Chapter 2
"We are terrible." Snow chuckles, stroking her Charming's face the next morning. The early dawn light has fallen perfectly on them. They are entwined together in the sheets of David's bed and Snow White is sure that she has never felt so happy in her entire life. "We could not even manage a night apart." David smiles, "We attempted it at least."
"To no avail, Charming." Snow hums as he initiates a kiss, then it flows into another and another. He runs his fingers through her long raven tresses and they break reluctantly for air. "And when our babe arrives just shy of our anniversary?" Snow teases, kissing his chin and while awaiting his answer. "What will you say to the fish-wives and gossips?"
"I will say I am in love with my wife and our family. I did not want to leave you last night."
"Neither did I. Charming," Snow laughs before sighing in contentment. "I love you so much." David cups her chin before scattering kisses along her cheeks and back up to her lips.
"I adore you Snow White. I spent so much of my life dreaming of what True Love could be, and when we found each other, Oh, Snow it was like nothing I could ever have imagined." Snow stills him, her fears resurfacing. "Tell me we can go anywhere, just you and I. Forget the dreams of clearing my name. Just say you'll run away with me?"
"Snow, my darling. I would go anywhere with you but, we cannot live our lives in fear. You know I would rather die than let any harm come to you." A tear falls down her face and he wipes it away. "Which is exactly what I am afraid of. Cora poisoned my father because he still loved my mother and he knew she only wanted the match for her own gain." "He didn't want to hurt her either. The next morning, I found him dead. His neck was bruised with vengeful purple marks. She did not simply poison his drink and wait for him to pass, Cora found a viper and let it attack him for hours. All he ever did was try to please her and yet, she let him die in agony. She paid men to say the snake was mine, that I was spoiled and vein and desired my inheritance above all else. But I would let her have every piece of gold if it meant he could share this moment with us."
"Well, perhaps not this exact moment." Snow laughs, "But I want him here so much. Your mother too."
"They are with us. They watched over you the night I found you." David assures, making his betrothed tearily beam. Taking her hands, she feels him kiss her engagement ring finger and it makes her feel so much love she can barely fathom it. "And they'll watch over us when I can finally find a priest."
"Ah, Charming I may have already found one." Snow confesses. "His name is Lancelot and he can marry us within a fortnight."
"Snow, that's wonderful!" David gasps. "And this way, we can have the wedding at our own pace."
"Exactly." Snow agrees. "Now, if you'll excuse me my love, I need to leave for a few moments."
"As do I." David agreed. They untangled themselves from each other to use the chamber pot and dress before agreeing they would have breakfast together. Snow selects an emerald dress with gold etched around the neckline. It was one of David's surprise purchases. It made her feel like a princess, not just a soon to be lady. She hummed as she heard the door open.
"Charming, I'll only be a moment." Snow said absentmindedly.
"Charming? Now who could that be…" The voice made Snow's blood run cold and she spun around to see the woman that haunted her nightmares. "Cora."
"I hear congratulations are in order. You are to be a bride and a lady no less my, you have landed on your pretty little feet, haven't you?"
"Where is he? What have you done?" Snow roared.
"Calm yourself Snow dear, your Charming is waiting for you, I merely came to offer my congratulations and to give you a warning. Stop your Charming from asking anymore questions otherwise your dress won't be white. It'll be as black as those locks of yours."
"I won't stop. Not until you're gone from our lives." Snow spat. "Not until the truth comes out."
"But is it a price you'll be willing to pay?" Cora goaded. "Because by the time I am finished there will be nothing left of this place but ashes. I will take him the same way as I took your father."
"Over my dead body." Snow roared grabbing a blade from her vanity. Cora merely shrugged. "Promises, promises dear."
"Leave this tiresome affair be or you will be weeping at his graveside before you can even utter your vows."