Over the course of the next few weeks, a few changes were made to the kingdom. Since the rebel attack, people were a little more on edge, but not by much since the attack was small and handled well quickly. In fact, after Emmeline took care of it, there hadn't been an attack since. Still, there was a lingering anticipation, and those in the castle had taken precautions to make sure the kingdom remained secure. This, of course, included the formation of a new council when the Duke returned from his castle with several more men who would be used to keep people safe. He'd brought back around ten or twelve of them, all of who were very skilled in the art of combat. Emmeline was also made part of the council, having proven her worth when she took on the rebels single-handedly. So far, Snow was very pleased with the council, and it gave her a sense of safety within her heart.
However, outside the castle, people began to speculate. Since the rebel attack, a rumor arose that Genevieve was planning to come to Tabor with an army of her own, and it sent many people into high alert. When the rumor reached the castle, it caused a bit of panic, even within the Queen herself, but she did everything she could to keep in good spirits. Those closest to her were being much more protective now, and though she was more than used to it, she didn't want to be seen as helpless as she used to be, before Eric taught her to fight. She wanted her people to see her as the confident princess she'd become when she realized that she could defeat Ravenna, even if she didn't know her enemy this time, and she did a pretty good job at convincing this. However, despite this, Eric remained as concerned as ever for her safety. Anyway, everyone tried to go about their daily lives as normal as much as they could.
As these weeks went by, Emmeline managed to settle into her new quarters within the castle, and she stopped feeling so skeptical about being the refugee everyone had known about. When she wasn't taking part in the council meetings, she'd spend a lot of her time exploring the castle or going outside the castle walls and riding Stormwatch to her heart's content, practicing her archery as she did. She'd even set up her own targets in one of the open fields nearby. All in all, Emmeline had become comfortable with her new surroundings.
It was early one afternoon when Emmeline was relaxing in one of the fields next to her beloved steed, carving a design into her bow with a sharpened piece of stone she'd found, when in the distance, she could see a band of people approaching the castle. She stood up and squinted to get a better look. There were about seven of them, and they were much shorter than the average man—dwarves. Emmeline had never seen anyone like them before, and she wasn't sure if she should consider them an enemy group. When they got a little closer, it was clear that they had no weapons drawn, and instead they held what looked like gifts in their hands. If they were there to cause trouble, they certainly didn't show it at all, because they all laughed amongst each other, joking around like a band of brothers. She didn't do anything against them; instead, she rose to her feet and mounted her mare before she began to gallop back to the castle. She had a stable hand hold her horse while she rushed inside, searching for the Queen.
Snow was in the throne room talking with a few of her ladies when Emmeline appeared in the doorway. The Queen's green eyes found the refugee's, and they lit up. "Emmeline," she greeted. "Good morning to you."
"Good morning, m'lady," Emmeline curtsied as she entered the room.
"I take it you were out riding?" Snow guessed, and Emmeline nodded.
"Yes, m'lady," she replied. "I came back because I saw some people coming. There are seven of them, and they seem to be dwarves."
Snow heard dwarves and smiled. She hadn't seen the dwarves since the coronation; they'd all gone back to their homeland to pay their own dues since the land was back to normal. "Have the guards let them in. They are welcome here."
"Yes, m'lady," Emmeline nodded and turned to go back outside.
Eric was making his way inside when Emmeline rushed by and nearly knocked him over. He managed to maintain balance, and he caught the woman before she fell. "You all right?" he asked.
"I'm fine," she gasped, chuckling to herself. "Forgive me, Huntsman."
"Where are you off to in such a rush, anyway?"
"The Queen told me to have the guards allow some dwarves to come into the castle," Emmeline explained.
Eric knew exactly whom she was talking about when she said 'dwarves,' and he wasn't sure whether to smile or grumble. He had no idea if they'd forgiven him for how he mistreated him yet. He went to follow Emmeline out to the castle yard, where the two of them ordered a few guards to allow the dwarves to pass. Sure enough, the group of seven entered in a line, Beith leading them in the front. He instantly caught sight of Eric and chuckled.
"Well," he said. "If it isn't the hedge-pig Huntsman!"
"Nice to see you again, too, Beith," Eric grumbled, but he chuckled nonetheless. "It has been a long time. I'm sure the Queen will be happy to see you all."
"Huh, never thought I'd hear that phrase again," Gort snorted.
"I never thought we'd be happy to see a Queen again," Nion added.
Eric rolled his eyes. He glanced at Emmeline. "Will you escort them to the Queen?" he asked
Emmeline nodded and waved for them to follow her. Nion, Gort, Muir, Duir, Coll, and Quert all followed her without question. However, Beith stayed behind with Eric. He watched Emmeline carefully as she led the others inside, and Beith couldn't help but tilt his head in curiosity.
"Who is she?" he asked, looking back up at Eric.
"A refugee from Crianna," the Huntsman explained, ignoring Beith's suspicion. "She's a member of the Queen's council."
"Crianna, hmm?" Beith echoed the realm's name. "Interesting. How is the Queen?"
"Why don't you ask her? She's inside, you know?"
"I know that," Beith scoffed. "I meant how are the two of you? You've obviously been sticking around here since the coronation. Have you even gone back to your village?"
"Yes," Eric nodded. "As a matter of fact, I have."
"But you returned," the lead dwarf added. "I've seen how you envision her, Huntsman. Muir told us that the spell Ravenna put on her had been lifted with a kiss… And we all saw that William's did not work."
Eric felt his face grow hot. "I think you should go and see the Queen," he changed the subject quickly, turning to head inside. Beith just chuckled and rolled his eyes before following after the Huntsman.
When they got inside, the rest of the dwarves had all seen the Queen, having gifted her with all sorts of gold and precious jewelry, all of which were made by their hands. Snow noticed the two men coming inside, so she stood to greet them. Beith walked up to the Queen, knelt down to one knee, and kissed her outstretched hand.
"Your Majesty," he said.
"Hello, Beith," Snow smiled. "I was hoping you'd come, as well."
"Of course, m'lady," the dark-haired dwarf nodded.
"I have not seen you since the coronation," Snow added, addressing all of them, really. "I trust you have all been well."
"Yes, Majesty," they all said in sync.
"I am very glad to hear it," she chimed. "You are all too kind with these gifts. That reminds me, I made a promise…" She waved over a few servants, each of which held a hefty-sized satchel of gold in either hand. Each satchel was handed to each of the seven dwarves. "I told you that you would all find your weight in gold if you helped us back in the forest, and I did not forget that promise."
One by one, the dwarves took turns kissing the Queen's hand out of gratitude. Eric didn't even try and hold back the smile forming on his face as he watched the Queen and her generosity. Later on, once the commotion died down, Eric explained what had happened while they were gone, from the arrival of Emmeline, to the rising threat that was Genevieve, along with a few other things. The dwarves offered to stay and help protect the Queen, an offer to which Snow, of course, agreed. It was later announced that there would be a banquet in the dwarves' honor, especially since they hadn't been there at the banquet held the night after the coronation. This was the opportunity Snow had to celebrate with all of her allies and friends in attendance now. She arranged for the dwarves to stay in the castle during their time, much to their delight.
The banquet began just as the sun began to set, the star creating an orange glow on the whole kingdom. Music erupted through the entire castle, as well as the laughter of the people in attendance as they talked and danced with one another. Even the dwarves danced, and it caused Snow to recall the night she'd spent at their campsite within Sanctuary, when she shared a dance with Gus, the dwarf that gave up his life and took an arrow for her. She wished he'd lived, for he could still have been there to share the fun. The memory sent a sense of mourning through her, which Eric noticed instantly from beside her.
"Are you all right?" he whispered.
Snow snapped out of her trance and nodded. "Yes," she murmured. "I am. Just thinking, that's all. Remember that night we spent out in Sanctuary?"
"Who could forget, m'lady?" Eric smiled a bit. "Look how far we have come since then."
Snow sighed with her agreement. So much has changed since then. "Indeed," she sighed, taking in the bittersweet thoughts. Although she'd been on the run during that time, it had been the first time she'd felt happy in a very long time. She'd been smiling, she'd been dancing, and she'd been laughing, ignoring all the troubles of the world for once in her life. Plus, the Huntsman had been there—her Huntsman—watching her with his warming gaze as the two shared a few stolen glances at the fireside camp. Yes, indeed, it was a peaceful time during a time of war. She'll never let go of that moment, ever.
It was when something beside her moved and came into her peripheral when she pulled out of her trance once more. She blinked and glanced over to see a hand—Eric's hand—as he stretched out and offered it to her. The corners of his mouth were tugged up into that smile of his she loved so much.
"Shall we dance, my Queen?" he murmured gently.
Snow's red lips curved upward to match his grin, and she gladly took his hand. "Of course, my Huntsman," she giggled. They rose from where they sat, and the crowd burst into a round of applause when they realized that the Queen was joining in. Snow's grin widened at this.
"Hail to the Queen!" came from many different people across the horde, and soon, they began chanting it, like they had done at her coronation. They continued until she and Eric made it to the floor, and then the applause ceased so the music could be heard once again, and then they began to dance, this time with the Queen and the Huntsman joining them. As they danced, their gazes never left one another's, and the smiles on their faces displayed their affection. By now, there was no doubt that Snow was in love with Eric.
They finished the dance, and the crowd applauded the Queen again before they went back and started another dance. Snow didn't go to sit back down, nor did she join in the new dance. Instead, she sauntered out toward the garden, a habit of hers now. She knew that Eric would follow her out there, too. That had been her plan. On his way out of the hall, Eric slipped a few gold pieces to both sets of guards that stood by the exit to the great hall and the exit to the garden, just to be safe. He walked out to the garden to find it empty, except for Snow, who stood waiting for him beneath the weeping willow at the very farthest end of the path. He slowly walked up to her, finding that she was staring up at the moon that was making its way higher into the early night sky. This situation was familiar to him, and a smirk formed on his face when he remembered the other times he'd found her this way. He also watched the moon, taking note of its beauty.
"Thinking again, are we?" Eric asked quietly. He couldn't help but look up at the sky like she was doing.
"Yes," she replied with a sigh. She didn't take her sight off the sky. "You know, when I was locked in the tower, I never got to really see how beautiful the night is. I know I have said this before, but it's still such a beautiful sight."
Eric nodded in agreement. "It is," he said. He smirked again and took his gaze from the starlit sky to look down at his beautiful Queen. "Though still not as beautiful as you, my Queen."
Snow didn't glance at him, but she did smile brightly. Heat flushed to her face as her pulse quickened. Eric saw this and drew himself nearer to her until his torso was nearly touching her back as he stood behind her. He took his hand and started bringing all of her hair to one side, moving it out of the way to expose the skin of her neck and shoulders. As he did this, his finger gently grazed her skin and sent chills down her spine. His lips met her skin at the nape of her neck, and she craned in response. After a few moments she turned to face him and meet his mouth with hers. Soon, the gentleness and care turned quickly into passion and want, and they both became relentless as desire began to pool deep within their bodies. He reached around her to loosen the laces of her gown and corset. She just clung to him, panting and trying to catch her breath, while he worked the fine fabric of her gown, hoisting it up and around her waist to expose her legs. He knelt only slightly, his arms lowering around her. One was kept around her waist, and the other pulled up on her thigh until she was up in his arms, legs wrapped tightly around his waist. Once he had her secure, he lowered her to the ground, pinning her beneath him as he towered above her.
He brought a hand between them and teased the meeting of her thighs, causing her to seethe and gnaw on her lower lip. Her hands gripped his shirt as she moaned loudly. Eric emitted a low growl as he kissed along her neck, biting and sucking as he went. He tried to be careful, not wanting to leave behind obvious evidence on her skin that everyone would see, but still, he was finding it extremely difficult to keep control of himself. He pressed against her as he kissed her, and she could feel how his pants were tightening by the second. She tugged on the fabric she was gripping and hiked it over his head, just before he quickly went back to working her with his mouth. She had nothing to hold onto now, so she tugged on his hair, whimpering as the pleasure sent pressure building in her lower abdomen.
"Eric," she begged through her teeth. "Please."
He leaned back and began to remove his belt as hurriedly as he could. Her hands went to help him, unable to wait any longer. At once, his pants were down, his hard manhood set free, and he went back to kissing her. The second he pressed against her chest, she felt his erection against her thigh, and she gasped and begged him once again. He squared his hips, and with a single roll of his pelvis, he drove into her, sending her body into a convulsion in response to his welcome intrusion. She whimpered again, but not because of the pain. He thrust into her, every one with the same intensity, and each time sent her crying out into the darkness. Their breathing was synchronized after a while, and Snow felt his hot breath on her skin warming her even more than she already was. Her fingers continued to delve through his hair; either that, or she was clawing at his back as he claimed her with every thrust back into her. They kissed again, becoming lost within each other, and after a few more moments, their groins exploded with pleasure, their bodies shuddering as they shouted each other's names to the moon above. As his release overcame him, Eric groaned loudly into her neck, and his thrusts slowed so he could ride this out for as long as possible.
Once the aftershock finished coursing through their veins, they stayed like that for a while, their pelvises still connected as they fought for air. Their hearts raced and were just beginning to come down from the high. After the ecstasy had subsided, they raced to fix their clothes before they headed back inside. Lucky for them, not a single person had noticed that they were gone, because they were all preoccupied in the banquet, laughing and carrying on, except for one person. When Snow slipped back inside and sat down, Greta smirked, for she didn't need to do a lot of thinking to know where she had gone. Eric came into the room a few minutes after, hoping that his delayed entrance wouldn't give away any clues, as opposed to walking in at the same time as the Queen. He and Snow exchanged a few grins as he made his way across the room so he could sit down again. Greta giggled a little, but she didn't say much else. She knew her Queen was happy, and that was all that really mattered at the end of the night.
The next day, Snow found herself strolling through the castle yard with Greta by her side. They exchanged small talk and giggled amongst themselves. The castle gate was open, as guards were entering and exiting on their horses as they either return from or head out for their rounds for security. There were lots of commoners going in and out, as well, most of them carrying goods or produce. It was a clear, beautiful day, as well, so a lot of people were out to enjoy the warm, mid-spring weather, including the Queen herself, as well as her lady-in-waiting. A few of the dwarves were out and about, too, some helping the army men, others just walking around and taking notice of the changes that had come to the kingdom since Ravenna's demise. Muir sat off to the side, out of the way. Snow saw him, smiled, and went over to him. Muir, though blind, turned when he sensed someone was approaching.
"Majesty," he said. He bowed as best he could while sitting, and he reached out for her hand.
"Muir," the Queen smiled, letting him take her hand so he could kiss it. "It's a pleasure to see you."
"I could say the same about you, Majesty," Muir nodded, patting the top of her hand before he let it go.
"We did not speak much yesterday. I hope you have been well."
"I have, Majesty," the blind dwarf replied. "And I can guess that your Majesty has been the same, yes?"
Snow giggled a little. "Of course, of course," she said. She then turned to her lady's maid standing beside her. "Oh, Greta, this is Muir. He was the first to defend me when the Huntsman and I first met the dwarves and almost got killed. Muir, this is my lady's maid and good friend, Greta. She and I met while I was still in Ravenna's tower."
Greta was shocked, but she smiled at Muir. She took his hand gently. "I'm very pleased to meet you, sir."
"And I you, madam," Muir also kissed her hand.
They exchanged small talk together for some time before Snow heard someone shouting—more like cheering—from outside the castle walls. She turned just in time to see Emmeline ride in through the portcullis on her beloved mare, bow equipped in hand as her quiver was slung over her shoulder. Her horse did not have a saddle, only a bridle, and yet, as she rode at a full gallop, Emmeline showed no signs of losing balance at all. She sat confidently astride the animal as the wind blowing against her played with her dark, bouncy curls. Everyone she passed, including the Queen, her lady's maid, and the dwarf accompanying them, could hear her laughter. This had been a recurring thing to hear from her as of late, since she had grown accustomed to castle life through time. She slowed Stormwatch to a trot when she reached the inside of the gate, and at once, she halted and leaped down from her mount before going to brush down the mare.
"Who is that?" Muir's question brought Snow's attention off the woman riding in on the horse. "I hear laughing. Who is it?"
"That is the laughter of Emmeline," Snow explained. "She is a woman from Crianna, from which she had to flee."
Muir nodded. "Ah, yes. She fled from the one they call Genevieve, the evil half-sister of Ravenna."
"Yes," the Queen answered. "That is correct. Emmeline was the one to warn us about Genevieve in the first place, and she is helping us prepare for possible attacks, since she brought down an entire rebel attack single-handedly, armed only with a bow and arrows on horseback."
"Ah, so she is a warrior?" Muir asked. "Much like your Majesty?"
Snow laughed a little. "Oh, come now, Muir. I've never taken down a whole group by myself."
The dwarf chuckled. "And yet, you took down the most powerful Queen in Tabor by yourself."
"I suppose," the Queen shrugged. "Still, Emmeline is a good warrior, and one of the best horsemen I've ever encountered. No, she's better than any horseman I've ever encountered. She's also willing to fight Genevieve, making her one of the bravest people I've met."
"Aye, Majesty," Muir sighed. "Seems to me that your refugee is more than just that. Now, you must tell me, Majesty; has the Huntsman finally seen the light within you?"
Snow was baffled, and a little flustered to hear the dwarf bring up the Huntsman. She hesitated, and when she tried to talk, it turned into a stutter when she spoke. She could feel her face flushing red by the second. Muir didn't need to see to know her reaction, and he took her hand.
"I take that as a yes, your Majesty," he said kindly. "Forgive the intrusion; I was just curious, because he told us he has not left since the coronation."
Snow took a deep breath to collect herself. "Yes," she managed to speak properly. "He has seen it."
The dwarf grinned and patted her hand. "I thought so. That is good. I'm glad to hear it."
"Thank you, Muir," Snow chuckled. She didn't need to glance at Greta to know that the look on her face was smug and almost teasing.
Just then, the Duke rode into the castle on his horse. He slid to a quick halt and immediately dismounting, having one of the grooms take his horse for him, and at once, he began to rush inside. Snow could see how worried his expression had been the entire time. Curious, the Queen quickly told Muir goodbye before she turned to follow the Duke. She found him caught up with William and Eric, whose expressions both now mirrored that of the Duke's she'd seen moments earlier. She approached them with concern and curiosity. Both William and Eric saw her coming and bowed, sending the Duke to realize what was happening and do the same.
"Majesty," Hammond said hesitantly.
"Your Grace," Snow replied. "What's going on here? Is something wrong?"
The three men standing before her exchanged nervous glances with one another, swallowing their pride. Snow just looked at them, waiting for her answer. Whatever it was, it obviously wasn't good.
"Well? What's happened?"
The Duke and his son just looked at the Huntsman, who grumbled and sighed. He looked at the Queen and motioned for her to follow him, which she did. He brought her into an empty room, shutting the door behind them once inside.
Snow was as lost as could be. "Eric, what's happened?" she asked in frustration. "Why did no one answer me at once?"
"M'lady," Eric exhaled deeply. "There have been rumors about Genevieve rising an army against you…"
"I know this, Eric," Snow nodded. "That is why we created the council, yes?"
"Yes, m'lady, but something has come up. One of the council men has received a message from Anna, from Fenland. She said she spotted an unfamiliar camp set up just off the marshes. The men saw it, too. There's another report of a second camp about three kilometers from Hammond's castle. We believe they could both be for the Criannan army."
Snow's heart felt like it would drop to her stomach. The underlying fear she kept deep down was becoming true. She began to hyperventilate only slightly. "When did this come up?"
"Just today," Eric reported. "Now, we aren't exactly sure yet, but members of the council are going to investigate anyway. We have to keep this kingdom safe."
"We?" Snow echoed the word off her own tongue. "What are you saying?"
The Huntsman didn't want to answer her, for he knew the answer wouldn't be one she'd favor, at all. Her face grew worried when he didn't answer right away and looked upon her with sad eyes. "I'm saying I have to ride with them."
Her green eyes grew wide and filled with pain. "What?" she gulped. "No, you have to stay. Eric, please."
"I'm sorry, m'lady. It is my duty. I won't be gone very long, though."
Snow shook her head. "It takes a week to get to Fenland, and even longer to get to Hammond's castle. Do you not remember how long it took us to get there?"
"I know," the hunter nodded. He reached out to take hold of her arms gently. "But I have to. I have to do this so I can keep you safe."
The Queen knew he was going regardless of what she had to say. Indeed, it was his duty, and he his duty was to do anything to protect her. She let out a deep, defeated sigh, and she collapsed into him and held on tightly. "You promise me you'll return to me," she begged. "Please."
Eric's arms wrapped around her to offer her comfort. "You have my word," he murmured. "I do so promise, my Queen. I'll come back to you." With that, he kissed her, and then he left the room, leaving a scared Queen behind. She had one thing left to say just then, and she wished he'd stayed a little longer to hear her say it.
"You better."
