Red carried a pail outside. She went to the well, and set the pail on the edge. The snow was just beginning to fall, and she took a moment to admire the beauty of it. She had always missed that about the mountains; it always snowed early and melted well after the start of spring. She sighed softly, and drew some water from the well. After pouring it into her pail, she took it and went back inside.

"Thank you, Red," Granny said as she chopped some potatoes. She was making venison stew from the deer Red had caught the day before. That was one of the benefits of being able to turn now whenever she wanted to. Hunting was effortless for her now; not only were her senses drastically heightened, she could easily outrun anything else in the forest. Granny was wary of her turning on command, but Red assured her that she had complete control now.

Since she'd come back, she and her grandmother had begun to repair their relationship. It wasn't perfect now, but they'd begun and uneasy relationship that seemed to work. She knew it would take time for old wounds to heal, so she was happy at the small progress she'd made so far. Granny had been flabbergasted when she found out that Red was best friends with the queen of all people, and that she was also friends with the prince of another kingdom, and that his mother was under their roof. "What have you done?" she had asked in disbelief when she found out. It was meant in jest, so Red didn't take offense.

Ruth was doing well also. Her ankle wasn't completely healed yet, but she was able to walk around with only a slight limp. Granny tried to make her lie down all day and not lift a finger since "she was practically royalty", but Ruth wouldn't hear of it. She spent a lot of her time helping with the sewing, knitting, and mending, and worked on their small garden outside. Now that winter had set in, there wasn't much to do there, but she always kept occupied. For the first few days, Granny would always address her formally, but now it seemed like they were joined at the hip. It amused Red; she never expected them to take off so well, and she wished she could tell Snow and David.

She never ceased to wonder how they were. Her only comfort was that if something had happened to them, she would have heard about it. Regina wasn't the type to keep something like that secret. If she caught any of them, she would have gloated about it to no end. Sometimes, or most of the time, she wished she had never left them. Why should she be safe and run off when the rest of them had to go on living in danger? Yes, her leaving had brought a sort of reconciliation between her and her grandmother, but she still felt guilty for leaving.

"I think I might go into town today," she said over her shoulder. "Do either of you need anything?"

Eloise set the knife down slowly and stiffened. "Do you think that wise?" she asked carefully.

"Why would it not be?"

"You know what happened last time."

"It's almost been two years, Granny."

"Two years isn't that long, Red. It's definitely not enough time to forget."

"What do you expect me to do? Live here in this cottage for the rest of my life? The townspeople are going to find out I'm here eventually, and I'd much rather they didn't find out from someone else."

"What if they try to hurt you?"

"Then I will turn and outrun them all."

"That will only make them angry."

"I'm going into town today," she said loudly, "and you aren't going to stop me."

Eloise turned back to the potatoes slowly, and Red heard her working the knife again. She felt guilty for the outburst, but she couldn't bring herself to apologize. Granny needed to stop being so protective. She wasn't her mother, and Red was in no way a child anymore. "Do you need anything?" she asked again.

"You can get me some more needles," Ruth offered to break the silence. "I'm afraid I've lost one somewhere."

Red smiled at her. "Of course."

She had to admit that she was nervous on the walk there. On the night that she had killed Peter, her grandmother had come after her, but not in time for the group of hunters to see a glimpse of them running away. That night, the whole village had congregated outside their cottage, demanding that Red come out. They only left after Granny went outside with her crossbow and threatened them all what she'd do to them if they didn't leave. The next day, she had run away. And now, she was going to have to face the townspeople again. The brothers, sisters, and parents of the people she had killed, however unknowingly.

When she first got there, people had looked at her in curiosity, since there were rarely any visitors, but once they recognized her, they started whispering and pointing fingers.

"It's her," someone said.

Another woman grabbed her children and shoved them behind her as she passed.

She tried to ignore it, but it broke her heart having to see it. She quickened her pace until she arrived at the market, and went to the booth where they sold tools. When the vender saw who she was, he waved his arms in front of him . "I don't sell anything to your kind," he spat, drawing attention from surrounding people. When she turned around, everyone was looking at her whispering behind their hands.

"You," a man said, pointing at her. "You killed my brother!"

"No," she said softly.

"You deny it? After all the bloodshed you caused, you dare deny it?!"

"She killed my husband!" a woman wailed.

"My brother is dead because of her!"

"Murderer!"

Shaking her head, she turned around and tried to walk away, but they were on her in seconds. One man grabbed her arm, another grabbed the other, and they began pulling at her like they wanted to rip her apart.

"You killed my father!"

Her heart started hammering and she felt her blood grow hot the harder they pulled at her, and she had to mentally stop herself from turning. If she turned now, it wouldn't be safe and she would likely hurt someone in the process, and most likely rile them up even more.

"Stop!" a large voice bellowed.

No one let go of her, but they loosened their grip. She saw people parting, but couldn't see who they were allowing to pass. A man came into view in front of her. "Let her go."

"But she killed—"

"Let her go," he said again.

Red recognized the big burly man in front of her, and all of a sudden she lost all of her nerve. She couldn't bring herself to look at him, and fell to her knees in front of him. "I'm so sorry," she sobbed. "It's all my fault and I'm so sorry."

He was silent for a moment. "Red," he said, and she could hear the great pain in his voice. "I loved Peter too, but I cannot and will not hold you accountable for something of which you had no control."

She sobbed again, covering her face.

"You didn't know what you were doing," he continued. "And you left as soon as you realized what you were." He raised his voice so everyone could hear. "Who am I, and who are any of you to condemn her over something like this? She was a young, scared child who was cursed with an unimaginable burden. Had she a choice, I don't doubt she would have been born a regular human."

He lowered his voice again. "I forgive you, Red, for the death of my son, and for everything else that happened. But I must ask why you have come again. Surely you do not mean for history to repeat itself."

"No," she said quickly, still not looking at him. "I can control it now. When I turn. And what I do when I turn. I don't lose control anymore."

"And can you assure me of this?" he asked kindly, but warily.

"Yes," she whispered.

"Then stand up, child," he said, holding his hands out.

Red looked at them as though they were snakes, and took them reluctantly as he helped her up. "As long as you can promise that you can control it, you are welcome among us."

"Why are you doing this?" she asked brokenly.

"Because my son loved you."

"I killed your son," she said, cringing.

"Eloise told me what happened. It wasn't your fault. He was the one who sought you out for help, and got himself in that position." He looked at the people still gathered around. "Go back to your business, and I don't want to hear of anyone bothering this woman again."

The people left reluctantly, looking over their shoulders. "Don't worry, they will come to accept you in time."

"I don't think they will, and they have right to be angry." She didn't doubt that they would leave her alone, though. When Peter's father spoke, everyone listened.

"As do you. You didn't ask for this."

"Thank you," she said softly. "I don't deserve this kindness you've given me."

"Nor do you deserve their hatred. But you are welcome, Red." He gave her a small smile and left her.

She almost ran back home, but remembered to get the needles. The vender gave them to her reluctantly, and she left quickly afterward. As she was leaving, she saw two posters on the entrance to the town market. As she grew closer, her breath caught in her throat. One had a drawing of Snow's face on it. "Wanted for murder of the Sovereign Queen's husband, and kidnapping of her child," it said. The one next to it was of David. "Wanted for aiding a murderer, and for high treason against King George of the Glades."

With a gasp, she snatched the two posters from the wall and stuffed them in her satchel. Murder? Treason?

She feared now for their lives more than ever.

ooOoo

Snow's breath came out in puffs the higher they got. It wasn't just because of the altitude, winter was coming sooner than she was counting on. At least now she had more sturdy boots, warmer clothes, and a thick cloak to keep her warm. She still missed Danny, but now was one of those times when she was glad he wasn't with them. The way up the mountain wasn't treacherous, but it was difficult and tiring, and she didn't know if he could have handled the work and cold. No, he was safer with Blue.

"Do you really think we'll be safe where we're going?" she asked David.

David thought for a moment. "I think we both know that we won't be able to stay in the same place for too long. But for the time being, I think we will be alright. With winter coming soon, going over the mountain pass will be more difficult, and Regina will be less likely to send men over them."

"She'll never stop hunting me," she said bleakly. It wasn't out of negativity or despair, it was more of a quiet acceptance. Unless she reclaimed the throne like Lancelot wanted her to, she was going to be on the run for the rest of her life. What kind of life was that? If she and David ever got married, how would they have children, dragging them along every time Regina's men got close? Did she dare even be selfish enough to bring a child into this?

She had never really been around children when she was growing up in Rosenshire, simply because no children were ever allowed. Even when she had become queen, she was never around them. It wasn't until Danny that she first really knew what it was like to have a love of a child. She wasn't going to deny that the thought had crossed her mind of her and David married with children. After knowing him for the past few months, she had fallen in love with Danny, and it devastated her when she had to let him go. She could only imagine the love she would have felt for a child of her own.

But some things were not meant to be. Or if they were, it would be a hard journey to get to that point.

"No, she won't," he said quietly. It took her a moment to remember what he was replying to, since she'd been so deep in thought. "But don't lose hope, Snow. Someone with as dark a heart as hers cannot stay in power forever."

She didn't reply. There was no use going over that again. The way was getting tricky; the dirt was loose and gave way sometimes when she stepped on it. She was thankful for the trees that gave her support and a handhold as she made her way up.

They took a few breaks as the day wore on, mostly for her sake. She knew now how Ruth felt when they had to stop because of her. She tried to just push on so as not to slow them down, but it only wore her out. They understood, given that they both had lived much more active lives than she, but she couldn't deny that she was slightly embarrassed at her lack of proficiency. Surely by the time they were done, she was going to be as vigorous as either of them.

When it was nightfall, they found a cave on the side of the mountain. They explored it, mostly to make sure it wasn't some animal's den. Since they were covered, they kept the fire going all night, and the enclosure of the cave trapped the warmth in.

"What are you looking at?" she asked David. He was holding something in his hand, but she couldn't see what it was.

"Nothing," he said and put it in a leather pouch. "Just something my mother gave me before she left."

"Do you miss her?"

"I do," he said thoughtfully. "Not as much as I thought I would though, especially since I know she wouldn't last one day in this weather," he said in humor.

"What about you, Lancelot? Is there anyone you miss?" she asked.

Lancelot looked up. "Part of being a knight means that we cannot have emotional ties. It is unfortunate, but it does make it easier when we have to move on."

"Well what about when we get where we're going?" she teased. "Surely you'll find yourself a little lady to settle down with."

He smiled slightly. "I don't think that is likely for me. I doubt I'm the settling down type."

Something in the way he said it made her think that there was something in his past that he was reluctant to tell. Had he loved someone?

David laughed. "I thought the same thing before I met Snow. I thought I was going to spend my whole life on the farm taking care of my mother. Trust me, my friend, life may yet surprise you."

The knight rolled his eyes, but still smiled, shaking his head.

"Well look at that, David, Lancelot can smile after all," she said.

He laughed then, surprising them both. Even though he was no longer in service to anyone, he was always still very much the soldier. Serious, standing tall, and silent. In fact, he rarely said anything, but when he did, he usually had something worth saying. She wasn't angry at him anymore for their conversation at the inn. She knew both he and David wanted her to take the kingdom back, but she didn't want to think about it. She didn't even want to hope for it, because she knew that it would be next to impossible. She virtually had no chance unless Blue came to her aid, but she knew that they would refuse to interfere.

She and David stayed up long after Lancelot had retired. They moved close to the mouth of the cave so they wouldn't wake Lancelot. He sat against the walls of the cave, and she sat leaning against him, tucked into his arm. After a long day, it felt good to be able to simply be with him and forget about everything else that was plaguing her mind. At the moment, she was just Snow, and he was David the shepherd; no more, no less. They tried not to be too affectionate around Lancelot, because they didn't want to make him feel uncomfortable, but now that he was asleep, they were free to do as they wished.

Snow sighed contentedly, and David smiled down at her and kissed her temple. "Can you believe it's only been a few months since then?" he said.

She knew he was referring to the day that she finally admitted that she loved him, but was tactful enough not to mention it so she wouldn't feel guilty. But a part of her would always feel guilty for waiting so long. All that time they could have had to grow deeper in love was wasted because she didn't want to admit her feelings. "It feels like a lifetime ago. Maybe it was."

"Would I be insane to say maybe I like this life more?"

"Maybe," she said and looked up at him with a small smile. "If you'll dismiss the fact that we're on the run for our lives and forget that we can't bathe regularly."

He chuckled. "Alright, aside from the safety of our lives and hygiene, I think I like this life more. Just because it's with you."

"I think I do too," she said, then grew serious. "David, I don't know what I'd ever do without you. And I'm sorry. . . I'm sorry for wasting so much time."

"Snow. . ."

"We could have started building our life together much sooner without all of this to worry about. But I was so stubborn and I—"

"Snow," he said firmly. "I don't want you to regret anything. You had a lot to overcome, and I understand that. The point is that we're together now, and I'm not going anywhere. Ever."

She sat up and pulled away slightly. "David, I have to tell you something."

He leaned forward and took her hand. "You can tell me anything."

"It's about what happened when Blue and I talked. Well, we didn't just talk; she showed me something. She showed me a memory that I once had of the night my parents were murdered. I saw myself as a child with them. She showed it to me so I could see how much they loved me. And they did, David. I could see in the memory that they truly did. Blue also told me something that I never knew; that my mother died for me. I never knew that. I always thought that she had died in her sleep, but. . ." she trailed off, and took a deep breath. "She said something to me about sacrifice and how it was the ultimate declaration of love. And ever since then, I've been so. . . afraid."

"Why are you afraid?"

She bit her lip as tears formed in her eyes, and she took his hands. "Because I need you to promise me that you'll never give up your life for me. Because David, I couldn't bare it. I couldn't just go on through life if I know you died because of me. I couldn't move on. I know that it wasn't long ago that I finally admitted that I loved you, but you aren't just a part of my life anymore, you are my life, and if I lost you, I wouldn't even want to live anymore."

David sighed and squeezed her hand gently. "Snow, you know I can't promise you that."

"But—"

"No, I can't. You are my life now too, and I love you more than I love myself. If I knew that in giving up my own life, you could keep yours, I wouldn't hesitate. That is what love is, Snow. That's what it does. It's pure selflessness. How do you think I could live with myself if I knew that I could have done something to save you, but didn't? And if something ever happened to me, I wouldn't want you to grieve over me forever. I'd want you to be happy again—"

"No."

"I'd want you to live a full life."

"How could I live a full life without you? You are my other half. It's not just me anymore, David. You are a part of me."

"Oh Snow," he whispered, holding her close. "I don't want you to be afraid of this right now. We are here right now, and I am here with you. All we have is the present, and I don't want to waste it by being afraid of losing each other. I just want to enjoy my time with you now."

She clung to him tightly, and kissed his neck. "I love you."

"And I love you. Every moment of every day for the rest of my life, I will always love you." When she looked up at him, he kissed her gently. She touched his face softly, overwhelmed at how much she truly loved him. She didn't want him to die for her, but she knew that she would give up anything and everything without hesitation for him. And at that moment, she knew she would never love anyone again the way she loved him.

He withdrew slightly, and reached for his pocket, pulling out a small leather pouch. "Snow, I was waiting for the right time. A far better time and far better place, but. . . I don't want to waste any time any more. I want to be with you, and I don't want any more regrets." He pulled out a ring with a green stone, and she gasped and her eyes grew wide.

"This was my mother's. It's only fitting that I give it to you now. Snow, I love you more than anything else in the world, and I don't want to waste another second without you." His face broke into a smile. "Will you marry me?"

Snow's eyes were pouring by now, but her smile was so bright that it made his heart soar. "What do you think?" she said, and dove into his arms, nearly knocking him over. She covered his face with kisses, and only stopped when he caught her face and kissed her back. "I love you," she said over and over. She kissed him again, drinking in the moment and memorizing every detail about it. This wasn't what every princess dreamed about when they dreamt of how their prince would propose. There weren't fireworks or music playing, or fancy dresses and grand feasts, but this was enough. It was more than enough; it was more than she ever hoped for, because in this moment, she was in the arms of the man she loved more than life itself, and they were going to get married. She wouldn't change one detail, or one moment of it.

By the time she'd gotten over the initial shock of having been asked to marry him, she was in his lap straddling him. She laughed nervously and blushed, bringing one leg over to join the other so she wasn't straddling him anymore. "That was so unladylike," she said, embarrassed.

David started shaking with laughter, and she hit him playfully. "Be quiet, you'll wake up Lancelot!" she hissed, but couldn't stop her own laughter either.

They laughed together, both shaking, and their attempts to be silent only made them laugh harder. When they finally got a hold of themselves, she went back into his arms. "I love you," she whispered, unable to keep the smile off her face. "I love you so much Charming."

He snorted as he tried to keep from laughing again, and she smacked the side of his head playfully again. "Hush little Charming, mustn't wake our chaperone."

"Why do you get to call me a nickname?" he asked after kissing her again.

"Because I'm a lady, and you must let me do as I wish."

"And what if I decide that since I'm a man, I get to make the decisions?"

She giggled softly and kissed him again, unable to stop. "I love you," she whispered.

"I love you too," he smiled.

Aaah! I loved every moment of writing this chapter. I know a lot of people have been waiting a long time for this to happen, but I really wanted to take time to develop their relationship. Anyway, yay! They're getting married :) I hoped you liked reading it as much as I loved writing it! Please review and let me know what you thought!