CHAPTER 10

It had been such a nice summer, but fall had come. The day of Tabor's annual harvest celebration was near. And while the trees made the ground golden with its leaves, and piles were collecting, there were no children to enjoy it. There were no sweepers to clean up the paths.

Banners for the harvest celebration hung lopsided on walls and ladders were tipped over. The light poles that were erected in a square to make the dance area were dim and lifeless.

But while all was dead and abandoned, all was not quite in the kingdom of Tabor.

Screams and cries were heard throughout the town. The people were running in and out of their homes and children were hiding in corners. Some, in the chaos, had set fire to objects, so smoke also filled the air.

And up in her tower Snow White looked down at the chaos. She hit the window with her fist and hot angry tears ran down her pale cheeks.

She turned at the sound of footsteps coming down the hall towards her. She walked from the window and tried to stand as tall as she could in the middle of the room.

The door opened.

"My Queen, you look… terrible." Prince John said with a smile. "You really must rest. The people will be fine. Well, that does all depend on you." He walked around her; he held something behind his back.

"It has been a week! Haven't you done enough damage? Why don't you just stop?" She asked firmly.

"Why don't I just stop? Because it is too much fun! Watching everyone run around like chickens with their heads cut off. Who knew what such small plants could do?" He stopped walking. "Oh right! The gardener." He chuckled.

"Is this all really worth it John? If we can't get along now, how do you think we can run, not one, but two kingdoms together? It's not going to happen." Snow said.

"Well I can be very persuasive." He stopped behind her and kissed her shoulder. "I intend to be the largest known king all over the world. I will rule two kingdoms and have the most beautiful Queen known to man by my side, willing or not willing, is fine by me." He stepped closer to her and kissed behind her ear and then slid his hand around her waist.

"Don't worry Snow White, I can satisfy you."

Snow White quickly elbowed him in the stomach, turned to face him, and slapped him so hard that her handprint showed when his face turned red.

"I won't be satisfied till you are gone forever." She yelled.

"You still want to be stubborn! Fine!" The Prince brought his other hand from around his back. He had one of his mysterious plants with him again. Snow White saw these a few times a day. She stepped back and covered her mouth and nose.

"Is this what I need to do everyday until I get your compliance?" He yelled at her.

She shook her head.

"Are you going to marry me and stop the chaos that fills your peoples minds? Only I have the antidote."

"John I cannot and will not." She answered, strength still in her voice.

"Curse you Snow White!" He grabbed her arm and threw her to the ground. And the he threw the plant against the wall and the pot broke. He ran quickly out of the room and locked the door. He looked through the small window at Snow White on the floor with her head down.

"He's coming John." She said loud enough for him to hear.

"And who would that be Queen?"

"The Hunts—" She jumped up and looked around her. The spores from the plant must have finally reached her; the hallucinations began. John walked away and as she did he heard her screams and shouts.

He walked by the other cells and counted as he went through who was in each.

"Seven for the dwarves… one for William… and…" He walked to the last one and looked inside. He saw Rose curled in the corner. In that moment he wanted to open the door and embrace her. He hesitated. But she looked up at him and if looks could kill, he felt he would be dead. He walked on anyway.

"My Prince… or soon should I say my king." Henry turned around the corner with a small box.

"My good gardener. What are you doing up here?" He asked.

"Bringing a few more "gifts" to the queen." He said with a smirk.

"More plants? Why?"

"We need her out of her mind for a little longer. For it is time!" Henry said enthusiastically.

"Time for what?"

"You were to deliver a plant to each home in the kingdom and each plants contained the hallucinogen spores that I so carefully grew myself from the Dark Forest." He said proudly. "And once the people are filled with fear they just need a savior. Some one who will clear their minds and make them see again. Anyone who can do that, they will allow to lead. And when they are well, if the Queen still refuses, she will have no choice but to marry you for the people will wish it." Henry smiled brightly showing his rotting teeth.

"Henry, you are a clever man."

"Thank you prince. Now go on and I will meet you with the antidote. It's time you became a king." Henry waddled as he carried the heavy box filled with plants down the hall to Snow White's door.