Chapter 11

Snow tried not to think too much about the stranger, but was finding it difficult. She wasn't sure she had ever met anyone like him. Most of the men she knew, aside from her father, were very self involved. This man, however, had a determination and lack of regard to his own interests that she found very refreshing. That is, if he was to be believed that his journey to the dangerous lake was for someone else's benefit. Snow was inclined to believe him and hoped that he had made it there and back safely.

Snow was preparing to return to the palace at the end of her visit when Daniel approached her and asked if she would like to stay a little longer.

"But I thought father and I were to go to King Midas' kingdom for his daughter's wedding:

"Yes, that was the plan, but I've just had a message from him. Apparently the wedding has been postponed. Your father didn't say why but now you don't leave for another month."

"Oh, well I actually wouldn't mind going back now anyway. Not that I'm not giving a good time here, it's just that I really want to see my father again. I miss him and I've been worried about him.

"Alright then, I will take you in a few days as planned."

So that's what they did. Regina and Daniel would be coming to court in a few months anyway for the horse fair, so Snow did not feel too bad.

When they had arrived back home, Snow soon found out the reason for the sudden change of plans. Everyone at court was talking about it and she heard the whole story from one of the biggest gossips there. Midas' daughter Abigail had been preparing to marry the prince of a nearby kingdom, James. However, just a week before the wedding was to take place, Abigail's true love, Frederick, had turned up. This was completely unexpected as he had been turned into gold while saving King Midas a few years back. Midas, along with everyone else, had given up hope of Frederick being returned to normal, and had arranged this marriage in the hopes of helping his daughter move on. With Fredericks return Midas was forced to call off the wedding between Abigail and James and preparations were now being made for Abigail and Frederick's wedding.

Snow was as astonished at this turn of events as anyone. Something about the story resonated with her, but she wasn't sure what.

"So, no one has any idea what happened to Frederick?"

"That's the thing. He apparently won't say anything about it; he's just saying it happened. Well, if you ask me somebody knows something they're not telling. The only thing I can think of seems outrageous, certainly, and surely if that were the case someone would have said something. I mean, who wouldn't want to brag about defeating that horrible creature, but really what else could it have been ….."

"What do you mean?" Snow interrupted.

"Well, the only thing I can think of that would have accomplished such a thing is water from Lake Nostos."