Chapter Forty-Five
ADAM
October 1
September has officially ended, and the colder seasons have set in as October creeps upon us.
Frederick has informed us that he has made his last trip up the mountain now that the harvest season has ended, and it is getting colder. Once it starts to snow it will be much more difficult of a task for him to make the hike, though the snow falls are still weeks away, he doesn't want to risk anything if he can help it. He has promised that he will make a hike up the mountain if he has any important news but will do his best to keep his trips to a minimum so as not to lure Grünes up the mountain.
Even the Dwarves are dwindling down on their work. Doc has informed us that they will be sealing up the mines since it will be too cold to work in them and will work on their wood whittling instead. Apparently the Seven wish to have a contest of the best craftsmanship and they expect Snow White and I to be the fair judges of their craft. Such silly things are not matters that I wish to partake in, but I know they've come up with the idea to entertain Snow White now that things have almost decidedly shown that things won't get ready until spring.
I can't help but find it ironic that things should get better in spring since spring provides hope for second chances, but I hate that we both have to wait through the savageness of the winter. I can't even go far in the snow or my toxins will seep out onto the snow. In which case I will have to entrust the security of the enchanted barrier to the Seven, though I hate to ask that upon them. Not only do they expect this cold to be the worst they've yet to experience, but I hate the idea of them falling into a hole and freezing to death; not that they need to know of the concern I have for them.
The Grumpy Dwarf has informed me that Dopey will remain with Snow White at all times as the cold seasons set in so that I can make as many checks as possible. He is the only one who I can openly express my concerns with because ironically he is the most mature of the Seven and he is far from scared of having a conversation with me. Though I have been here with the Dwarves for months now they all have a good fear of me, save Dopey and Grumpy, and keep their respective distance from me. I don't blame them, though it is rather insulting given the fact I have protected them as well since they have provided so much for us.
There have been no signs of Grünes nor the Queen since Frederick's last visit. One way or another they've completely vanished from Apfel, though I don't believe this. I anticipate them at almost every corner as I strengthen the enchanted barrier. I only wish they would appear so I could regain my sanity and simply be at peace knowing where they are so I can get rid of them.
"Adam?" Snow White knocked on his door.
"Coming." He set his quill in the journal and closed it carefully before answering the door. She stood in a white and gray flannel nightgown holding two mugs of apple cider.
"Are you busy?" She asked shyly as she tried to peek into the room.
"No." He smiled and held the door open to show he had nothing to hide from her. "Is something the matter?"
"No." She shook her head and handed him his mug of cider. "I just reheated the apple cider and wondered if you wanted any. . ."
"I will always want anything you make, my darling." He reassured her as he took the warm mug and sipped it. "Delicious."
Her cheeks flushed a soft shade of pink, "You flatter me too much."
"No, I compliment you, my darling." He corrected and stepped back so she could enter his room. "Would you like to come in?"
"Of course." She chirped as she shuffled into his room. He left the door open, just in case the Dwarves should come knocking. She went and sat on the bed and just looked around the room.
"Your room is a little more different than I thought it would be." She commented. "But I'm happy it's blue."
"Why does that make you happy?" He chuckled as he returned to his desk chair.
"Every time I see blue, I always think of you." She smiled and he felt a rush of heat to his face. He tried to cover it by drinking his cider.
He cleared his throat and took a long gulp. "I-I see."
"My room is sunny yellow." She brought her mug to her lips and blew on the cider. "There's pretty accents of red, and my sheets are blue."
"Just like your dress." He recalled the beautiful dress she made in the loveliest rich shade of royal midnight blue with a deep red accent in the sleeves and the sunshine ray skirt that complimented her skin so nicely. "How fitting."
"I'm surprised you remembered." She said so happily.
"That is my favorite dress on you." He admitted rather shyly. "I remember you telling me how much time it took you to make it. It is my favorite dress on you so far."
"Really?" She beamed underneath her reddening cheeks. "Why?"
"Because it is my favorite." He stated flatly. He only had so much cider left in his mug.
"Why?" She pressed with a giggle. "Is it because I used a color similar to yours?"
"Yes." He locked eyes with her. Her teasing immediately stopped, and she looked so surprised. Her little mouth was hanging open and Adam's hand tightened around the handle of his mug.
"You're so cute." She bubbled in laughter and Adam almost wanted to argue that she was the cute one; but that would only cause an unnecessary scene that his heart would not be prepared for.
He hoped changing the subject would be enough to distract her. "What brings you up here?"
"I just wanted to bring you cider." She sighed after her laughter had finished and sipped on her cider. "it really is just the two of us here and I get a little lonely by myself. Don't you?"
"I've been used to being by myself." He stared down at the remaining cider in his mug. "It is only now that you and I live in this cottage together that I have learned what it is like to miss someone."
"That's so sad.' She frowned as she looked at him. "But I'm glad you told me."
"Why?" His brow furrowed as he looked at her.
"You don't like to talk much about yourself. She pulled her legs up to her and hugged them as she held her mug. "I won't pry, but I like it when you tell me things. It shows that you trust me."
"You've only ever made yourself out to be a person that I can trust." He admitted.
"I'm glad then." She smiled honestly at him. "I would hate it if you didn't trust me."
"Are you excited for the craftsmen competition?" Adam asked.
"Oh yes." She bobbed her head in a nod. "Though, I must say that I think it will be very difficult to choose. They always make such pretty things."
"It will be interesting to see the Seven having a competition amongst themselves." Adam nodded in agreement. "I can't help but wonder how they will bicker."
"Not any more than they usually do." She joked behind her mug.
"It will be entertaining enough I suppose."
"I appreciate that they go to such lengths for me." She sighed and set her feet back on the floor. "But I can't help but wonder if they're tired of us being here."
"You know that they don't." Adam said almost defensively. "You're very precious to them and they love having you here."
"I know." She admitted quietly. "I'm sorry. I must be tired."
"Must be." He watched her carefully. "Or missing home."
"Must be." She admitted with a nod and sipped on her cider more.
"I made a promise that I would get you home." He reassured.
"I know." She nodded. In the pale moonlight of the night Adam could see a sad shimmering glint in her eyes. "I haven't forgotten."
Seeing her like this always did a number on his heart and he hated it. He hated seeing her sad. She was much more patient than he ever could be, but he knew that there was a limit to everything. She was doing her best to remain hopeful, but even he could see that she was struggling.
"How about tomorrow, you and I do something?" His brain whirled in trying to come up with something that would make her happy.
"Like what?"
"A picnic?" It was something they could still do outside together, but they would also remain within the barrier.
"Oh, a picnic would be lovely!" She clapped her hand on the mug. "I bet it'll be so pretty with all of the changing leaves!"
"I'll make sure to find us a pretty spot." He smiled at her. He already had a really nice place in mind for it. There was a lake he found, not too far from the cottages, that was always really pretty and relaxing to go see.
"I'll prepare a nice toasty lunch." She brimmed to the peak of happiness, stood, and flung her arms around Adam in a hug. "Oh, I'm so excited!"
"Me too." He patted the top of her head and smiled down at her. "I think we should go ahead and get some sleep. We'll need to be nice and rested up for our little adventure tomorrow."
"I can't wait!" She gave him one final squeeze before flitting to the door. "I'll even make sure to have some nice hot apple cider too!"
"I can't wait." He nearly melted in happiness by her sheer joy. She escaped into her room while he began his descent down the stairs. "I'll be back in a bit, Snow White."
She peeked her head through the door. "Why?"
"I'm going to let the Seven know that we will be out tomorrow." He explained. "That we may even be late for dinner."
"All right." She smiled even bigger.
"I'll lock up when I get back." He smiled back at her. "Goodnight, Snow White."
"Goodnight." She closed the door and he waited until he heard the click of the lock before descending the stairs.
He dropped his mug off into the sink before exiting out the door. The moment he stepped through the threshold; the cold autumn air swatted his face. It was getting much colder than he really liked, and he would plan accordingly so they were out in the peak of the heat of the day. With long strides he crossed the grass and knocked on the Dwarves' cottage. Grumpy answered almost immediately.
"What'd ya want?" He spat and glared at Adam for making him allow some of the cold into the cottage.
"I'm just letting you know that Snow White and I will be out on a picnic tomorrow." He said flatly. "If you would prefer that Dopey go with you instead of stay here, it's an option."
"It ain't an option." Grumpy shook his head. "Someone'll need to be here until you get back to get her."
"What?"
"You're doin' your usual patrol in the morning, right?" He sniffled grumpily as he looked up at Adam.
"Of course!"
"Then he'll stay here with her until then." Grumpy crossed his arms in finality. "Besides, he likes to sleep in rather than getting up at the crack of dawn."
"What shall he do until we get back, then?"
"We only plan to work a half day tomorrow anyways." Grumpy sniffled again. "None of us like this cold. It's getting too cold in the mines to be pickin' with pickaxes."
"All right." Adam nodded in agreement. "That works."
"Good." Grumpy groused. "Now get to bed!"
He shut the door tightly in Adam's face, which he took no offense to, and Adam took his leave to return to his own cottage. It must have been something in the air, for Adam found himself having a little pep in his step on his return to the cottage. If he were not so shy about letting the whole world know, he was very, very excited for the picnic tomorrow.
SNOW WHITE
The sun simply could not come up fast enough! She practically bolted upright when her eyes opened to the morning sun peeking through the window. Letting the covers fall from her, she slid on her pair of wool slippers and went over to her desk.
She had planned out what she was going to make for the picnic last night and was so excited about it. She was going to have to double check her supplies and the garden for what she would need. She knew she had enough bread for the two of them, not to mention enough salted meat for Adam. She wanted to make Open-Air Waldorf Sandwiches.
"Let's see. . ." She hummed through her yawn as she looked over her recipe and ingredient list. "I'll need eight slices of bread, a half-pound of celery stalks with stems, some Emmental cheese, salad cream, three small firm tomatoes, and salt and pepper."
She had made this for Adam mostly during the summer when he would go on long patrols and he always told her how much he liked it, especially when she would put in a few slices of black forest ham in it for him. She would not have any ham on hers, but she might put some pickled beets instead. She knew they were out of pickled beets, but that the Dwarves had some next door. She would go over there to make their lunch and would make sure to leave a plate and a note for Dopey.
But before she could make the lunch, she needed to check her sweet stash as well as the cider stash. The cider wouldn't take too long to make, and she could keep it on a low heat until she was ready to put it in the travel bottle for them. She would also look for a few other snacks for them along with her sweet treats. She simply loved to have something sweet to eat after a nice hearty sandwich.
There was also a few chores she needed to get done today too. She needed to air out the rooms, air out the sheets, do a little dusting, sweep, and make sure the house was nice and clean for when they returned. She knew that Adam didn't like it when she washed his sheets, something about his fear of her getting sick or being burned by his poisons that sometimes leak onto the sheets. She mostly does it in secret, making sure everything was exactly the way it was before she touched it, so he wouldn't know; though some part of her felt as though he knew anyway.
"So much to so, so little time." She huffed as she went to her wardrobe that the Dwarves made her. She pulled out Adam's favorite dress, which coincidentally was her favorite dress, and left it out to hang in the air. She would get dressed after she prepared a few things and did the chores. She would wear the boots and cloak to go with it since it was proving to be a chilly day today.
She went to her window and flung it open and loved every second of the crisp autumn air. Everything was changing colors all around them and it was so pretty. She didn't even know there were so many shades of red, orange, and yellow! Using the prop in the window she left it open and took her top cover comforter and hung it on the windowsill. She would let half of it bask in the morning air then let the other half bask in the air later. She made up her sheets, tucking everything in the proper place and making sure it was nice and tight before shuffling out of her room and going to Adam's door. She stood outside his room and gave three sure knocks. There was no answer and she peeked her head inside.
Adam got up early every morning and would go on his patrols. Normally he would be back by breakfast, but Snow White had the sneaking suspicion that he would be out until lunchtime today for their picnic. The thought made her smile, it meant he was working up an appetite for her.
Beaming with happiness she left the door wide open and went to his window. She had to climb up on the desk to open his window because of where he chose to position his desk. Although she hated to climb up on the nice furniture that the Dwarves made them, she knew that Adam liked to use as much natural light during the day as possible.
Standing on her knees on the desk, her leg felt the soft leather of the black journal Adam kept here. Usually he would have put it in a drawer or hid it somewhere she couldn't see, which she was thankful for, but since it was so close to her there was so much curiosity growing within her. She steeled her resolve and shook her head. No, she wouldn't read Adam's journal. That was his private life. He respected her by not reading hers, she would do the same and not read his.
Keeping her focus on the window, she propped it open as she did her own, went to his bed and pulled the top cover comforter off and did the same with his as she had done with hers. She had to climb on the desk, yet again, to hang half of it out the window. As she slid off the desk, her foot knocked the journal off the desk.
"Oh no!" She called as the pages began to bend and the quill fell from the book. She hissed a wince as she bent and picked up the book and immediately began to smooth out the pages. "I'm sorry." She whispered as she smoothed down each crinkled page.
She practically apologized to every page in the book as she smoothed each crinkled page down. She made sure not to read, though she couldn't help but notice dates and her name being written down several times. As much as she tried to ignore her curiosity, her eyes fell onto the entry dated September 21. She wouldn't have read it had the mission not said, "Keep Snow White safe." Her eyes lingered there for almost forever before they finally began to read the words written on the page. She loved how pretty and neat his handwriting was. She wished her own handwriting was as pretty as this. Still, it was the words themselves that began to move her heart.
September 21
Mission: Keep Snow White safe.
When I started his mission back in February, I assumed the mission would be accomplished by the end of the week. I never would have anticipated being here for three seasons already.
She giggled to herself as she continued to read, "Neither would I."
Autumn just began and my anxiety has only gotten worse. I hate admitting that since living in this Realm has literally been a dream I never once had, every day is something new with Snow White and even the Dwarves have volunteered to show us where we could start a garden.
Her heart fluttered as she read that and she could not suppress her smile.
Snow White seems happy, her reading and writing has greatly improved to the point I no longer have to assist her and she is even teaching Dopey how to write in exchange for being taught sign language. She especially enjoys taking care of the Dwarves by sewing them new clothes and repairing their clothes that need mending. She hasn't once mentioned returning to Apfel since the only time we returned to the village, but I know she misses it.
She paused there and just kept rereading the paragraph. She thought she was hiding it better than that. She felt oddly embarrassed that Adam could tell when she missed home so much, but the fact he had noticed from such a long time ago. Something swelled in her heart and her hand went to her necklace. Oh the things this man did to her heart.
Since then Frederick climbs the mountain once a week to drop off flours, sugars, grains, and other things that we cannot grow, especially as old man Winter fast approaches us. He's keeping us stocked here so when the snow does come, we will be well prepared. In exchange the Dwarves give him enchanted gemstones for him to do with as he sees fit since he is now a smithy.
Much to my own chagrin this Realm has been far too quiet for the Evil Queen to be residing in. I've done my routine of checking the perimeters, Grump the Dwarf has taught me to patch enchantments to secure the barrier when it grows weaker, and as prepared as I am for something terrible to happen, nothing has yet to happen.
"Sometimes I wish he were more positive. . ." She sighed as she continued to read.
I know we are safe here, but I cannot shake the foreboding feeling that we have been under watch these past few months; especially since Frederick says he has not seen the hide nor hair of Grünes since that day. That really only confirms my fear that he is in the Dark Forest, or much worse, knows where we are.
"I wonder who Grünes would be?" Her brow furrowed as she continued to read.
Had I discovered the technique of the Transfer Spell, perhaps I would not be as anxious. For a book of spells to be so literal, it gives no advice nor rhyme to conjure this spell. I've nearly given up this godforsaken cure and have been ready to give up a blissful future with Snow White, but she talks so fondly of a future with me that I would hate to disappoint her.
Her brain almost seemed to stop as she reread that last sentence. "He wants a blissful future with me?" She giggled to herself like a child. "He actually wants a future with me!"
She should know better than that, but there were some days she feared he would simply disappear again and never return. She would not blame him since she wondered if she were more trouble than she was worth. She often wondered if he would have been happier if Prince Florian would have succeeded in killing her. It's a thought she doesn't like to think about, but she has also been aware that most of the problems and complications that Adam always seems to get into is because of her. She has secretly thought about running away once or twice, either going to a new country, or even returning to Apfel so the Queen could kill her.
It wasn't that she did not value the life she had, but she felt that she was such a burden to people. She couldn't protect her servants from the Queen's clutches, she couldn't save her father, nor her mother; she feared the worst would happen to Adam if he continued to protect her. She wanted to have a happy life with him, go someplace where no one knew them, but her heart greatly missed Apfel, her apple tree, and the place that she grew up.
She let out a heavy sigh and shook away the nasty dark thoughts from her mind and continued to read.
I've tried getting rid of the toxins by releasing them onto trees, but to no avail. I've tried to transfer the toxins onto some of the less precious gemstones the Dwarves mine, but I only cause them to go blackness that is easily removed with their enchanted holy water. I've even dared to bathe in a tub of this enchanted holy water for a whole week, but there are so many impurities within me that it has been impossible to remove it all. Not even the Dwarves enchantments or magics can help me, though they've been able to heal Snow White's scars and even repaired something in Snow White that caused her to fear she would never produce children.
"What?" She blinked in utter surprise and nearly dropped the book.
Despite my own anxieties and fears, I can say that I am happy so long as she is happy and so long as I can keep her safe. Still the quiet in the forest and within the village is unnerving, I can't help but fear that pure evil will come much faster than I can stop it.
"Oh, Adam." She pressed her lips to the words on the pages and could feel the tears brimming in her eyes. It wasn't the most romantic of things, and she was very sure that this book held quite a few secrets that she wanted to learn more of, but she wouldn't read any more.
"You, silly man." She laughed and kissed the page once more. She wiped her eyes free of the tears and picked herself and the journal up off the floor. She set the journal open to the next clean page, picked the quill up off the floor, found the inkwell, and with pursed lips began to write.
October 2
Dear Adam,
Please forgive me. I set about cleaning your sheets and your room, like you have asked me not to do several times in the past, and I knocked over your precious journal. I must also apologize for reading it, not all of it, but specifically the entry of September 21. I had not planned on reading any of it, I just wanted to smooth out the pages, but your special mission of keeping me safe caught my eye, and I must admit that I read it.
Oh, my dear and precious Adam, how much I love and adore thee. You always seem to be looking out for me, seeing things that I try to hide, helping me when I most need it, and always finding some way to make me smile.
I must admit a secret to you, that I have been losing hope recently. I've been worried I've caused too much trouble, and reading your journal only seemed to confirm that; but I can't say that I'm entirely sorry for that. You have made me so happy Adam, I only wish that there was some way I could return the favor for you.
I know you've been trying really hard to get rid of your poisons, and though I dared the one kiss and I crave so many more, I've resisted giving you the second kiss because I really really want you to be the one to give it to me. Even if you were to kiss me in my sleep, and I never know of it, I would be ever so happy.
Until the day comes where you and I can finally be together, no matter how long it takes, I promise that I will be waiting for you, Adam. You are the prince who saved me from the terrible world I only ever knew, and I look forward to the future of being by your side with you.
Please don't lose hope. I know things have been tough so far, but I know you will find the answer. You always do. I believe in you, my Adam, I believe that you will overcome whatever tries to get in your way.
Here's to the hopes of our future, and the hopes of my second kiss.
Sincerely with all my love,
Your Snow White.
When she had finished her little note to him, she pressed her lips to the page and was rather embarrassed to see that a small red imprint had rested there. She set the quill inside the page, closed the journal, and closed his room; all the while her heart pounded in her chest at her confession to him. She hesitated outside of his door, debating on whether or not to tear it up, and decided to continue preparing the lunch instead.
With a song in her heart and a whistle blowing through the breeze Snow White set about cleaning their cottage and gathering the food and things she would need in a large basket. She warmed the apple cider on the stovetop, humming as she worked, and found a few cinnamon rolls to add into the mix. She set a nice cloth into the basket, to help keep the food warm when the thought occurred to her that they would need their own blanket to keep warm, or even sit upon. She went to the small storage closet that the Dwarves stocked with extra bedding and found a large blue flannel blanket.
"Perfect." She smiled as she folded it up and set it beside her basket. She continued her happy little humming tune when she suddenly noticed the time. It was almost eleven and Adam would be here in an hour to pick her up!
She rushed upstairs and hurriedly changed out of her nightgown and into the dress Adam liked so much. It was a little snug since she had put on a little weight since being here in the mountains. She was eating three times a day and ate almost as much as the Dwarves did. Still, she managed to squeeze into it and noticed that her bust had filled out the bodice rather nicely and that she liked the hourglass curve the dress gave to her. As she looked into the mirror she decided that she needed a red ribbon in her hair, just to pull the red in the puffed sleeves into the mix a little more, and did her best to tie it onto her head and keep the curls away from her face. Happy with how she looked, she slid on her slippers and grabbed the boots so they would be at the ready, and her cloak, and hurried downstairs.
Now aware of the time she felt extra hurried to get over to the Dwarves' cottage to prepare the sandwiches. Quickly pouring the apple cider into the travel bottle, she corked it, stuffed it into the basket with her other ingredients, and rushed over to the Dwarves' cottage. Like usual, the door was unlocked, and she tiptoed inside. She could hear that Dopey was snoring and did her best to stay quiet as she finished preparing the sandwiches. She opened the window so a little air could enter into the house.
Slice of bread, salad cream, black forest ham, celery, tomato, salt, pepper, cheese, and another bread slice, cut it diagonally, and that was Adam's sandwich. She repeated the same for Dopey's sandwich, singing under her breath. She was preparing the third sandwich when she suddenly heard a voice.
"Such beautiful singing." It was an old crackly voice.
"H-Hello?" Snow White called over her shoulder.
"Hello?" The old voice croaked and chuckled. "My, my, aren't you a pretty little pet."
She looked over her shoulder and saw an old woman standing outside the window. She nearly jumped at the old woman, not for how she looked, but because she genuinely surprised her! She had tangled white hair that needed brushing and wide, scary green eyes.
"Oh, h-hello." She started again and wiped her hands on a tea towel. "W-What are you doing out here?"
"I'm just an old woman out on a stroll." She laughed. "I won't have very many chances to exercise come winter, so I have to get out and walk when I can."
"You live around here?" She asked surprised as she approached the window.
"Ah, yes." She nodded her head. "I live higher up the mountain next to a great knotted oak tree."
"My, that is quite far." Snow White blinked in surprise.
"I've never seen you before, my pet." The woman noted. "I know the Dwarves live here, but I've never seen you before."
"Ah, my husband and I are living here with my uncles. . ." She wasn't sure why she was telling this woman this.
"I didn't know the Dwarves had a niece!" She gasped. "You're too pretty to be related to them."
"ah, I'm from out of town." She gulped. "You see, we're on our honeymoon, you see. . ."
"Ah, good times." The woman winked with a cackle. "Might I come in and have a sip of water, my pet? My joints are hurting at the moment and I could use a break."
"O-Of course." Snow White smiled and went to the door to help the woman in.
"Ah, thank you, my pet." The woman smiled and patted her hand as Snow White assisted her to a chair.
"Y-You're welcome." Snow White stammered as she took a step back. Her hand suddenly felt itchy, as if it had been bitten by ants. "Let me go get you that water."
She scurried to the kitchen and quickly grabbed a cup and went to the sink and pumped the water into the cup. The woman sat quietly, examining the Dwarves' cottage and smiled as Snow White came around the corner.
"Ah, thank you." She took the water and took several gulps before leaning on her cane. "All alone, my pet?"
"Why yes I am." She admitted, a hand going to her chest. There was something familiar about this woman. Snow White knew for a matter of fact she had never once met her before, but she was so familiar; somehow.
"No men to take care of the pretty girl?" The woman blinked her eyes in surprise.
"No, they're not." She shook her head, and suddenly felt overcome with the feeling that she shouldn't tell her too much. "T-They're out working right now. But they'll be back for lunch soon."
She sniffed the air then chuckled. "Making lunch for them now, are we?"
"Why yes." She nodded her head with a furrowed brow. "M-My husband and uncles will be coming back soon."
"I imagine your food must taste really good." The woman pointed a long boney finger at her. "Would you like something to add to your special lunch?"
"W-What's that?" She swallowed and tried to keep her smile to remain polite. In all honesty, she wanted nothing more than to close the window tight and hide.
"Apples." The old woman smiled and showed her basket of apples. There were green and yellow apples all around the basket, but a beautiful red one rested on top.
"Apples." Snow White loved apples. That red one specifically seemed to be calling to her.
"I grew them myself." The woman said proudly.
"M-My, they do look delicious." Snow White drew a little closer to the window.
"Yes." She picked up the red one on top and held it out. "But wait 'til you taste it! It'll be the best thing you ever tasted!"
She let out a chuckle and there was an odd glimmer in her eye that Snow White didn't like. As much as she knew that she shouldn't, it had been such a long time since she had had an apple. Not an apple pie, or a tart, but a fresh juicy apple was something Snow White had missed.
"Would you like to try one?" She crooned, practically holding the apple out to her.
"Oh, but I m-mustn't." She shook her head and smiled politely. "I would hate to ruin my appetite for lunch!"
"Oh, go on." The woman persisted and held the pretty red apple out to her. "Just have a bite, just one bite and you'll see how delicious it tastes."
She practically shoved the apple into Snow White's hands and she had no choice but to accept it.
"T-Thank you." Snow White's smile was growing very strained to keep. "I'll share it with my husband later."
"No!" The woman stood up suddenly. "No, you must eat it now!"
"W-Why?" Snow White retreated a step.
"You see, my apples are magical."
"Magical?" She blinked. "You're a witch?"
"A good witch, mind you, my pet." She chuckled and patted her cheek. "This apple is a wishing apple."
The itchy feeling of ants came to her cheek and Snow White wanted this woman to leave.
"A w-wishing apple?" Snow White questioned as she carefully moved her face away from the hand. As much as this woman frightened her, she seemed to have good intentions. She knew the Dwarves after all, surely, she was a good person, and a good witch as she claimed.
"Yes." The woman nodded her head. "Just one bite will grant your deepest wish and make it come true!"
"Really?" Snow White looked down at the red apple. It seemed too good to be true.
"Yes, my pet." The woman nodded encouragingly. "My red apples work the best. All you have to do is make a wish then take a bite."
The apple suddenly felt very heavy in her hands. If this were true, then she could wish for Adam's curse to be lifted, and they could finally be together. Still she couldn't figure out why she felt itchy.
"Come on, sweetheart." The woman tutted. "Surely there must be something your heart desires. Perhaps it is for someone you love if it is a wish that is not for yourself."
"I m-mean I do." He heart raced and she wanted to run and hide. "And I want this wish to come true. I very very much want this wish to come true. . . but can this apple really make it happen?"
"But of course!" She said excitedly. "Now take the apple, my pet, and make a wish and make sure you take a big bite."
The old woman finally took a step back from Snow White and watched in waiting to see what Snow White would do. Snow White held the apple in her hands and looked at it. Should she really put all of her wishes into one apple? Magical or not this seemed far too good to be true. But, what if it really worked? What if it really did break Adam's curse? This was a big risk to take. Surely, the worst that would happen would be that the apple wasn't really magical and was just a normal apple, right?
Her heart pounded in her chest as she brought the red apple closer to her lips. She would do anything to help Adam, to repay him all the kindness he had in turn shown to her. If making a wish on a magic apple was the way to do it, then she would take a bite. She would do it if it meant saving Adam.
Her hands shook, as if her entire body were telling her not to do it. "I-I. . ."
"Go on, pet." The woman encouraged and took another step back, giving Snow White a little more room to breath in.
"I wish. . ." She pursed her lips and her mouth watered. "I wish that Adam's curse of poison would be removed from his body, so that we can finally be together."
Taking a deep breath, she opened her mouth and took the biggest bite she could. The apple was sweet, juicy, and tasted just like her own apples from her apple tree. It was so good she almost dared to take another bite.
"Good girl." The woman chuckled, but she sounded very far away. "Now, when you wake up, everything will be set right and will just as it should have been."
"When I . . ." The room blurred and seemed to spin all around her. "When I wake up?"
She let the apple fall from her hands and held onto the wall with one hand and her head in the other.
"If you ever wake up, you foolish girl!" The woman let out a loud cackle, but she also sounded so far away.
She tried to hold herself up by the wall, but her knees just couldn't seem to hold her up and she suddenly felt so, so tired. "Adam. . ." She couldn't help but call as her knees hit the floor. "Adam."
"He won't be saving you now, brat." The woman's voice changed somehow. "I've already made sure of that."
Her body's weight was much more than she could bear and as she took her last glimpse at the front door, she held her hand out towards the door, almost as if to crawl to the door. "Adam. . ." She called one more time, trying to stay awake to see him come in for her. He always came for her, she knew he would come for her. Surely, he would be here soon, it was almost time for lunch.
Author's Note:
Thanks so much for reading! I hope you've enjoyed the story so far!
So, for the Open-Air Waldorf Sandwich, I had to do a little digging. Granted, at this time in history I don't know if they really made sandwiches, or it they called them that since sandwiches became more of a popular food in 1816, and picnics started between the 18-19th centuries, but I think in the medieval times they would have scrapped together what they had and ate it during lunch times. So though that is a little historical inaccuracy on my part it was a necessary evil.
But for any of you who would like the recipe I used: /recipes/waldorf-sandwich-open-air/. This is the website (hopefully it shows up) that will have it.
What's going to happen next? Will it be the Happy, Good, or Bad ending?
Leave a review and let me know what you think!
Thanks for coming along the journey with me, stay tuned for more!
Ko-fi/SarahtheWriter
