CHAPTER 1 - WILLOW

(Updated for errors & minor context - 03-Jan-2018)

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


The Kingdom was alive and buzzing. The sun was out, and birds were chirping in the trees that surrounded the Royal Palace of Tabor. The evil Queen Ravenna had been destroyed only a week before and already the kingdom was showing signs of life. The kingdom finally had something to be happy about; Crowds gathered around the palace, trying to get inside so they could catch a glimpse of the young Princess at her coronation.

Snow White felt the weight of the crown as it was placed on top of her ebony hair; the sudden weight of it surprised her. She opened her eyes, took a deep breath and stood up out of her father's elaborate throne.

The crowd in front of her burst into cheers. Taking another deep breath, Snow scanned the room full of faces. Some faces she recognised, most she did not.

Duke Hammond and William stood closest to her; her dwarf friends stood not far behind them. She noticed a few new servants she hadn't met yet, standing against the wall. Amongst them was her new lady-in-waiting, Mary, and the old woman beamed at her. Duke Hammond had summoned a large number of workers from his own residence – Stonehill Castle - and most had arrived a few days ago. It had been mayhem in the palace since the battle that ended her stepmother, and it would take many more helpers and many more weeks to get everything running the way it had done when her parents were on the throne. Months, perhaps.

Snow spotted a young girl then, Greta, and she immediately recognised her as the girl she'd met in the dungeon towers. It seemed like forever ago now. Snow had heard that all the young girls who had their youth stolen from them by Ravenna had returned to their fair selves after the death of the evil Queen. Greta was back to her beautiful, youthful self.

The crowd continued to cheer, and Snow scanned the large hall once again. The one face she was looking for was nowhere to be found.

Where is he? She thought to herself and her stomach sank. Perhaps he's already gone.

Snow had barely gotten through her breakfast that morning when the Huntsman had shown up unexpectedly. She had been surprised to see him; he'd hardly shown his face at all since they reclaimed the palace. He was to be leaving, he'd informed her as she'd swallowed a mouthful of porridge. Snow hadn't said much, she just nodded and wiped her mouth, trying to find the right words to say to him. He had left before she found them.

Snow wished he'd stay a while longer, at least until she'd settled into her role as Queen of Tabor. Even though the palace was once her home, it was now unfamiliar territory for her, and knowing her friend was somewhere in the castle calmed her.

Snow suddenly saw movement near the back as the room full of smiling people bowed to their new Queen. The Huntsman walked out from behind the crowd and her stomach leaped. His shaggy brown hair was tied back, his face clean and sober. His clothes were freshly washed. Snow felt her face flush. She was yet to get used to seeing him so... neat. He was quite handsome when he wasn't covered in dirt and smelled of cheap ale and animal hide.

The Huntsman smiled as her eyes searched his, and it was as if all her worries disappeared into thin air. Comfort and security flooded through her body. I can do this, she told herself.

Then, as quickly as he had come into view, the Huntsman turned and walked out of the Great Hall, leaving the young Queen stunned. The smile left her face, her eyes began to prickle, and her heart sank to the pit of her stomach.

Just like that, he was gone.


Eris walked out of the Great Hall, guards closing the big wooden doors behind him. The sound of people cheering for the new Queen echoed in the corridor.

What was he to do now? Should he return to his village? He knew it would only be a matter of time before he returned to his old ways if he went back there; a lowly drunkard, miserable and lonely. But there was nowhere else to go. Ye cannae stay here, he had been telling himself all week. A palace is no place for a Huntsman.

A young girl skipped past him in the corridor, waving pink streamers singing "Hail to Queen Snow White; The most beautiful lady in the land!" Eric tried to ignore the little girl, walking past her quickly. Everybody was so happy here and it made him nauseous. His task was over. Snow was not a part of his life anymore. His life was empty and dull once again, and everybody's smiling faces were too much to handle.

He remembered the look on Snow's face when she spotted him in the crowd just moments before. She had looked so scared, standing up there; a whole kingdom now resting on her fragile shoulders. He had watched her scan the room for him several times before he had given in and made himself noticeable. As soon as she saw him, her eyes lit up, the fear vanished from her face and her whole body relaxed. Could he really leave her here by herself?

After their journey together, the Huntsman felt responsible for her somehow, and he could tell she liked his company, even though she would never admit it. Something deep within him tugged and nagged, pressing him to stay, to help her, to protect her.

Dinnae be stupid, he told himself. She doesn't need yer help anymore. She is the Queen now. She's home.

Eric finally made it outside and took a deep breath. People that hadn't been watching the Queen's coronation were busy with chickens, some were trading things of value and others were simply going about their own business. The Huntsman ignored them and rushed towards the iron gates, his axe swinging by his side. When he reached the closed portcullis, he paused and turned to stare up at the palace once more. Why did he feel such longing? This was no place for a man like him. There was no place for him among royalty and the Queen knew it.

Such a place would never usually appeal to him, yet as he stared up at the palace knowing she was inside, standing alone in front of all those people she hardly knew, his chest tightened. He turned and stared at the road towards the village as the gate lifted for an old man and his cart. The image of Snow's face was still stuck in his head as he made his way past the guards and out of the palace walls.


After a long and eventful day, the sun had finally set. A large feast was held in the Banquet Hall in celebration for the Queen's coronation.

Snow looked out into the crowd of people before her as she sat at the head of a long table. Her eyes kept drifting to the doorway, and her thoughts drifted to how she had watched Eric walk out of her life just hours before. Since then, she had thought about sending guards after him and ordering him to stay, but she scolded herself at the thought. She could never force him to stay at the palace if he so clearly didn't want to be here. She just wished that he had wanted to stay.

Since her father's death, and after she had escaped the tower and hid in the Dark Forest, the Huntsman was the first man she had ever truly depended on. She had trusted him with her life and he had protected her; and now he was gone. More than that, she had come to think of him as a friend. Her first real friend since William all those years ago.

Her eyes prickled. Stop thinking about him, she said to herself, shaking her head. He didn't want to be here.

Some people were feasting, and others were dancing to the music that echoed through the entire palace. Snow could see that the dwarves were having a wonderful time dancing and talking and drinking. People had been bowing at the throne where she sat all night and were asking her questions, offering her gifts and flowers, commenting on how pretty she looked. She wanted her people to be happy and celebrate, but it was becoming too much.

Suddenly an overwhelming feeling of loneliness hit her, and panic began to get the better of the young Queen. Her breathing quickened and her heart began to race.

These people where depending on her.

She stared out at their smiling faces. For years, Ravenna had bought pain and suffering to these people, but now they were her responsibility. She had fought for this Kingdom and killed Ravenna with her bare hands. So why was she feeling like this? This was her destiny; her rightful place was on the throne. Still, she was scared she would fail.

Snow wanted to disappear. She needed to collect her thoughts and focus. A single tear dropped onto her lap creating a small wet spot on her red, silk gown. The presence of someone beside her made her look up, and she found William staring at her intently.

"Would you like to take a stroll?" he asked, a knowing smile in the corner of his mouth. Was it that obvious that she wanted to escape?

Snow stood up quickly from her throne and eagerly grasped his hand. She waved her hand, dismissing two guards as they made to follow her.

The pair walked out of the hall, leaving everyone in celebration and headed out into the gardens behind the palace. Snow's red gown trailed behind them.

The gardens were softly lit by the light streaming out from the palace, and the moon was glowing brightly above, making the diamonds in the Queen's crown twinkle. William led Snow towards a wooden bench next to the old apple tree they used to play in as children.

"Thank you, William," Snow exhaled deeply as they sat. "I needed some fresh air. All of this is so overwhelming."

"It is my pleasure, Your Majesty," William kissed the hand he was still holding.

Snow shook her head. "You don't have to call me that. You helped me get back here, you helped me get my father's throne back."

"It's your throne now," William smiled softly. "What's it like being home?" He stared out over the garden. "I thought I'd forgotten a lot of it, but now that I'm back… I remember it all. This tree," he touched the trunk of the apple tree, "I chased you up it once because you stole one of my sweets and you threw an apple at me." William laughed and rubbed his arm over a phantom bruise. "It hurt for weeks."

Snow laughed, remembering. Then she smiled sadly. "Home," she tested the word. "It's a strange feeling being back, even though I was here nearly the whole time. Being a prisoner in your own home… it starts not feeling like your home after a while. It might take me a while to get used to walking the halls. I don't think I will be able to go up to the tower again as long as I live." A shudder ran through her just thinking about the small cell she'd lived in for ten years. Snow squeezed William's hand for comfort. She was glad he was here. He was something to remind her of the time before she was a prisoner. Simple, happier times. "What else do you remember? Tell me everything."


The morning after the coronation, Snow walked through the East Wing, Mary and few more servants following close behind her. She hadn't wanted to see her chambers before today; she hadn't been ready to delve that deep into her past. Until today, Snow had been staying in the old servants' quarters, but since they were becoming more and more occupied by the day, she decided it was time to face the dreaded task of opening the doors and moving back into the royal apartments.

The East Wing primarily consisted of the royal family's private rooms; mainly used for sleeping and entertaining personal guests. There were four main apartments, each with sleeping quarters, a private sitting room and study, and a bathing room. Snow was only seven the last time she'd been in the East Wing; The day her father had married Ravenna…the day her stepmother had murdered him. It would take much longer for Snow to visit her parents' chambers. She wasn't even sure what Ravenna had done to them while she'd been in power. For now, the doors to that apartment remained firmly locked.

Snow stood at the entrance to her apartment for a while, staring at the doors, wondering if her memory would match what was on the other side. Mary produced a long gold key and put it in the lock, turning slowly. A loud click echoed in the hall, but the maid didn't open the doors. Instead she stepped aside, letting Snow take her time. Finally, after a few more nervous minutes, Snow rose a shaking hand to the dark, smooth wood and pushed open the doors. They creaked heavily at first, but swung the rest of the way with ease.

A wave of stale air washed over her.

Snow glanced around the large space of her old sitting room. It was as if everything had been frozen in time. She swallowed hard and stepped inside, letting Mary and the other servants follow her in. A shiver crept down her spine as her eyes ran over the dusty old cushioned chairs and lounge sitting around a large fireplace.

Mary and the servants began moving around, dusting off tables and drawing open the heavy curtains, leaving Snow to look around the rest of the apartment.

To the side of the sitting room was a private study. Snow remembered what was in it without even looking inside. It contained only an empty bookcase, a desk and two wooden chairs. There had been no need to furnish it properly, as she never used it much as a seven-year-old child. Most of her educational lessons were taken with William in other parts of the palace.

Across from the study was a pair of heavy doors. These doors were the entrance to her bedchambers and were decorated with intricate silver swirls, forming the pattern of her family's crest; a majestic white oak tree. Her father had had them made when she was born, and the beautiful doors –made from white oak themselves- were the only difference between her apartment and the other three. She remembered tracing her finger over the beautiful swirls when she was a little girl and getting into trouble by her nursemaid for dirtying the white wood with her grubby hands.

Snow smiled a little at the memory, then pushed open the heavy doors and walked into her bedchambers. Just like the sitting room, everything was still the same. Even the bed, a large four-poster with a canopy, remained unmade from the night she'd scrambled out of bed, scared and seeking out her father because of the loud fighting in the courtyard.

Snow's chest tightened, and she clenched her teeth, willing herself not to cry. It was all in the past now, she reminded herself.

"Are you alright dear?"

Snow turned to find Mary staring at her in the doorway. "I'm fine, thank you. It's just… hard. The memories it all brings back."

The elderly woman smiled back at her softly. "I know dear. We'll get it all cleaned up for you in no time and hopefully it'll be a bit more comfortable for you." Her mouse-brown hair was tied neatly into a bun at the nape of her neck. She was a well-built woman, not thin but not too plump. She had a kind smile that touched her eyes. Snow had taken a liking to her immediately.

Mary walked over to a large set of red velvet curtains and slid them open, letting sunlight stream into the room. The maid then went back out to finish cleaning the sitting room.

Snow walked over to her old vanity and sat down. Everything was as she'd left it; two pearl encrusted hair pins that she'd worn the day of the wedding sat in a glass dish beside a beautiful silver hairbrush. A few strands of black hair were twisted around the teeth.

Snow let out a shaky breath and stared at the reflection in the large mirror. The crown she wore glittered against her dark hair. So much had changed since she'd last looked in this mirror. She looked down at her hands. They were small and petite; could she really rule a Kingdom with these hands? She looked up at her reflection again and saw fear in her own eyes. Her family was gone, but William and Duke Hammond were still here, and they'd promised to guide her and help her in any way they could. Mary and her new servants were kind and understanding. She had all the help she needed to be a good Queen… So why did she feel so alone?


After a long and tiring day of cleaning and packing up unwanted childhood items, Snow bathed longer than necessary. She couldn't remember the last time she had a bath like this. The hot water felt wonderful against her body and the tension in her neck and back slowly disappeared. Snow finally got out of the bathtub and dressed into her nightgown. She had dismissed Mary for the night before she got in the bath, still not feeling comfortable enough for other people to fuss over her. The maid had done enough to help for one day anyway.

After Snow had brushed her long ebony hair, she slipped into the large bed, freshly made with new sheets. She expected it to be harder than it was to be back in her old bed. Perhaps it was the tiring day, but her mind didn't want to think about the past anymore. Instead, as she stared at the crackling fire across the room, her mind drifted to other things, or more specifically, a certain hunter.

The flames reminded her of him, or rather, they reminded her of the cold nights they spent together huddled around a campfire in the Dark Forest. Still, staring at the flames calmed her for some reason.

She wondered where he was. She hoped he was happy at least.

Snow tried to push him out of her mind before she drifted to sleep, but even in her dreams, she could not escape. Even in her dreams she was hunted. The wolf had stalked her every night since her coronation, it's dark, grey eyes burned straight through to her soul, and every morning she woke with hot tears on her cheeks.


The following day, Snow sat in a large room at the head of a very large oval table. The room was called the Council Chamber; a room she was never allowed in as a child, but one that her father had spent a lot of his days in. Her mother often joined her father in there for important meetings with their council, but she started going less and less in the months before she died.

Snow shifted uneasily in the heavily sculptured King's Chair – now the Queen's Chair. She was greeted first by Duke Hammond and then by William who followed his father closely. "Your Majesty," Duke Hammond kissed Snow's hand. "I have arranged for some gowns to be sent from Stonehill. I have a team of seamstresses working on an entire wardrobe for you. You look wonderful in anything, my darling girl, but you need gowns fit for a Queen."

Snow blushed. She was a little short on clothing, since none of the gowns she had in her rooms from ten years ago fit her anymore. Since she'd had nothing but the armour on her back when she'd returned to the palace, Snow had been desperate, and had a seamstress whip up a few simple gowns made from curtains. Even her red coronation gown had been the product of a set of silk curtains from the Banquet Hall. The seamstress had suggested using the material from Ravenna's old dresses, but Snow wouldn't be caught dead in any of the evil woman's clothing. Her first instinct had been to burn it all, but even Snow couldn't deny that it would have been a shame to waste such exquisite material. Instead she let the seamstress take it all and do with it what she wished.

"That is very kind," Snow thanked the Duke, but she prayed that his idea of 'fit for a Queen' wasn't too extravagant. She preferred to be comfortable and able to walk around without getting winded. She wished for a moment that she had her old dress from her time in the tower. She had grown attached to that dress. She'd spend countless hours mending it when she snagged the material and reinforcing the skirt to make it warmer throughout the winter months. It had grown with her, survived with her, but it had finally come to the end of its life through her journey with the Huntsman. She blushed at the memory of him ripping the skirt to shreds in the dark forest. His deep, mocking voice playing in her mind, "Dinnae flatter yourself." Snow scowled and pushed the memory from her mind and tapped her finger on the large chair. The sound echoed through the room.

Duke Hammond had taken the seat to her right, and William sat to her left. Not long after they sat, three men walked into the room. Duke Hammond stood to greet them and began to introduce them to Snow, who stood also. "Your Majesty, these are three of your council members. They are here to assist you in the ruling of your Kingdom."

All three men knelt and placed a hand over their chest. Duke Hammond gestured towards the first man. "This is Bane, Your Majesty. He is your Captain of the Guard."

The man called Bane was the biggest man Snow had ever seen. He was muscular and had a large brown beard, but his eyes were gentle. He stepped forward and kissed Snow's hand. "Yer Majesty, it's a pleasure to finally meet ye." Snow smiled back, a little suspicious. His thick northern accent was very similar to Eric's. She wondered if they were perhaps from the same place.

The second man was very short and plump, and his thin white hair was balding. "I am Oliver, Your Majesty." Oliver bowed low and smiled at the Queen. "Lord of Her Majesty's Treasury."

The third man kissed Snow's hand just as Bane did. "Jonathan, Yer Majesty. Bane and I are brothers." Jonathan looked at the Queen with the same gentle eyes as his brother's, but his smile wasn't hidden under a beard. He was shorter and looked to be a little younger. He too had the same thick northern accent, but while it made Eric and Bane seem like intimidating warriors, Jonathan laced his with more sophistication; clearly the scholar of the two brothers.

"It is very nice to meet you all," Snow smiled at each of the men. "Are there only five of you on the council?"

"No, Your Majesty," William spoke for the first time. "There are five others, making ten of us in total. We are all here to help and offer advice for anything you require."

"Where are the other members?" Snow found the idea of having ten other people supporting her very comforting. She took her seat at the head and the men followed suit.

Oliver spoke this time. "They are still travelling, Your Majesty. The remaining five advisors serve as representatives of various villages across Tabor, and most suffered badly under Ravenna's rule. I expect you will meet them soon, for they are all eager to meet with you.

"Are all of the members men?"

"No, Yer Majesty," Bane said. "There are five of us men, an' five women. I believe ye know Anna already. She was here for yer coronation, but she was needed back at her village soon after. I suspect she will make the journey back here in a few days."

Anna was from a fishing village on the other side of the Dark Forest. The woman and her daughter, Lily, had given Snow and Eric shelter and helped them escape when the village was attacked. Snow was so glad that Anna was on her council. She owed her a lot and she liked her company.

After some more brief conversation, the council meeting began, and they discussed what they planned to do about the destruction Ravenna had left behind. Snow was so focused on repairing the damage that they seemed to find solutions for everything rather quickly. It was putting the plans in action that would take the most time. Ravenna had lots of gold that she had taken from the people as taxes and Snow planned on dividing it evenly between the needy, so that would keep everyone happy until more permanent changes could be made. The meeting lasted until sundown, and eventually everyone parted their own ways. By the time Snow collapsed into bed, she drifted quickly into sleep.

The following week went by very slowly. After their initial meeting, every day was the same. Snow would meet with her council members in the mornings and throughout most of the day, afternoon tea and dinner were spent with William and Duke Hammond, then in the evening she would spend time studying and reading up on important documents. Only when the words began to blur, and her eyes started to droop would she fall into bed, where the same dark, grey eyes of the wolf still haunted her dreams night after night.


Snow woke up startled to the sound of someone in her bedchamber. She sat up quickly and saw Mary lifting gowns from a large chest and hanging them in the wardrobe. Snow took a moment to collect her thoughts. "Good morning, Mary," she rubbed her face. "Are those the gowns from the Duke?"

"Your Majesty! I'm terribly sorry if I woke you." Mary looked apologetically at the Queen. "Yes, these are the ones. They are very beautiful. They have been tailored especially for you." Mary held one gown up for Snow to see. Its long violet train spread over the floor. The neckline and sleeves where trimmed with soft white lace and the bodice was embroidered with silver flowers.

Snow swallowed hard. They were far more elaborate than she would have preferred, but she didn't want to be ungrateful. "They are so beautiful. Duke Hammond is very kind to have done that. I must thank him again." Snow climbed out of the large bed and walked over to where Mary was still unpacking the gowns. She peered inside the chest and saw a beautiful blue gown and pulled it out. The soft material fell to the ground and Snow held it against her. The tight bodice was scattered with small glittering diamonds and the sleeves sat off the shoulders. "I might wear this today, Mary." She supposed the Duke would be offended if she didn't wear one of them, and the one she picked seemed the least extravagant.

"Of course, Your Majesty, you will look wonderful in all of them." Mary finished unpacking the last of the gowns and helped Snow get dressed and fix her hair. The laces at the back of the dress took a long time to do up and by the time it was finished, Snow had to meet with Duke Hammond and the other council members.

The meeting was very short today. Only the Duke, William and her Captain, Bane, were present, and everyone was very quiet. When Snow confronted them about their odd behaviour, she was only assured that everything was fine. "Don't worry Your Majesty," said William. "Everyone is just preoccupied. This week has been very busy and there is still so much to do. Ravenna has caused a lot of destruction over the years."

"I wish I could do more." Snow looked down at her hands. "I feel like you are doing all the work and I am sitting in this giant palace twiddling my thumbs."

"You don't give yourself enough credit." William took Snow's hand from her lap and gave it a small squeeze. "You are the one that ended all this destruction. Besides, we would much rather you stay within the protection of these walls than venture outside."

Snow decided to save her argument for another day. If William said there was nothing to worry about, then all she could do was trust him. Progress was being made regardless, and she hadn't had much time to herself for weeks, so she decided to go out to the garden and read.

When Snow made it outside, a small voice called to her from across the garden. A young girl she recognised started running towards her and Snow held open her arms. Lily, Anna's daughter, hugged her tightly. "Snow White!" The little girl stepped back quickly and blushed. "Oh sorry, I mean Your Majesty."

Snow knelt in front of the child and grabbed her hands. "Lily, my friends call me Snow. We are friends, yes?" The young Queen smiled and tickled the little girl who shrieked with laughter.

"Yes, I think so," giggled Lily.

"I think so too." Snow smoothed the child's hair. "When did you get here? Where is your mother?"

"We just got here. Mama is in the marketplace selling baskets our village made through the winter. She sent me here to play until she finishes." The little girl smiled up at Snow. "Mama said we'll be coming here more now that she has to have special meetings with you. Is that true?"

The scar on her soft little face made Snow's heart ache. "It is true." She leaned over and kissed the scar softly then stood up and took the child's small hand. "Come Lily; let us make the most of this sunshine."

The pair stayed in the garden for the rest of the day, enjoying the sun. They played tag and picked flowers and when it got hot they sat under the apple tree and Snow read Lily one of her father's books.

Even though winter was coming to an end, the days still grew cold and dark quickly. The sun was starting to set, so Snow stopped reading to Lily and sent her back to her mother with a goodbye hug.

Snow stayed under the apple tree a while longer and looked out to where the sun was setting over the horizon. "Another day over," she whispered softly to herself. Snow sighed, wishing the day back again. Since her coronation she dreaded going to bed. She dreaded the dreams that plagued her every night, the strange wolf with familiar grey eyes that shadowed her until she woke every morning with wet cheeks.

It was lonely in the palace. Even though her days were full, and she was constantly surrounded with people, Snow felt lonely. She wondered for a moment what Eric would say to her right now and she rolled her eyes. He would probably tell her to stop complaining. He liked being alone. Snow was used to it, but she didn't like it. She sighed again, resting her head in her hands and the sun dipped out of sight.

When she stood to go back inside for the evening, Snow looked once more out over the gardens and saw a figure in the distance walking towards her. Her heart gave a little leap. The figure got closer and closer and Snow soon recognised William's face. For some reason, disappointment flooded through her.

"I thought I'd find you out here," he smiled. "Anna arrived today. She was too late for the meeting, but she'll be at the next one."

Snow nodded. "I know. I saw her daughter a little earlier."

William looked up at the sky, which was darkening quickly due to the absent sun. "It looks like a nice night. Would you care for a stroll?"

Snow nodded and let William take her hand and pull her to her feet.

They walked once around the entire palace grounds and then came to a bench under a giant weeping willow. The tree was so ancient that it's leaves brushed the ground, creating a soft green curtain all around them, completely shielding them from sight. Fireflies were dancing above them under the tree, adding a warm glow; their tiny wings singing as they danced. Snow raised her hand from William's, moving it slowly through the cluster of fireflies above their heads. Their tiny bodies brushed against her hand, making her laugh.

"You look so beautiful in the moonlight," William smiled at the Queen.

Snow looked up into his soft hazel eyes and kissed his warm cheek. She knew that the Kingdom wished them to be married; they loved William. He had fought for them for ten years while Ravenna was in control. He was a brave man, he was kind and gentle and everything she had ever thought a husband should be. But William was her dearest friend and she knew she could never love him the way that everybody wanted her too. There was a time when she thought she'd loved him; when she was locked in the tower she had dreamed of William coming to rescue her. She had dreamed of being reunited with the Duke's son and becoming his wife… but something had changed since then. Perhaps she had confused her longing for William with longing for freedom. She still loved William, but not as she thought she used too; the love she held for William now was the same love that a sister held for a brother.

"You never left my heart, Snow," William spoke again. "Even when we believed you to be dead. You are the only reason I fought for this kingdom. I tried to avenge you, and helping people was the only way I knew how." He peered down at the girl he had loved all those years ago. Somehow, she was still that little girl who he had teased and mocked so often. They had played and laughed and wrestled in these very gardens. He would have done anything for her. He still would, because he still loved her. William knew that Snow didn't love him the same way he loved her. He could see it in her eyes. Maybe in time, she could grow to love him as he loved her. But he was glad to take anything she would give him right now. Just to be close to her and watch out for her was all he wanted for the time being.

A shadow moved suddenly from behind the tree's leafy curtain, making Snow jump. William sprung from the bench and drew his sword. "Who is there?"

"I mean no harm," the dark figure spoke, raising its arms.

The deep, familiar voice sent shivers through Snow's body and her heart began beating so intently that she could hear it throbbing in her ears. What on earth was happening to her?

William lowered his weapon, also recognising the voice. "Huntsman?"

Eric walked through the curtain of leaves, his axe in its usual spot strapped across his back. "William," he nodded once. "I came to speak with Snow. If ye wouldn't mind."

Without meeting the Huntsman's gaze, Snow grabbed William's hand before he could say anything. "It's okay William. I will see you tomorrow."

William hesitated a little before saying, "Of course. Are you sure you will be okay out here?"

"I'll be fine. I'll see you tomorrow," she repeated.

"As you wish. Goodnight, Your Majesty." William slowly and deliberately kissed Snow's cheek and headed back towards the palace, only acknowledging the Huntsman with a small nod as he passed.

When she was sure William was far enough away not to hear them, Snow finally looked at the Huntsman. She remembered the last time she'd seen him. It seemed so long ago now; had it only been a little over a week ago? His hair was still somewhat clean, but his face was unshaven, and he looked… tired; just like she felt.

Snow swallowed. "You left." She dropped her eyes, trying to hide the hurt in them. Snow knew he didn't like being at the palace; he had said as much when he told her he was leaving. Still, she hated that he had left so soon; she hadn't even given him a proper farewell.

"I did," the hunter said simply, his deep voice sent shivers down her spine. He cleared his throat and spoke again. "How are ye, princess?"

A small smile tugged on the corner of Snow's mouth at the mention of his pet-name for her. "Haven't you heard? I'm the Queen now."

The Huntsman smirked. "Aye, I saw them put that big old crown on yer head."

Snow pursed her lips together. "Oh really? I'm surprised. You left in such a hurry I thought you may have missed it."

The Huntsman frowned. "Ye're mad." It wasn't a question.

Now it was Snow's turn to frown. "What gave it away?"

"Dinnae be like that, Snow. I told ye I was leavin'."

"I know you did! But-" Snow felt her cheeks burning and she crossed her arms. She knew she was overreacting, but she couldn't help it. "-you just left me here all alone!"

The Huntsman rubbed his face, annoyed at the direction the conversation had taken. Why'd ye come back, ye idiot? "Forgive me, Yer Majesty, but ye dinnae need me to look after ye anymore."

Snow noticed the way he mocked her. She knew he didn't warm to royalty, but not even to her? Why was he being like this? This wasn't at all the way she had imagined seeing him again. She didn't want to argue with him.

"I'm sorry if I've upset ye, princess. I'll go." Eric bowed his head quickly and turned on the spot.

Snow lost all sense of herself as he began to walk away. She jumped up from the stone bench and grabbed his hand. "Wait!" She spat out, but the Huntsman didn't stop. She was dragged along with him, gripping tightly onto his arm. "Don't leave me, Huntsman. Please! Please just wait!"

Surprised at her own reaction, Snow blushed when the Huntsman turned to face her. She let go of him and threw her hands behind her back in shame.

The Huntsman's dark eyes pierced through her as she tried to find her voice again, but it was as if his gaze was devouring her. His eyes… those dark, grey eyes. It was the wolf from her dreams that stared back at her. She gasped for air, but couldn't get enough into her lungs. The world around her swayed a little and she stumbled back onto the bench under the willow.

The huntsman followed her, watching her intently. "I can't stay here, Snow. I only came back to see if ye were okay."

Snow shook her head, concentrating on getting her breath back. "I know," she whispered, "but please don't leave just yet." Snow stared at the ground. "Can you sit with me for a while? I don't want to go inside. I'm… It's lonely."

The Huntsman looked at the young Queen. She was so beautiful; he could hardly stand the thought of sitting so close to her without being able to touch her.

"If ye insist..." He sat reluctantly beside her on the cold stone bench and moved as close as he could to the opposite edge without falling off.

"Where have you been? What have you been doing?" Snow bit her lip, hoping he wouldn't notice the blush in her burning face.

"I went back to my village. I was only there a few hours before I found myself wandering over to the tavern." He laughed to himself, but his eyes flashed with guilt. "I got to the door, but I turned around and went hunting instead. I was in the forest until this mornin', then I figured I'd get onto payin' some of my debts back now that I've got a big bag o' gold. The palace was on my way, so I thought I'd check up on ye real quick."

Snow frowned at him. As far as she knew, Eric had no more debts.

She noticed the strange distance he had created between them. She wondered briefly if she smelled bad, and subtly tried to smell herself. Nothing but the floral scent of her perfume. Annoyance began to flair in her veins then. "Have I done something to offend you?"

Eric looked at Snow puzzled face and his gut tightened. "Ye have done nothing wrong, milady." He hated her thinking that she had done something wrong. He didn't want to hurt her anymore than he already had.

"Then why are you acting as such? You make me feel as though you dislike me." Snow stared at the ground again. "If you really hate being here so much then just go. I'm not keeping you here against your will."

Eric looked at Snow's glum face, wishing he could comfort her. The space between them was pulsating, her porcelain skin glowed in the moonlight, and he could see her breasts rising and falling at the top of her gown as she breathed. He moved his hand across the stone and stopped just shy of where hers lay clenched into a tight ball. He wished she would look at him; her beautiful green eyes had haunted him all week.

"Look at me, Snow." The Huntsman took her hand, and Snow looked up at him. Her breath quickened, and her chest rose and fell even faster than before. "I'm sorry if I seem rude. Believe me, 'tis no' hatred that I feel for ye."

Snow un-clenched her fist and let it rest fully in the Huntsman's large hand. His skin was rough against hers, but it felt safe and strong. His warmth spread through her hand and up her arm. Her stomach tingled. She stared down at his hand wrapped around hers. Having him back with her made her feel strong again. Why was this happening to her? "Why did you really come here? I know you have no more debts."

Oh, if she only knew. The Huntsman's whole body was on fire. He held onto her hand firmly and ran his thumb over her fingers. It was all he could do to stop himself from throwing his body onto hers. "I cannae stop thinking about ye. After everythin', the thought of losing ye again-" He cut off and swallowed. "I have this feeling, this need to be near ye and protect ye."

Snow's mouth parted. He stared at her lips. The last time he kissed them, they had been cold and lifeless. He ached to be able to feel their warmth against his own mouth, just once.

Snow stared at the Huntsman, trying to make sense of what he'd just said. Her mouth slowly closed, and she bit her bottom lip. She stared intently into his dark, grey eyes. Somehow, she knew they were feeling the same things. She had been so upset when the Huntsman had wanted to leave. She had cried when he did. Her heart raced whenever he was near, and it skipped a beat whenever he looked at her. He had saved her life numerous times, and even though she no longer needed it, she still craved his company.

The Queen did not notice the space between them closing slowly. Before she knew it, the Huntsman was so close that she could feel his warm breath against her lips.

Eric was waiting for her to pull away from him. He knew he didn't deserve her. If she was smart she would run away and never speak to him again. But she didn't move. Snows sweet scent filled him as he breathed in deeply. He was burning all over.

Snow could barely move. Her breath was fast and shaky, her breasts rising and falling, now so close that they touched the Huntsman's hard chest.

Eric lifted one hand to Snow's delicate face and ran his fingers along her delicate jaw line. He closed the remaining few centimetres between them and pushed his lips against hers. In that moment, everything around them stopped.

Then she remembered; the memory hitting her so hard that she broke her lips away from his and jumped up.

"I'm sorry," he said, startled by her reaction.

It was him. He was the one that woke her. The sight of him standing alone by her lifeless body burned in her mind so bright that she had to squeeze her eyes shut. He had looked so defeated; so haggard and tired. Snow held her head. How had she seen this? Had she really been dead or just paralysed, floating over her own body, watching people grieve for her?

She could only manage a whisper. "It was you. You broke Ravenna's curse." She held a hand over her tingling mouth and the other over her heart, afraid it would burst out of her chest.

"What?" Eric stared up at Snow, a bewildered expression on his face. "I dinnae know what ye're talkin' about."

"You kissed me," Snow gushed. "You kissed me in the chamber at Duke Hammond's." Snow couldn't believe it, but the memory was sharp in her mind. Had he loved her all this time?

Eric remembered that night all too well. He wished he could forget it. "Aye, milady, but ye were still very much dead when I walked out o' there."

"But it did something, Eric. You woke me."

The atmosphere buzzed around them. The space between them was so thick with tension that Snow could barely stand it any longer. Her whole body screamed at her to go to him, and the second she moved towards him, the Huntsman had her in his arms. The force of him so suddenly against her could have knocked Snow over if he didn't have hold of her so tightly.

His strong arms enveloped her, pinning every inch of her body to him. This kiss was harder than the last, and Eric felt himself losing self-control the second she was in his arms.

When Snow felt the Huntsman's tongue part her mouth, she too, lost control of her body. She threw her arms around his neck and forced herself against his rugged, muscular body, every part of her pressed against him. His hands moved from her waist to under her bottom, lifting her up so she could wrap her legs tightly around him. Eric stumbled backwards onto the stone bench, Snow still wrapped around him, his trousers almost bursting down the middle.

The Huntsman's lips left her mouth for a minute to move down her neck, and to the top of her breasts where they were nearly bursting out of her gown. He returned to her lips, kissing her passionately while he untangled her long blue gown from around them and then hitched it up around her waist so that her legs were bare. How many times had he dreamed of this moment?

Snow broke apart once more to catch her breath, Eric placing more kisses down her neck. "I need you with me," she breathed roughly in his ear. "Please don't leave me again."

"I promise." His voice was husky and breathless. A second later, Snow heard her beautiful gown being torn straight down the back, from her neck to her bottom. It had taken Mary half the morning to laces her into the dress, and the ties were torn from their seams in just one swift tug from the Huntsman. His fingers traced the length of her spine and back up to the nape of her neck. Then he pulled away from her suddenly, worry in his eyes.

"What's the matter? Please don't stop." Snow took his face in both of her hands and went to kiss him, but the Huntsman pulled away.

"We shouldnae do this. It's no' right."

Snow looked at the Huntsman, shocked. "Don't say that! Please, don't say that. I thought I would never see you again." She hugged his neck and stared into his grey eyes. "I missed you so much. I need you, Eric."

This time he didn't stop her when she went to kiss him. The Huntsman moved his hands all over her, down her face, neck and back, squeezing her hips and bottom, pulling her harder towards him, making Snow gasp. She swallowed hard, breathing loudly, "Eric, please."

Her begging seemed to work, and Snow laughed as they fell onto the grass.

Eric looked down at the young Queen, her beautiful face glowing in the moonlight, flustered pink cheeks, blood red lips, her long dark ebony hair spread around her porcelain face. He kissed her again, just as passionately as before. He pulled the top of her dress down, easy to do since it no longer had a back, and kissed her breasts all over. Her chest was smooth and warm against his mouth, a perfect size for his roaming hands.

The fire inside her grew bigger and bigger as he explored her body with his mouth and hands. He ran his hand up the side of her leg, pulling it up beside him.

When Snow had time to catch her breath again, she ran her hands down the front of Eric's chest while he looked at her. She could feel the tight muscles beneath the fabric of his shirt, but she wanted to feel his skin. She grabbed hold of the fabric and tugged it quickly over his head, leaving his burning flesh pressed hard against her own. The weight of him felt good against her, and she could feel his racing heartbeat against her naked breasts. "Do it now before I lose my mind," she panted. The Huntsman reached down in between them and tore her undergarments off her. Snow felt her cheeks burn even brighter. She nodded only once when he looked at her with questioning in his eyes.

Eric kissed her again, this time slow and deep as he slid inside her, swallowing her cry. He moved slowly above her, worried that she was hurting. He paused for a second to see if she was okay, only to be gripped tighter around the neck.

"Don't stop," she breathed, her voice husky. "I'm fine."

He laughed once at her sudden command, "Aye, milady."

Her eyes closed tight as they moved together. Her breath was warm and fast against his neck. It was as though she was alive with him; she could smell him, feel him, taste him, she was submerged in him. She held him tightly, digging her nails into his back, making him groan into her neck. She loosened her grip and wrapped her legs around him instead. Her hips found motion with his and she cried out with each thrust.

Eric prayed that the guards didn't come to investigate. He kissed her to soften the noise, a little reluctant to do so. He loved the sounds coming from her beautiful mouth. He rolled over, pulling Snow with him, careful not to break their centre.

Snow gasped loudly at the feeling of him filling her whilst she sat above him. She pulled her gown over her head and placed her hands on the Huntsman's muscular chest. His hands found her hips and helped her find a rhythm before moving to her breasts.

Taking in the sight of her naked body riding him in the moonlight, Eric almost lost himself. He flipped her under him again, eager to get himself back in control. He picked up the pace and drove into her even harder. Snow choked as her breath quickened, all of her muscles tensed at once as she held onto him tightly. Just as he thought he couldn't hold off any longer, her warm centre tightened around him as she screamed out, the Huntsman groaning at his own release just seconds into her own.

They stayed linked for a few minutes, not speaking, just breathing and absorbing the sound of each other's heartbeat.

A small breeze drifted through the leafy curtain, making the hair on Eric's neck stand up. Reluctantly, he looked around and found the trousers he couldn't even remember taking off, along with his shirt and boots tangled with Snow's ruined dress. He quickly dressed and walked back with the gown to where Snow was still laying, admiring her naked body once again as it glowed in the moonlight. She was slimmer than most girls of her age, probably due to the ten years of being poorly fed, but she wasn't frail and weak anymore; she got stronger every day and her body's natural curves had become more prominent from when he had first met her.

She sat up with flushed cheeks when she felt him staring at her and reached for her gown, tugging it over her body. When she was done, the Huntsman offered her his hand and pulled her to her feet. He kissed her as she stood, making her blush again and look down.

The Huntsman lifted her chin to look her in the eye, worry settling in his features. "What's wrong? Are ye alright?"

Snow was taken aback. Did she look that miserable? "I'm fine. I'm just… overwhelmed." Her cheeks burned. "I didn't expect it to be like that."

The corner of Eric's mouth twitched ever so slightly. "Come on, princess. We better get inside before the guards are sent lookin' for ye."