Chapter 26 - Matrimony

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

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

Please note, this story has been completed. I have removed the remaining chapters as they are currently undergoing revisions. Chapters are being re-uploaded one-by-one upon completion. Reviews are still absolutely welcome!

Two whole months went by before Snow saw Eric again. She had settled back into the Royal Palace by then with the help of William, who had accompanied her on the journey. She had insisted that he remain at Stonehill, but Snow had suspected his company had more to do with a certain handmaiden than it did anything else. Regardless, she was glad to have the familiar company since Eric had been absent for so long.

As for her counselors, Jonathon had joined in the search for Argus, but Sir Oliver, Lady Harrison and Lady Farewell accompanied Snow back to the Royal Palace. Lady Ashman, who had been injured during the Palace attack, had met them at the Palace upon their arrival, now fit and healthy. There was also news that Anna was on her way to the Palace from her fishing village, her daughter Lily with her.

But the most welcome surprise was Mary.

The old maid had been back at the Royal Palace for months, along with many others, awaiting the Queen's return. Despite now walking with a limp, Mary slid back into her role as Snow's handmaid with great enthusiasm. Nobody was more delighted by this than Greta, who despite keeping a brave face, had been terribly worried about her aunt for months.

The council had had mixed feelings about the postponed wedding. Sir Oliver and Lady Farewell had been saddened by the news, but Lady Harrison probably would have clapped with joy if Snow had not been in the room when they found out.

"It's not that I wasn't looking forward to a royal wedding Your Majesty, I just thought you could do so much better. I mean, a Huntsman, of all things. You may as well wed the local butcher."

Snow was deeply angered at her statement, even if her last encounter with Eric had been less than pleasant. By then Snow had gotten over their argument and was missing Eric terribly. She wished she could have told him not to worry, and that she was sorry. She would marry him whenever he wanted; next week or in ten years. If he would just come back home to her.

"The wedding will still go ahead, Lady Harrison." Snow informed her. "It hasn't been cancelled, just postponed. You should be kind enough not to speak of my future husband with such disfavour."

Lady Harrison was very careful from then on and had become uncharacteristically quiet at council meetings since then.

So, the months went by and Snow pleaded for the day that Eric would return. Her stomach was far beyond the point of concealment. Word had finally spread around the Kingdom that the Queen was with child. Not long after this, the rumours started, with everyone eager to add their own version of how the Queen was with child, and to whom. The fact that the Royal Wedding had been postponed only added fuel to the fire. Some whispers didn't stray far from the path of truth – that the Queen had remained faithful to her hunter all along. Others mentioned William's name, or mysterious strangers she had never even heard of. Snow paid no attention to these rumours however, and went about her daily business with vigour.

One fine, clear day, Snow was curled up in the library. It had been a strange morning. When she had woken, Greta had been extremely cheerful – even more so than usual. The girl had remained Snow's handmaiden instead of returning to her old job in the castle kitchens, mostly thanks to Mary's new limp. Greta rushed Snow through her breakfast and informed her that all of her engagements for the day had been cleared.

Even Mary seemed to be acting secretive. "You should take the time to explore the library, dear. You haven't been there since you've been home."

Snow just shrugged and thought maybe they were right. So, she plopped herself and her plump stomach in the middle of the giant library with a favourite book.

Around midday, and halfway through her second book, Snow was sprawled out on the floor with the warm sun shining in on her from the open window. She suddenly felt the baby moving and put the book down to rub her stomach. He'd been moving around for months already, but it still amazed her every time. "You're going to be a handful," she said to her stomach and smiled.

"Just like his mother."

Snow sat up and gasped. "Eric!"

The Huntsman emerged from in between the bookshelves, smiling. "Hello princess." He laughed as she struggled to stand, so he hooked his hands under her arms and pulled her to her feet. One look at her and he was lost for words.

Snow blushed and rubbed her stomach. "He's getting big."

Eric's eyes stayed on her stomach. They looked pained. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "I'm so sorry."

"For what?" Snow touched is face. It was unshaven and scruffy and he looked like he needed a bath and a decent rest.

"For no' bein' here. I hate bein' away from ye." He put both his hands on her stomach. "I hate missin' this."

Snow smiled softly, but then her eyes widened suddenly. "Did you feel that?" She moved Eric's hand from where it was resting on her stomach and repositioned it to the side.

Eric's eyes were transfixed on her round stomach and his hands didn't move as the baby flipped and kicked and danced about inside of her. "Incredible," he whispered and Snow giggled.

Eric removed his hands and wrapped them around her.

"So how long are you staying this time?" Snow asked after a moment of silence, but she wasn't sure she wanted to hear his answer.

Eric didn't let go of her. "We're just passin' through. There is a lead no' far south from here, and I dinnae like how close it is. I wish ye would have waited at Stonehill until we'd found him before comin' back here."

"How long, Eric?" Snow asked again, ignoring his attempt to change the subject.

Eric sighed. "I leave tomorrow night."

Snow closed her eyes and nodded. "How much longer is this going to take? Are you going to be here for when the baby comes?"

Eric smiled. "I'll be here. I promise."

Snow looked at him doubtfully. "You shouldn't promise such things."

Eric held her hands over his heart. "I heard what ye said last time; about us havin' soldiers to search for Argus. I dinnae need to be there, ye're right. I miss ye too much." He kissed her gently. "So, I'm just goin' to help get a camp established, and then ye'll be back in my arms before ye know it.

"But enough talk, I have somethin' for you." Taking her hand, Eric guided Snow out of the library to where Greta was waiting in the corridor. "Go with Greta, and I'll see ye shortly," he said.

Snow frowned, wondering what was going on but she went with Greta anyway. She followed Greta up to her bedchamber where Mary was already waiting, looking very pleased about something. All of a sudden the room went dark as Greta tied a piece of cloth around Snow's eyes.

"Forgive me Your Majesty, but Eric wants to surprise you."

Snow frowned again from under the cloth. "What's going on Mary?"

"Oh no dear; you won't be getting anything out of this old duck," Mary chuckled.

"Greta?" Snow tried.

"Please don't make me say anything ma'am. If you make me tell you it'll ruin everything and Eric will have my head."

Snow laughed softly, thinking how unlikely it would be for Eric to do anything like that to her. "Never fear Greta, I will let you keep your secret."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I promise you won't be disappointed, but first you have to change into something a little more comfortable."

Mary chuckled again and Snow could hear her rummaging around in the closet across the chamber. Snow felt Greta untie the back of her dress. Then one of the women grabbed her foot and held her steady as she stepped into another gown. Snow ran her hands over the material, trying to picture what she was now wearing. The fabric felt like silk and it was soft against her skin. After both women finished lacing the gown, she felt Mary comb out her hair, leaving it hanging in soft curls down her back.

"There," Mary said when she was done. "Oh," she exclaimed. "I almost forgot. Every Queen needs her crown. Greta, be a dear and fetch it for me?"

Snow was puzzled. Her crown? She started checking things off in her head. She only wore her crown for important things, so it was obviously something official. But what was placed on her head definitely wasn't her heavy, official crown. Instead, something light and a little scratchy was placed on her head.

"Much better," she heard Mary say.

Both women then carefully led her downstairs. Snow had no idea where they were going. Finally, they stopped and Snow felt the sun shine on her face. Suddenly her arms were left hanging by her sides as Mary and Greta let go of her. Not a moment after, someone else grabbed her arm. She knew it was a man by his firm touch and thick fabric of his coat sleeve.

"Eric?" she asked.

"No," the voice replied. "Just me I'm afraid."

"William? Will you tell me what is happening or are you sworn to secrecy as well?"

William laughed. "My lips are sealed."

Snow sighed. "Fantastic," she mumbled.

Suddenly someone – she could only presume it was Greta or Mary - put something in her hands. It was hard, slightly cold and the silk it was wrapped in felt a little damp. Like it had been sitting in water.

"Are you ready?" William whispered.

"For what? I don't understand-"

Then someone pulled off her blindfold. The sun shone brightly into Snow's face and she had to blink several times before everything came into focus. The first thing she noticed were the beautiful blood red and snowy white roses she was holding. Next the flutter of her snowy white hem caught her eye and she observed her beautiful, yet simple, white silk gown. Her hand went to her head and she felt a crown of roses, which she could only presume was made to match her bouquet.

She swallowed and her heart started to race. She looked at William with questioning eyes.

He just smiled at her and pointed at something in the distance.

Snow followed his finger and her lips parted in surprise.

Before her was her mother's rose garden, which was hidden to one side of the palace. It was suddenly clear why Mary had suggested she visit the library today; they'd wanted to keep her from venturing outside. A long path of white rose petals was laid out in front of her. Standing in the middle of the garden was Greta and Mary, Bane, Anna and her daughter Lily, Elizabeth and Catriona. Even the dwarves were there, each and every one of them. Standing at the very end of the isle, next to an old man dressed in long robes, was a very proud looking Eric.

"Is it alright if I give you away?" William's voice startled her. It then hit her like a bag of rocks.

She was getting married.

Her throat closed up and her eyes began to burn with tears. "Yes," she breathed. "Yes. I'd like that very much."

William smiled and nodded to someone. Then a soft tune drifted through the air. But Snow wasn't paying attention. She was looking at Eric, all the way down the end of the rose garden. He had his hair tied back, he'd had a quick shave and was wearing a simple white shirt, black breaches and his regular black boots. He looked so simple and so handsome. He didn't look like a fancy nobleman dressed in a silk waistcoat and funny white stockings. He was her Huntsman. And she couldn't have loved him more in that moment.

All of a sudden, she and William had reached the end of the petal-covered isle. Snow almost kept walking right up to Eric, but William stopped a few feet away and kept hold of her arm, jolting her back a little. She looked at him puzzled but then the old man in robes – whom she realised must be the Archbishop - started speaking.

"Dearly beloved. We are gathered here today…"

A rush of words swept over her, but Snow hadn't the faintest idea what he was saying. All she could do was stare at Eric, who smiled back at her with his gorgeous blue eyes that made her feel all sorts of wonderful things.

"Who gives this woman to be married to this man?" said the old Archbishop.

William cleared his throat beside her. "I do. William, Son of Duke Hammond Charmant," he said and he took Snow's hand from his arm, kissing it gently before placing it in Eric's. She only wished she'd had a chance to wipe it first, for she was sweating like a pack-horse.

"Surprise," Eric whispered to her as she stepped beside him. Snow couldn't contain her happiness any longer and threw her arms around him.

Everyone laughed and the Archbishop coughed gently. "Not yet Your Majesty. I have to marry both of you first," he mused.

Snow stepped back and blushed. "Sorry," she whispered and smiled at Eric.

The Archbishop turned to Eric. "Eric, Son of Jacob. Will you have this woman to be your wedded wife, to live together according to God's law in the holy estate of matrimony?

"Will you love her, comfort her, honour and keep her, in sickness and in health, so long as ye both shall live?"

Eric smiled Snow's favourite smile. "Aye," he smirked. "I suppose I will."

This time the Archbishop turned to Snow. "Your Majesty Snow White, Daughter of the dearly departed King Magnus and Queen Eleanor, first of her name, Queen of the Kingdom of Tabor. Will you have this man to be your wedded husband, to live together according to God's law in the holy estate of matrimony?

"Will you love him, comfort him, honour and keep him, in sickness and in health, so long as ye both shall live?"

"I will," Snow gushed.

"Eric," The Archbishop spoke again. "Do you have any vows prepared?"

Eric smiled at Snow and nodded. "The moment we met, I knew there was somethin' special about ye. I knew as soon as I dragged ye out from under that tree in the Dark Forest, and ye looked up at me with those gorgeous eyes. Little did I know that ye'd have such an impact on me. I found myself aching to protect ye, and I didnae really know why. What was this fierce desire to keep ye safe I wondered? Then I realised it was because ye were so dear to me; ye still are. The thought of losin' ye is unbearable." Eric stopped and took a deep breath and for a moment Snow thought he would burst into tears. To her amazement, he kept going. "So, I promise to fight for ye always. I promise to tell ye when ye're bein' a stubborn lil' brat, even if ye are the Queen. I promise to stand behind everythin' ye do. But most of all, I promise to love ye forever; even after I draw my last breath, because no' even death could keep me from lovin' ye."

Snow wiped her wet cheeks, slightly embarrassed that she'd turned into a pathetic blubbering mess.

The Archbishop tuned to her. "Is there anything you'd like to say, Your Majesty?"

"Ah, yes, I suppose." She wiped her nose and thought for a moment. What was she supposed to say? She hadn't had any warning about any of this. Then she stopped herself. The truth, she thought. Just start with the truth. "Well firstly, I'm really glad you found me under that tree in the Dark Forest." She heard laughter from the group behind them, most noticeably Bane's hearty bellows. "I suppose what I mean is, I'm so grateful for you. You came into my life right when I needed someone I could depend on, and I know you would give your life for mine. But I want you to know that you are not in this alone; I would also gladly give my life for you. I don't want you to stand behind me," she squeezed his hand. "I want you beside me, where you belong. Because we are one, we are equal, no matter what titles I have, or what I wear on my head.

"I love you every moment of every day, even when we don't see eye to eye, and I'm so glad and proud that I get to be your wife."

"Her Majesty Snow White and Eric have consented together in holy matrimony, and have therefore pledged themselves to one another. By the joining of hands, I pronounce that they be man and wife together, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen." He looked at Snow and chuckled softly. "Your Majesty, you may now kiss your husband."

"Finally," Eric whispered hungrily as he took Snow in his arms. He dipped her to the side and kissed her deeply as their onlookers cheered and clapped.

Snow looked down at the simple golden band on her left hand and smiled. It had been her mother's wedding band, and Eric now wore her father's. The servants had found them in the Palace treasury, together in a soft velvet bag amongst some of her mother's old jewellery. The bands had been too plain for Ravenna, and she had ordered more elaborate rings to be made when she had married the King. Snow was grateful. The thought of Ravenna wearing her mother's ring made her blood boil.

Snow had a fleeting moment of sadness as she thought of her parents, and wished with a heavy heart that they could have been there when she married Eric.

She twirled the gold band around her finger again, and thought of Eric. Wherever he was at that moment, she wondered if he was twirling it around his finger also, just the same way she always did.

The rest of their wedding day had been wonderful. A glorious shelter had been set up in the rose garden with tables and chairs, and everyone danced and ate and had a glorious time. Snow had never danced so much in her life. But dancing with Eric wasn't like dancing at all. It was like flying.

"Did ye like yer surprise?" he had whispered in her ear as he spun her around the grass.

"Very much so," she whispered back.

After the wedding, the rest of the night had flown by, and Eric and Snow never left their bedchamber until Eric had to pry himself away from her the next evening.

"Please stay," Snow begged against his bare chest.

"I cannae. I'll be back before ye know it." He kissed her forehead and slid from the bed, pulling on his clothes as he went. "This is the last time, Snow. I promised I'd be here for when the babe comes, and I mean it. After this, it's up to the soldiers to find him."

"Your Majesty?"

Snow snapped open her eyes. Everyone was looking at her, expecting her to answer. She was sitting with her council, still twirling her wedding band.

"I'm sorry," she flushed. "My thoughts were somewhere else."

Sir Oliver smiled. "It's quite alright dear. We were discussing your husband's title."

Snow huffed. "Oh. Well Eric isn't here. I'd rather discuss it with him first."

"We understand that, Your Majesty," Lady Farewell said. "But it's been a month since the wedding, Eric needs an official title whether he likes it or not. We've put this off for far too long already. Give him some land if you wish."

Snow sighed. "Very well." She thought hard. Eric had never wanted to be royal. Snow thought he was worried he'd lose himself, so she had to give him something he could feel proud of. "Prince Eric, Duke of Stonebury," she grinned.

"Stonebury?" Lady Harrison choked. "That awful place?"

Snow glared at her. "It's the village where Eric was born. I think it will mean a lot to him, and the people of Stonebury also."

"Very well thought of, Your Majesty," William said. "I'm sure that title will be easier for him to swallow."

Snow smiled politely. She somehow doubted it.

Eric stared at the royal papers in his hands and then up at the young messenger standing before him. "What?" he gaped. He shoved the papers into Bane's chest and took a deep breath, pacing back and forth in the large field tent.

Bane read over the papers and let out a loud, bellowing laugh. "Oh, calm yerself," Bane started. "It's no' that bad... Yer Royal Highness." Bane bowed mockingly and laughed again, this time even louder.

Eric scowled. "If ye ever call me that again, I'll –"

"Ye'll what, Yer Royal Highness? Banish me from yer Dukedom?" Bane laughed again.

Eric groaned and looked at the young messenger. The poor boy stood awkwardly looking at the ground.

"On yer way then boy," Eric sighed. "And tell my wife, I look forward to discussin' this with her as soon as I return."

The young boy nodded. "Yes, Your Royal Highness… er, Sir." but instead of hurrying off, he hesitated.

"What is it?" Eric frowned, sensing there was more.

"Her Majesty also wishes to inform you that she is quite anxious for your return, and prays you will not delay too much longer. She tells you to hurry back, Sir."

"How long did ye journey to get here boy?" Eric questioned.

"A week, Sir."

Eric looked at Bane thoughtfully. "Give us two days," he said to the boy. "Then I shall make my way back to the Palace." The boy bowed and scurried off.

Eric sighed. He took the parchment from Bane and went over the important words again.

Her Majesty the Queen … he skipped a few lines.

…hereby grants Prince Eric the style of Your Royal Highness and the title Duke of Stonebury...

He swallowed. He knew this had been inevitable, but seeing it in writing made his stomach churn. "I cannae believe she did this."

Bane frowned. "Ye'd be stupid to believe she did it on her own."

Eric sighed. "Aye, the bloody council would have pressured her into it. I suppose it doesnae matter. It had to happen sooner or later."

He glanced at the bottom of the paper where Snow's name was signed. He traced the elegantly swirled letters with his finger and laughed. What else could he do? "This woman has me wrapped around her little finger," he said almost to himself, but still quite aware of Bane's presence.

"The things one does for love," Bane replied.

Eric snorted. "Aye, and she'll be the death of me. But I'd have it no other way."