Chapter Forty-one
ADAM
An entire month had passed since Adam last seen Frederick.
An entire month had passed since Adam and Snow White started living together, in separate rooms of course as it was the proper thing to do.
An entire month has passed, and Adam and Snow White have only known peace and serenity in their quiet cottage outside the Dark Forest. Even though the Seven Dwarves were their neighbors, they were better company than Adam could have ever hoped for. They daily updated their enchantments around the cottages and provided the highest form of security that they could offer. Not to mention that Adam went on daily perimeter patrols to make sure nothing strange was afoot.
An entire month had passed and Adam still had not gotten any closer to removing the poisons in his body. He read the book of spells over and over again trying to make sense of things, and though the spell was entirely simple, how was he supposed to find something of Exact Measurement? He heaved a sigh as he climbed the hill that would take him to his humble cottage. He was first up and last to go to bed to secure the perimeter and spent his days helping Snow White clean and do things around the cottage. It was almost as if they were married; oh, how he dreamed that it was so.
He reached the top of the hill and stopped and stood and just took the entire vision of his cottage that he shared with Snow White. It had been eerily quiet with nothing and no one to disturb them. The Queen hadn't even sent out an arrest warrant, according to Grumpy and Dopey from their weekly visits into town to sell their wares. They told him that Frederick was laying very low and working simple stable hand jobs and helping some of the villagers work on their farms. He was doing his best to simply blend in with the crowd. If it weren't for the fear of something happening to Snow White should he ever leave her side again he would have gone into the village to see Frederick for himself. He debated on taking her with him once or twice, but he hadn't paved a clear enough path for her that wouldn't be too strenuous for her. He could tell that she missed the town, specifically the people. Recently she has been trying her hand at making tarts and bread and gooseberry pies – all of which are delicious – but she is desperate to achieve that baker's specific flavor.
She'd even put on a bit of weight recently. He was so happy that she wasn't so skeleton thin from lack of nourishment. She was cooking everyday and eating with everyone so happily that it would have been nearly impossible for her not to put on a little bit of healthy weight. She had mentioned though that she was worried that some of her dresses weren't fitting properly or too snuggly with her recent gain in weight though. He still thought her as beautiful, because she was, and she only glowed in health with her recent gain.
"Maybe I should try taking her into town. . ." He murmured as he watched her emerge from the cottage. She was in a casual blue sundress, he loved the color on her, with a white apron tied at her front with a bandana pulling all of her curls out of her face. Her hair had gotten much longer too recently. He loved the length of her. She always kept her hair short and close to her head, which was still lovely, but now her curls brushed her shoulders and Adam had a little more to play with whenever they were in lessons or reading together.
A small heat rose to his face which he wiped away with his hand as he continued to climb the hill. He could hear her singing as she walked outside with the basket of laundry in her arms. She regularly did the Dwarves laundry, and though he did not like that, he did not say anything since she wanted to do it for them since they built them their cottage. He couldn't argue with her about that, but she also cleaned their filthy house on top of it too. The place has gotten much better, but it was still just an extra thing that he wished she didn't have to do; even if she chose to do it herself.
He walked as softly as he could so as not to alarm her and just watched in the shade of their tree as she hung up socks. He couldn't help but notice the constant light in her eyes since they came out here. She was always happy, truly happy without a forced smile on her face. They had even gotten closer over the past month, and she was much more forward than what he ever anticipated from her. She would oftentimes hold his hand while they were reading or in lessons and would even take his gloves off to do so. It terrified him each time she touched his exposed skin, but he could never deny the fact he loved the sensation of her hand being in his, skin on skin. It was only holding hands, but it was enough to drive him crazy and make him red in the face every time; especially when she would lay her pretty little head on his chest or shoulder.
She finished hanging up the socks and turned to return to the house when she saw Adam standing there. There was surprise at first, but then her smile soon replaced it. "There you are." She beamed brighter than the morning sun. "Good morning, Adam."
"Good morning, my dear, Snow White." He met her halfway and took her basket from her. "What are you doing today?"
"After the Dwarves' clothes I need to wash and hang the sheets." She answered as she walked beside him. "I think tomorrow Dopey is going to stay here and show me where their berry fields are."
"Berry fields?"
"The Dwarves were telling me that they usually make jams or jellies around this time, but they've been doing overtime in the mines and haven't been able to get out to the berry fields."
"That so?" He felt as though they were using that as an excuse to help give her something to do as well as to have another delicious thing made by her.
"Are you still going to do your perimeter check today?" She teased lightly.
"Already done." He smirked. "I can help you with laundry and if you'd like. . . I think we can go into town today."
"Really?" She stopped and looked wide-eyed at him.
"You don't want to?"
"I'd love to!" She threw her arms around him and hugged him. "Oh, I'm so excited!"
"We have to get the laundry done first, though."
"Of course!" She giggled airily as they went inside to grab the other baskets of laundry. Adam could hardly fathom how they had so many socks and so little shirts! He had already hung so many up already, but the baskets never seemed to stop supplying them!
"I think I'll need to make them some more clothes." Snow White giggled as she hung socks up. "A lot of their clothes have holes and need patches. I could probably make them each a wardrobe with their socks."
"I wouldn't doubt it." He chuckled.
"Still, though, Sneezy makes wonderful socks." She hummed. "He's offered to knit me a pair in whatever color I'd like. He just has to get more yarn for it. . . Maybe we can pick some up while we're in town today."
"Is there anything you'd like to get while we're in town?" He asked casually.
"Nothing in particular." She shrugged. "I just think it would be nice to see Apfel again. . ."
"We might run into Frederick." He would make sure that they would.
"I would love to see him." She smiled brightly. "I hope he's doing well, I mean since he lost his job and the terrible news that he brought us. . ."
Her brow furrowed and Adam frowned. There was no way he could keep the news of Florian's death and Frederick's lack of job. She actually cried when she found out that Florian died. Adam was stunned by that. How could she weep in grief for a man who raised a hand against her and tried to kill her? He could hardly fathom the lengths of her kindness sometimes.
As they continued to hang up the socks and laundry and sheets, Adam felt this annoying presence that made him feel as though he were being watched. He turned and scanned the tree line. It was not easy to see him, but low and behold the very Mr. V himself stood in the shadows of the Dark Forest's tree line. He gritted his teeth. He even had the gall to wave at him.
"I think that's about everything." Snow White clapped her hands together.
"Why don't you go get ready then." He flashed her a quick smile. "I'm going to check the perimeter again before we leave.
"Don't take too long." She practically sang as she scooped up the basket and ran inside. He waited until she entered the cottage before turning on his heel and going to meet Mr. V.
What is he doing here?
Why is he checking up on me?
What does he want?
Had he done something wrong?
"Ah, Mr. Adam Apple Poison." Mr. V smiled broadly at him, far too casually. Adam did not smile in return but frowned deeply with his hands balled into fists at his sides.
"What are you doing here?" He spoke in a low growl. He just wanted Mr. V to leave.
"At ease, my friend." He put his hand over his chest in mock hurt. "I'm not here to do anythin', I'm just here to check on you."
"Yeah, fat chance of that." Adam scoffed and found his temper ascending quickly.
"Whatever you think of me, Adam, I reassure you that I am only here to check up on you." He spoke seriously to Adam. He still didn't relax, he couldn't. Snow White was too close for something to possibly happen.
"You haven't been back to the Anti-Realm for practically a month, closer to month and a half really, but I don't exactly know how time works here –"
"I'm not going back." Adam said flatly. He couldn't. He wouldn't. He was determined to stay here now. "If you are here to demand that I do, you're wasting your time."
"Testy testy." He tutted with a knowing smirk. "It looks as though someone has gotten very infatuated with the little princess." Mr. V chuckled at the stern expression on his face. Adam didn't deny it. He couldn't deny it. Why would he? He was very infatuated with Snow White and he would never let another soul have her. "Well, well, well, no denyin' it?"
"There's no point in denying things when they're true." His hands clenched tighter.
"Nothin' wrong with that, my friend." He looked Adam up and down. As much as he hated to admit it, he could see no judgement in the man's eyes. "No judgment here," He shrugged. "If you knew anything about my background, you'd know I was in the same boat once upon a time. . . but there was a prince to interfere. . ."
"I'm just trying to protect her." Adam answered weakly, his mouth dry. For whatever reason the fact that he was aware of his infatuation with her made him feel exposed. No matter his infatuation, though, he could not be with her as he was at the moment. "Because of what I am I can never be with her . . ."
"What you are?" Mr. V raised an eyebrow in question.
"All the poison." He looked down and his fists released. "She's suffered her own amount of poison damage over the years, but she would never be able to handle mine. . ." He could hardly handle it himself some days. "I couldn't bear it if something were to happen. . ."
"The tragedy of love has greatly stricken you, my friend." Mr. V sighed and rested his arms over his cane. "But you shouldn't worry about it too much."
"And why is that?" He stood straighter, almost ready for the fight to come.
"Because unlike me who had no one to provide a helping hand." He straightened himself out and dusted his coat off. "I can help you."
"And why would you do that?" Adam narrowed his eyes. He hated to ask for assistance in anything unless it was absolutely necessary. And help like this never came free.
"I gotta get this story movin' along, Adam." Mr/ V simply smirked at him. "I know you're pretty detail oriented and stuff, but you're really dragging this out."
His brow wrinkled in confusion, "What are you –"
"Look, my friend, all is not lost in your tragic romance." He continued. "There is a way to get rid of your poison."
Adam stood in anticipation of him to tell him the answer he had spent an entire month seeking.
"There should be a book that you borrowed from my library at one point in time that has a unique series of spells that are equally helpful as well as harmful." Mr. V explained.
"The one with the Transfer spell. . ." He already had the book with him. It was still in his messenger bag in his room.
"Ah, so you are aware of it." He smiled proudly. "Good, that'll save me a little bit of explanation. How much have you read? Do you understand how it works?"
"I've read it." He nodded his head and crossed his arms. Far too many times. "But I have to have something of 'exact measurement' for this to work."
"Oh, well you won't have to worry about that for too long." Mr. V chuckled and twirled his cane. "You'll probably be meeting him soon."
"Him?" Adam glared. He knew there was a catch to the information gained; there always was.
"Hey, Adam." He stared him dead in the eyes, as if he was trying to convey something to him that he could not outrightly say. "Have you ever wondered what you'd look like with green eyes?"
"No." His brow furrowed in confusion. What was he trying to say?
"Good." Mr. V shrugged as if his message meant nothing and snatched up his cane. "You'd look good with green eyes."
"What is that –"
"Be on the watch for unfamiliar familiar things within the forest, my friend." Mr. V offered. "I can't offer more help than that, but just be careful when you go into the forest."
"What are you planning?" Adam narrowed his eyes at him. He couldn't trust this man, but he had to.
"Absolutely nothing." He tapped his cane and a portal swirled behind him. "Just be sure you don't wander too far from your cottage or else you might regret it. . ."
Before Adam could question him further, Mr. V stepped back into the portal leaving Adam to question many things. He had no idea what to do with this information. Was this person about to come for him and Snow White? He couldn't cancel their outing since he just asked her to go out for the day; she would be too disappointed now.
He climbed the hill again and his heart nearly stopped as the giddy Snow White exited their cottage with her cloak about her, a basket on her wrist, and brown boots on her feet. She still wore the blue sundress and apron and looked so beautiful to him. She was far too happy and excited about going for him to cancel now.
"Are you ready?" He asked with a smile, though he felt extremely tired.
"Yes." She smiled and tapped her boots on the ground. "Grumpy gave me this pair of boots so I wouldn't have to worry about ruining my other shoes and clogs. He said they were an old pair he never could quite fit."
"That was generous of him." He noted how especially brand new they looked and not at all old. She needed proper shoes for being up in the mountains, and he was grateful that she had them; especially since they were going to have quite the hike.
"They fit just right." She walked up to him. "Are we good to go?"
"Yes." He nodded his head and held out his arm to her. She grabbed his arm, but instead of looping her arm through his, she let her hand fall until their hands met and she intertwined them together. His face was far too warm and she was far too giggly at him. He didn't grumble or complain because all that mattered was that she was happy, even if it was at his expense, and he would keep her safe
She did much better than he truly thought she would in keeping up with him through all the paths. He was only slightly jealous of her when all she had to do with the overhanging trees was duck instead of having to move them entirely out of the way. Adam had thought of cutting them down several times, but if someone were to follow them into the forest, he would not want to give them any assistance in finding them. He did have to help her over the tall and wide logs and over the watery areas so she did not slip and fall. At every chance she had she always made sure their hands were connected, even if he released it for a moment her little hand quickly found his. He loved it.
She was surprisingly quiet and just seemed to take everything in, as if she were committing it to memory in case she wanted to leave on her own. That thought terrified him. If he could, he would lock her away where they could be in a paradise and never have to worry again about the Evil Queen or any other danger in the world. But that would only be a temporary happiness for her, he knew this, she liked to do too much, she liked to experience life; dangers and all. It was only when they reached the fork in the road that she finally spoke.
"My goodness that was so long." She stretched her arms over her head as they paused to take a break. "No wonder you don't make this trip often."
"It was much more difficult to find in the dark." He commented and she blinked at him.
"This is the path you took that night?"
"In a roundabout way. . ." Or not at all. He ran out of the castle blindly and got lost in the Dark Forest twice as blind with the rain and deeper darkness.
"No wonder you never made it back the next day. . ." She murmured.
"Let's not think about that." He didn't like to talk about that day. He would never forget it because he nearly failed her.
"No, let's think about the tarts from the baker." She smiled as her little hand slipped into his again
"Yes, those delicious tarts." He agreed as they walked. "Is there any flavor you want in particular?"
"Apple of course." She hummed. "I love cherry just as much, but I love apples best." She suddenly looked up at him. "You always smell of apples to me."
"You've said that once before." He felt a small chill run through him. The fact she smelled the White Apple Poison on him concerned him greatly. Though she liked the scent it was still toxic and could have bad effects on her; which meant he wasn't controlling his toxins as well as he thought. He needed to find a way to seriously get rid of the poisons. He was aware that it wasn't impossible, but it definitely was not simple either.
"I have always liked the smell of apples." She explained as she turned her attention to her feet as they walked. "They're part of happy memories for me. My apple tree in the castle was actually my mother's. . . My real mother. She planted it while she was pregnant with me, or so my father told me. It was part of her tradition to plant a tree, fruit or flower bearing, during a pregnancy to mark the passing nine months of the baby growing in the belly, and to mark milestones as the child grew up. Part of the superstition of the tree planting was that it could predict a child's life."
"Predict the child's life?" He raised his eyebrow at her tale.
"Yes." She nodded with a sad smile. "Apparently it was very accurate for my mother's people. If the seed never took to the soil then the mother was to have a miscarriage; If the tree sprouted but never grew then the child would die early; If the tree grew but did not bear fruit then the child would be barren as it became an adult; If the tree grew and bore plenty of fruit then the child was to have a plentiful and bountiful life."
"That's a lot of predicting for a tree to do." Adam did not scoff, though he did not find it to be very likely to be true. It would be very jarring if that were the case.
"Of course, there are some things that are out of the tree's control." She forced a laugh and her hand went to her stomach. "Unless the tree has been tampered with to cause a different prediction, there's little outside fate that the tree itself can do. I am the prime example of that. . . My apple tree is bountiful with fruit, but I will be barren for the rest of my life –"
"You don't know that." Adam said firmly.
"Adam, that's sweet of you." She tried to smile up at him, but tears brimmed at the edges of those doe brown eyes and her smile faltered. "But you don't truly know –"
"I know what happened to you." His voice was soft. He did not want to scold her. His hand gently went to her face and caressed her cheek, turning her focus solely on him. "And though there is damage, there is more hope for you than you may realize."
"Adam please." She shut her eyes tight, as if she didn't want to hear what he had to say.
"You have the hopes that I will rid myself of the poisons that plague me." He urged. "I have the hopes that you will bear the children that you so desperately want one day."
"A-And if I can't?" Her voice cracked and it was weak.
"We will adopt a child." If that's what she wanted he would do so. "As many children as you want."
"'We'?" She sniffled and the brightest smile shined on her face.
"Of course, 'we'." He felt his face burn and his heart hammered in his chest at her smile. "I will not allow another man to have you. I have sworn to protect you. I plan to for the entirety of my life. And I will do everything within my power to build a happy and peaceful future for us. So, yes, once things are safe and I can promise that I can be with you, it will be a future where we can make choices together."
She threw her arms around his waist and clung to him so tightly he gasped for breath. He slowly enclosed her in his arms and she only tried to hug him tighter. He didn't know what to say, or what to do, really. He simply allowed her to do as she pleased, hugging him to her heart's content, and he patted her back. She slowly released him, and her hands went to his and squeezed them tightly. She had such a happy smile on her face. A true happy face where she was almost angelic with how much light was beaming from her. Those red lips simply begged for attention that he wanted to give. . .
"You truly are the best thing that could ever have happened to me, Adam." She held his hands to her cheeks. His arms were tense, but loose to allow her to do as she pleased. He would never understand how she felt this greatly for him, nor how she had managed to make him feel so greatly for her. He really needed to set some sort of boundary; one day. "You will never know the amount of hope you give me."
And you will never know the amount of hope you give me, and happiness, and boldness, and lo-
"I am glad I can be of assistance." He smiled at her and slowly pulled his hands away from her face. She refused to let go of his hands, though. He held her hand tightly in his own and led her to the path that would take her into the town of Apfel. The walk would still be long, but if they were lucky at all they would catch a ride on the wagon of travelling farmers riding into town.
Little was said between them as they walked the path that led to the farmers' fields. They indeed got very lucky and caught a wagon ride with chattering children for Snow White to surround herself with. She loved every second she had with the children. She braided a little blonde girl's hair; she played pattycake with the red haired toddler; she laid back on the floor of the wagon to look up at the sky and exchange what she saw in the clouds with the boys on either side of her. Adam merely sat at the edge and watched over her and made sure that neither she or any of the chattering children fell out of the wagon. A small child, a girl with tiny curls and green eyes sat beside him and rested on him as her sibling splayed and talked with Snow White. Adam neither shooed or shunned the sleepy child and allowed her to sleep beside him for the remainder of the ride.
As Adam sat and watched the love and joy that Snow White shared with the children and even the sleeping one beside him, Adam allowed himself to consider a very different future for both he and Snow White. He, truth be told, was not fond of children, though the sleeping one beside him was certainly an exception and did his best to avoid them. They were innocent beings that the old hag liked to prey upon along with teenage girls. Other than their loud and wily ways of childish antics that he could hardly tolerate, there were years of guilt and grief that added layers to his walls every time he saw a small child. Yet here he sat debating on the possibilities of children. Oh the conflict within him, especially since he just promised an unknown hope to Snow White.
All odds weighed against her having children, both he and she knew that, but he would do anything and everything he could to give her what she wanted. He would even talk to the Dwarves about their special magic to see if there is anything they can do, or even give her a better examination where they could properly judge what scenario would be best for them. . . That was, of course, assuming that he could even produce a child himself. Yes, it was crucial for the woman to bear the child, but the man also had to be able to produce as well. Heat rose on his face as a frown fell on his lips. He had never once given that a thought since he had never intended to have children, but now that he thought on such things he wondered how much damage the poisons and toxins could have possibly done to his body.
The wagon came to a halt and all the children, Snow White included, hopped out very excitedly. The children prepared to unload while Snow White walked around where Adam sat and the child still resting on him napped. She assisted him in removing the child from his side and carried the groggy child over to her mother. He smiled softly at her before coming up on her right and escorting her inside the village before she could play with the children any longer than she already had. She came much more willingly that he thought she would, and her previous energy only seemed to double as she ended up holding him by the hand, dragging him through the streets to get to where she wanted to go.
She plopped into several fruit stalls, vegetable stalls, and even made her way to the bakery. The bakery was just as packed full today as it was the first time he met her. It was crowded all the way to the door with no room to move that not even a mouse could squeeze into. Nonetheless, Snow White dragged them both inside and made her way to the baker while everyone else shimmied and shoved to get to the checkout counter. Oh how Adam hated crowds.
Snow White, thankfully, was able to speak to the baker and tell him her requests and demands and the baker obliged to her requests. He seemed both surprised and enthused to see her after hardly seeing her for almost two months. Though Adam saw it as bad business, the baker gave Snow White her order before the other barking customers and even allowed them to pay in the back rather than the front. Adam paid for the baked goods and nearly carried Snow White out of there he walked so fast. She only laughed at him as he carried the bags and bundles of fruits and vegetables that she bought. She practically skipped around him in circles. She was so happy.
"Oh, I've missed Apfel so much!" She giggled with a satisfied sigh to follow.
"I didn't notice." He snorted down at her as he led her to his small house for them to stop in and take a break. He hoped that Frederick would be in so they could visit with him for a while. Not for too long, though, they really needed to get back to the Dwarves' cottage, they already spent too much time here.
"Surely you jest." She bubbled in laughter as she clung to his arm and held his hand while carrying her own basket on her arm.
"But of course." He smiled down at her as she pressed her head to his arm.
"I only hope that Frederick is as excited to see us as we are to see him." She chimed as they stopped in front of the house. "It's been so long since we've seen him . . ."
"It's been so long since we've been here." He led the way up to his house. The boards creaked under his feet and the door opened with no problem. He frowned that Frederick had not locked it, though he was rather grateful since his arms were full.
The house was quiet, chilly even for a hot summer day, and felt as though it was not used. The house was tidy, there was no dust or cobwebs, but it was very lonely as if someone hadn't really been living there. The curtains were drawn over the windows and pinned shut with wooden clothespins, as if to shut out all forms of life and light.
"You're sure he's been living here?" Snow White asked as she too looked around the place and noticed that it hadn't been lived in.
"Unless he moved without telling me, yes." He nodded as they made their way to the kitchen.
The kitchen was warm, as if it had been used frequently, and had a bit more life and light to it than the rest of the house. The curtains were loosely closed and there were no clothes pins to be found. Snow White became a little more chipper as she bustled about the kitchen by putting tea into the kettle, adding wood to the small wood burning stove, and setting up teacups to drink from. Adam set the groceries down on the table and left her to her own devices and decided to go and explore the house a bit. He could not help but worry that something could have gone wrong. He could not help but feel as though being in this very house was wrong, as if they shouldn't have come into town at all; at least he shouldn't have brought Snow White into town anyways.
As soon as he left the kitchen, he could hear her hum and sing as she worked. A small smile cracked on his face before returning to a flat line as he climbed the stairs. Much to his relief he could see that the bed had been used recently as if it had not been made and there were men's shirts hanging up on a string from the banisters. Although Frederick was not there presently, Adam could tell that he was at least attempting the bare minimum of eating, bathing, and sleeping at the house. He turned to leave and immediately noticed that the vanity mirror was covered. His heart nearly froze. Though he was no longer in the castle, he still could not seem to rid himself of mirrors; a specific Mirror, in fact. He ever so quietly returned downstairs to avoid any sort of confrontation that could come from the Mirror.
As he descended the stairs, he noticed that Snow White wasn't humming or singing. He didn't even hear shuffling or movement from the kitchen. Holding his breath, he cautiously edged himself along the wall to the kitchen. He wanted to run, but it something or someone were in the kitchen he didn't want to alarm them, nor did he want to put Snow White in danger; that thought alone was enough to make him want to run in there. Once he was at the threshold of the kitchen, he peered inside to see that Snow White was sitting at the table scribbling away in her red journal.
His heart nearly stopped in relief and his lungs nearly gave out as he released his breath and began to breathe again. She had only stopped humming to write in her journal. He felt both ridiculous as well as foolish for being so paranoid. He almost couldn't help it though, between Mr. V's visit and the hint he tried to give him and the chance of being followed out of town plagued him with worry. Had he not already promised Snow White a visit into town and had he not hated to disappoint her he would have found some way of keeping her at the cottage; he should have found a way of keeping her at the cottage. He felt all of the threats and dangers of Apfel targeting them just by being in the house. It was almost suffocating to think about.
He remained quiet so as not to disturb her and instead propped himself against the doorway and watched her write. She was so cute the way her brow furrowed in concentration. She mouthed the letters as she slowly and carefully wrote in her journal, it made him very curious to know what she was writing; but he would never pry into her privacy without her consent. She dotted the end of her sentence before sitting up, bringing the journal to her face and blowing carefully on the still wet ink. Oh, how his heart could sing with the cuteness of her entire being. His hand subconsciously went to his chest and poked at it, as if to calm it down or tell it to man up. When she finished assisting the ink's drying process, she carefully tucked her quill into the journal before closing it and burying it at the bottom of her basket. Once her journal was secured into the basket she looked up and saw Adam. Her eyes widened for a second before she let out a breath of air and placed her hand over her chest.
"Goodness me, you startled me." She laughed airily as she caught her breath. "I-I didn't hear you come in."
He raised his eyebrow at her. "Come in?"
"Weren't you outside?" She tilted her head curiously and Adam's heart stopped. "I thought I saw you outside."
"No." He shook his head as dread instantly filled him. "I went upstairs to see if –"
Suddenly the backdoor knob rattled and shook as someone tried to enter. Adam immediately rushed to the door, and as he grabbed the doorknob it swung open and Frederick's head peeked inside. He was covered in sweat and grease and smoke and his hair looked as though it had been charred.
"Frederick!" Snow White called from behind Adam; he silently cursed the fact that she did not hide in the kitchen.
"Princess?" Frederick blinked in surprise as he looked between Adam and Snow White upon entering his temporary home. "Prince?"
"Oh, it's good to see you!" She bounced over to him and gave him a quick hug.
"Uh, it's good to see you too, Princess." He took off a black leather glove and patted the top of her head while staring Adam down. "What brings you down the mountain?"
"We needed to pick up a few groceries." Snow White beamed as she rejoined Adam's side. Adam held her hand boldly in front of Frederick, who smirked at their hands, but soon frowned up at him.
"You could have just told me, and I would have gotten things for you." Frederick spoke to Adam.
"Yes, but we hadn't really discussed another meeting time. . ." Adam responded weakly so as not to alarm Snow White.
"Fair enough." Frederick tugged his other glove off then sniffed the air. "Is that tarts I smell?"
"Fresh from the baker." Snow White smiled. "I'll go make us some tea."
Frederick held out his smile until Snow White disappeared into the kitchen before casting a glare on Adam. Adam squared his shoulders as he glared back.
"What the hell do you think you're doing bringing her here?" Frederick hissed as he slapped his gloves down on the small table beside the door. "Have you gone mad?"
"I'm perfectly sane, Frederick." Adam said briskly, his hands quickly balling into fists.
"Then did you forget about the dangers that are waiting for her the moment she returns?" Frederick stepped closer and was a few inches from Adam's face.
"I could never forget." Adam responded through gritted teeth. "I hadn't planned on actually bringing her this far into town –"
"Don't even try to lie to me, Adam." Frederick grabbed the collar of his coat and slammed him against the wall. It wasn't forceful or even powerful, but it definitely shocked Adam that Frederick would dare to do something like this and that he even had the strength to push him back like this. "Your doppelganger has been following me for weeks now, waiting to see if I'm going into the mountains or not."
"Then why was your front door unlocked?" Adam removed Frederick's hands from his coat.
"The door was unlocked?" Frederick's attention went to the door and he walked over to it. He twisted the knob a few times, opened it, closed it, opened it again before crouching down to see if there was anything wrong with the lock. "The bastard. . ." Frederick hissed and closed the door tightly. "He's more clever than I thought. . ."
"What?"
"He picked the lock and stuck a piece of metal into it to keep it from locking." His mouth was a firm line and for the first time Adam was getting a really good look at the man who was the Hunter, who was the Queen's First Knight. He planned ahead, made careful steps, had daily habits, and did not break those rituals. He was stronger than Adam had originally judged him for. He also stood here looking on the brink of breaking because his plans did not go accordingly. Adam could see that their visit would not be long, just in case Frederick wanted to snap.
"This has been going on for a while now?"
"The metal pieces in the lock?" He scowled at Adam and crossed his arms. "No, but there have been different forms of breaking and entering that he's unsuccessfully tried."
"Like what?"
Frederick suddenly held up his hand and looked to the window. On the other side of the curtain on the other side of the window stood a man, a little shorter since he stood on the ground, but from what Adam could see and what he could judge, he had the same build as Adam. It was a little difficult to make him out through the pinned curtains, but from the growing dark aura, Adam knew he was not welcomed here.
"Grünes." Frederick hissed and the man darted. "Get her out of here. Now."
Just as quickly as he came Frederick left much faster as he set out on his chase.
"What's going on?" Snow White poked her head out of the kitchen with a small tea tray.
"Frederick just forgot something at work." Adam spoke quickly with a nervous smile. "He said we should just go on ahead up the mountain because he more than likely wouldn't be back until tonight."
Her brow furrowed as she looked at Adam, "But he just got here."
"And he just left." Adam gently eased her into the kitchen. "I'll go grab the groceries, why don't you clean up and then we'll head out?"
"Don't worry about leaving just yet." Frederick huffed as he reentered the backdoor. He propped himself up against it, breathing heavily and glistening in sweat.
"Is your work close by?" Snow White asked just as chipper as ever.
He panted and glanced at Adam. "What?"
"Did you have the tool on you and you just didn't realize it?" Adam cut in above her head.
"Y-Yeah." Frederick's brow was furrowed in confusion. He pulled a small metal pick from his pocket. "Didn't realize I had it on me."
"I'll just set up in the living room." Snow White hummed as she walked past Adam and into the living room.
"She's far too quick for my liking sometimes." Adam sighed as Frederick reentered his house, closed the door behind him and locked it up tight.
"She knows when something's up." Frederick nodded as he managed to get his breathing under control.
"I assume you didn't catch him?"
"He's faster than a wild pig." Frederick huffed. "Grünes was gone before I even made it out of the house."
"That's not good." Adam pursed his lips.
"No, it's not." Frederick agreed.
"Adam, Frederick." Snow White poked her head out of the living room. "The tea will get cold."
"I could use some tea." Frederick threw on a smile as he and Adam both turned into the living room.
While the men entered the small sitting and living room, Snow White already poured the tea into cups and even had three little plates prepped with the tarts. Had the situation at hand not just become so dangerous and serious Adam would more than likely be ready to burst at the seams of her happiness. As much as he wanted to be as happy as she was, his eyes kept going to the windows then to Frederick who eased himself into his seat and attempted to appear calm. He only hoped that he did appear calm to Snow White, Adam could only see the constant tension spinning within him.
Snow White smiled as she handed Frederick his teacup, "I hope you like it."
"I know I will." He flicked a quick smile before taking a quick sip.
Snow White smiled then took her seat beside Adam and carefully balanced her teacup in her lap. "So, how have you been?" Snow White started as she nibbled on her apple tart.
"As well as I can, princess." He responded as he took a large bite from his own tart. "If I would have known you two were coming by I would have made sure to stay a little cleaner. Though, staying clean is rather difficult as a smithy."
"You're helping the blacksmith?" Snow White blinked in surprise.
"I'm working as a blacksmith." Frederick nodded in response. "It's good work. My uncle once did it, I helped him a long time ago. There's far too many farmers around here and not enough smithies."
"What do you mean?"
"The poor man has more work on fixing farmers' broken tools, forming horseshoes, and recreating skillets that he never gets to the bottom of pile with the orders."
"Oh, my goodness." Snow White's brow furrowed. "Is there truly that many farmers?"
"You can't entirely blame the farmers, princess." Frederick smiled gently. "They have to plow the land, provide for their families, as well as make a living to pay their taxes. The blacksmith has lost several apprentices and he only has daughters and won't allow many young lads to work for him."
"But he's accepted you?"
"I've explained my case." Frederick shrugged and sipped his tea. Adam could only imagine the different scenarios where Frederick actually explained himself. He more or less used his absent authority of the First Knight and Hunter to the Queen to his advantage; not that the blacksmith really knew that he lost his position.
"And there isn't another blacksmith?"
"There was one in the villages outside the walls." Frederick sighed. "He passed away about a year ago and now all the villagers come into town to get their tools fixed and everything else they need too."
"Is the Queen aware of this dilemma?" Snow White persisted.
"More than likely not." Frederick pursed his lips and shook his head. "The Queen rarely sees her subjects, and even those who do make an audience with her have to wait an exaggerated amount of time where they just left without being able to state their problems."
"Well that's not good." She said flatly and sipped her tea. Both Frederick and Adam could only sit and stare at Snow White as they both were seeing the smallest of glimpses of Snow White being angry. With another sip of her tea and another nibble of her tart, she let out a little huff before smiling sweetly and all of her anger just dissipated. Adam would be lying if he said he wasn't disappointed that she hadn't gotten any more angry, he thought that it was a really cute look for her, yet at the same time he much preferred that she be happy.
"How are things where the two of you are staying?" Frederick glanced over his cup at Adam.
"Fine." Adam said simply. "We're safe and tucked away. So, we're fine."
"Oh, it's so lovely there in the mountains, Frederick!" She gushed and Adam was relieved that she seemed to have gone back to her normal self. "The air is so clean, the view is so beautiful, and the Dwarves are so nice!"
"Dwarves?" Frederick looked to Adam. "I didn't know you were familiar with the Dwarves."
"As in their race all together, I am not familiar with them at all." Adam shook his head. "However, I have run into them a number of times where we are nice enough acquaintances."
"They are truly skilled in enchantments." Frederick noted.
"They are truly skilled in whatever they do with their hands." Snow White butted in. "They have the prettiest hand carvings I have ever seen! They're even building us a cottage!"
Adam nearly spat out his tea, Frederick actually spat out his tea, and Snow White nearly spilled her tea as her face changed several shades of red and her teacup began to shake. "N-N-N-N-Not that anything has h-h-h-h-happened!"
She shoved the rest of her tart in her mouth. Frederick burst out laughing, Snow White's face only turned redder, and even Adam could feel only heat growing in the room.
"We're both too tall for the Dwarves' cottage." Adam explained and pulled at the collar of his shirt to allow a small breeze to pass. "They're being kind enough to build us a cottage with separate rooms during our stay."
"Well, how kind of them." Frederick snorted and let loud guffaws of laughter. He continued to laugh while Snow White tried to hide her face in her hands, and well Adam couldn't deny that he was probably just as embarrassed; he only hoped he was not as red as his princess.
Much to Adam Frederick's relief, the visit did not last much longer after that and Adam and Snow White had to make their hike up the mountain. As the day seemed to end, so did their luck because they were not able to catch a wagon ride back and had a very very long walk ahead of them. Snow White was a good sport about not complaining and doing her best to keep up, but Adam knew she was exhausted, he was tired. But the mountain was miles long and they still had miles to go.
Snow White neither grumbled or complained nor asked to take a break. Adam did his best to walk at a slower pace so she did not have to push too hard, but the mountains were not that generous. By the time they came to the fork in the road the sun was practically running to hide behind the other side of the mountain and making things darker. The wind had been teasing about getting stronger as they climbed the mountain, but now that things were getting darker and the clouds were getting grayer, Adam begrudgingly anticipated rain. He had grown really exhausted with rain as of late.
"Why is it already trying to get dark?" Snow White forced a laugh between her pants as they stopped at the fork in the road.
"Because the sun likes to be difficult." He huffed as he dropped down behind the fork. Once he had secured his landing, he dropped the bundles of groceries and held his arms out to Snow White. She was currently propped up against the fork post, trying to catch her breath and wiping her sweat from her brow.
"We should have left sooner." She admitted.
"Yes, but I wanted you to enjoy your time in town." He chuckled and clapped his hands on his hips.
"How much farther?" She held her hand to her brow and tried to look through the dark trees of the Dark Forest.
"Not much." He supplied. "But we do have to hurry if we want to beat the sun, and the weather."
"I know." She nodded her head and tried to catch her breath. "I just need a moment to catch my breath. I hadn't realized how much I needed it until I stopped."
"At least come down here." He held his hands and arms out to her. "It's cooler here and I don't like you being so far away from me."
Her face flushed a quick shade of pink and she smiled broadly. "Are their footholds?" She asked while looking for a place to put her feet.
"Just jump." He urged; he really didn't like her being up there without him. "I'll catch you."
She hooked her arm through her basket and clutched her hand to her cloak. It was maybe eight or ten feet of a jump, which wasn't very high for Adam, but he could only imagine how it was to her. With a soft shimming of her feet she pushed herself from the post and landed in Adam's arms. She stayed straight as she came to him and he caught her as if he had just picked her up from the ground, only her face was much closer to his and her bosom was pressed against his; he prayed she couldn't hear or feel the pounding rhythm of his heart.
He held her fast and strong against him and loved that she was in his arms. She was safe now. Her little hands held his shoulders and those doe brown eyes were looking deeply into his own. She was safe, but now she was far too close. Adam wanted to turn his gaze away from her, but he wouldn't because that would be rude and that showed a sign of weakness. Adam was not weak, and he would remain strong, even in front of the woman who made him weak and gave him something that provided him with strength. She giggled as a pink blush made her cheeks very rosy, "You caught me."
"I will always catch you, my darling." He spoke sincerely and was very aware how close those red lips were.
"Then I shall always rely on you." She smiled beneath her blush and buried her face into his shoulder. He was very grateful that she did because he was not aware of how much longer he could hold out from those red lips. Quietly taking a deep breath to calm his raging heart, he carefully set her on the ground.
As soon as her feet touched the ground, she released her hold of him and leaned against the dirt wall. Adam proceeded to pick up the bundles of groceries.
"Shall we continue?" He asked as he studied her. They really needed to get going, but he also didn't want to push her. She was more than likely at her limits already and she didn't need to push much farther.
"I think we should." She nodded her head. "I would hate to get caught up in the rain."
"It's not fun." He smirked as he allowed her to lead the way. "I speak from experience."
"I would especially hate for you to get sick again." She sighed ahead of him. "Being sick is never fun."
"True." He admitted. "But in the long scheme of things, I think it was worth it."
"Hmm." She hummed with a giggle and used her hand to help steer her in the right direction as they walked.
As they climbed the uneven Dwarf paths they fell into a lapse of silence. Snow White was lost in her thoughts while Adam was straining his ears to hear for any signs that they had been followed. Much to his chagrin they were not able to find a ride back which meant they were out in the open for a while and the Grünes character could have seen and followed them at any point. He hadn't been this on edge since he left the Anti-Realm. That thought alone surprised him.
Ever since he came to the Apfel Realm he has only known of beauty and peace and hasn't had to constantly look over his shoulder waiting to be attacked; especially since he at the beginning of all this was supposed to be the attacker. Oh, how things had taken quite the twists and turns to change his life. He had never felt so free and happy before, yet as he allowed his thoughts to drift, he wondered what was the cost of his freedom and his happiness? What a thought, that he could be happy! Still, what was the cost?
Was the older Frederick all right? Or was he suffering in his memories that would never quite be the same? Was the old Frederick had suffering? Or was she enthralled by causing him more pain through challenges?
Had things drastically changed in the Apfel Realm?
Had he completely altered the classic story?
Or had he simply written a different one?
Up until Mr. V decided to make his appearance Adam had scarcely thought of ever returning. Snow White had become such a priority that he never challenged the thought or returned to the hellhole of darkness and anguish he had only ever known up to this point. No, he could never go back, not when so much here waited for him. Whatever would happen after this Adam would accept and take head on. Everything up to now had been his choices and the consequences were of his own making; now he must prove that he was strong enough to carry through his decisions. He would not only for himself, but for her.
"Adam?" Snow White called from up ahead. Adam looked up and saw that she had already made quite the climb and was yards away from him. He had completely slowed his walking to a stop while getting lost in his thoughts. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine." He answered and trotted to catch up to her.
"You're sure?" She asked as he approached. "You looked as though you were thinking about something important."
"I was thinking." He admitted with the nod of his head. "However important it was or is has yet to be decided."
"What do you mean?" She continued, making sure to look over her shoulder as she walked now. She didn't want him to get so far behind.
"When I first came here, I was given a mission in which I had to carry out." He censored himself as well as he could. "But so much has changed since then that I'm glad that I abandoned the mission."
"What makes you say that?" Her brow furrowed as she glanced over her shoulder again.
"Up until I arrived here in Apfel, all I have ever done with my life was to carry out vicious orders that made me numb to the idea or sense of living." He stopped and did his best to explain his thoughts to her.
"That's not a very good way to live." She frowned as she too stopped to listen.
"No, it's not." He agreed with a melancholic smile. "And though a part of me is still confused on what to do from here on out, I feel as though I have been given a second chance at living. And I don't want to waste it this time."
"Then don't." She said ever so simply. The wind picked up and she put her hand to her hair to keep it from blowing in her face.
He merely smiled at her. He truly loved how honest she was. She never lied to him, and almost always told him what she was thinking. As she stood before him, Adam was truly grateful to be given a second chance at life, and he would do his utmost to protect her and his second chance. The wind began to howl and blow harder and Snow White frowned.
"We really need to get out of this." She looked all around her.
"Let's keep going." Adam gestured to the path before him. "We're nearly there. If we walk fast enough, we'll be there in half an hour."
With the wind blowing harder becoming deafening almost in a warning to tell them to hurry to safety, Adam could not sense or hear his dark shadow deftly following them through the Dark Forest.
Author's Note:
Thank you so much for reading! I hope you've been enjoying the story so far!
We're getting dangerously close to the end. I feel as though this was a longer chapter, and for those of you who find it a little too extensive of reading I apologize to, however, I felt as though it were necessary because of everything that transpired in this chapter. There were a few spots that I considered to be good stopping points, but I just didn't like the flow of them. So we get a long chapter instead.
Thanks for coming along the journey with me, stay tuned for more!
Ko-fi/SarahtheWriter.
