George coming with supplies, infantry, and new weapons. I don't want that column to reach the army." Snow looked into Lancelot's face intently. "I need you to gather a small riding party and be ready to meet me in the field in an hour."

Lancelot cocked his head. "In the field?"

"Yes, were going to intercept them now at their most vulnerable time. We will be using the cover of night and approach unseen from behind where they will least expect it; then we will have another force approach from the front to scatter the column the only other way they can go, sideways."

Lancelot smiled at the logic and finished her thought. "The column will scatter and they will not be able to reassemble until morning. By then, our army will be hidden again."

"Exactly."

The former Knight of the Round Table nodded. "I'll gather our best riders Your Highness. We'll be ready in one hour."

Snow's face softened as she nodded to her second-in-command. She could always count on Lancelot to look out for her.

Later, Snow pulled her hood of her cloak forward as she and the other riders made their way across the plains. They were going at a heavy canter, the night was as dark as an abyss when they charged towards the enemy column. Only Ariel remained behind. Even after the mermaid pulled on her clothes, Snow had adamantly forbidden her from joining the fight. She was young and, although stronger than most men, not nearly good enough on a horse for this kind of fighting. Red was different; she was faster on all four paws and could be more lethal than any of them. The mermaid was clearly not happy about being left behind but she did not give Snow too much trouble about it.

Snow kept her face forward even though she could not see a thing in the black void of the plain. She knew it was only temporary, her eyes would eventually adjust but for now, all she could focus on were the shadowy figures of the enemy column. Her horse was straining underneath her; she could feel his wet hot muscles rhythmically bunching up and down until they eased smoothly into a flowing gallop. The night wind blew cold onto her face. Somewhere closer to the ground she could faintly hear the padding of paws as Red kept pace with her horse. Even though she would have preferred Charming to be here, fighting alongside her, she was very glad her best friend was here.

They came upon the first column of men a lot sooner than she thought. The riders behind her gave themselves into the battle with unhindered fury. Snow drew her sword, saw the blade flash in front of her as if taking on a life of its own, and drove her weapon downward to parry an enemy soldier's sword before he had a chance to cut her.

"For the Kingdom!" she yelled out her emotions and then added a personal message silently to herself, "and for Charming!"

They raced across the plains and poured over the soldiers in the column, again and again. No one bothered to be particularly brutal; their attack depended on speed and precision to confuse the enemy and get them to panic, to scatter. "Out of the way! Get out of the way!" Snow took up the chant and her soldiers joined her.

One time, one of the foot soldiers caught her sword deftly with his pike and he yanked her weapon away. She nearly lost her balance, but managed to stay on the horse. He was so close to her she could smell the stink of the man. He wore an evil grin as he started to swing his weapon into her. A dark furry shade, blacker than the night, leapt on top of the man and shoved him away. A second later, Red stood up on two legs next to Snow's horse and handed the princess' sword back up.

"Thank you." Snow smiled heartily as she accepted her weapon.

Red returned the grin before spinning on her heels, changing in mid-turn, and bounding away on all fours.

Snow turned back to the attack. Her men were engaged in breaking though King George's soldiers trying to surround their smaller group. Others, the fairies, came at the enemy from above, dowsing them with fairy dust and making them drop with sleep right there in the thick of battle.

Snow saw Lancelot not far from where she was at. He was off his horse, among the fighting, just standing there staring across the battle to a man seated atop a white stallion. The man was a commander, judging by his colored cloak, and had shining armor with the emblem of King George on it.

"Gawain," Snow heard Lancelot say to himself.

Lancelot stared across the area, past the fighters and their horses, at the man with a look of contempt. His eyes were locked and Snow was sure that he did not even see the other men engaged in pitch battle. A look of pure hatred crackled in his eyes.

Snow did not like that look on bit, she had feeling that this was something personal for the former knight of the Round Table. But before she could worry further, the mob of King George's soldiers, now fully understanding that their situation was desperate, swarmed out of their column formations. They charged for Snow and her men. She knew right away that there were too many.

It was time. "Now!" she screamed at the top of her lungs.

Snow heard a crack and then a blinding light came from on high. She shielded her eyes as a full dozen fairies came charging down, unleashing their fury. Magic, sparkling and shining like fireworks, came raining down. The air was filled with the smell of heat and fairy dust. In a single instant, the show of light came crashing down and King George's soldiers were spoofed away.

The plain was once again quiet and dark.

The battle seemed to have lasted hours and hours, but when the fairy escort finally flew down and reported to Snow, it had only been ten minutes or so. The other raid on the other side of the column was also a success, the entire line of soldiers were scattering, utterly confused of where to go to engage the attack.

But they would eventually find them. "Lancelot," Snow said, panting to catch her breath. "Led the men back to camp and give Grumpy the orders to move everyone."

The knight looked puzzled, but nodded his head obediently. "Of course, Your Highness," then he could not hold back his question, "where will you be?"

"Don't worry; I'll be right behind you." Snow turned her horse before he could question her further. She trotted away, confident that the knight would see it through.

Snow heard Red calling her. From her tone, Snow knew her friend was not in trouble but had found what they were looking for. When she rounded an upturned wagon of supplies that would never reach King George's army she saw that Red was standing over a husky man on his knees, wearing armor that bore the emblem of King George. The man's jaw looked bruised and a large cut graced his forehead.

Snow swung her leg and slid off her horse with the grace of one who had fought many battles.

"Tell her what she needs to know," Red said to the man when Snow marched up.

"I will not talk!"

In the dark, Snow saw Red crouch down and place her hands on the ground. The man showed one expression of utter bewilderment that flashed instantly to sheer panic when he saw the huge wolf now standing in front of him. The large canines flashed just inches from his face.

"Tell me," Snow said calmly.

"I heard that Prince James came back," he mumbled quickly. "He was in the castle."

Snow leaned forward and grabbed a fistful of the man's chainmail. "What do you mean was?"

The man's eyes shifted from her face to Red's snarling muzzle before he answered. "He left, only a few days ago. He left with Sir Frederick to join the militia at the stronghold of King Midas."

Snow could hardly believe what she was hearing. Frederick? Princess Abigail's fiancé? "Where does this militia go?"

The man hesitated. Red growled loudly and he hurried to speak again, "I don't know! The militia serves under Frederick who is a knight under King Midas. But the orders were to crush your rebellion, so I would assume they left to attack you."

Snow let go and straightened up. This was unexpected.

The man's eyes narrowed as his left hand inched slowly towards the knife on his belt. Before his fingers even touched the hilt, Snow's fist arched upward, landing squarely on the man's injured jaw. He crumpled to the ground, unconscious.

Snow suddenly felt very very tired. She hadn't been sleeping well for days now, but she knew that there was no other choice. She had to keep fighting. She had to hold out at least as long as it took Charming to get back to her.

Red stood up next to her on two legs. Her eyes told the princess that she was sympathetic but her voice had a note of urgency, trying to focus on the here and now. "Snow, we should go. There may be more of the soldiers."

Snow nodded dumbly, not really hearing. She whistled in a signal to bring her horse back over. As the mount ran up, Snow looked around and saw only the empty field. It echoed her empty heart. Where are you Charming? she thought to herself.

With Red in the saddle right behind her, Snow rode back to her army.

As David peered down into the dark gully, Frederick leaned closer. "What do you think?" he whispered, barely moving his lips.

David did not take his eyes off the group of black-armored soldiers they were spying on. "I think there are too many of them."

His companion shifted uncomfortably. "Then thank gods you thought to scout ahead or we might have been over taken."

David nodded and absently rubbed his still sore shoulder. One of their healers had fixed a poultice for him, but the wounds where Goldilocks had stabbed him still caused him grief. Especially when he was anxious about something. Something like the Queen's army. He didn't like what he saw. He didn't like seeing how many men Regina had gathered. He was worried sick now, and tried hard not to let Frederick see it. The two of them, along with an elite force of Frederick's entire militia, had been on the march for a week now. Heading back to Snow's rebel forces at full speed, but this new development was going to drastically hinder their efforts.

Frederick swatted at a bug buzzing around his face. "You know how you always talked about the sheer power of your wife's stepmother's forces? Well, now I believe it."

"King George and the Evil Queen originally formed an alliance to take down our resistance," David reminded him. "Now, Regina has cut off trade with George and it appears they are not fighting as one."

Frederick seemed to find that thought an agreeable one. "If they are not fighting together, they may be easier to conquer. Our forces could stand against the Queen's men."

David nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, we could do that."

The knight shifted. "Then what are we waiting for? The cowards won't move until morning, we can get rid of this threat for your wife."

David cast Frederick a telling look. "These men are fortified with magic. It will take more than what we currently have."

The former shepherd took his role at protecting Snow very seriously. Where her life was concerned, he was perfectly willing to fight first and ask questions later. But having such compulsions now, when they were vastly outnumbered, would solve nothing and only cause them more trouble.

A thousand men, even Frederick's guard, tough as they were, were still not nearly enough if they ran to fight a full force of the Queen's men. David easily recognized the uniforms of black armor and high-crested helmets. Each man seemed to be well-armed with a sword, battle-axe, or short spears assembled on them. Their mail armor glistened in the moonlight.

Having grown up as a commoner and not a royal, David had been taught next to nothing about warfare and battle. When he had been forced into that life, his "father", King George had assigned him to tutors and advisors but it was really Snow White that had taught him about fighting against such odds, and after several months, he had much practical experience of it. "Their army outnumbers our own, and that means we have to outthink them. We need a plan Frederick, something the Evil Queen will not suspect."

Frederick scowled. "Like what?"

David did not answer for a moment. His forehead wrinkled as he thought about their limited options, however incredulous they might have been. Then, a thought occurred to him.

"I've got an idea." He angled himself away, moving slowly and cautiously. "Come with me, I'll explain later."

It all felt so surreal; almost like it could not be happening.

This carriage ride, the gorgeous gown, the glass slippers…at any moment she half expected to wake up back home in her dirty, straw mattress. The beautiful gown would dissolve into her ragged dress, the carriage would fade away, and the dream would be over.

But no…the coach continued to bump over the road on its way to the castle and to the ball. The soft whiny of the horses and the clomping of hooves further confirmed the amazing ride. Ella took a deep breath inhaling the sweet smells of the velvet seats, the crisp night air, and the aroma of adventure. Somehow filling her senses eased her out of the lingering doubt that this was all just a dream. It really was happening! She was going to the third night of the ball just like any other girl! In all of her 19 years of living, nothing like this had ever happened to her.

Ella kept her hands tightly folded in her lap with her fingers on top of her invitation. Tilting her head out of the window she gazed up at the beautiful stars in wonderment. She vaguely wondered if her father and mother were up there watching her in the sky. What would they think of their little girl, all dressed up like a princess and going to a ball? Ella would like to think they'd be proud. Parents were supposed to be proud of their children weren't they? It had been so long since she had had something like a parent, she was not sure.

The horses had broken into a trot once they were out of the village of Venn; their enthusiasm seemed almost contagious. Were they feeling as frisky and light-hearted as Ella did right now? Whatever the reason, they carriage rattled merrily down the lane and then up again to climb the slight ascent to the caste and then through the towering wrought-iron gates onto the smoothed graveled pathway.

The slowing of the carriage wheels broke her train of thought; they were finally nearing the castle. To ease her nerves Ella's gloved hands smoothed out a few non-existent wrinkles on her gown. It felt strange to have her hands inside of these long, delicate silk gloves when for so long they had been exposed to hard scrubbing brushes and scalding dish water.

She took a deep breath to calm her nerves. "I have nothing to be nervous about," she murmured quietly to herself, "I am doing nothing wrong."

But she should not allow herself to forget, she knew that if she stayed longer than midnight she would be caught sneaking home. She was well aware of her stepmother's short temper and low tolerance.

The castle loomed up into the sky on the top of the shallow rise they had just ascended, all lit up with torches just for the occasion. A string of lanterns had been set out to guide guests from the entrance pathway towards the main gates. Ella's heart pounded in her chest as she looked up at the palace, watched the castle flags rippling in the wind, and feeling suddenly very very out of her class. With a sense of forethought, she debated on what she should say if she saw him again. Was he expecting her to act like she had always done? Like a servant? Was she always to forfeit her spirit because of her low station in life? Should she risk opening herself up to this man?

You have a right to be here, as much as anyone else, she reminded herself sternly, pushing back all the fears from before. The carriage drew nearer and nearer to the curved double staircase leading up from the pathway to the grand main entrance. There was already a long line of other coaches but they all seemed empty of occupants; Ella was the last to arrive at the ball.

Gus jumped lightly down from his seat and tapped on the door frame. "You ready?"

Ella took another deep breath. "As ready as I'll ever be." She squared her shoulders and tried to maintain her sense of composure. Or at least, the appearance of it.

The former mouse chuckled as he opened the door and graciously offered her a hand down. "Go on Ella! Go enjoy your night!" he told her.

Ella's heart was pounding as she slowly ascended the polished marble steps. She was late, the ball had been going on for nearly an hour, and it appeared that she was the last one in which made her feel very self-conscious. She looked forward towards the tall, looming entrance gates, uncertain as to what she should do.

She cast a wary eye on the castle guards as she passed them, trying hard to keep her head up and stop her hands from shaking. She could feel their eyes on her as she past slowly and it unnerved her because she knew she really should not be here. She got to the gates a lot sooner than she thought.

Alright, this is it. Now or never.

She handed over the invitation to the guard at the gate. To her relief, he merely inspected it, gave her an acknowledging nod, and stepped aside for her to continue. She had been afraid that he would recognized the "borrowed" piece of stationary or worse, announce her to the room, which would have altered her stepmother to her presence in a second.

When she finally reached the end of the long entrance hallway, she saw that the door to the grand ballroom was shut. Gods! She knew she should have tried to leave earlier, but it had taken so long for her stepfamily to finally leave. Her stepsisters kept complaining about how trashy their dresses looked until finally, the Lady Tremaine threatened to leave without them. That got them moving!

Ella stood there for a few moments wringing her hands as she looked at the door, trying to figure out what to do. Was it appropriate for her to open the door herself? Out of the corner of her eye, she saw one of the palace guards coming towards her. It scared her so much that she stepped back, but all he did was open the door for her.

Ella sighed with utter, complete relief. "Thank you sir," she quickly said with a grateful smile and a small curtsy.

The large gentlemen looked slightly taken back, he was clearly unused to being thanked. But then his face softened into a smile and he motioned with a hand for her to enter.

Once through, Ella stepped into a…was it appropriate to call this a room? It could easily have three stories of floors in it but there was only one. The ceiling was up a good 50 feet in the air, encompassing a huge glass chandelier with enough candles in it to make a bonfire. Ella was greeted with the same melody of orchestra music, sparking lights, and aromas of a scrumptious banquet as the other two nights of the ball. It was all so grand and refined; she just stood there for a moment, taking it all in. The room was immense. The raised platform allotted her a wonderful view of the entire room with its wall-to-wall glass windows, its gilded polished stone columns, and gleaming white marble tiles. Ella marveled at it all, feeling as small as a mouse.

Men in fine, richly colored coats were escorting ladies in elaborate fancy dresses, going about the ball with a calm grace and refinement. It made Ella feel more out of place, what with how nervous she was. She saw a few of the men's eyes glide over her as she passed, giving her looks of approval, and a few of the ladies gave her somewhat unreadable glances, then dismissed her from their minds when they did not recognize her. While her outfit was magnificent, it did not garner too much attention so she did not break her calm countenance when people looked at her. That suited her just fine, she was not vivacious enough to attract attention by herself, she would leave that to the really beauties of the ball. She was, however, the only one wearing glass slippers.

As she continued to walk around, searching the crowd for a familiar face, she saw her. At the front of the line of gentry waiting to be announced stood a lean woman in layered silks and an expensive fox fur-trimmed cape draped over her shoulders.

The Lady Tremaine. Ella's stepmother.

Ella felt her heart instantly leap into her throat at the sight of the Lady Tremaine. How could she forget that her stepmother was attending this very ball! The vile woman had made it a point to forbid Ella from leaving the house this night and now she was right across the hall in full view. Ella forgot to breathe for several heartbeats as she tried desperately to turn away slowly so as not to draw attention.

Too late! Lady Tremaine's brow furrowed as she glanced again at the young woman in the beautiful, light blue gown. Was that Ella? Her expression darkened. She paced forward seeking to confirm the impossible question by closing the distance between them.

Ella saw the movement and felt panic rise up in her system. She could not be discovered! Not here…not now! Not on the last night of the ball!

Ella quickly turned and glanced around, looking desperately for an exit. The only thing was a set of arches leading out into a courtyard but that was clear across the hall just beyond the dance floor. The floor was crowded at the moment, providing ample cover for a hasty retreat; Ella decided to brave it.

Quickly, she walked forward, nearly crashing into a twirling couple; why did so many people have to choose now to dance? Only moments ago she had been enchanted by the dance, now it was only hindering her escape. She finally managed across and dodged left after the arches not slowing her pace. She worked her way towards the wall, and realized with a certain dismay that there was another room behind this one, nearly as large and full of ball attendees. She past the doorway in the left-hand wall of the Great Hall and changed directions again, careening behind a wide column on the lower level of the balcony. Chest heaving, she ducked behind a large garden hedge and waited for the damning sound of footsteps following.

Nothing. Nothing except crickets chirping and the soft night wind moving slowly.

Ella allowed herself a breath of relief. The crisp night air did wonders on her nerves. That was too close! Risking everything to come to this party and she almost got caught by the very woman who made her existence miserable.

Ella sighed and started walking slowly away following the hedges when she spotted light coming from a room situated so that it was in full view of the back patio. This did not seem to be open to guests of the ball since no one else appeared to be in the room. She followed the darkened, shadow-filled hedges and found a…library.

She inhaled quickly at the lovely sight of hundreds of books lined up on shelves. This she envied about royalty.

Meanwhile back inside the palace, Prince Thomas had just about had enough of balls, silly costumes, and throngs of husband huntress foxes of ladies!The only thing worse than being forced to attend this ball, was to be the honoree of the ball because it meant he had to stay and greet the guests! King Christopher, his father, had really outdone himself this time by inviting all the ladies of the kingdom with the hope that his son would find one to his fancy. And all because the old fellow wanted a few grandchildren of his own! Extreme parental meddling if he ever saw it. Thomas felt as if he was drowning in a sea of perfume, court gossip, and shrilly ladies without enough brains to fill a teacup! Honestly, the only reason he was even here was the hopes that he would see her again. It was the only thought that kept him sane through all of this foolishness.

He put on a smile as, one after another, women were brought to him to be presented, like fish in a marketplace. Those that aren't here on their own to sneer and flirt with me are mothers eyeing the goods before sending out their daughters to the hunt. He shuddered hard. I feel like a fox being chased by a pack of hounds.

But after an hour of bowing, acting charming, and hand kissing, Thomas decided he needed a break. He quickly excused himself from the next lady on the list, and made for the sanctuary of the outside gardens. If he could just take a few moments to himself outside, in the open, he could maybe stand this nonsense for a few more hours.

Because he was in such a frustrated mood, Thomas failed to notice the young woman standing next to the very hedge he was planning on ducking behind. They bumped lightly into each other. Prince Thomas had fast reflexes so he caught the stranger up before she could lose her own balance. "I do apologize! Forgive me…," he stammered before he realized he was looking into the most beautiful blue eyes he'd ever seen. Like pools of light summer sky, shinning with the warmth and strength of something majestic.

The young woman he had accosted likewise seemed captivated by him as well, but for a different reason. She blinked, trying to clear her vision, for surely her eyes were deceiving her.

He sighed in relief and smiled. "It's you. I was so afraid you wouldn't come," Thomas, crown prince of the entire kingdom, said to her.

Ella could only stare. "Your…Your Majesty. What are you doing here?"

"Escaping."

Ella furrowed her brow in puzzlement as she stepped towards him. "Escaping? From what?"

"Women," he explained. "A gaggle of women, invited by my father with malice and ill-intent. But now it seems I have found far better company than the palace gentry. And please, I told you yesterday, call me 'Thomas'." He smiled pleasantly at her.

She couldn't help it, she smiled right back. Especially since her stepmother and stepsisters were probably in that gaggle he so clearly disliked. Here she was, off by herself gazing through the glass window at all the books in the library and here he was, the object of their desires, hiding from them!

"If you would follow me, I think we can better avoid being seen if we move further nto the garden." The prince moved aside, smiling as he and Ella stepped from the hedge into a magical garden of luxury unequal to anything Ella had ever since in her entire life.

Ella unconsciously held his hand as she followed the prince through an archway through the far wall of the hedges. The garden beyond was enormous, the hedge walls trimmed with white and red roses, the floor a polished granite, and the metal garden benches trimmed with gold. A wave of a perfume washed over her, telling her that the roses were in bloom despite the cold night. But what caught her attention more than anything was the elaborate stone water fountain that trimmed the hedge wall to her left, unlike anything she had ever seen. It was a marvelous piece of stonework, its subjects cast in a gleaming marble that shone like a beacon in the moonlight. The likeness of a Poseidon, with water spouting from his three-pronged trident, rose above an assembly of various sea creatures ranging from kelpies, water dragons, and…mermaids.

Upon closer inspection, Ella was somewhat disappointed to see that the mermaids all looked rather weak and foolish. Most were wearing vapid smiles, like something Ella's stepsisters would have, and none looked to be capable of much anything. Ella smirked to herself as she thought of Ariel's reaction to how her people were portrayed on the surface world.

"Is something wrong?"

Prince Thomas' question broke her train of thought. "No, I was just thinking about a friend of mine." Ella gestured towards the fountain. "She would be bitterly disappointed in this depiction of sea life."

"Oh? She knows something about the ocean?" Prince Thomas asked Ella.

It took all her years of self-control not to burst out laughing, right then and there. "Something like that, yes." Ella prided herself on her levelheadedness and her ability to shield her emotions when the time came. But this prince, Thomas, made her heart positively want to sing with joy and caused her to fight constantly to keep her happiness in check. He was so open and casual, while she wore her secrets uneasily and held close to her heart.

He took her down the path a little more to a stone bench, still within sight of the ball but not a direct line. She carefully arranged her skirt and sat down. He joined her.

"I had really hoped I had not offended you by not telling you who I was, the first time we met," were the first words that came out of his mouth. "I did not mean to deceive you, truly. I looked for you at the beginning of the ball, but when you did not show up I thought…"

"You looked for me?" Ella asked, feeling an irrational surge of pleasure.

He nodded. "Of course. You're the only one who really talks to me and tells me things that I do not want to hear but should hear." He sighed. "I am an odd prince. On the one hand, I've been raised by Royal Tutors, who are of the opinion that Commoners are no concern to the nobility. That the affairs of neighboring kingdoms are not our worries. On the other hand, I cannot stop thinking about what you said that I need to be aware of my own kingdom. Sometimes, I wonder if I'll even make a good ruler."

This was completely unexpected. A prince doubting himself! Ella took his hand and looked up at him gravely. "Do not doubt yourself. People will say you can't do things your entire life, but that does not mean that you have to listen." She was echoing what Ariel had told her, almost a year ago when they rescued Eric from the dungeons of the Evil Queen. Gods she had gotten so much braver since spending time with that mermaid!

"But you should also remember that your subjects are just as much part of the kingdom as its wealth and resources. Maybe even more so," she added thoughtfully. "A country's character is truly defined by its citizens, 'Commoners' as you call them,"-he looked ashamed but she didn't stop-"and they deserve as much respect as the gentry." She thought of her stepmother. "Maybe even more."

He blinked for a moment, as if taken back by her bold words, then nodded. "Anybody else in this entire kingdom would have been afraid to speak so truthfully." He looked into her eyes again. "Except you."

She didn't know what he could possibly mean by that, and was slightly apprehensive to ask him. It would be presumptuous and it would hint at her true background. Saying something might get her in trouble. As her mind raced, she considered what Gus had said, that the prince seemed to be pleased that she did not speak condescending to him and treat him like royalty. Well, she could certainly sympathize with that, she was very pleased to not be treated like a slave. Ella decided then and there not to play 'damsel'. She finally smiled and said, quite honestly, "You need to open your eyes to what's happening in your kingdom."

By the slight smile that curved the lines of his mouth as he watched the water fountain splash for a while, she could tell that it had been a good answer. She laid a comforting hand on his arm.

She recognized that the prince needed a re-education, that he had his own self-doubts that needed to be conquered. But if there was anything that her stepmother had taught her, it was to not let other people tear you down, to hold your own when the time came.

But as she kept her hand on his arm, Ella suddenly realized that she had never felt like this before about anyone. The prince, Thomas, his smile made the world seem brighter and the day more wonderful. When he touched her hand, and her heart suddenly raced, it seemed so right.

She felt her hands start to tremble, so she clasped them to herself. But he reached out again and took them in his. "Ella", he said gently, as she stiffened in fear. "If…if you would have me…I would like to be more than your friend."

She flinched. "You cannot mean that," she said desperately. "It would never work…I do not fit in with all of this-"she waved over her shoulder towards the ball room. "and I certainly do not fit in with royalty. It is impossible Thomas." She shook her head violently, almost desperate. "Impossible."

The prince did not seem put out at all. "But all of that is going to change. I will see to it. You have inspired something in me Ella, something amazing and wonderful that I will see happen in this kingdom. I see no reason why these changes cannot accommodate you."

Ella felt another surge of unexplainable happiness but then a damning thought came to her. She was not being honest with him; she was still pretending to be something that she was not. Here he was, pouring out his heart to her and she still had not told him who she really was. How could she continue this charade if it would only hurt him? Should she tell him? She never knew her mother so she did not know what advice she would give, but knew what Snow would say, and Ariel for that matter. They would say to take a chance and change her life.

"I won't ask you to make a decision right away Ella," he was saying, oblivious to her internal conflict. "But if you could…let me know if…if there is a chance for me to be in your future for…"

He sounded so nervous, Ella could not stand it any longer. It must be done.

Taking a deep breath to gird her resolve, Ella made herself interrupt him. "Your Majesty…er, Thomas," she corrected herself when she saw that he opened his mouth to correct her, "There is something that I must tell you."

He looked intently at her, waiting for her to speak.

She looked just as closely right back up at him. "It's that…Thomas, I am a…What I mean is that…"

The loud crack of the midnight strike hurt her ears as the clocks hands moved. Ella whipped around, staring at the clock tower in horror. She had to get away from here. She had to run!

She pulled her hands out of his and sprang to her feet all in one movement. "I have to go."

Utinculious, known simply as "Tin" the steadfast soldier by those closest to him, could feel his anger boiling up yet again. More than anything in the world he wanted to kill these men, soldiers in service to the Evil Queen, who had slaughtered and burned village after village in the name of their ruler. But he was helpless, hands bound, one-legged without his crutch, and surrounded by enemies. The men around him ignored him, as they mostly did during long week he had been their prisoner, as they milled around their camp.

The Black Knight General was standing nearby in his gleaming black armor, staring off into the woods as if waiting for some signs that the riders he had sent out earlier were coming back. He left Tin alone, which suited the former soldier just fine.

He barked out a command to a nearby squire, "More wine!" The unfortunate young lad scrambled off.

Only then, did he shift his disgusted gaze down towards where Tin sat, seated on the ground like some invalid. If Tin could have called upon a dragon to descend and burn the entire lot of them, he would not have hesitated.

Instead, he looked steely up at the leader, his face contorted with rage. "How long will you keep me here you animal?" Tin asked.

The other man smirked cruelly and squatted down to talk. "When you have served your purpose little man," he said.

"I have told you all I know and still you do not keep your word to set me free."

"The Queen's men are above such indentures; our mission is sanctioned by the ruler of this realm and therefore you are in her service as well."

Tin said nothing more, but spat in his tormentor's face. The man's face narrowed with rage and for a second, Tin thought that he would end his life, right then and there. But at that very moment, a commotion broke out on the outskirts of the encampment. One of the Queen's horses came thundering through the string of tents, riderless but for an empty suit of black armor lashed to its back, its hooves pounding the earth and neighing loud as a shout. It was clearly part of the group of riders that had been sent out earlier, but now… What had happened to the scouts?

All of the queen's men looked at each other and then back at the horse, completely confused at this.

At the next moment, right when everyone was looking towards the horse and nowhere else, a group of men came quickly over the bend on foot. King Midas' men! Tin wanted to cheer but he knew it would only alert the Queen's men to the danger. The men all had bows drawn and they loosened arrows down upon the soldiers, quickly knocking new ones, and fired again, not missing a single beat as they ran forward. Several soldiers fell under the onslaught.

One of the men—Tin thought he looked familiar—came charging in with his sword drawn. He brought it up to meet another man's assault, their blades meeting each other with a loud clang. For a few moments the men were locked in their lethal dance of blades. Tin saw the new man push the black-armored soldier away, swing his sword in a tight backward arc to cut the throat of another assailant who had snuck up behind him, and then whip back around to meet the next attack of his enemy.

The other man's eyes widened and he backed away quickly, giving David enough time to check on the rest of his friends and engage in yet another sword fight.

In the midst of all the chaos, Utinculious felt his soldier spirit return with a rush. He rolled sideways and tripped one of the Queen's black-armored soldiers with the stump of his leg. As the man went down, he wrestled the long knife away from the other man's belt and in one swift movement, severed the bonds around his hands. Then he hit the man square in the jaw with his big fists. Out for the count.

The soldiers that were still alive started to run off. They were either picked off by more arrows or ran into more men with swords, led by an impressive looking knight in golden colored armor bearing the crest of King Midas. The man carried himself like a good soldier, using his sword with deadly efficiency, blocking strikes and finding his mark, the metal of the weapon a bright blur in the dark forest.

Within moments, the only ones still alive were Tin and the leader and his associates.

"We leave now!" the leader cried out.

They made for a group of horses tied next to the command tent. But Tin was closer. Using all his strength, he managed to lift himself onto his one leg and clamp a muscular arm around the leader's throat. The man had captured him, insulted him, and had broken his promise to set Tin free. It was time for revenge.

The leader was indignant. "Get off me cripple!"

Tin tightened his grip, his rage intensifying at the use of that insult. He was using the leader to keep himself upright, without a cane standing on one leg alone would not have been possible. This caused the both of them to go tumbling forward, right into a rack of lances positioned along the side of the path. The Queen's commander could not stop in time. He fell into one of the sharpened lances, impaling his chest with a sound like a liquid pop, and then hung from it like some kind of deranged puppet.

Tin steadied himself on the rack of pikes. The leader beside him made one last gasp, red liquid dripping out of his mouth down his chest, and then he was completely still.

"Cripple eh?" Tin asked the now-dead man.

Only then, did he turn his attention elsewhere. Another man was approaching him, but Tin was relieved to see him. "Prince James!"

David could not believe his eyes. He had given Tin up for dead, that day in the woods when he had been abducted by the bounty hunter Goldilocks, but now his own eyes corrected that belief. "Utinculious!" he bound forward, sheathing his sword as he went, and clasped the former soldier warmly by the hand. "It is good to see you alive!"

"And you too sire." Tin returned the hearty handshake, keeping his other hand on the pike rake to hold himself upright.

The golden-armored soldier that Tin had seen fighting earlier approached, leading the horse with the empty armor that had been the catalyst of all of this. "They are all gone James," he said. "The Queen's men are no more."

David was not surprised, Frederick's men knew their business. "Keep an eye out just in case."

Frederick nodded and glanced over at Utinculious. His dark brown eyes flicked briefly downward, taking in the sight of the missing leg, before just as quickly readjusting themselves to Tin's face. The former soldier was not surprised; it was a universal response to his handicap for people to stare at his leg stump for a moment.

David stared off into the tree, hoping to catch a glimpse of the sunrise that would signal it was time to move out again. "They were on the road heading east. Where Snow's army is stationed."

"They have an alliance with King George?" Tin asked.

"No, not George," Frederick said. "The Evil Queen has cut off all trade and all connections with him. She stands to gain nothing with sending out her own campaign."

Tin looked from Frederick to David. "Why would she send her troops out then?"

"She is hell-bent on seeing my wife dead," David answered. "Even if it costs hundreds of men's lives, she wants Snow White gone." Then, he felt a little better. "But now we have halted her efforts so Snow will be able to focus on King George's army. And we will provide the much needed reinforcements."

"Prince James, your wife is still in grave danger," Tin said.

"What do you mean?"

Tin stared intently into the shepherd's face. "Because I heard the mongrels discussing another campaign of Queen's troops sent out to crush Snow White's army while she was occupied in fighting George's armies. They plan to come at the rebel's army from behind and annihilate them. They will be at the site within a fortnight."

...

As many of you may have noticed, this chapter is different than the previous version I had. I felt that the story was not going the way that I wanted it so I deleted many things and started some new ideas. Hopefully, it turned out alright...let me know in a review!

Some of the dialogue was inspired by the film "Ever After" and the book "Phoenix and Ashes" a fantastical re-telling of the Cinderella fairytale.