Chapter 23: A Date

Recommended for mature audiences only. Some content is not suitable for young readers.

(Updated for errors & minor content – 17/Jul/2020)

Reviews are absolutely welcome!

Snow hurried down the corridor with dread churning deep in her stomach. It was to be her third council meeting in three days, and not only was she feeling uneasy about it, she was running quite late.

After waking in the middle of the night and finding Eric in the kitchen alone and quite drunk, by the time she'd brought him to bed she'd been restless and had had trouble getting back to sleep. Because of this, she had woken late and was already in a bad mood. She could feel the tension in her neck and shoulders, and her head was throbbing. It felt like a vein could burst in her forehead any second. If that wasn't bad enough, she was feeling very ill, thanks to her little bump.

She sighed heavily and rubbed her temples when she reached the doors to William's Cabinet, taking a moment to compose herself. She gritted her teeth and pushed the door open, forcing herself to smile.

She wasn't surprised that she was the last to arrive, and the men were already in deep conversation about the battle at Talin. After everyone greeted her, she sat quietly and let them get back to their discussion. Even Lady Harrison was quiet this morning, much to Snow's relief.

There was a modest assortment of breakfast foods in the middle of the table, and she watched Eric dish up a plate of sausage and scrambled eggs. Snow screwed up her nose. She couldn't even stomach the thought of eating while she felt as sick as she did. Of course, Eric didn't know this, and he slid the steaming plate in front of her without breaking his conversation with the other men.

As soon as the smell of the eggs hit her, her stomach lurched. A sweat broke out on her forehead and neck, and she covered her mouth with her hand. She quickly pushed the plate away.

"Are you alright, Your Majesty?" Lady Harrison asked from across the table. "You look quite ill."

Snow breathed slowly through her mouth. "I'm quite alright, thank you."

Eric glanced at her suspiciously, leaning out of the conversation with Bane, Jonathon, William and Oliver. "What's wrong?" he muttered so only Snow could hear him. "Are ye no' feelin' well?"

"It'll pass," she murmured back. She took a cup of water and a small piece of buttered bread, which she chewed on very slowly.

Eric went back to his conversation, but his eyes kept darting her way every now and then.

Snow was grateful they were talking about something other than the wedding today. After what had happened the previous day with Eric, she hoped it wouldn't come up again anytime soon.

He seemed to be in a better mood today, and if he was feeling the effects of his drinking from the night before, he definitely wasn't showing it.

Bane was describing the battle of Talin in great detail and with great enthusiasm, but Eric was listening quietly, letting Bane tell the story of their victory.

"It sounds like the people of Talin are somethin' to admire," Jonathon said.

"Aye," Bane agreed with his brother. "We couldnae have done it without them. The Kingdom owes them a great debt."

Snow saddened. She thought of the men and boys that had died defending their village. If she hadn't been there in the first place, maybe the battle could have been avoided. She knew it did no good to dwell on, and at least the women and children had escaped unharmed, but it still pained her a great deal.

The dwarves had escorted Talin's women and children back to their village a few weeks ago, along with enough gold, medical supplies and food to last the village several good months. More was promised when they ran out, but Snow felt it would never be enough. Talin had proven themselves true allies, and their kindness would never be forgotten.

The conversation of the battle went on and on. Snow tried to block out the bloody details. Bane's graphic explanations of his kills were making her nauseous and she didn't want to lose her stomach all over the table. She had focused her attention on a pair of grey doves that had landed on the windowsill, when suddenly, the name "Argus" pulled her back to reality.

Bane had got to the part in the story where Eric had confronted Argus. She squirmed in her seat... She hated hearing this story.

"I didnae see it happen," Bane explained, "but two of Argus's men jumped Eric, and stabbed him right in the gut." All eyes fell on Eric as they waited for Bane to continue. Snow's throat tightened, and Bane went on, "When I got there, he was doubled over, kneelin' in a pool of blood, with two dead rebels next to him. At first, I thought it was their blood, and when Eric got up and tackled Argus to the ground I thought it was finally over... Until I ran over to them and saw the blood seepin' outta his side."

Snow tried to shake the image from her mind, but bile rose in her throat.

"I thought he was a dead man," Bane finished. He was quiet for a few moments before Eric slapped him on the back.

"Aye, dinnae start cryin' on us, ye wee lass," Eric joked, trying to lighten the mood. "It'll take more than that to keep me down."

Lord Eccles cleared his throat. "And what of Argus?"

Snow felt herself flush red. She knew this would come up eventually, and she'd been regretting it.

"He's in the dungeon," Eric answered.

"We're keepin' him there until we figure out what to do with him," added Bane, just as grimly.

Everyone looked puzzled and Snow bit her lip, bracing herself.

"What do you mean you don't know what to do with him?" laughed Lady Farewell. "He ought to be executed."

"We agree, but it seems our Queen is having some trouble accepting that," replied William for the first time.

Everyone turned to look at Snow and she felt her cheeks turn scarlet. She knew they wouldn't agree, but it didn't make a difference to her. She hadn't changed her mind.

"I don't understand," said Lady Harrison. "Why the hesitation?"

Snow swallowed hard. She didn't know the answer. After what Argus had done to Talin, after what his men had done to Eric... He deserved to die for his crimes. But why couldn't she say it? "I can't," she spat out. "I just can't."

Oliver sighed. "My dear, young Queen. The man is a violent felon, with crimes against the Kingdom and Crown. He must be made an example of."

"He's right, Snow," William said. "It has to be done. His crimes are unacceptable."

Snow rubbed her temples. Her head was burning, and she didn't want to hear their reasons. She stood up in frustration, her chair scraping along the ground. She saw the two doves fly away in the corner of her eye. "You brought him here for me to decide his fate, so I have. I don't care what his crimes are, I don't want to execute him. I don't want to execute anybody!"

"Snow," William started again. "Try and be reasonable."

"No!" She snapped. Lady Harrison and Lady Farewell exchanged glances and the men stared at her in silence. She was surprised that Eric hadn't voiced his opinion but was glad he chose to keep quiet. For whatever reason. "I'm sorry," she stammered. "I... I'm tired and I don't want to discuss this anymore. Good day to you all," and with that, she stormed out of the Cabinet, leaving everyone in a stunned silence.

Snow darted through the corridors, avoiding servants and keeping her head low, and before long she made it outside. The fresh air on her face was instant relief, and she took a big breath, the tension in her head easing slightly. She headed straight for the small pond with the statue of the female archer and slumped into the grass with a sigh.

What on earth was wrong with her today? She knew she was tired and nauseous, but to storm out like that? She'd met with her council dozens of times back at the palace, and she'd never stormed out when they didn't agree with her. Her cheeks flushed and she tried to hide her embarrassment in her hands.

She was suddenly very aware of the presence behind her. She knew it was Eric, she didn't even need to guess. When he sat down beside her, she didn't dare look at him. She picked at the grass beside her instead.

"Rough mornin'?" he mused, and Snow's lips formed a hard line. She stared at the statue.

"Nice statue," Eric started again. "Her breasts are spectacular."

Snow snapped her head to him, and instantly regretted it. Eric wasn't even looking at the statue, he was looking right at her, just trying to get a reaction. He laughed, and Snow felt her face turn scarlet. "Don't tease me," she complained. "I'm embarrassed enough as it is."

"Aye, about what? Yer little outburst? Dinnae worry about that, lass. They got over my stormin' out yesterday, they'll get over this too."

Snow breathed easier, feeling relieved he hadn't come to lecture her. "They must think we're lunatics," she sighed.

"Aye, well, we'll both be lunatics together," he shrugged and rubbed her ever growing stomach. "Hopefully we dinnae pass it on to this wee one," he joked.

Snow covered his hand with her own and rested her head on his shoulder. "You know, I haven't changed my mind about what I said last night... About cancelling the wedding. I know you're worried and I wish you didn't have to give up your life to be with me."

Eric rolled his eyes. "Snow, no' this again. I'm no' givin' up anythin' that's no' worth it."

"So, what was last night about? I know you are worried about something."

Eric grimaced at the thought of the night before. He'd had a weak moment and returned to his drinking habit. It hadn't been his proudest night, and he wished Snow hadn't been there to witness it. "The council got me thinkin'. I want to marry ye more than anythin', but I'm no' a leader, I cannae look after people."

Snow sat up straight. "What do you mean? You look after me."

"Aye, but ye dinnae give me a choice. Ye attract trouble," he joked.

Snow didn't laugh. "I'm serious Eric. You're the strongest and bravest man I've ever met. You may not think so, but you are a leader. You have helped me and guided me countless times, and there is no one I'd rather have by my side than you. I love you, and I trust you. The Kingdom will as well."

He sighed, his eyes turning cautious. "If ye trust me so much, then please take my advice now. Ye have to have Argus executed."

Snow swallowed and went quiet. She couldn't believe they were back to this. "I don't want to talk about that," she murmured, looking at the statue again.

"Ye have to, Snow. Argus is dangerous. I hate the thought of him sittin' in the dungeon, in this very castle. Ye dinnae know him like I do. He's ruthless and will stop at nothin' to get what he wants. I panic every day that he's goin' to get loose somehow and come after ye."

"He's not going to get out, Eric. He's locked up. He won't hurt me."

"Just promise ye'll take what we say into consideration. It is the law after all Snow. Ye may be the Queen but ye cannae change the rules for everybody."

Snow bit her lip. She knew he was right. What kind of queen would she be if she changed the law to suit her every whim?

"I'll think about it," she finally said. "But I don't want to hear anything more about him until I've made up my mind."

Almost three weeks passed before Snow finally agreed to meet with her council again. She had planned on meeting with them sooner but kept delaying it for the smallest reasons. Eventually, she told herself that enough was enough, and informed the council there was to be a meeting the very next day.

So, the next morning she'd made sure she was the first to arrive. Both she and Eric were now waiting for the rest of the council in William's Cabinet.

"Ye look fine," Eric said to Snow as she fidgeted with the fabric covering her expanding stomach.

She smoothed over her new gown for the one hundredth time that morning and looked at him with worried eyes. "Are you sure you can't see it?"

Eric looked at her. He still couldn't believe how gorgeous she was, even more so now that she was carrying his child.

He observed her new gown, which was quite different to her wardrobe choices that was, until now, breeches and shirts. Eric hadn't said anything, but he'd grown quite fond of seeing her in breeches. The numerous layers of fabric in her old dresses hid the perfect curve of her backside. The new gowns gathered just below her breasts, letting fabric hang freely down the length her body. She'd made the change around a week ago, in order to accommodate her growing stomach. It hid the bump well enough for now, but her sudden wardrobe change was starting to spark rumors. Greta had overheard the laundresses in the washroom commenting suspiciously on the new gowns, and then mentioned it to Snow. Since then, Snow had tried to avoid everyone who didn't already know about the baby – Which was why he was so surprised that she had called a meeting today.

"Ye cannae see it," he reassured her. "Why are ye worried?"

"I'm worried because you're worried," she replied dryly.

"Me? I'm no' worried. Should I be?"

Snow frowned. "Eric, we both know you want to keep this baby a secret until we're married."

Eric frowned right back at her. "When did I say that?"

Snow huffed, trying to remember if he'd ever said the words out loud. "Well, I know you were thinking it."

He shrugged. "Ye may be right, but at the rate ye're puffin' up, we'll have to marry right away if there's any hope of keepin' it a secret."

Snow laughed, but it didn't quite reach her eyes the way he loved. "So when do you want to marry?" she asked after a silent moment.

Before he could answer, William joined them, closely followed by Bane and the rest of the council.

"My dear," Oliver smiled. "We were beginning to think you'd given up on us for good. What brings us here today?"

Snow hesitated and looked at Eric for encouragement, even though he had no idea what the meeting was about either. She wiped her clammy hands on her new gown.

"Thank you for coming on such short notice, I promise this will not be a long meeting." She took a deep breath and tried to sit up a little straighter. She didn't want them to see how nervous she was. "I've been thinking a lot these past few weeks, and I believe that you are all right. Argus must be executed."

Everyone stared at her in shock, especially Eric, who took her hand. "Why the change of heart?" he asked her. He was trying to hide it, but Snow could see the relief in his eyes.

"My heart still tells me this is wrong, but in my head, I know you are right. He is a criminal and he must pay for his crimes, the way the law intends."

"Excellent," praised Lady Harrison. "Shall we arrange the execution for next week?"

Snow tried to hide her discomfort at their enthusiasm. They spoke as though it was a sport created purely for their enjoyment. She closed her eyes and tried to block everyone out as they discussed the details of the impending execution.

When the discussion had slowed to a chatter and the date was set and the executioner informed, Snow managed to speak again. "Thank you for coming," she said grimly, and everyone began to rise.

Before anyone could leave, Eric called them back to their seats. "I have somethin' else I'd like to inform the council."

"Hurry along then mate," Bane teased. "Some of us have things to do today."

"Sit down and shut up," Eric retorted, lightheartedly. "Snow and I have somethin' to announce."

Snow felt her face turn scarlet as she gaped at him. What was he doing? He wasn't going to tell everyone about the baby, was he? Snow glanced at William and Bane, and by the look on their faces, they must have been thinking the same. "We do?" she asked him quietly.

Eric smiled at her and kissed her hand. "Aye. A date for our weddin'. How does four weeks from now sound?"

Snow didn't have any words. She heard Lady Harrison squeal and everyone else clapped and congratulated them, but Snow had no idea what they were saying. She just stared at Eric and smiled. A date was set. It was finally happening.

The rest of the day went by in a blur. After the council meeting finished, Lady Harrison and Lady Farewell stayed behind to discuss the wedding with her. Snow quickly realised she was going to be stuck with them for the rest of the day, so she was very grateful when Lady Farewell suggested they take a break and have a walk through the castle grounds.

Despite the fresh air, Snow received no respite from Lady Harrison's insistent chatting. Apparently there were flowers to arrange, a gown to sew, food to taste, music to organize… the list went on and on and the more Lady Harrison spoke, the more Snow realised she had very little say in the decisions at all. Snow was overwhelmed, and the hot weather was making her even more flustered.

"Please excuse me, Ladies, I must ask that we pause our conversation for a moment," Snow puffed, her face hot and red. "I'm afraid it's all going over my head, and I need a moment to take it all in."

Lady Farewell looked apologetic. "Of course, Your Majesty. Do forgive us, we're just so excited. It's been far too long since there was a royal wedding."

Snow was aware. She'd been at the last royal wedding - the day her father married Ravenna, A cold chill ran down her back and she got the sense the other ladies were thinking about the same day.

"Oh dear," Lady Harrison perked up. "There's your betrothed now, walking over to us."

Indeed, Eric was striding over to the three women. "I dinnae mean to interrupt, ladies," he said, "but the Queen is needed elsewhere."

Snow studied him, wondering what the matter could be. Either way, she was glad for the excuse to leave. "Of course," she said quickly. "I'm afraid we'll have to finish the arrangements another time," she said to the two women. "Do excuse me."

Eric didn't wait to hear their reply as he grabbed Snow's arm and whisked her away.

"What's the matter?" she asked as she scurried along beside him. He was walking so fast; she was out of breath trying to keep up.

Eric put his arm on her back, helping her along. "I told ye, ye're needed elsewhere."

"What for? Where are we going?"

The Huntsman didn't answer. Instead, he directed her towards the stables. Snow stopped, pulling her arm from Eric's grasp, and tried to catch her breath. It was so hot outside with the sun beating down on them and sweat beaded on her forehead. She put one hand under her bump, trying to ease some of the weight from her back. "You're starting to worry me. Why are you walking so fast?"

Eric's eyes softened. "Are ye alright?"

"I'm fine, but that doesn't answer my question. Where are we going?"

"You'll see," he said and then he bent down and scooped her up, carrying her the rest of the way.

Eric put her gently on her feet when they reached the stable, and she looked around. He walked over to the stalls and led out a beautiful white mare. Snow smiled and excitement coursed through her. She stroked the soft velvet coat as Eric attached it to a small cart.

Not long later, they were both on the cart and heading away from the castle. It reminded her of when the Huntsman had taken her to his village for the day, not long after she'd been shot accidentally by William. Snow's finger traced the spot on her stomach where the arrow had hit her. She wondered if she'd already been pregnant when it happened. If she had been pregnant, she was lucky not to have lost the child. Snow didn't want to think about that and pushed the thought from her mind.

"So, will you tell me where we're going now?" she nudged the Huntsman's arm with her own.

Eric smirked at her. "Nae, but it's no' far. Just down the path."

"Why didn't we walk?" she asked.

Eric laughed. "Did ye see yerself back there? Ye barely made it out of the castle."

"It's not my fault you walk so fast," she frowned but she knew he was right. Her stomach felt heavy on her small frame. Her back had begun to hurt a lot, and her feet would get sore and swollen if she stood for too long. She shuddered at the thought of what she'd look like in a few months. She couldn't imagine getting any bigger – she already felt huge.

Not far down the road, they veered off the path and into a small clearing. Right in the middle of that clearing sat a beautiful lake. Part of it was shaded by overhanging trees, and a large, flat rock sat half submerged in the middle. She was immediately tempted to swim out to it.

"Like it?" Eric asked as he stopped the cart.

Snow nodded. "It's lovely. How did you find it?"

He shrugged. "I get bored in the castle and come out 'ere to hunt. I stumbled upon it a few days ago. I felt bad for leavin' ye with that Lady Harrison the whole day and I thought ye might like some peace."

Snow laughed. "She's excited about the wedding."

"Ye dinnae say," he chuckled, and jumped down from the cart. He walked around to Snow's side and lifted her down. "I'll race ye to the rock," he said and began pulling off his boots.

Snow copied him and began pulling off her clothes. She stopped at her undergarments and looked around, wondering if the lake was easily visible from the road. She looked at Eric, who was already wading into the water, and he obviously wasn't worried about strangers passing by. She pouted when his naked body disappeared beneath the water.

"Are ye comin'?" he called out.

Deciding to leave her simple cotton shift on, Snow walked to the water's edge and waded in. The coldness took her breath away, but she forgot about it by the time she reached the large rock. Eric was already there, and he'd watched her carefully as she made her way across the lake. Snow made it to the flat surface and Eric helped her climb up. A few inches of lovely warm water sat above the submerged rock, warm from the sun. Snow rested against Eric, leaving the lower half of her body submerged in the deeper end where the rock sloped into the water. She loved the cool water against her flushed skin and the way it made her feel completely weightless. She glanced up at Eric, who was still looking at her.

"What's wrong?" she asked him.

Eric shook his head. "Ye have no idea how beautiful ye are," he said simply.

Snow blushed. "Not for much longer I'm afraid. I'll be fat before you know it. I already feel like a whale."

"Dinnae be ridiculous," he said as he shifted closer to her. "Ye're carryin' a wee one, and ye look mouthwaterin'." And she really did. The white cotton of her shift clung to her wet body, outlining her full breasts. He ached to touch them, to feel their softness, but instead he ran his fingers down her back, causing her to shiver. He'd have her as soon as they were back at the castle, and not a moment later.

"So, four weeks from now?" Snow asked. "Why did you pick that?"

Eric lowered his mouth to hers and stole a quick kiss before answering. "Is that too soon?"

"No," sighed Snow. "On the contrary. I thought you would have picked a closer date."

Eric studied her. "Would ye rather that?"

Snow laughed. "I don't think Lady Harrison could handle that. There is too much to be done."

"How does that make ye feel? Do ye want a large weddin'?"

Snow hesitated. She'd never thought about it before; no one had asked her until now. Her father's wedding to Ravenna had been a very big wedding, and people had come from all over Tabor to attend. She'd never seen anything like it, but she also knew that was just the way royal weddings were done. But did she want that for herself?

"What do you want?" she found herself asking Eric, because she didn't really have an answer.

"I want whatever ye want. I'd marry ye tomorrow in the middle of a pigpen if I had too. The outcome is all that really matters."

"Oh, and what might that be?" Snow teased.

The Huntsman trailed small kisses along her jaw. "That ye'll be my wife at the end of it. I dinnae care how it happens."

"I like the sound of that," she smiled and turned her face to kiss him. "What was your wedding like with Sara?" Eric stiffened, and Snow turned pink. "I'm sorry," she gushed. "It just came out, I didn't mean-"

Eric gently grabbed Snow's chin and ran his thumb softly over her mouth to stop her from talking. "It's alright," he said. "Ye just surprised me, that's all."

Snow blushed again and studied her hands. "I often forget you've been married before. It must feel strange for you... Doing it all again."

Eric shrugged heavily. "It was a long time ago. I cannae compare then to now. I was different, the time and place and circumstances were different. I loved Sara, but she's gone, and I've moved on. Dinnae think for one moment that ye're a substitute for her."

Snow smiled softly, not sure what to say. It was odd to think of herself as Eric's second wife. She wondered what would have happened if Sara had never died. Would Ravenna have still ordered the Huntsman to track and capture her? Would they have met in the Dark Forest and fell in love regardless, or would he have helped her and then returned home to his wife?

"I'm glad you found me in the Dark Forest," she said softly.

"I'm glad ye were so terrible at hidin'," Eric joked.

Snow laughed and hit him softly on the arm, her worries and thoughts floating away like leaves in a breeze. What could have been – it didn't matter. He was hers and she was his, and that was all that mattered now.

They sat in silence a while longer, enjoying the sun, the water, and each other's company. Snow was so relaxed that soon she felt her eyes growing heavy and tired. Suddenly, Eric spoke, pulling her out of her daze.

"When were ye thinkin' of returnin'? To the palace, that is. It's been almost three months since yer birthday."

Snow faltered. Had it been that long already? Three months since the palace was attacked? "I hadn't thought about it. Do you not like it here?"

Eric rolled his eyes. "It belongs to William now. Of course I dinnae like it."

This time it was Snow's turn to roll her eyes. "Oh, don't pretend you still hate him. I've seen the both of you together. I'd say you two were almost friends."

Eric scoffed. "Dinnae change the subject. We cannae stay here forever."

Snow pouted and swirled her feet in the water. "Why not? It's lovely."

"It's no' yer home."

"Well neither is that awful palace." Snow bit her lip. "I have nothing but bad memories of it. First my mother died, then Ravenna murdered my father and locked me in a tower for ten years. Let's not forget the massacre that took place at my own birthday celebration. I spent more time being a prisoner in that palace than I have lived in it. Forgive me for not wanting to go back."

"I'm sorry," Eric offered. His heart ached for her, and he was angry at himself for not thinking of her reasoning before. "It didnae occur to me that ye hated it so much."

Snow looked down into the dark water. "It's just so full of death. It's cold and filled with terrible memories."

"Aye," Eric gripped her shoulder, sending warmth down her arm. "I still dinnae think we can stay here forever, Snow. If ye dinnae want to go back to the palace, then I'll build ye a new one, but ye have to try to replace those bad memories with happier ones."

Doubt clouded Snow's eyes. "How am I supposed to do that?"

Eric touched her stomach, his finger sprawling over the round curve. "With this," he said. "With us. We'll create them together. We have a lifetime to do it."

Snow's heart swelled at the thought. She supposed he was right. This was William's castle, and she was still a guest, even though he'd never made her feel that way.

"What should we do then?" she asked. "Do you want to leave right away?"

"I didnae say we had to leave tomorrow," he laughed.

"No, but you're right. This isn't my home, and I don't want to have our baby here."

"We can wait until after the weddin' to decide. Unless ye dinnae want to be married here either?"

"I'm not sure. I guess we still have four weeks to decide," Snow smiled before sneakily pushing him off the rock. He disappeared under the water with a large splash.

As soon as he went under, Snow jumped in the opposite direction and swam as fast as she could back to the water's edge. She could hear him coming up quickly behind her, and she couldn't contain her laughter as she ran out of the water.

She knew he was right on her heels, so she ran for the nearest tree, but he caught her before she could hide behind it. She squealed when he grabbed her and pinned her against the tree. She laughed again and he kissed her.

"I love hearin' ye laugh," he murmured against her lips. "It's my second favorite sound."

Snow pouted. "And what, may I ask, is number one?"

A sly grin spread across the Huntsman's face. He lifted Snow so she could wrap her legs around him and pressed her into the tree. The movement made her gasp and she felt her cheeks turn pink. He dipped his head and covered her breast with his hot mouth, gently kneading the other with his hard hands.

Snow moaned and his name escaped her lips.

"That right there," he said. "That is number one."

Snow felt her nipples harden under his touch and she moaned his name again. He rewarded her with a crushing kiss and that sent her into a frenzy. Her fingers tangled in his hair, pulling his mouth harder against hers. She could feel the hardness of him pressed between her legs and she tightened her thighs around him.

Eric pulled away from her relentless mouth. His eyes were dark and hungry. "I wanted to wait until we got back, but ye're no' makin' it easy."

Snow pulled his mouth to hers again but cried out in frustration when he pulled away again. "Eric! Please, I need you."

Eric had wanted to take his time with her, but now that she was begging, it was getting hard to resist her. "No' here," he said and dropped her feet back on the ground. He stepped away from her, quickly found his clothes and pulled them on.

"Why not?" Snow asked, but instead of answering, Eric handed her her gown. Snow frowned. "What's wrong?"

Eric sighed. When he marched over to her and backed her against the cart, Snow grinned, thinking she'd gotten her way.

He leaned into her and she stared at him with wide, wanting eyes. He brought his face close to hers and Snow shuddered. His sharp eyes, the strong line of his jaw and his musky scent made her dizzy. He was intoxicating. His mouth was so close to hers that she shut her eyes, waiting for his kiss.

Instead, he spoke, his voice the epitome of calm.

"Tonight, I will make love to my future wife, not fuck her against a tree in the forest." He ran his finger firmly against her bottom lip before adding, "Not today, at least." Then he picked her up and sat her on the cart, leaving her in a state of shock, and still clutching her gown to her chest.

"Oh," she whispered breathlessly, and blood rushed to her cheeks... and between her thighs.

It wasn't long however, that they were back at the castle, and the hunter made good on his word.