CHAPTER 3 – HURTFUL
Recommended for mature audiences only. Some content is not suitable for young readers.
(Updated for errors & minor context - 03-Jan-2018)
"Your Majesty?"
Snow woke with a fright. She looked up to see Mary standing by her bed. Snow vaguely remembered that she was naked and pulled the blankets from her chest and up to her chin.
"I'm sorry if I startled you, your Majesty. I came to let you know that breakfast will be ready for you in the dining hall in an hour. Duke Hammond and William will join you since your schedule is clear today. Shall I help you dress?"
Suddenly panic hit Snow and she turned over; but the other side of her bed was empty. Where was Eric? "No, thank you Mary. I'm sure I'll manage. I will be down shortly."
"Of course, milady, Mary curtsied quickly hurried off.
Snow stayed still for a few moments, trying to gather her thoughts. She concentrated on her body; stretching every muscle and feeling every inch of her relax into the soft bed beneath her. Her arms and legs felt like jelly. Snow closed her eyes and smiled, remembering the night before.
"What are ye so happy about?"
Snow sat up startled, to find Eric gazing down at her from the end of the bed.
"Everything," she smiled again. He was wearing his boots and trousers, but his shirt hung over his shoulder, leaving Snow with a full view of his sculpted chest and stomach. The sight of him made her body tingle all over. "Where did you go?" She knew he usually woke early and cringed at the memory of him waking her at dawn every morning when they were travelling together.
The Huntsman climbed onto the large bed and lay next to Snow, taking her in his arms. "I snuck into the washroom when yer maid arrived."
"I see," Snow frowned. "Are you uncomfortable being seen with me?"
The Huntsman frowned back. "I told ye what would happen if anyone saw me. People will talk; ye are no' married."
"And I told you I do not care. Besides I don't think Mary would tell anyone."
The Huntsman rolled over and pinned Snow under him. He grabbed her hands and held them above her head. "Ye are very stubborn, princess."
"Queen," Snow playfully corrected him and she lay there for a few moments, pinned under the hunter, taking in the sunlight that streamed through the windows before she spoke again.
"How many women have you been with, Eric?"
The Huntsman raised his eyebrows at her question.
"I'm sorry for asking, you don't have to tell me."
"If ye must know, I'm no' sure. My wife, of course. There were others before and after, but they were of no importance."
Snow wanted to ask the Huntsman about his wife, but she had a feeling he still didn't like talking about her. She didn't mind. She felt the same way about her parents, and they died long before Eric's wife. Instead she wrapped her legs around his waist and kissed him, gasping when he entered her suddenly.
She would never get over the feeling.
The Hunter slowly pushed into her again. "Are ye alright?"
"I'm fine," Snow breathed. The Huntsman kissed her neck and wrapped his arm under the small of her back, lifting her closer to him as they made love quietly and slowly in the sunlight. Now that the sun was shining brightly, Snow took in as much as she could of the Huntsman. The muscles in his arms and chest were hard against her soft, roaming hands. She kissed his neck and closed her eyes tightly as she felt herself mould perfectly around him. Her heart was pounding against his chest and her breathing was hot and heavy against the Huntsman's shoulder. She found herself wondering if people had died from this and giggled into his neck.
"Am I amusing ye, princess?" The Huntsman placed a soft kiss on her mouth then down her neck and along her collarbone. He continued to move excruciatingly slowly above her.
Ignoring his question completely, Snow groaned. "Please Eric, I can't take it any longer. I'll die if you don't hurry."
The Huntsman laughed and kissed her once. "Ye're no' goin' to die Snow, just relax."
"Please, Eric!" Snow hugged the Huntsman tightly around his neck and returned his kiss.
"Ye are so stubborn." He moved harder this time, still holding her tightly to him. Snow forgot all about the jelly feeling in her body and it wasn't long before she felt herself about to shatter.
Her soft moans were driving the Huntsman crazy, making him move deeper and faster. Snow cried out loudly as she exploded around the hunter, pushing him over the edge with her.
The Huntsman rolled over next to her and laughed, "Do ye think people can hear ye? Imagine the look on their faces if they found out what was goin' on in the Queen's chambers. And with a commoner, no doubt."
Still panting, Snow simply frowned at the Hunter lying beside her. She knew he was only teasing, but she couldn't help but flush. "If you're trying to embarrass me, then you can leave."
"I'm sorry if I offended ye, princess – I'll behave." The corner of Eric's mouth twitched as he tried to hide his smile. When he failed, he hid his face in a pillow.
Snow tried to ignore his laughter, still frowning. "I have to get dressed," she mumbled. "You should go."
Eric sat up and rolled off the giant bed, reaching for his clothing as he did so. "Ye know, for somebody so small, ye really are quite a demanding little thing."
He got dressed and headed for the door. A small chill hit Snow's stomach as he began to leave, and a thought suddenly crossed her mind. "Actually, you can't go - I might need some help." Snow grabbed her robe and covered herself as she climbed out of bed. "I'm going to wash; can you wait a moment please?"
The Huntsman sat down on the chaise lounge in front of the fireplace. "I'll be waiting."
A few minutes later Snow emerged from the washroom and walked over to the wardrobe. She pulled out a beautiful cream, silk gown and held it up for the Huntsman to see. "Can you help me with this? My maid usually does it, and seeing as I sent her away because of you, I believe you owe me a favour." She bit her lip waiting for his response.
The Huntsman just stared at the dress and raised his eyebrows. "I've done worse things."
Minutes later, Snow was standing against her bed, gripping onto one of the posts as the hunter worked his way slowly through the laces of her dress. His fingers brushed against her bare back, sending tingles all through her. "You have to pull them tighter, Eric," she said.
The Huntsman clenched his teeth as he fiddled with the laces. "If I pull them any tighter, ye willnae be able to breathe."
Snow could tell that he was getting fed up with the dress. She bit her tongue to keep herself from giggling. "Trust me, they slacken throughout the day. If you don't pull them tighter the whole thing will loosen before midday."
The Hunter was about to say something intrepid but decided against it. Instead he groaned and continued what he was doing.
Duke Hammond and his son were sitting at the large table in the dining hall talking quietly when Snow arrived and they both stood and bowed as she approached the table.
William's jaw tightened when he saw the Huntsman walk in behind her. Snow tried to ignore the tension between the two men and sat at the head of the large table. William was sitting to her left, and Duke Hammond to her right, so the Huntsman took the seat next to the Duke.
The Duke spoke first. "My darling Queen, how are you feeling today? I was told you were out in the garden until the early hours of the morning. Winter is not yet over; I hope you don't get ill."
Snow blushed and shared a quick glance with the Huntsman. "I am wonderful, thank you for asking Duke. The gardens are sometimes just too lovely to resist."
Before they could say anything else, Greta appeared with another servant girl and began serving breakfast. Snow stood up when they entered. "Greta! Oh, how lovely to see you! I did not know you still at the palace."
Everyone at the table smiled at Snow's display of friendliness towards the servant girl.
Greta blushed as Snow took her hand. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I took a job in the kitchen just a day ago. My aunt is Mary, and she told me that they were looking for kitchen maids, so I thought I'd try my luck."
Snow smiled. "Well that is wonderful, Greta. I look forward to seeing you more often then."
Greta curtsied to the queen and left with the other servants when the table was full of food. Snow sat back down at the large table where everyone was still smiling at her, and they began eating. Snow was suddenly starving.
"You have had quite a busy week my dear," the Duke began again after a few moments. "I hope you find that being Queen is not too stressful for you. Please forgive my meddling, but maybe you should find a suitor to ease the burden?"
William and the Huntsman stopped eating and looked at Snow. She stared back at the Duke, trying to think of something to say when William cleared his throat. "I'm sure the Queen can handle anything that is thrown at her, Father. Snow is not just a pretty face; she is stronger than she looks."
Duke Hammond nodded quickly. "Yes, yes, of course – I didn't mean to say you couldn't handle it my dear." He wiped his mouth with a napkin before speaking again. "All I mean is, and at the risk of sounding too forward, your own parents and I had hoped that one day yourself and William might marry. The kingdom is expecting an announcement of your engagement any day now, and I think it would be wise to respond to those rumours. Confirm or deny, but the public want answers."
Snow shifted in her seat and tried to ignore the Huntsman glaring at William from across the table. She hadn't realised the topic of her expected marriage would come up so quickly. She'd only just become Queen and now she was expected to become a wife as well?
"Thank you, William. And thank you for your concern Duke Hammond, but as William said, I'm sure I can handle it."
"Of course, my dear. I only want what's best for you."
She glanced again at the Huntsman, who was still staring at William. She was grateful when the Duke turned his attention on Eric, snapping him out of his thoughts.
"Eric, I had the impression you had returned to your village after the coronation. Better things for you to do around here I suppose?"
The Huntsman tried to hide his smile and failed. "Somethin' like that." He looked over at Snow, who was still fidgeting in her seat. He knew the whole situation was making her uncomfortable.
"Well I think having familiar faces around is good for our beautiful young queen here." The Duke smiled at Snow before returning to face Eric. "I hope you choose to stay a while, Huntsman."
"That's the plan, Sir," Eric returned his smile and shifted his gaze to William. The small twitch of William's jaw didn't go unnoticed.
After they finished breakfast Duke Hammond excused himself, and William, Eric and Snow were left sitting at the large table.
"You are doing a wonderful job, Snow. I always knew you would be a marvellous Queen. I'm afraid there is still a lot of work to be done, though." William reached for Snow's hand. "My father and I will help as much as we can. Father generally knows what he is doing."
The Huntsman shifted in his seat. He clenched his teeth as he watched William's fingers caress Snow's hand and imagined himself jumping across the table to strangle him.
"I know that, William and thank you. Your father is doing a wonderful job. Our fathers were very close, and I trust his judgement." Snow really was grateful she had so many people to help her. She was even more grateful that they knew what they were doing, because she had no idea how to run a kingdom.
The Huntsman rose from his seat before he had to suffer through any more conversation. "If you'll both excuse me, I need to… find a friend." Eric bowed his head and quickly winked at Snow before he left.
Snow's eyes never left the Huntsman as he walked out of the hall. As soon as the doors closed behind him, she turned to William. "Will, do you think I should find a husband?"
"Snow, do not worry about what my father thinks. He is only looking out for you. Besides, you have only been Queen for little over a week and you are not even eighteen yet." William smiled at her. "Do you wish to be married?"
Snow bit her lip. "I don't know. I have never really thought about it until your father mentioned it just now. I guess being locked away for so long pushed the possibility out of my mind."
William rubbed Snow's shoulder. "Just be the Queen that I know you are, and the rest will follow in place. The rest of winter will fly past and before long you will be feasting and dancing at the celebration."
Snow looked confused. "Another celebration? What is this one for?"
"Your birthday," William frowned at the Queen. "Surely you didn't forget?"
"My birthday? Are you sure?"
"Of course, I am sure. It is the second day of spring, is it not?"
"Well, yes I guess it is. I haven't had a birthday in so long, I forgot all about them."
"Well this birthday will be extra special – your first since becoming Queen. It will be even bigger than the coronation and I will arrange everything to your liking. You won't have to lift a finger."
"Oh William, I'm not sure. Two celebrations so close together seems a little silly. I don't want to cause a commotion."
"Nonsense, it will be expected. Besides, after Ravenna, the Kingdom needs something to smile about and another party will do just that. "
"Thank you, William. I'm so glad you are here. It means a lot to me." She kissed William's cheek.
William touched the spot where she'd kissed him, and a shadow came over his eyes. "He cares for you a great deal, you know."
"The Duke? I know he does. He is too kind to me."
"Well yes, but I was talking about Eric. I can see it when he looks at you. Like you are his whole world and that he would die trying to protect you." William's eyes seemed to gaze right through her. "I don't like it. I know what he did for you in the Dark Forest and we fought well together against Ravenna's army but that is all over now. I do not understand why he feels the need to linger around. He should know his place and it isn't here at the palace with you."
Snow frowned at her friend's harsh words. "William, he is as welcome here as anybody else. He cares for me, and I care for him also. We have been through a lot together and I like having him here. Why are you suddenly so ill towards him?"
William thought for a moment before answering. "I see the way you look at him, Snow. You are too naive and selfless, and you want to see the best in people, including the Huntsman; I fear that it may cloud your judgement. He is not right for you, surely you can see that?"
Snow continued to frown at William. "You know I respect your opinion, William, but I will be the one to decide who is right for me, not you."
William snorted. "Please don't tell me you have real feelings for that axe wielding barbarian?"
Snow clenched her teeth. "He's not a barbarian. Do not talk about him like that."
William looked worried then, and his eyes searched her own, looking for something she did not wish to show him. "You love him, don't you?"
Snow's frown quickly faded, "That is none of your concern."
"Snow this cannot happen," his tone turned bitter. "You are a Queen and he is a hunter, a commoner. Don't be foolish."
Snow raised her eyebrows. "I'll try to ignore your tone William, but I should remind you that I'm not a little girl anymore and you will not tell me what to do. I can, and I will love whoever I please, and you will not lecture me about it." She pulled her hand from his and stood up.
Disbelief crossed William's face and he suddenly looked disgusted. He jumped from his seat and grabbed Snow's arms tightly, dragging her towards his side. "What happened last night after I left you?" William's fingers dug into her soft skin.
"Let go of me William," Snow demanded. "You're hurting me."
"Tell me you only talked!" William's eyes were burning. "Tell me you didn't give yourself to that man!" William's voice echoed through the hall.
Snow felt the blood in her veins turn hot. "How dare you!" She snapped at him. "That is absolutely none of your business. Now let go of me!" Snow tried to pull away from him, but his fingers only dug into her arms harder.
"Snow! How could you do this? You aren't even married. Did you not think of your honour?" William let go of her arms and ran his fingers through his hair as he growled. "What would your father say if he were alive? Do you not think, you silly girl? You have bought disgrace to your father's name, Snow!"
Snow felt as if somebody had hit her in the stomach. Tears began to flow down her cheeks. "Don't you dare talk to me about my father, William! You have no right to tell me who I should and shouldn't be with."
William looked disbelievingly at Snow. "He is a Huntsman, Snow! He is not right for you! You are being ridiculous! I swear I will have his head on a platter if I see him again!"
Snow tried to keep her voice down but the rage and hurt was not holding back. "Why are you being like this? I'm sorry I can't be the one for you, William! I have loved you ever since we were children; you were all I ever dreamed about while I was up in that horrible tower! But everything has changed now, and I just don't have those feelings anymore. I know you want me to love you, but I just cannot. Right now, I can't even look at you. You have really hurt me, William."
Snow turned around and ran out of the hall, leaving William standing alone and fuming.
There was a large group of sentinels in the courtyard when Eric emerge from the palace after breakfast. They were all being briefed by their captain, Bane. Duke Hammond was there also, bent over a wooden bench covered with large maps of the kingdom. The Huntsman lurked behind the guards, waiting for Bane to finish his commands. While he waited, his hunter's instincts kicked in, and he observed his surroundings.
There were a lot of new guards, he noticed, a lot more than there was the last time he was at the palace. He studied the watch towers; they were heavily guarded – as was every window and doorway that he could see. There was definitely more sentinels than necessary and it wasn't because the palace was still getting organised after the battle – No, this was something else; precautions. But for what? What was the palace preparing for?
When the sentinels were dismissed and began to scatter, Eric made his way over to the Captain of the Guard.
Bane saw Eric approaching and laughed. "Well, well, well," the giant man bellowed. "I heard you'd shown yer face again last night, but I didnae like to believe it."
"It's good to see ye too," Eric grinned and squeezed Bane's shoulder. "Captain, eh? How'd this all come about?"
Bane shrugged. "Well ye see, there I was some months back, mindin' my own business in ol' man Richard's tavern when some lass comes in talkin' nonsense 'bout a certain Huntsman fighting with a young girl claiming to be the lost Princess. At first, I didnae believe the stories, but I knew of only one man stupid enough to do the things the lass was sayin'. So, when I found out the Princess and her hunter had raised an army and was comin' to fight the bitch-queen, I thought I better come and see for myself. I get here, join the ranks with the other soldiers and try to find this so-called Huntsman everyone had been whispering 'bout. I just 'bout pissed myself with laughter when I saw yer sorry arse fightin' yer way into the palace at Her Majesty's heels. After it was all over, and things settled down, the Duke was putting together a new Queen's Guard, and I offered my services. I'd been meanin' to speak to ye since it was all over, but I heard you'd left after the coronation." Bane ran a hand over his beard, giving Eric a curious look. "What brought ye back?"
It was Eric's turn to shrug. "Circumstances. I've decided to hang around for a while, and I was hoping ye had room for another sentinel."
Bane laughed. "Sentinel eh?" He studied Eric and his eyes narrowed. "Does this sudden desire to stay have anythin' to do with a certain crown-wearin' woman?"
"No," Eric lied, hitting Bane's arm.
The giant man just laughed again. "All right, there might be something for ye. It's actually good timing; we could use a good soldier such as yer'self right 'bout now."
"I've noticed ye doubled the guards since I was here last. Why?"
Bane's smile faded, and he looked over his shoulder at the Duke, who was still bent over the map-covered bench. "A lot has happened since ye disappeared," he said, turning back to Eric. "Now that ye're back, there's some things the Duke and I need to discuss with ye."
"Eric. Captain." The Duke looked up from his maps to find the two large men standing either side of him. "What can I do for you?"
"Eric wants to join the Guard, Sir," Bane answered for the Huntsman.
"Ah, yes." The Duke's smile vanished, and his eyes tightened. "I was hoping you would. I didn't want to say anything at breakfast, but-" he looked around to see if anyone was listening to their conversation, "I think it would be best if we spoke in my private chambers."
The Duke gathered up his maps and Bane and the Huntsman followed him into the palace.
Once in the Duke's private study, the Duke locked the door behind them and walked over to a large desk, where he motioned for Eric and Bane to join him.
"What's going on?" Eric asked, taking the seat next to Bane.
Duke Hammond rested him arms on either side of the large chair and glanced at Bane, nodding once. "Tell him what we know, Captain."
Bane cleared his throat. "We have reason to believe that there is a rebel army rising against Her Majesty. It's only early days, but we think they might be seeking to harm her – why, we dinnae know."
Eric felt a chill run down his spine. "How do ye know this?"
"Just last week we caught a man lurking around the palace. He was very secretive when questioned, but the sentinels let him go, thinking he was just a crazed old man. Then I caught the same man the next day following the Queen through the courtyard. I grabbed him and dragged him away without Her Majesty noticing, but before I could question him, he dropped a knife from his sleeve and struck himself in the stomach." Bane swallowed, his voice turning grave. "The only thing he said was 'we're coming for her.' Then he died."
Eric's hands tightened around the arms of his chair. The thought of a crazy knife-wielding man following Snow in the palace grounds made his jaw tighten. No wonder Bane had doubled the Queen's Guard. "Ye haven't told Sn- the Queen. Why?"
It was the Duke's turn to speak now, and he laced his fingers together. "The Queen has enough on her plate. Worrying her about this will not help matters, especially since we don't have much to tell her. When we know more, we will give Her Majesty the news."
Eric frowned. Keeping this from Snow didn't sit well with him. "I dinnae like this," he said. "Snow needs to know what's going on."
The Duke's eyes narrowed slightly. "You are close with Her Majesty." It was a statement, not a question, and the Duke ran his eyes over Eric, taking in the hunter's appearance; his tense posture, the hunting leathers, his unshaven face and cold, sharp axe strapped to his back. "The Queen trusts you." Again, not a question. "You said you wanted to join the Guard, but perhaps we could use your association with the Queen to our advantage."
Eric's shoulders tensed further, and he looked at Bane who just shrugged.
"The Queen needs constant protection," the Duke went on, "but we can't give her that without letting on there is something amiss. If you were to guard her, on the other hand, the Queen wouldn't suspect a thing."
"Ye want me to follow her?" Eric growled. The Duke's plan was clever, but it made him uncomfortable. Protecting Snow had become second nature to him now, but doing it in this way, it was deceptive.
"I think what the Duke means," Bane interrupted, "is just do what ye normally do. Walk with her, spend time with her, be the same friend you've always been to her, just help us by keeping her out of danger."
"Ye're asking me to lie to her," Eric growled, more towards Duke Hammond than Bane. "Ye are keeping important information from her – information that affects her safety."
"I'm not asking you to lie to your Queen," the Duke said, his voice turning stern. "I'm simply asking you to do what you've always done. I don't like keeping information from her any more than you do. Remember young man, I was here the day she was born. I was here the day her parents died, and I saw her, a small seven-year-old girl, being dragged back into the palace by Ravenna's soldiers. I care for her as if she was my own child and I will do everything in my power to prevent anything from harming her again. At this time, we don't even know if there is an army. It could be that the man Bane caught really was just a raving lunatic. I won't worry her until it's absolutely necessary."
Eric's mouth formed a hard line. "What are ye doing about it then?"
"I've already sent a group of my men out to see what they can find out," Bane offered. "At this stage, we're just trying to establish if there really is a threat, and if there is, how big is it? I think ye could really help us, Eric. If there are more spies in the palace, we cannae leave Her Majesty alone even for a minute. I cannae have my men following her every second of the day – it will raise suspicion, no' only from the Queen, but from the rest of the palace. We cannae have everyone in a panic while we're still trying so hard to get everything in order after Ravenna."
"And ye think people won't notice me following her around?" Eric scoffed. "That will cause even more speculation."
"Not necessarily," the Duke added. "The whole Kingdom knows of the Queen's Hunter; her loyal servant and protector. Honestly, you raised more questions by leaving after the coronation."
Eric didn't know what to say. The Queen's loyal servant? He wanted to laugh. He wasn't here to do the Queen's bidding and obey her every command, and he most certainly didn't come running whenever she clicked her fingers. No, he wasn't here because he was the Queen's loyal servant. He was here for Snow; the woman under the crown. If he had to be anyone's servant, he would be hers.
"So, what will it be, Eric?" The Duke was staring at him from across the table, his eyes questioning. "Will you help us."
Eric sighed. He supposed it didn't make a difference. He was here to watch over Snow anyway. "Aye," he said gruffly. "But I won't lie to her. If she asks about the increase in guards, I'll be tellin' her the truth."
"Fantastic," the Duke said. "Thank you, Eric."
"I'm expecting my men to return in the next few days," Bane said, his attention shifting between Eric and the Duke. "If they dinnae find anythin', then no harm done. If they do, well, we'll inform Her Majesty and go from there. Until they return, Eric, keep yer eyes peeled for any odd behaviour. William is also aware of the situation and will be doin' the same thing. The two of ye can take turns guarding the Queen, but ye can sort that out between the two of ye."
Eric nodded once. "Aye," but he didn't like the idea of sharing time with William. The Duke's son got on his nerves.
"It's only a few days, Eric," Bane said, sensing the Huntsman's reluctance. "Just until we know what's going on."
"Aye," Eric said again. "Have ye got guards on her doors?"
"Only the main doors to her apartment. I'll tell them no' to give ye any trouble. They'll let ye come and go as necessary."
"Alright," Eric said, standing. "I suppose that'll be all then." He shook Bane's hand and offered the Duke a stiff nod, eager to get out of the room. He was hot suddenly, and he loosened his leather vest. If the Duke's suspicions were true and there was a rebel army rising against Snow, may God have mercy on their souls.
Snow's eyes were blurry from crying. She pushed open the door to her chamber and threw herself onto her bed. How could this happen? How could William be so cruel? Her head ached from yelling and crying, and her arms were sore. She looked down at them and saw that they were starting to bruise.
Just then she heard the door to her apartment open and close. Heavy footsteps sounded across the floor of the sitting room, getting closer and closer to her bedroom door. Snow jumped off her bed and smoothed out her dress, bracing herself for the knock. Only whoever it was didn't knock; they opened the door and walked inside.
"What happened?" the Huntsman asked gravely, taking one look at her blotchy, tear-stained face.
Snow ran towards him, threw her arms around his neck and started crying again. "Eric," was all she could manage to say.
"What happened?" He asked again, stepping back so he could look at her. He took her face in his hands. "What happened to yer arms?" Angry pink marks in the shape of fingers were visible on the porcelain skin of her forearms and the Huntsman's jaw tightened. "Who did this to ye?"
"It was William. He said some things and I got upset. We had a huge fight after you left." Snow wiped the tears from her face and took a deep breath. "Oh Eric, he's really mad at me."
The Huntsman's eyes turned cold and dark. "What!" Snow flinched at his sudden growl. "Did he do this to ye?" The Huntsman took hold of Snow's arms and studied the marks.
"It's not that bad, I'm fine. What he said to me hurt the most. He used my father against me." Snow's voice broke when she spoke, and she pulled her arms from the hunter's grasp and rubbed them.
"What did he say to ye?"
Eric was trying to keep his temper from flaring, but Snow could tell he was close to losing it. For a moment she thought of not saying anything, but the look on Eric's face told her otherwise. "He found out about us… About last night."
"Did ye tell him?"
"No," Snow shook her head quickly, her eyes wide, "of course not. He just sort of guessed, and he got mad. He said that I shouldn't be with you because my father would be ashamed of me." The tears started to flow again.
The Huntsman just stared at her, his neck and eyes turning red with rage.
Snow reached for his arm. "Please don't do anything Eric. I just want to forget about it."
"He has no right to speak to ye like that. He has no right to even touch ye!" His voice rose again, "Look what he did too ye! He has marked ye!"
Something like conformation flashed across his fuming features and Snow winced within herself – she wasn't afraid for herself, she was afraid for William.
The Huntsman let go of Snow and stormed out of the chamber growling, his accent thick with anger, "I'll break the bastard's neck."