Greetings everyone! Sorry this took me a bit as I got side tracked with a one shot idea that spiraled out of control (not quite as much as this one, but still :P) and watched the first two 5B episodes. Snow White is back! *falls over*

Ok, on to chapter 12...


Snow slowly opened her eyes, unsure of where she was. It was dark and the air was cold. She groaned as she sat up, closing her eyes at the feeling of vertigo that hit her as she did so, gripping the edge of whatever she was sitting on. Her muscles felt tense and stiff, as if she'd been dragged across the kingdom behind a horse.

Well, maybe I was, she thought ruefully, her present predicament slowly starting to trickle to her mind again.

Neal.

Snow's eyes snapped open, searching frantically around her. She recognized the tall, rock walls; gritted her teeth as she took in the bars blocking her escape. Rising, she strode over and shook the bars, ignoring the throbbing in her head. She climbed up, pushing and pulling at the frame nailed into the rock walls. Try as she might, they did not yield, still strong and firm despite their age.

This was the second time she'd ended up in this cell at King George's command, and did she ever want to run him through with Charming's sword for it. Returning to the ground, she huffed out a breath and brushed the hair from her eyes. She bent to search the ground for anything that would aid in her escape. A rock. A piece of metal. Anything.

Her chest was extremely tender, a further reminder of her separation from her son. How long had she been down here? She only hoped that wherever they were keeping him, he wasn't hungry. Searching the floor wasn't helpful, so she moved on to the wooden slab she'd been laying on. Nothing. It was fashioned like a puzzle so no screws or nails were needed.

Damnit.

Snow's head snapped up at the sound of footsteps approaching. There was also the unmistakable sound of Neal crying, echoing around the walls and making her heart ache with longing. She stood up, jaw set, masking the emotions that threatened to play across her face. Her eyes narrowed as George came into view, Neal wailing in his arms. They weren't alone either, she noticed with some satisfaction, as three armed men came into view behind them.

Snow crossed her arms and leaned against the bars, trying to appear as unphased as possible. George approached her, a sneer on his face.

"Good to see you up and about Snow White. How are you enjoying your accomodations?"

"I've had worse," she replied dryly, looking at Neal. He'd quieted down in her presence, looking in her direction expectantly. George seemed to pick up on this.

"I will open this cell and allow you one hour with the child. I will then send someone for him."

"Done pretending I'm your queen then?" Snow asked, anger lacing her voice. George smirked.

"As far as anyone is concerned you are ill and taken to bed after our journey from another land." Snow glanced at the three guards behind him. George, seeing this, continued, "There are a few who know of our.. situation. Lily has been kind enough to educate them fully."

Snow's heart sank. Fear was a great weapon for those who wanted power. It might not earn loyalty but it earned submission. She wondered if the woman who had helped her passed on her message.

"One hour, Snow White," George repeated, tilting his head to signal a guard to open the cell. George slipped Neal into her arms haphazardly before turning swiftly and walking back down the tunnel.

Snow turned, not wanting the guards to see her tears, as she heard the door clang shut behind her and the lock turned. As their footsteps retreated, Snow let out a muffled cry as she kissed Neal's cheek. He appeared unharmed, thank the gods. She settled on the wooden slab, pulling her shirt up and helping her son to her breast. His blue eyes looked adoringly up at her. Blue eyes, just like Charming.

Biting back a sob, Snow lightly stroked Neal's soft hair as he nursed eagerly. Although she was once again in the castle she and David had called home, nothing about it was right anymore. It was missing her Charming. It was missing Emma and Henry. Their allies and friends. Everything that would have made it a home wasn't there. She wondered how they were and if they were safe.

As if sensing her distress, Neal grabbed onto her finger with his tiny fist, holding on tightly. Snow smiled softly down at him.

"Well aren't you your father's son, my sweet boy."

Neal's eyes were growing heavy as he continued to gaze at her, his little fist holding her finger.

"Don't worry, my prince," she whispered, bending her head to kiss his forehead. "We'll see Daddy again soon; and Emma and Henry; and Regina and Red and the dwarfs." Snow chuckled softly. "And any other surprise relations we may find out about before then."

She shifted to lean against the stone wall behind her, watching her son's eyes close as he faded, thinking over her own words. Snow knew they would find her, or she them if she had her way. It was the family motto, after all. She just needed to have faith.


I had to get this scene in. I've pictured it from the moment I started mapping out this story. I know it was a short chapter but it's a good stopping point for what will happen next. Get ready for lots of happenings next chapter!