CHAPTER 6 – SURPRISE
Recommended for mature audiences only. Some content is not suitable for young readers.
(Updated for errors & minor context - 23-Jan-2018)
The Queen's sentinels had been standing outside her quarters all night. Any conversation between them ended hours ago and even the occasional small talk had ceased. Each hour had seemed longer than the last, but the men knew better than to complain. They were well accustomed to their jobs and knew what it involved; guarding the Queen was their priority. However, the sun was just becoming a slither on the horizon and both men were growing tired and anxious for the end of their shift. When the two guards spotted their replacements coming down the corridor towards them, they sighed silently to themselves but kept a straight face. A third man followed closely behind the replacements. The men could tell straight away by his size that it was Bane, their Captain and one of the Queen's councillors.
"Clive, Samuel," Bane nodded once at both men and received a greeting in return. "Marcus and Jed are replacing ye. Anythin' to report?"
Clive and Samuel looked at each other once and Samuel cleared his throat. "The Queen left her chamber once after Duke Hammond visited her. We were told not to follow. Her Majesty returned with the Huntsman."
Bane knew from Duke Hammond and the guard in the tower that the Queen had released the Huntsman. William as well for that matter. He nodded again at the men and looked at them expectantly, realising there must be more to report.
"I thought he was in the tower?" This time Jed, one of the replacement guards spoke.
"Well, not anymore," continued Clive. "He has not left the chamber since he returned with the Queen. So, expect to see him this morning."
Bane frowned thoughtfully. He knew Eric and the Queen were close, but he'd have to question his old friend on his intentions the next time they saw each other. When he said he'd wanted Eric to stay close to the Queen, he hadn't meant sharing her bed as well. "Right well, there ain't much we can do. The Queen's business is the Queen's business. Get out of here then. Get some sleep." Clive and Samuel switched posts with Marcus and Jed and hurried off towards the Guard's Quarters. Bane turned in the opposite direction and headed towards the courtyard to start the day's commands.
When Eric opened his eyes, the sun had not fully risen from the horizon and streaks of red and gold shone through the cloudy sky. Snow still lay in his arms; she had barely moved at all since she fell asleep. Her long, dark hair smelt of honey and her smooth skin under the robe caressed his fingers as they ran along her side and hip. He lay there for a few moments, taking in her smell and the feel of her in his arms. To think he may have never held her again. The Huntsman clenched his teeth at the thought and silently cursed William. If he could just get his hands on that little whelp again… but he stopped himself at the thought. The last time the two men fought, Snow was nearly killed.
He looked out of the window and saw that the sun had almost fully risen above the horizon. Snow's maid would arrive soon, so he reluctantly began to sit up. Snow stirred a little as he pulled his arm out from under her, but she never woke. He climbed off the bed and pulled his blood-stained shirt and vest over his head. He returned once more to the sleeping Snow and kissed her gently on the cheek. Forcing himself away from her he walked to the chamber door and pulled it open, only to find a startled Mary gaping at him.
Mary, obviously getting the shock of her life, shouted at the man in front of her. "What in God's name–" The Huntsman quickly grabbed the lady and covered her mouth with his palm. Her startled eyes grew even wider and she shrieked into his hand.
"Shhh, it's okay," he whispered. "Dinnae shout, ye will wake her." Mary's eyes searched the hunter's face for any sign of danger but found none. She relaxed after a moment and the Huntsman slowly and gently let go of the maid.
Although Mary had established that there was no threat from the Huntsman, she was now very confused and annoyed. "What on earth are you still doing in here?" she huffed.
"I was… keeping her company. I apologise for startling ye."
Mary looked the man over. He seemed recently clean, but his clothes were still covered in blood and filth. Despite that, Mary could tell at once why the Queen was so attached to the man. He was good looking, tall and well-built from head to toe. He didn't carry himself like all the men she was used to; noble men, kings, and knights - but something about him gave off an air of power and strength different to the kind they possessed. It was the stance of a fighter and predator. The stance of a hunter. His heavy, cautious eyes stared back at her, waiting for her to speak again.
"Is Her Majesty still sleeping?"
"Aye," Eric nodded.
"Right, well I suppose if the Queen wants you here I cannot say much about it. You best get moving before anyone else finds you here though."
The Huntsman nodded and walked briskly through the sitting room and out into the corridor where two new guards were standing at the door. The two men looked at him and then quickly glanced at each other. They clearly had been expecting him.
"Is the Duke in his chambers?" asked the Huntsman.
"We believe so," said the taller man quickly.
The Huntsman nodded once at the men and turned on the spot. They obviously were not up for a conversation and that suited the Huntsman just fine. He marched through the palace towards the Duke's chambers. Servants were beginning to make their appearances as the morning tasks and chores began. He dodged them quickly and quietly as they ran around him going about their morning business.
Eventually the hunter made it to the Duke's door and knocked twice. A voice from inside called out for him to enter so he pulled the heavy door open and went inside. The Duke was sitting at his large desk, leaning back in his chair. When the Duke saw the Huntsman he jumped up, somewhat shocked. "Eric!" The Duke's eyes fell on the other person in the room.
The Huntsman followed the Duke's eyes and saw that William was sitting across from the Duke. He too had jumped up when the Huntsman entered. Eric felt his fists clench by his sides. His face set like stone on the Duke's son standing before him. His hand twitched and longed for his axe, which had been seized when he was arrested. Never mind, he thought. He quite liked the idea of his bare hands wrapped around William's neck. William, who was clearly expecting an attack rested his hand on the sword that hung by his side.
Duke Hammond, noticing the tension in the room, spoke again. "Sit down, both of you." He was sharp with his words and Eric could tell he wasn't in the mood for nonsense today.
Duke Hammond sat back down and pointed to the second chair in front of his desk. The Huntsman hesitated for a moment but eventually decided to try and be civil… for now. Instead he glared at William the entire time, thinking of all the different ways he could kill him right that very moment.
The Duke spoke again. "I wasn't expecting you so early, Eric. I presume Her Majesty told you I wanted to speak with you?"
"No sir, she didnae. I presume she forgot, given her situation." The Huntsman shifted in his chair and glared at William again. "I took it upon myself to come and see ye. I can come back later in the day if ye wish." Perhaps after I've ripped yer sons head from his shoulders.
"Never mind, you are here now. Besides, I've been meaning to speak to both of you together." William, who had obviously heard this speech already, knew what was coming and tried to avoid eye contact with his father. "What on earth possessed you? You both tried to kill each other like savages in front of the entire palace and then you go and shoot the Queen!" the Duke pointed at his son. What had started out calm had quickly escalated, and the Duke's voice was becoming angrier with every word. "First my own son assaults her, then you both go and put on a display like that. You are lucky the Queen woke up in time to release you, because you both could have been hung for that kind of behaviour.
"Both of your actions' have put the Queen in danger. You would not believe how much attention you have put on the Queen and the palace. I don't care if you are both madly in love with her – don't think I don't realise that – I expected both of you to have more sense than to let your feelings get in the way of her safety."
Duke Hammond's face was now red, and Eric never took his eyes off him. He had every right to be angry. He was right after all. Snow's safety was the number one priority and both William and himself had jeopardized that. He still wanted to rip William limb from limb, but so long as Snow was in danger, he would do everything in his power to protect her… And getting arrested again would not help the situation.
The Huntsman cleared his throat and spoke. "Ye are right, Sir. I shouldna have attacked William like that in front of everyone. Although, I will no' apologise. He got less than he deserved for assaulting Snow."
William scowled and turned to face the Huntsman. "You don't get to call her that, Huntsman. You'll do well to remember your place, and it isn't in her bed."
Eric jumped out of his seat and grasped William by the collar. "Ye nearly killed her, ye little swine!" He bellowed. "I will rip yer spleen right from yer damned throat if ye so much as lay a finger on her."
"Enough!" shouted the Duke. "Both of you! Sit down, Eric." The Duke rose from his chair and lent forwards on his desk to stare at the two men. "Both of you will learn to control yourselves. The Queen is on the mend –thank the heavens – and despite your hostility towards each other, I don't want to hear another word about what happened." The man glanced at his son. "William, get out of my sight. I want to talk to Eric alone."
William scowled again but left the chamber, muttering under his breath. He had obviously had a bad night, putting up with his angry father, but Eric didn't feel sorry for him even a little. The Huntsman spoke as soon as William was gone. "I dinnae care if he is yer son, I'm about this close to breaking his neck. The only thing stopping me is getting arrested again."
The Duke faced the Huntsman, "Not one for the tower?" Despite his anger, the Duke found it somewhat amusing.
The Huntsman snorted. "I can handle being imprisoned. I just cannae be away from her. No' anymore."
The Duke managed a small but faint smile. He sighed and sat back down, rubbing his left temple. He seemed worn out and tired, like he hadn't slept in a week. The Huntsman remained standing. "I know you care for her, Huntsman. A blind man could see it. If you still want it, the guard position is there, but I need to know if your feelings are going to interfere with the task."
"I want it. And they won't."
"Well, we may as well use you. It might keep you out of trouble. I'll inform Bane, so the other sentinels know what's going on." The Duke tapped his fingers on his desk.
Eric nodded once and turned to leave. "And Eric," the Duke stopped him. "Stay out of the Queen's bedchamber. We don't need another scandal on our hands."
The Huntsman suppressed a grin. "Aye, Sir." Not likely, he thought instead and left the Duke alone in his study.
Eric's chamber was in the western wing of the palace; a fair walk from the Royal Apartments in the East Wing. It was the same room he'd been assigned to in the week leading up to Snow's Coronation, so he didn't have much trouble finding it again. It was hard to believe he'd been back more than a week and hadn't even used it yet; between staying with Snow and then being put in the tower, he'd had little opportunity. Opening the door, the chamber was just as he remembered. It was a small room, but big enough to house one person comfortably. There was a bed, a small table and a wardrobe. There was another door on the right which Eric knew to be the washroom, but he'd always just used the servant's bathhouse instead of bothering to fill the tub in his own chamber.
Closing the door behind him, the Huntsman spotted a pile of neatly folded clean clothing sitting on the bed. Mary must have had them delivered for him. He stripped off his dirty clothes and pulled on the new ones. Black breeches, a leather belt, boots, a simple white cotton shirt and a black leather vest like his own but newer and not as comfortable. He wriggled in the new clothes and grunted. They would take some getting used to, but they were better than the torn and stained clothes he already wore. He looked through the remainder of the clothes and found a black cloak, a few spare shirts and more breeches.
A few minutes later, a knock on the door revealed one of Bane's men. "From the Duke," the young, thin man said, holding out a large, heavy-looking canvas sack. Eric took the sack, thanked the sentinel and tipped the contents onto the bed. To his relief, out fell his axe and a small collection of other weapons. He immediately swung the axe around once, then hung it by his side, welcoming its familiar weight. He then looked through the selection of new weapons before him. There were three daggers, one large and two small, a sword in its sheath, a hatchet and a few other weapons he didn't recognize. He placed the large dagger in his belt and placed the smaller ones and the hatchet on the table. He threw the sword and the other weapons back in the sack without looking twice at them and kicked the sack under his bed.
Snow was having a miserable morning. First, she woke from the sound of a scream in the sitting room. She told herself that it must have been a dream and pushed it from her mind. Not long after, Mary had come in to redress her wound. Mary protested when Snow said she wanted to eat in the dining hall, but she was dying to get out of her chamber. She had also felt quite ill since waking, and decided that a walk and some breakfast might make her feel better. There was a slow and painful attempt at getting dressed, and even though Mary had taken great care to keep the laces loose, it was still uncomfortable on her wound.
Then there was breakfast – it was almost unbearable. Duke Hammond and William usually joined her for breakfast but today something had kept them. Snow was secretly relieved however; she wasn't ready to face William yet. She wasn't quite sure what to say to him. Despite their absence, Snow was certainly not without company in the dining hall. Servants fussed over her the entire time because of her injury. Offering her a cushion for her chair, a blanket for her lap, more food and drink. Everyone was hovering over her, trying to do their best at making her comfortable, not realizing that they were doing the exact opposite. It was a while before Mary came in and told everyone to leave her be.
Snow was thankful, and ate quickly, wanting to escape the nightmare in the hall and longed for some fresh air and peace. The council meeting had been cancelled due to her 'condition' and there were none for another couple of days, so Snow walked as fast as her stomach would let her and headed straight for the gardens.
Once outside Snow found herself gasping for air. The pain in her stomach was making her head spin and she needed to sit down again. She spotted the weeping willow and slowly walked over to the bench beneath it, sitting down with a loud exhale. For a moment she thought her breakfast was going to come up, but she forced it to stay down. Snow closed her eyes and waited a moment for her head to stop spinning. There was a cool breeze making the willow's curtain of leaves rustle around her. The wind brushed her face and soothed her flushed cheeks. She smiled as the willow brought back memories of herself and the Huntsman. The Huntsman. Eric. Snow opened her eyes and wondered where he was and what he was doing.
As if on cue, Snow spotted a tall figure dressed in black walking out of the palace in the distance. He stopped for a moment and looked around, taking in the surroundings, searching for something. Snow knew that stance anywhere. She had seen it many times in the Dark Forest as they hunted for food or shelter. It only took Snow a moment to realize that the Huntsman was now hunting her. Instead of giving her position away, she remained seated under the cover of the willow and watched the Huntsman through the leafy curtain. She found herself aching for his company. To feel him close to her once more. Thoughts of his strong, hard hands caressing her body and his lips dancing over her skin entered her mind, but she pushed them away. Soon he would find her under the willow and then all would be right with her day.
The hunter eventually spotted her and began walking towards the large tree. As he drew nearer Snow took in his new appearance. He must have been given new clothes; He looked just as uncomfortable as she felt. The only familiar thing about his appearance was the axe swinging by his side. She wondered how he'd got it back.
The Huntsman finally reached the tree and pulled back the leafy curtain. She smiled as they locked eyes and she stood up to meet him, the Huntsman's arms locking around her. It seemed fortunate, because her head began to spin and she buried her face into his chest until it passed.
"I thought I'd find ye out here." Eric held her back by her shoulders to study her. His eyes narrowed as he took in her pale face and dazed eyes. "Are ye alright?"
Snow nodded slowly. "I'm fine. I just feel a little sick this morning. This damned wound is making me light-headed." Snow moved back to the bench to sit down and the Huntsman followed her, holding her arm the whole way.
"It's too soon for ye to be walking around." Eric softly stroked her pale cheek with the back of his fingers. "Ye need to rest and gain back some of yer strength." His hand moved to her forehead to test her temperature. "Have ye eaten?"
"Yes," Snow smiled through her sigh. "I'm fine. I really just needed some fresh air. I'm feeling better already, I promise."
Eric's lips pressed together in contemplation, but he didn't say anything. He just took her hand and entwined their fingers.
A few quiet minutes passed before Snow spoke again. "You got new clothes," she said, and the Huntsman shifted uncomfortably.
He groaned. "Mary sent them. They're still new, I'll get used to them." He shifted again, letting go of Snow's hand to readjust the vest. "I went to see the Duke this morning," he added.
"Oh!" Snow threw her hand over her mouth. "I'm sorry. He told me that he wanted to see you. I was supposed to tell you last night."
Eric laughed at her reaction. "dinnae be sorry. It does no' matter."
"So why did he want to see you? Was he mad?" Snow bit her lip, waiting for his answer.
"Aye, he was mad. William was there too." He looked at Snow to gauge her reaction. Her mouth formed a hard line, but she didn't interrupt. "We had a bit of an argument," Eric went on, "but I managed not to kill him." He ignored Snow's frown. "Anyway, the Duke had offered me a job before the fight, and I thought it might have been off the table after everythin', but it seems the offer still stands."
"What kind of job?"
Eric paused. The Duke didn't want Snow to know about the possible threat of a rebel army until they were sure that was what it was, but he supposed he could tell her the truth without giving everything away. "I'm to be yer guard," he said simply. "Well, one of yer guards."
Snow's eyebrows knitted together. "What? Eric, no! I don't need any more guards. Those two at my door are enough and even that is unwarranted. Ravenna is gone."
Eric swallowed. He wanted to tell her the truth, but the soldier in him knew the Duke and Bane had a point; why panic her if they didn't even know if a threat really existed. "What does it matter, Snow? If I'm to be around ye all the time, I may as well have a decent explanation."
Snow sat silent for a minute and considered what the Huntsman had just said. Why was there such an increase in security suddenly? Was there something else they weren't telling her? Snow bit her lip again as she pondered over all the questions in her head. At least she'd get to see him all the time, she realised, and the thought made her stomach leap with joy. She looked up at him and realised that the Huntsman was staring at her.
"Yes?" she asked.
The Huntsman drew closer to her and kissed her neck softly before bringing his mouth to her ear. "Ye just look too enticing when ye're lost in yer own little world," he whispered. His lips found their way down her jaw line and then to her waiting mouth.
Every question she had in her head a moment ago vanished as soon as he touched her. She wondered briefly if that was his plan all along. Well it was working. His kiss was gentle and slow, but it still managed to make Snow's heart race. It's steady, lingering pace teased her, stirring up all kinds of thoughts and desires. She threw her arms around the hunter's neck deepening the kiss, one hand locking in his hair. She moved as close as she could to him, but it seemed that nothing she did brought them close enough. She would have climbed inside of him if she could.
The Huntsman pulled back, breaking the kiss and laughed. "Steady, princess. Ye'll hurt yer'self."
For some reason the hunter's comment struck a chord inside her. Aggravated and embarrassed, Snow stood up, ignoring the burning in her stomach. "Don't do that! I'm so tired of people fussing over me all the time."
The Huntsman returned her annoyed glance. "Snow, ye just got speared with a damned arrow! People are going to fuss over ye."
"Well I don't want it. I don't need it, I'm their Queen, and I should be fussing over them. Instead, there are people guarding my door for an unknown reason, I attend meetings where nobody will let me do anything and I just lay about all day with a silly crown on my head!" Snow stamped her feet, but she didn't care if it made her look like a child. One-minute people were telling her to be a Queen and do as she pleases, but no one was actually letting her do anything regarding the kingdom.
Eric sighed at her tantrum. "Ye've only been on the throne for a little over two weeks. One of which you spent in and out of consciousness. dinnae be so hard on yerself."
By this point Snow was so worked up that tears were forming in her eyes. "I need to do something Eric! I need to know what is going on in my kingdom and I'm sick of people fussing over me and telling me what to do!"
It was then that Eric stood up and took Snow's hand. "Come with me," he said.
She had no idea how big of an impact she had already made on the kingdom. He had left the palace only two weeks ago and saw firsthand how much of a difference she had made by simply regaining the throne. But Snow hadn't seen it yet because she hadn't left the palace. So, he would show her. Still holding her hand, the Huntsman lead Snow back up towards the palace.
"Where are we going?" Snow asked breathlessly.
"Ye'll see," replied the Huntsman, slowing his pace for her. He wanted to pick her up and carry her, but that just would have embarrassed her.
The Huntsman led Snow back up to the palace. By the time they got to the courtyard, Snow was wincing in pain. Unable to stand the tortured look on her face any longer, Eric swooped her into his arms and carried her the rest of the way to the stables. To hell with what everyone thought, he decided.
He let Snow slide to her feet when they were inside the large stable, and Snow slumped on a bale of hay. "Why did you bring me in here?" she breathed heavily.
"Ye'll find out soon enough. Now stay here until I get back. I willnae be long." Eric ran out of the stable leaving Snow frowning after him.
Snow looked around the stable while she waited. There was hay all over the floor and horse blankets and saddles were scattered everywhere. There was a large carriage in the corner, big enough to comfortably fit six people, and a few smaller carts. They were quite simple, with four wheels and a long seat at the front big enough for two people. The Royal Carriage was kept on the other side of the stable. A large cover draped over it, but she could see the gold trimmed wheels poking out at the bottom. She had no desire to go look at it. It reminded her of travelling in the summer with her parents.
Dozens of horse stalls lined the side of the stable, nearly all of them were occupied. Snow got up from the bale and went over to them. She peered into each stall but never found the one horse she was looking for – the one she had learned to ride on. General, her father's horse. She felt silly for even looking, given it had been over ten years since she last rode him. He'd been old, even then. Snow sighed and returned to her bale of hay to wait for the Huntsman.
Snow was getting restless and had resorted to making pictures with peices of hay on the floor when the Huntsman returned carrying a large canvas sack. With him was Bane, the Captain of her Guard, and Greta from the kitchen. Greta smiled when she saw Snow. "Your Majesty," she curtsied. Bane grinned also, and kissed her hand softly as he always did at the council meetings. Greta was carrying a large basket which looked to be full of food.
"Greta, Captain, lovely to see you again." Snow looked questioningly at the Huntsman who dumped the sack on the ground, took the basket from Greta and put it in one of the smaller carts. "What's going on Eric?"
"We're going out," said the Huntsman. "Greta here kindly put together some food for the day, and Bane has offered to cover for us while we're gone. Right Bane?"
Snow didn't miss the uneasy look the Captain gave Eric. "I dinnae need to cover for ye," Bane said, turning back to Snow. "As Queen, ye can go wherever ye please, whenever ye please, but it's up to me to assign yer guards for yer protection. It took a lot of convincing on Eric's part to let me send ye by yerselves."
Eric clapped the Captain on the shoulder. "I told ye, more than one guard would be too suspicious. We dinnae want anyone recognising her." Bane just shrugged. They had clearly already come to an agreement.
Eric pulled a deep blue cloak from the sack and passed it to Snow. "Here put this on." It must have been among the clothes Duke Hammond had gifted her, but she never noticed it before now. It was thick and warm but also very light. She flung it around herself and Greta helped tie it around her neck.
While the men were saddling two horses and attaching them to the cart, Snow took the chance to speak with Greta. "Greta, I've been meaning to thank you. I believe you were the one who stitched me up after I was hurt."
Greta blushed. "Yes, Your Majesty. My mother was a healer before she – Well, before I went to stay with my aunt and uncle. You were very lucky ma'am. Not many people are struck like that and live to tell the tale. Well, none that I have seen anyway."
"Your mother has passed?" Snow felt a twinge of guilt for asking the question, but Greta just smiled softy.
"Yes, Your Majesty. My aunt and uncle were very kind to take me in. Until the Queen's – I mean, Ravenna's brother and his men took me."
Snow felt her heart sink. "I'm so sorry, Greta. I'm so sorry they did that to you and that I couldn't help."
"Oh no! If it weren't for you, I would have surely died in that tower; and many other young girls after me."
Snow hugged her then. Greta was a little taller then Snow, and more curvaceous, and her hug was warm and soft. Snow thought it would be nice to have a friend in Greta. Someone around her own age.
The Huntsman spoke up, pulling the girls from their embrace. "Right," he said. "Let's get moving, before it gets too late." Snow noticed that he had pulled another cloak from the sack and put it on. His was a dark brown, and it made him look very mysterious. Her stomach tingled.
Greta turned to Snow once more. "I've put some yarrow tea in the basket to take some of the pain away. It's hot, so drink it fairly soon. There are also some leaves you can chew throughout the day if you feel the need to."
Snow smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Greta. That is very kind."
Greta blushed and curtsied. "Have a nice time, Your Majesty," and she hurried out of the stable.
Snow walked over to the cart where the Huntsman was waiting, and he lifted her up onto the seat. He then threw the sack in the back of the cart and shook Bane's hand before jumping up next to Snow.
"Dinnae make me regret this, Eric," said Bane, pointing a finger at the Huntsman. "Bring her back in one piece or the Duke will have my head."
"Ye know I will," the Huntsman retorted and moved the horses forward and out of the stable leaving Bane staring nervously after them.