"Just a little thing before I shall go. How did the poisoned apple become less poisoned all of a sudden? And why?"

"All my power surrounds the ability to keep this man's youth. Until now, I took from your youth. Now, he plans to take them from Snowhite without the need to bring her back to the palace."

"What is wrong with bringing her back and taking her beauty or mine or whoever?!"

"He thought it would be more amusing."

This scoundrel! The idea of letting me marry the son of the man who had destroyed sounded amusing to him!

In order to wake Snowhite, I had to find the prince first. I found him in the palaces' gardens, sitting calmly and looking around. For a moment, when I looked at him from behind, I imagined I saw Martin. But I knew it's only my imagination. But maybe they had more in common than the color and style of their hair. Surely more in common than between the son and his revoltinf father.

"There were times when I was sitting like this, looking at the sky and the plants, without one worry in the world," I said. He looked back at me.

"But it isn't suitable for a prince, is it?"

"If you ask me, this is the best part," I chuckled, trying to be liked by him

"I am sure your schedule is too tight for you to sit doing nothing."

Like I cared. The "nice" king drove me crazy so much that I could not do anything.

"I didn't come here to laze around. I came here to talk with you."

"About what?" When he looked at him, his face was slightly red , probably from the sun.

"I got a message from Snowhite, the little rebel," I tried to sound as if I was whispering a secret, as if I was amused by the situation, "She isn't prepared to marry anyone. And I agree with her. The most beautiful woman in the kingdom deserves a courageous man."

It pained so much to see his reaction.

"Then, you should find her another prince," he stood up.

"Quite the opposite. I believe you are the right person. Listen to me," I grabbed his shared, sitting next to him "Snowhite will pretend she is dead. Everyone around her will cry, but you will be the brave prince to show her affection even as she is a rotting corpse. Well, not really rotten."

The prince chuckled.

"Should you tell me about all this?"

"No, but she doesn't know this."

"You're devious as a fox, aren't you?"

"I learned from the best." Which were the worst, I mean, his not so nice father.

"You are really a clever woman. I am surprised my father has interest in you."

Yuk.

"ANyway, I'll make sure you will be accompanied there. And not one word to your father,"

"Can I tell you something, your majesty?" He said as I Was about to go.

"That I have a crazy daughter? I know, she didn't get it from me."

"I am thankful for your goodness, even though it is clear you do not want me near you."

How cute. No wonder he reminded me of Martin.

"If you think I was dissatisfied with you, I apologize. It was not my intention. It is just.. you see, your father than I has a history of… conquers.

"Then, are you one of the members of the royalty in the country he conquered?"

I just averted my gaze.

"I am utmosly sorry for the inconvenience I caused you! It was sure horrible to think about the idea of proposing a marriage with…"

"Hush," I put a finger on his lips. "It does not matter. Anyway, you better have a young beautiful woman."

"You are prettiest women I've ever seen," he put a kiss on my cheek.

I thought to myself how bulind he was. I was beautiful once, but the years passed by and I became old and worn out. Or he was tasteless or he was attracted to old ladies or… there had to be some explanation.

In the corner of my eye, I noticed the hunter. It was hard no to wonder why he didn't go to him already. It was to my benefit.

"Mr. Hunter!" I called out loud, waving for him.

"My name is Hans, your majesty," he bowed deeply and respectfully. Go figure.

"Mr hans," I smiled the biggest and more forced smile I ever had "I know I put you from your dear wife for a whole month, but I would like to ask another favour."

"What can I do for you?"

"Escort him to the princess."

"But she…"

"I know, I know, but after I told him how beautiful she is, he insisted to see her before he leaves."

Hand looked puzzled at the embrassed prince.

"If this is your humble request, who am I to say no?"

What a flatterer.

It was time for the last stretch.