A/N: So, I remembered writing this fanfic from a while ago (three years, to be exact), and I managed to find it on my computer. I had to rewrite the entire first chapter (there was a physical gag reflex rereading the original work), and I am still in the middle of rewriting other sections of it, but I decided to post the first chapter here now.
WARNING: This fanfiction was never finished, and I don't know if I'll have the time/inspiration to write it to completion, especially as school starts back up in the fall. I figured I would give you all fair warning before you decide to devote your time, energy, and emotions into my story. Thank you for your understanding.
Disclaimer: I do not own Snow White and the Huntsman.
"You know, I never imagined this day would actually come; that I would survive long enough to make it this far."
Two straw dolls, rough and crude, sat in front of the barron, moist fireplace. Snow White smiled at them, a sad smile. "I don't suppose you have any celebrations planned for today." The cold, dead silence, save for the drip, drip, of stagnant water, and blank faces staring back at her gave her the answer. "Yeah, I thought so." She moved over to the small, barred window and sighed as she reached out, trying to touch the breeze. A little bird landed on the end of her searching finger, and a small smile broke her face as a single, small tear broke down from her eye. She watched the little bird's antics for a while, before it chirped sweetly, fluttered its wings, and flew off. Her smile faded. If only she could leave so easily.
The jingle of keys in a lock drew her attention backwards, to her cell door. One of the queen's guards, burly and brusque, unlocked her door and stepped inside, taking over the space of the fireplace and suffocating any found space otherwise in the room. The two straw dolls grew obscured by his heavy armor. Her eyes flickered from them over to the guard.
"What's going on?"
The guard grunted and took a step towards her. "Queen's orders; you're to come with me."
"No." Snow shook her head and moved a hand up to her throat. "No, I can't go with you."
Her eyes shifted to the still-open door.
"Queen's orders." The guard took a step closer and grabbed her arm. Panic rose in her mind, blackness crowding her vision. She could not pass out now. She could not!
"Please," she tried to keep her voice steady, "please, what does she intend with me?"
His eyes stared blankly into hers before he ground out, in a rough voice, "Her exact words were, 'Today is the day.'"
A wave of realisation and dread washed over her, causing her already sunless skin to blanch even whiter. Today was the day. Today was the day she came of age. Today was the day. The queen... No! She wouldn't let this happen. She couldn't. Her breath turned ragged and desperate, but she faced her tear-moistened lashes and swimming green eyes up to the guard.
"Please don't do this."
"It is my duty to obey the queen."
"Please," her voice faltered, and the smallest flash of sympathy crossed the guard's eyes before returning to a stony expression.
"Queen's orders." Though, even as he said it, he was loosening his grip on her arm; moving her closer to the empty doorway. He leaned down quickly to her ear and whispered, "And as such, I will give you thirty seconds before I sound the alarm." She turned shocked eyes onto him. "Go!"
He didn't need to tell her twice. In a moment, she was gathering her ragged skirts, running out of the small cell which had been her home for so many years, and racing to find the exit of the building. To the freedom she had craved for so long.
A/N: The first chapter is short, and I promise my writing gets better later on, but beginnings are always hard for me. If you decide to stick around and brave the unfinished fanfic, lol, I can guarantee some better writing ahead. (At least, better in my opinion).