It had been a few years since Snow White ran from her home. She lived in
the forest and worked of seven men. All she had to do was cook, clean, and
sew, nothing more, and she would have a place to live. In fact, the men
seemed to enjoy her company. A few times, though, when Snow White was
still young one of them tried to seduce her. Thankfully she ran to the
one man, Louis, who seemed to be the leader of them all. None of the men
tried to seduce her again.
The day started like any other day. Snow White woke before the others and tiptoed into the kitchen. The wooden floors were chilly against her bare feet. As she opened the pantry doors, Snow White thought of making some new socks for herself. Pulling away from her thoughts, she began to scan the food. Fishing through their fruits, breads, and meats she began the task of making breakfast.
Soon the smell of apples, oranges, and ham woke up the seven men. One by one they began to sit at the table, where their food and drinks were waiting. Snow White stayed in the kitchen, making herself something to eat. A smile crossed her face as she heard the hushed compliments from her employers.
As the hour rolled to its end, Snow White began her sweeping and the seven men disappeared into their rooms. They would leave soon to head into the forest. Four worked in the mines and the remaining three hunted and then skin the animals to sell their fur.
"Snow White?"
"Huh?" Snow White turned around, the broom still in hand. Her face was flushed from the strenuous work.
Louis stood at the door, his rifle resting on his shoulder. He wore the clothes that he had dedicated to his hunting; brown trousers and a loose fitting black shirt. He smiled at Snow White and walked into the kitchen. Louis paused and looked at her with a simple glance.
"I just came to tell you that we're leaving for the day. We'll be back for dinner." Louis explained. The corners of his mouth twitched as Snow White looked at him and smiled sweetly. "I hope you can keep yourself occupied while we're away."
Snow White nodded. "I've always kept myself occupied. I have some small chores to do around here and I might start sewing this dress I want to make." She smiled sweetly and looked off for a moment. "I might take a walk after dinner. The weather seems really good and there isn't a cloud in the sky! There's also a full moon out tonight. It should be beautiful!"
Louis shrugged and lowered his gun. "Yes, but wait to go out until we get back. The woods have been infested with evil, both animals and humans." He approached Snow White and looked her in the eye. "They'll take anything they can get their hands on, especially something such as you."
"Do not worry, Louis!" Snow White said with a bright smile. She began to sweep again, her eyes dodging Louis' in a childlike game. "I don't leave the house and when I do, I'm usually with someone."
"Good." Louis replied. He heaved a sigh and began to walk away. He paused at the door and glanced over his shoulder. "I'll see you tonight."
**********
The sun reached its highest point when Snow White realized she no longer had any chores to do. Happy in seeing this, she knew it was her chance to start on her new dress. She brought out the material she had collected over the years and the threads and needles the seven men had bought her as a birthday present. She didn't care if the present would help them, but it gave her a hobby to continue with.
A few of the front windows were thrown open, letting the warm summer air into the house. Snow White tied back her midnight hair as she felt sweat trickling down the back of her neck. She laid out the material and began to pick and choose which one would look best for her dress. She settled for a nice red wine colored material. It was light and would be perfect for the hot weather.
"Pretty things to sell! Very cheap, very cheap!"
The sound of a woman's voice caused Snow White to jump. She listened to the old woman's voice call out again. She was coming closer, still speaking of her pretty things to sell. Snow White listened with a soft smile. 'It would be nice to see what the woman had,' she thought.
A soft knock came from the large wooden door. Snow White turned in the chair and looked out the window. An old peddler-woman stood at the door, hunched over a large basket. Her back was curved, causing the poor woman to hunch over. Silver wisps of her hair crept out of her bonnet, giving her an odd look.
"Pretty things to sell! Very cheap!" the peddler said, knocking at the door. "Is there a pretty, young woman inside? I have pretty things to sell!"
Snow White took a few of her coins from her purse and hurried to the door. She had to take this chance. She rarely went to the nearby village and nobody visited. This could be her only chance for anything new. Maybe she could find some yarn for scarves.
". . . . Very cheap! Pretty things to sell!"
Putting on a sweet smile, Snow White slowly opened the door. She looked down at the hunched over woman, who gave a toothless grin. "Good day, good woman." Snow White said with her smile. "I heard your call and I was wondering what you were selling."
The peddler's smile grew. Her wrinkled hands threw back her basket's lid. A rainbow of cloth, colors, and corsets was folded neatly inside. The woman rummaged through a few things before pulling out a yard of red silk. She draped it over her basket.
"Oh my!" Snow White cried out with joy. She touched the fabric delicately. "This is beautiful! How much is it?"
The old woman rolled the silk up and held it out to Snow White. "A two cent piece, my child! It is the best I have."
Snow White handed the coins over and took the silk. She rubbed it against her face and smiled. "Oh, I must say it is! I must be lucky. I am making a dress and was looking for the right material. Thankfully you happened by!"
"A new dress?" the woman croaked. She hurried through her things and pulled out a corset that matched the silk in color. "This would be pretty on you, my child! And it matches the silk you have bought. If done right, you could have this with your pretty new dress!"
"It is very pretty." Snow White whispered. She looked down at the remaining money she had. With a smile, she nodded. "I'll take it!"
The peddler-woman shook her head. "You should try it on first. I can't take it back if it doesn't fit. Horribly bad if it doesn't fit." She put her basket down and held up the corset. "I'll help you and lace it up correctly. It doesn't look like you've had the proper lacing, my child."
Snow White smiled brightly. "Why thank you! You're a very sweet woman to help me. Would it be okay if I just put it over my dress?"
"Yes, yes! If it fits snuggly over your clothes, it will fit perfect without it!" the woman rambled.
Putting her money and silk down, Snow White slipped the corset on over her dress. She adjusted the laces in the front so the old woman could grab them better. Snow White listened as the woman spoke of her journey from the village. She almost didn't make her trip because of the stories of evil beings lurking in the woods.
Slowly Snow White's breathing became labored. The corset was becoming too tight on her and she could feel her skin beginning to pinch against the fabric. "Good woman," Snow White said, taking in a deep breath, "you are tying the laces too tight. I can hardly breathe."
The peddler-woman looked up at Snow White and smiled evilly. "Is it now?" she asked. She suddenly wrenched the laces tighter, causing the young woman to let out a yelp of pain. "And how is that? Is it any better?"
"No." Snow White croaked. She tried to push the woman away, but she was too strong. "Please. . . . I can't breathe."
"All the better." the peddler said through clenched teeth.
With one final tug of the laces, Snow White went limp and fell to the ground. The old woman smiled to herself and tied the laces into a tight knot. She picked up Snow White's money and put in her pocket. With a swift kick to Snow White's leg, she decided the poor, young woman should be dead. Laughing and singing to herself, the peddler-woman skipped away, her face beaming with a smile.
**********
"Snow White? . . ."
"Oh my God! . . ."
". . . . Is she dead?"
"Get me her scissors. . . ."
". . . . Careful. . . . This can be. . . ."
"I think she's alive. . . . cut it. . . ."
Snow White began to verge in and out of consciousness as she heard familiar voices. She could barely breathe, and she couldn't remember why. All she wanted was to breathe, to open her eyes and cry out to the voices. She could feel the laces loosen with a snipping sound, but all she could register was the ability to breathe more and more.
With a gasp for air, Snow White's eyes flew open. She coughed and blinked as the faces came into focus. Louis and his comrades looked down at Snow White with smiles. They let out a cheer as they watched Snow White breathe and try to move.
"Hush now." the eldest man said. He helped Snow White to her feet, stroking his bread in wonder. "Come, you should sit down." The old man led her to a chair and let her sit; he continued to act like her doctor.
"Theodore, leave Snow White alone." Louis spat. "She needs to get her sense back before you question her. You should help Basil with the cooking tonight. You know enough about mushrooms and herbs to make something good."
Snow White's eyes glazed over as she listened to every thing. Her mind began to recall everything that happened. That kind old woman had done this to her. The bodice, which she still had on, was tied too tight and strangled the air from her. She was lucky that the others came home and found her.
The smell of burning wood made Snow White look at the fire place. Louis was poking at the burning wood. He was still dressed in his hunter's cloak, which was torn a bit at the shoulder. She smiled to herself and slowly stood. Louis heard this and turned his head to look at her.
"Are you all right?" Louis asked.
Snow White nodded slowly and approached Louis. "You're cloak is torn. I should mend it before the hole gets any bigger."
Louis smiled but kept Snow White away. "My clothes are fine and don't need to be mended. I think, though, you should rest. It seems you've had a rough day."
"Yes. . . ." Snow White whispered. She looked out the window and noticed that night had fallen. She remembered that she was going to go for a walk, and still wanted to. Snow White looked at Louis, who had followed her gaze. "Will you walk with me?"
"Pardon?" Louis said, coming back from his daze.
"I don't want to walk alone." Snow White hugged herself. "I'm afraid that woman might come back. I don't know who she was and why she did that to me. Maybe, if someone is with me, she won't be tempted to attack me again."
After much debating, Louis agreed to the proposition. He told the others to call for them when dinner was set, and followed Snow White outside. The smell of the kitchen drifted into the air and smoke twisted skyward from the chimney. It was colder outside than it had been in the house, but Louis continued to follow Snow White into the forest.
The moon was peeking over the trees and the stars twinkled down on them. Every animal call made Snow White jump in fear. Louis laughed to himself at this, but began to grow sorry for the young girl. He began to remember what she was like the first time they had seen her.
Snow White was only ten, Louis twenty at the time, and very scared. All seven men had surrounded the bed she fell asleep on. None of them knew what to do about her. They never saw it fit to associate with women, since they were banished from their home villages for harassing women. Now they had a young girl in their midst.
The moment she woke up, all seven men took in a heavy breath. Snow White was scared stiff and began to apologize for what she had done. They all did their best comfort her and coax her to leave, but their plans were thwarted when she began to explain her story. She rambled on about her stepmother trying to kill her and being chased from her castle.
After two nights with the young girl, they decided to let her stay if she did the chores rightful to her gender. The child never said a word of disagreement and loved to cook and clean, surprisingly. The men had convinced themselves she was happy with the work because it kept her in the home. Nonetheless, she had done it for five years without a word of complaining.
"What are you thinking about?" Snow White asked, her voice piercing through Louis' thoughts.
"Just about the day we found you in our home." Louis replied with a smile. They had walked into a nearby clearing. He sighed and looked up at the full moon. "You've done so much for us these past five years, and we're all very happy."
Snow White blushed.
Louis looked at the girl and moved to a stump and took a seat. "Have you ever thought of returning to the castle?"
"No! My stepmother is still alive and would try to kill me again." Snow White explained. She took a seat on a stump near Louis. With a scared expression she looked at Louis. "I don't know what she would do, but I want to see my father again. I miss him dearly."
"Do you ever wish you were still there, living in peace?"
"Yes, but I wouldn't leave now. I love it in the woods!"
"And working for us?"
"Of course!" Snow White said with a chipper smile. She stood and began to stroll to the middle of the small clearing. "All these years have given me the chance to become the perfect wife. I am of age to wed and when I do, my husband will be happy with me!"
Louis slowly followed Snow White. He watched her with a soft smile on his face. "You want to marry someone? Theodore is the eldest of us and can find you a husband. He has been a father to you."
Snow White smiled and turned to face Louis. The two were closer together than they had thought. She blushed and took a step back. "I couldn't leave you alone, though. The seven of you would ruin the home and make a mess. I can't let you live like that." she explained. "Plus, it would be strange marrying a man that wasn't of royalty."
"Royalty?" Louis echoed, a sickened sound on his voice. He shook his head. "If we could, we would find you a royal man, but with our low status we can't do much. The only way to marry a prince is to go back and live in the castle you were driven from."
"True," Snow White replied, "but I don't think it matters now. If I lived there all my life it would, but living with you and the others has given me a new look on life. Social class doesn't matter and we should be able to marry outside our class."
Louis smiled. "You've been listening to our late night conversations?"
Snow White giggled. "Everyone speaks loud when drunk; I'm surprised you don't wake up the village with your noise."
The two laughed together and slowly came to a stop. Snow White smiled softly and looked at Louis as her cheeks flushed. Louis couldn't help but smile back. He put his hand on her shoulder and began to lower his face to hers. Snow White smiled and closed her eyes.
"Louis, Snow White! Dinner has been set!"
Louis pulled away from Snow White, leaving her with fluttering eyes and a disappointed look on her face. He turned away with a sweep of his cloak Snow White heaved a sigh and hurried after the man. They both knew there were hidden feelings housed in them and they just about surfaced, but how could a princess and an outcast love each other?
**********
A week had passed since the incident in the forest and with the peddler- woman. Snow White was still warned of the dangers of the woods and continued her work. Every day she worked on her dress, slowly finishing it. Despite the bad memories, she incorporated the corset and silk with the dress.
Snow White paused and looked at her dress on the wooden dummy that one of the men had made for her. She smiled happily and began to think of love. She wanted to wear the dress the first day she lays her eyes on her one true love. Snow White would look like the princess she rightfully was. The wedding she wished for would be lavish and grand, and there would be guests galore. Lastly, there would be dancing until the sun began to rise the next day.
"Hello?"
Coming out of her dream world Snow White looked up and saw a young woman peering through the open window. Snow White let out a gasp of surprise and placed her hand over heart. She laughed at herself, which made the young woman smile sweetly. Snow White approached her, still laughing at herself.
"I'm sorry that I scared you, good woman." the young woman said with a curtsy. She had a small basket full of apples with her. She lifted it and placed it on the window sill. "I'm selling apples for my ill mother. I saw your house and was wondering if I may interest you in one."
Snow White smiled but shook her head. "I'm sorry, but I can't let you in. The masters of the house have forbidden me from opening the door to anyone, unless they're with me."
The young woman smiled. "All is understood, but I don't have to enter your home. I can give you them through the window! I don't have to set a single hair into your beautiful home." She picked up one the apples and held it up to Snow White. It was an odd color, as were the rest of the apples. Half of it was red and the other half a sugar white. "They're very sweet and make the best pie."
"I don't know." Snow White said. Her mouth was beginning to water as she looked at the strange fruit. "There has been trouble around here, and I don't want to be taken in by it."
"Oh, there is no need for worry." The young woman produced a small knife and sliced the apple in half. Taking a bite of the white half, she ate it with a smile. "If you want, you can have a taste before buying. I have two trees that bear these apples, if you'd like more than what I have."
Hungrily, Snow White snatched the red apple half and retreated into the room. She kept a watchful eye on the young woman. She smiled at Snow White, motioning for her to eat it. With a smile, and her mouth watering like a heavy rain, Snow White bit into the apple.
As the young woman said, the apple was the sweetest Snow White had ever tasted. She continued to eat the apple, agreeing to buy a dozen from the girl. As Snow White went to the table to grab her purse, she paused. She felt a strange feeling in her stomach. She doubled over, slightly, and winced in obvious pain.
"Are you all right?" the young woman asked in fear.
"I. . . . I don't know." Snow White replied. She turned and looked at the window. The girl looked frightened. "Was the apple rotten?"
The young woman shook her head.
Snow White suddenly fell to the floor in pain. The young woman just looked at her, somewhat stunned but a smile inching across her face. Snow White begged her to go get help, but the girl didn't move. Tears of pain ran down her face as the pain continued.
"What's wrong?" the young woman snickered. "Are you allergic to apples?"
"I don't think so." Snow White whimpered.
The young woman bit into another white apple. "Do you know what happens when some eats something they're allergic to?" Snow White couldn't respond, but the girl didn't care. "They usually get all puffy and ugly, but they die anyway."
Snow White began to sob, but her world slowly came to a close. The girl laughed at this and hurried off, her basket of apples in her grip.
**********
The seven men returned home too late this time. They checked to see if Snow White had a bodice on, and if it was tied too tight. To their dismay, she didn't. Basil and Med carried her to a bed and began to look her over. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. She wasn't breathing and there wasn't a pulse to be found. They had no other choice but to claim she was dead.
All of them agreed that Snow White couldn't be buried in the ground. She was too beautiful to be placed in dirt. It took them a few days to make a glass coffin, but they knew it would be perfect. One by one, they took positions around the coffin and lifted it. They took it to the clearing near the house and placed it between two willow trees. Roses were placed around the coffin in respect and nothing more could be done.
The animals of the forest seemed to notice the absences of the young beauty and they appeared around the coffin. Each animal shed a tear in the young girl's memory, sitting and watching the glass coffin. They would cry out if someone would come to inspect it and one or more of the seven men would come to see what was wrong.
Months passed and the men still mourned; none more, though, than Louis. He cared for the young girl as if she was a sister. Maybe more, but he couldn't admit it to himself. Every day he would visit the coffin, crying and praying that this was only a nightmare. The house seemed dead without her, and everyone, Louis the most, wished for her return.
Nearly a year after Snow White's death, she looked as if she was asleep. Death had not taken a toll on her body. Stories ravaged the villages and kingdoms, near and far, of a beautiful woman in a glass coffin. No one knew if it was true, but the story of magic and a tragic love to dragon slaying and a curse from God played out.
Louis and Theodore sat on tree stumps, looking at Snow White. Both had ceased talking once they had reached the clearing. It seemed like no living being made a sound once they entered this area. Even after a year, the seven men and the woods mourned the death of this young child.
"Good day, sirs!"
Louis and Theodore jumped to their feet, drawing their gun and sword. They lowered their weapons as they looked upon the intruder. The young man sat on top of a white horse, bearing a royal family's crest on his clothes. His fair skin and blonde hair clashed with his white clothing. He looked down at the two with a smile, which seemed empty of feeling.
"Pray tell, is this the housing of the woman in glass?" the Prince asked. The horse grunted as the prince dismounted.
"If you are blind, I would say no." Theodore said, putting his sword in its scabbard. "I can tell you can see though, so look for yourself."
The Prince looked at the coffin and gasped. He approached Snow White's resting place, his eye wide with wonder. His fingers grazed the glass as he looked down at the child. His face softened and he made the shape of the cross in the air.
"She is beautiful." the Prince breathed.
Theodore nodded. "She hasn't changed since the day she died. It is strange, but a miracle that her beauty surpasses her own death."
The Prince looked at the two men. "I want to have her."
"What?" Louis cried.
"I want to take her to my palace and give her the perfect resting place." the Prince said. He looked back at Snow White's dead body. "I will protect her with my life. She will be in the light of heaven in my castle's church."
As the Prince took hold of the coffin, Louis tackled him. The two began to fight like mad men. Theodore did nothing to stop them, but watched patiently from a tree stump. Louis was punched a few times in the stomach, but retaliated by kicking the prince hard in the leg.
The Prince decided to draw his sword in a final act of intelligence. He began to thrust it towards Louis, grunting with every stab. Louis dodged every move, though. Beads of sweat appeared on his brow, trickling down his face as the battle commenced.
With a yell of power the Prince thrusted his sword one last time, causing Louis to cry in pain as the sword sliced into the flesh of left arm. He stumbled backwards as the Prince continued to apply pressure. Louis collided with the glass coffin, sending it shattering to the ground.
"You bastard!" Louis screamed. He kicked at the Prince, who moved away, leaving his sword partially in Louis' arm. Theodore rushed over, disappearing behind the rock that the coffin had been mounted on. "You desecrated her grave!" Louis spat, standing and pulling the sword from his arm with a muffled cry of pain. "I should take your head for this."
"She's alive!" Theodore cried out with joy.
Louis and the Prince turned to see what was happening. Theodore stood with Snow White draped in his arms. Her eyes were open half way and were hazed over, looking like she just woke from a sleep. A soft smile crossed her face as she looked at the familiar face of Louis. She breathed in heavily and let her eyes close.
"How could this happen?" the Prince asked. "Was it some type of witchcraft?"
Theodore shook his head and began to walk towards the path. The two followed close behind. "Not for the most part. The apple was poisoned, though, but that's not what caused her to 'die.' The poison didn't work, obviously, because she's still alive. Part of the apple was caught in her throat, causing her to go into some type of sleep-like state. Her heart was beating slowly and we couldn't find the pulse. As if by luck her body was slowly eating away at the apple, keeping her alive."
Nothing else was said as the men reached the cabin. They were greeted by smiles and happiness. Louis' wound was dressed quickly and the Prince was nearly shunned the whole time. Snow White was whisked to her room so she could rest in peace. The story of it all passed over the unknowing five quickly.
"I don't know if we should thank you or kick you out." Theodore said as he cleaned up the meal that had been made for them all.
The Prince looked at them angrily. "I am royalty, you know and. . . ."
"That means nothing here." Louis growled. "It was because royalty that all of us ended up living in the woods."
Before they argue could continue Snow White's door flew open. All the men turned to look. Snow White stood in the door way, freshly bathed and smelling like flowers. Her hair was hanging free and her eyes sparkling with joy. She wore her finest clothes, looking like the princess she was.
Without a word Snow White approached the Prince, who stood with a soft smile. She took his hands into her own. "You saved me, my Prince. How can I ever repay you for such a deed?"
The Prince smiled and kissed her hands. "Become my bride and rule my kingdom with me."
Louis stood abruptly, knocking his chair over. He caught Snow White's eyes, which suddenly seemed to lose their shine. Louis frowned and turned away sharply. He left the house with no where to go, but carried a broken heart.
**********
"Where will you go?" Snow White asked softly. The moonlight kissed her skin, giving it a soft glow. "You have no one else in the world."
Louis paused and glanced at Snow White. Without a word he continued to tie a few leather pouches to his horse's saddle. "I don't know. All I know is that I need to leave this place. I can't stand to see things change. We've lived together for years and now the seven us will live alone, without you."
Snow White lowered her eyes. "That isn't the only reason, is it?"
"What?" Louis replied, feeling his heart sink. "What do you mean?"
A sigh escaped Snow White and she lifted her left hand. The moonlight caused the diamond ring to sparkle softly. "It's because of my marriage to the Prince, isn't it?"
"How do you come up with such ideas?" Louis asked. He checked a few of the bags and satchels making sure everything were accounted for.
"Theodore told me what happened the day I awoke in the woods." Snow White managed to say. She caught Louis' eye. "He told me that the Prince tried to take me away without consent and that you tried to save me. He said that you really cared for me. You stayed near my side as much as you could; making sure nothing happened to me."
Louis moved around to the other side of his horse and pulled something out of one of the bags. "I was protecting you like the others did. Nothing more."
Snow White shook her head. "You had feelings for me."
"No!" Louis snapped. He paused and calmed himself down. "I have feelings for you, Snow White, and you damn well know that. I didn't want the Prince to take you away from me and I defended you with my life; I have the scar to prove it. And don't you even say that you never knew my true feelings. That night you told me you wanted to marry a prince there was something between us. That something, though, died the moment you saw your precious prince."
"Those feelings never died, Louis." Snow White sobbed. She closed her eyes, letting the tears run free. "I still. . . . I still. . . ."
Louis mounted his horse and looked down at Snow White. "There is no need to tell me what you can't say without tears, Snow White. It will only bring pain to us both." He held out his hand. "Take this as a symbol for my feelings."
Snow White held out her hands and watched a ring tumbled into her palms. A moonstone sparkled at her, settled in a silver band. "Its beautiful." she whispered, slipping it onto her finger.
"Remember the feelings behind it and you will never be sorrowful." Louis whispered.
"Take me with you!" Snow White cried, suddenly taking Louis' hand. "Please! You have shown me that my feelings never died, but royalty blinded me. Louis, please."
Louis shook his head. "I cannot take you with me." He pulled his hand away from Snow White's, but cupped her chin. He bent over and kissed her lips softly. "I leave with our memories."
Snow White sniffled. "Will you return?"
"If you want me to, I will."
"Please come back to me."
"Yes, my love."
Without another word Louis turned his horse and rode away, leaving Snow White with her hopes and dreams.
The day started like any other day. Snow White woke before the others and tiptoed into the kitchen. The wooden floors were chilly against her bare feet. As she opened the pantry doors, Snow White thought of making some new socks for herself. Pulling away from her thoughts, she began to scan the food. Fishing through their fruits, breads, and meats she began the task of making breakfast.
Soon the smell of apples, oranges, and ham woke up the seven men. One by one they began to sit at the table, where their food and drinks were waiting. Snow White stayed in the kitchen, making herself something to eat. A smile crossed her face as she heard the hushed compliments from her employers.
As the hour rolled to its end, Snow White began her sweeping and the seven men disappeared into their rooms. They would leave soon to head into the forest. Four worked in the mines and the remaining three hunted and then skin the animals to sell their fur.
"Snow White?"
"Huh?" Snow White turned around, the broom still in hand. Her face was flushed from the strenuous work.
Louis stood at the door, his rifle resting on his shoulder. He wore the clothes that he had dedicated to his hunting; brown trousers and a loose fitting black shirt. He smiled at Snow White and walked into the kitchen. Louis paused and looked at her with a simple glance.
"I just came to tell you that we're leaving for the day. We'll be back for dinner." Louis explained. The corners of his mouth twitched as Snow White looked at him and smiled sweetly. "I hope you can keep yourself occupied while we're away."
Snow White nodded. "I've always kept myself occupied. I have some small chores to do around here and I might start sewing this dress I want to make." She smiled sweetly and looked off for a moment. "I might take a walk after dinner. The weather seems really good and there isn't a cloud in the sky! There's also a full moon out tonight. It should be beautiful!"
Louis shrugged and lowered his gun. "Yes, but wait to go out until we get back. The woods have been infested with evil, both animals and humans." He approached Snow White and looked her in the eye. "They'll take anything they can get their hands on, especially something such as you."
"Do not worry, Louis!" Snow White said with a bright smile. She began to sweep again, her eyes dodging Louis' in a childlike game. "I don't leave the house and when I do, I'm usually with someone."
"Good." Louis replied. He heaved a sigh and began to walk away. He paused at the door and glanced over his shoulder. "I'll see you tonight."
**********
The sun reached its highest point when Snow White realized she no longer had any chores to do. Happy in seeing this, she knew it was her chance to start on her new dress. She brought out the material she had collected over the years and the threads and needles the seven men had bought her as a birthday present. She didn't care if the present would help them, but it gave her a hobby to continue with.
A few of the front windows were thrown open, letting the warm summer air into the house. Snow White tied back her midnight hair as she felt sweat trickling down the back of her neck. She laid out the material and began to pick and choose which one would look best for her dress. She settled for a nice red wine colored material. It was light and would be perfect for the hot weather.
"Pretty things to sell! Very cheap, very cheap!"
The sound of a woman's voice caused Snow White to jump. She listened to the old woman's voice call out again. She was coming closer, still speaking of her pretty things to sell. Snow White listened with a soft smile. 'It would be nice to see what the woman had,' she thought.
A soft knock came from the large wooden door. Snow White turned in the chair and looked out the window. An old peddler-woman stood at the door, hunched over a large basket. Her back was curved, causing the poor woman to hunch over. Silver wisps of her hair crept out of her bonnet, giving her an odd look.
"Pretty things to sell! Very cheap!" the peddler said, knocking at the door. "Is there a pretty, young woman inside? I have pretty things to sell!"
Snow White took a few of her coins from her purse and hurried to the door. She had to take this chance. She rarely went to the nearby village and nobody visited. This could be her only chance for anything new. Maybe she could find some yarn for scarves.
". . . . Very cheap! Pretty things to sell!"
Putting on a sweet smile, Snow White slowly opened the door. She looked down at the hunched over woman, who gave a toothless grin. "Good day, good woman." Snow White said with her smile. "I heard your call and I was wondering what you were selling."
The peddler's smile grew. Her wrinkled hands threw back her basket's lid. A rainbow of cloth, colors, and corsets was folded neatly inside. The woman rummaged through a few things before pulling out a yard of red silk. She draped it over her basket.
"Oh my!" Snow White cried out with joy. She touched the fabric delicately. "This is beautiful! How much is it?"
The old woman rolled the silk up and held it out to Snow White. "A two cent piece, my child! It is the best I have."
Snow White handed the coins over and took the silk. She rubbed it against her face and smiled. "Oh, I must say it is! I must be lucky. I am making a dress and was looking for the right material. Thankfully you happened by!"
"A new dress?" the woman croaked. She hurried through her things and pulled out a corset that matched the silk in color. "This would be pretty on you, my child! And it matches the silk you have bought. If done right, you could have this with your pretty new dress!"
"It is very pretty." Snow White whispered. She looked down at the remaining money she had. With a smile, she nodded. "I'll take it!"
The peddler-woman shook her head. "You should try it on first. I can't take it back if it doesn't fit. Horribly bad if it doesn't fit." She put her basket down and held up the corset. "I'll help you and lace it up correctly. It doesn't look like you've had the proper lacing, my child."
Snow White smiled brightly. "Why thank you! You're a very sweet woman to help me. Would it be okay if I just put it over my dress?"
"Yes, yes! If it fits snuggly over your clothes, it will fit perfect without it!" the woman rambled.
Putting her money and silk down, Snow White slipped the corset on over her dress. She adjusted the laces in the front so the old woman could grab them better. Snow White listened as the woman spoke of her journey from the village. She almost didn't make her trip because of the stories of evil beings lurking in the woods.
Slowly Snow White's breathing became labored. The corset was becoming too tight on her and she could feel her skin beginning to pinch against the fabric. "Good woman," Snow White said, taking in a deep breath, "you are tying the laces too tight. I can hardly breathe."
The peddler-woman looked up at Snow White and smiled evilly. "Is it now?" she asked. She suddenly wrenched the laces tighter, causing the young woman to let out a yelp of pain. "And how is that? Is it any better?"
"No." Snow White croaked. She tried to push the woman away, but she was too strong. "Please. . . . I can't breathe."
"All the better." the peddler said through clenched teeth.
With one final tug of the laces, Snow White went limp and fell to the ground. The old woman smiled to herself and tied the laces into a tight knot. She picked up Snow White's money and put in her pocket. With a swift kick to Snow White's leg, she decided the poor, young woman should be dead. Laughing and singing to herself, the peddler-woman skipped away, her face beaming with a smile.
**********
"Snow White? . . ."
"Oh my God! . . ."
". . . . Is she dead?"
"Get me her scissors. . . ."
". . . . Careful. . . . This can be. . . ."
"I think she's alive. . . . cut it. . . ."
Snow White began to verge in and out of consciousness as she heard familiar voices. She could barely breathe, and she couldn't remember why. All she wanted was to breathe, to open her eyes and cry out to the voices. She could feel the laces loosen with a snipping sound, but all she could register was the ability to breathe more and more.
With a gasp for air, Snow White's eyes flew open. She coughed and blinked as the faces came into focus. Louis and his comrades looked down at Snow White with smiles. They let out a cheer as they watched Snow White breathe and try to move.
"Hush now." the eldest man said. He helped Snow White to her feet, stroking his bread in wonder. "Come, you should sit down." The old man led her to a chair and let her sit; he continued to act like her doctor.
"Theodore, leave Snow White alone." Louis spat. "She needs to get her sense back before you question her. You should help Basil with the cooking tonight. You know enough about mushrooms and herbs to make something good."
Snow White's eyes glazed over as she listened to every thing. Her mind began to recall everything that happened. That kind old woman had done this to her. The bodice, which she still had on, was tied too tight and strangled the air from her. She was lucky that the others came home and found her.
The smell of burning wood made Snow White look at the fire place. Louis was poking at the burning wood. He was still dressed in his hunter's cloak, which was torn a bit at the shoulder. She smiled to herself and slowly stood. Louis heard this and turned his head to look at her.
"Are you all right?" Louis asked.
Snow White nodded slowly and approached Louis. "You're cloak is torn. I should mend it before the hole gets any bigger."
Louis smiled but kept Snow White away. "My clothes are fine and don't need to be mended. I think, though, you should rest. It seems you've had a rough day."
"Yes. . . ." Snow White whispered. She looked out the window and noticed that night had fallen. She remembered that she was going to go for a walk, and still wanted to. Snow White looked at Louis, who had followed her gaze. "Will you walk with me?"
"Pardon?" Louis said, coming back from his daze.
"I don't want to walk alone." Snow White hugged herself. "I'm afraid that woman might come back. I don't know who she was and why she did that to me. Maybe, if someone is with me, she won't be tempted to attack me again."
After much debating, Louis agreed to the proposition. He told the others to call for them when dinner was set, and followed Snow White outside. The smell of the kitchen drifted into the air and smoke twisted skyward from the chimney. It was colder outside than it had been in the house, but Louis continued to follow Snow White into the forest.
The moon was peeking over the trees and the stars twinkled down on them. Every animal call made Snow White jump in fear. Louis laughed to himself at this, but began to grow sorry for the young girl. He began to remember what she was like the first time they had seen her.
Snow White was only ten, Louis twenty at the time, and very scared. All seven men had surrounded the bed she fell asleep on. None of them knew what to do about her. They never saw it fit to associate with women, since they were banished from their home villages for harassing women. Now they had a young girl in their midst.
The moment she woke up, all seven men took in a heavy breath. Snow White was scared stiff and began to apologize for what she had done. They all did their best comfort her and coax her to leave, but their plans were thwarted when she began to explain her story. She rambled on about her stepmother trying to kill her and being chased from her castle.
After two nights with the young girl, they decided to let her stay if she did the chores rightful to her gender. The child never said a word of disagreement and loved to cook and clean, surprisingly. The men had convinced themselves she was happy with the work because it kept her in the home. Nonetheless, she had done it for five years without a word of complaining.
"What are you thinking about?" Snow White asked, her voice piercing through Louis' thoughts.
"Just about the day we found you in our home." Louis replied with a smile. They had walked into a nearby clearing. He sighed and looked up at the full moon. "You've done so much for us these past five years, and we're all very happy."
Snow White blushed.
Louis looked at the girl and moved to a stump and took a seat. "Have you ever thought of returning to the castle?"
"No! My stepmother is still alive and would try to kill me again." Snow White explained. She took a seat on a stump near Louis. With a scared expression she looked at Louis. "I don't know what she would do, but I want to see my father again. I miss him dearly."
"Do you ever wish you were still there, living in peace?"
"Yes, but I wouldn't leave now. I love it in the woods!"
"And working for us?"
"Of course!" Snow White said with a chipper smile. She stood and began to stroll to the middle of the small clearing. "All these years have given me the chance to become the perfect wife. I am of age to wed and when I do, my husband will be happy with me!"
Louis slowly followed Snow White. He watched her with a soft smile on his face. "You want to marry someone? Theodore is the eldest of us and can find you a husband. He has been a father to you."
Snow White smiled and turned to face Louis. The two were closer together than they had thought. She blushed and took a step back. "I couldn't leave you alone, though. The seven of you would ruin the home and make a mess. I can't let you live like that." she explained. "Plus, it would be strange marrying a man that wasn't of royalty."
"Royalty?" Louis echoed, a sickened sound on his voice. He shook his head. "If we could, we would find you a royal man, but with our low status we can't do much. The only way to marry a prince is to go back and live in the castle you were driven from."
"True," Snow White replied, "but I don't think it matters now. If I lived there all my life it would, but living with you and the others has given me a new look on life. Social class doesn't matter and we should be able to marry outside our class."
Louis smiled. "You've been listening to our late night conversations?"
Snow White giggled. "Everyone speaks loud when drunk; I'm surprised you don't wake up the village with your noise."
The two laughed together and slowly came to a stop. Snow White smiled softly and looked at Louis as her cheeks flushed. Louis couldn't help but smile back. He put his hand on her shoulder and began to lower his face to hers. Snow White smiled and closed her eyes.
"Louis, Snow White! Dinner has been set!"
Louis pulled away from Snow White, leaving her with fluttering eyes and a disappointed look on her face. He turned away with a sweep of his cloak Snow White heaved a sigh and hurried after the man. They both knew there were hidden feelings housed in them and they just about surfaced, but how could a princess and an outcast love each other?
**********
A week had passed since the incident in the forest and with the peddler- woman. Snow White was still warned of the dangers of the woods and continued her work. Every day she worked on her dress, slowly finishing it. Despite the bad memories, she incorporated the corset and silk with the dress.
Snow White paused and looked at her dress on the wooden dummy that one of the men had made for her. She smiled happily and began to think of love. She wanted to wear the dress the first day she lays her eyes on her one true love. Snow White would look like the princess she rightfully was. The wedding she wished for would be lavish and grand, and there would be guests galore. Lastly, there would be dancing until the sun began to rise the next day.
"Hello?"
Coming out of her dream world Snow White looked up and saw a young woman peering through the open window. Snow White let out a gasp of surprise and placed her hand over heart. She laughed at herself, which made the young woman smile sweetly. Snow White approached her, still laughing at herself.
"I'm sorry that I scared you, good woman." the young woman said with a curtsy. She had a small basket full of apples with her. She lifted it and placed it on the window sill. "I'm selling apples for my ill mother. I saw your house and was wondering if I may interest you in one."
Snow White smiled but shook her head. "I'm sorry, but I can't let you in. The masters of the house have forbidden me from opening the door to anyone, unless they're with me."
The young woman smiled. "All is understood, but I don't have to enter your home. I can give you them through the window! I don't have to set a single hair into your beautiful home." She picked up one the apples and held it up to Snow White. It was an odd color, as were the rest of the apples. Half of it was red and the other half a sugar white. "They're very sweet and make the best pie."
"I don't know." Snow White said. Her mouth was beginning to water as she looked at the strange fruit. "There has been trouble around here, and I don't want to be taken in by it."
"Oh, there is no need for worry." The young woman produced a small knife and sliced the apple in half. Taking a bite of the white half, she ate it with a smile. "If you want, you can have a taste before buying. I have two trees that bear these apples, if you'd like more than what I have."
Hungrily, Snow White snatched the red apple half and retreated into the room. She kept a watchful eye on the young woman. She smiled at Snow White, motioning for her to eat it. With a smile, and her mouth watering like a heavy rain, Snow White bit into the apple.
As the young woman said, the apple was the sweetest Snow White had ever tasted. She continued to eat the apple, agreeing to buy a dozen from the girl. As Snow White went to the table to grab her purse, she paused. She felt a strange feeling in her stomach. She doubled over, slightly, and winced in obvious pain.
"Are you all right?" the young woman asked in fear.
"I. . . . I don't know." Snow White replied. She turned and looked at the window. The girl looked frightened. "Was the apple rotten?"
The young woman shook her head.
Snow White suddenly fell to the floor in pain. The young woman just looked at her, somewhat stunned but a smile inching across her face. Snow White begged her to go get help, but the girl didn't move. Tears of pain ran down her face as the pain continued.
"What's wrong?" the young woman snickered. "Are you allergic to apples?"
"I don't think so." Snow White whimpered.
The young woman bit into another white apple. "Do you know what happens when some eats something they're allergic to?" Snow White couldn't respond, but the girl didn't care. "They usually get all puffy and ugly, but they die anyway."
Snow White began to sob, but her world slowly came to a close. The girl laughed at this and hurried off, her basket of apples in her grip.
**********
The seven men returned home too late this time. They checked to see if Snow White had a bodice on, and if it was tied too tight. To their dismay, she didn't. Basil and Med carried her to a bed and began to look her over. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. She wasn't breathing and there wasn't a pulse to be found. They had no other choice but to claim she was dead.
All of them agreed that Snow White couldn't be buried in the ground. She was too beautiful to be placed in dirt. It took them a few days to make a glass coffin, but they knew it would be perfect. One by one, they took positions around the coffin and lifted it. They took it to the clearing near the house and placed it between two willow trees. Roses were placed around the coffin in respect and nothing more could be done.
The animals of the forest seemed to notice the absences of the young beauty and they appeared around the coffin. Each animal shed a tear in the young girl's memory, sitting and watching the glass coffin. They would cry out if someone would come to inspect it and one or more of the seven men would come to see what was wrong.
Months passed and the men still mourned; none more, though, than Louis. He cared for the young girl as if she was a sister. Maybe more, but he couldn't admit it to himself. Every day he would visit the coffin, crying and praying that this was only a nightmare. The house seemed dead without her, and everyone, Louis the most, wished for her return.
Nearly a year after Snow White's death, she looked as if she was asleep. Death had not taken a toll on her body. Stories ravaged the villages and kingdoms, near and far, of a beautiful woman in a glass coffin. No one knew if it was true, but the story of magic and a tragic love to dragon slaying and a curse from God played out.
Louis and Theodore sat on tree stumps, looking at Snow White. Both had ceased talking once they had reached the clearing. It seemed like no living being made a sound once they entered this area. Even after a year, the seven men and the woods mourned the death of this young child.
"Good day, sirs!"
Louis and Theodore jumped to their feet, drawing their gun and sword. They lowered their weapons as they looked upon the intruder. The young man sat on top of a white horse, bearing a royal family's crest on his clothes. His fair skin and blonde hair clashed with his white clothing. He looked down at the two with a smile, which seemed empty of feeling.
"Pray tell, is this the housing of the woman in glass?" the Prince asked. The horse grunted as the prince dismounted.
"If you are blind, I would say no." Theodore said, putting his sword in its scabbard. "I can tell you can see though, so look for yourself."
The Prince looked at the coffin and gasped. He approached Snow White's resting place, his eye wide with wonder. His fingers grazed the glass as he looked down at the child. His face softened and he made the shape of the cross in the air.
"She is beautiful." the Prince breathed.
Theodore nodded. "She hasn't changed since the day she died. It is strange, but a miracle that her beauty surpasses her own death."
The Prince looked at the two men. "I want to have her."
"What?" Louis cried.
"I want to take her to my palace and give her the perfect resting place." the Prince said. He looked back at Snow White's dead body. "I will protect her with my life. She will be in the light of heaven in my castle's church."
As the Prince took hold of the coffin, Louis tackled him. The two began to fight like mad men. Theodore did nothing to stop them, but watched patiently from a tree stump. Louis was punched a few times in the stomach, but retaliated by kicking the prince hard in the leg.
The Prince decided to draw his sword in a final act of intelligence. He began to thrust it towards Louis, grunting with every stab. Louis dodged every move, though. Beads of sweat appeared on his brow, trickling down his face as the battle commenced.
With a yell of power the Prince thrusted his sword one last time, causing Louis to cry in pain as the sword sliced into the flesh of left arm. He stumbled backwards as the Prince continued to apply pressure. Louis collided with the glass coffin, sending it shattering to the ground.
"You bastard!" Louis screamed. He kicked at the Prince, who moved away, leaving his sword partially in Louis' arm. Theodore rushed over, disappearing behind the rock that the coffin had been mounted on. "You desecrated her grave!" Louis spat, standing and pulling the sword from his arm with a muffled cry of pain. "I should take your head for this."
"She's alive!" Theodore cried out with joy.
Louis and the Prince turned to see what was happening. Theodore stood with Snow White draped in his arms. Her eyes were open half way and were hazed over, looking like she just woke from a sleep. A soft smile crossed her face as she looked at the familiar face of Louis. She breathed in heavily and let her eyes close.
"How could this happen?" the Prince asked. "Was it some type of witchcraft?"
Theodore shook his head and began to walk towards the path. The two followed close behind. "Not for the most part. The apple was poisoned, though, but that's not what caused her to 'die.' The poison didn't work, obviously, because she's still alive. Part of the apple was caught in her throat, causing her to go into some type of sleep-like state. Her heart was beating slowly and we couldn't find the pulse. As if by luck her body was slowly eating away at the apple, keeping her alive."
Nothing else was said as the men reached the cabin. They were greeted by smiles and happiness. Louis' wound was dressed quickly and the Prince was nearly shunned the whole time. Snow White was whisked to her room so she could rest in peace. The story of it all passed over the unknowing five quickly.
"I don't know if we should thank you or kick you out." Theodore said as he cleaned up the meal that had been made for them all.
The Prince looked at them angrily. "I am royalty, you know and. . . ."
"That means nothing here." Louis growled. "It was because royalty that all of us ended up living in the woods."
Before they argue could continue Snow White's door flew open. All the men turned to look. Snow White stood in the door way, freshly bathed and smelling like flowers. Her hair was hanging free and her eyes sparkling with joy. She wore her finest clothes, looking like the princess she was.
Without a word Snow White approached the Prince, who stood with a soft smile. She took his hands into her own. "You saved me, my Prince. How can I ever repay you for such a deed?"
The Prince smiled and kissed her hands. "Become my bride and rule my kingdom with me."
Louis stood abruptly, knocking his chair over. He caught Snow White's eyes, which suddenly seemed to lose their shine. Louis frowned and turned away sharply. He left the house with no where to go, but carried a broken heart.
**********
"Where will you go?" Snow White asked softly. The moonlight kissed her skin, giving it a soft glow. "You have no one else in the world."
Louis paused and glanced at Snow White. Without a word he continued to tie a few leather pouches to his horse's saddle. "I don't know. All I know is that I need to leave this place. I can't stand to see things change. We've lived together for years and now the seven us will live alone, without you."
Snow White lowered her eyes. "That isn't the only reason, is it?"
"What?" Louis replied, feeling his heart sink. "What do you mean?"
A sigh escaped Snow White and she lifted her left hand. The moonlight caused the diamond ring to sparkle softly. "It's because of my marriage to the Prince, isn't it?"
"How do you come up with such ideas?" Louis asked. He checked a few of the bags and satchels making sure everything were accounted for.
"Theodore told me what happened the day I awoke in the woods." Snow White managed to say. She caught Louis' eye. "He told me that the Prince tried to take me away without consent and that you tried to save me. He said that you really cared for me. You stayed near my side as much as you could; making sure nothing happened to me."
Louis moved around to the other side of his horse and pulled something out of one of the bags. "I was protecting you like the others did. Nothing more."
Snow White shook her head. "You had feelings for me."
"No!" Louis snapped. He paused and calmed himself down. "I have feelings for you, Snow White, and you damn well know that. I didn't want the Prince to take you away from me and I defended you with my life; I have the scar to prove it. And don't you even say that you never knew my true feelings. That night you told me you wanted to marry a prince there was something between us. That something, though, died the moment you saw your precious prince."
"Those feelings never died, Louis." Snow White sobbed. She closed her eyes, letting the tears run free. "I still. . . . I still. . . ."
Louis mounted his horse and looked down at Snow White. "There is no need to tell me what you can't say without tears, Snow White. It will only bring pain to us both." He held out his hand. "Take this as a symbol for my feelings."
Snow White held out her hands and watched a ring tumbled into her palms. A moonstone sparkled at her, settled in a silver band. "Its beautiful." she whispered, slipping it onto her finger.
"Remember the feelings behind it and you will never be sorrowful." Louis whispered.
"Take me with you!" Snow White cried, suddenly taking Louis' hand. "Please! You have shown me that my feelings never died, but royalty blinded me. Louis, please."
Louis shook his head. "I cannot take you with me." He pulled his hand away from Snow White's, but cupped her chin. He bent over and kissed her lips softly. "I leave with our memories."
Snow White sniffled. "Will you return?"
"If you want me to, I will."
"Please come back to me."
"Yes, my love."
Without another word Louis turned his horse and rode away, leaving Snow White with her hopes and dreams.