Chapter 25: Finale
It took Snow White and Prince Merlin a while to sail back, they made sure to take breaks and dock whenever possible. The weather was sunny and fair but the temperatures on the ship seemed rather lukewarm. Even icy-cold at times. Others roaring hot. Snow White at times felt a little awkward around Prince Merlin. First she couldn't believe what happened with Princess Carmela, and now he was there promising he was under a spell. She believed him, but a small part of her was still rather shocked. Somehow the salty sea air seemed to calm her nerves. She watched the waves rolling over one another, hitting the ship. Snow White looked over the horizon as she spotted Eric's Castle off in the distance. Her heart sung for a moment, suddenly she heard footsteps approaching.
"Hey Snow, I was wondering where you went, you hungry?" Prince Merlin asked as he walked up to Snow White.
"Hey Merlin. I'm ok thanks. I just wanted to get some air. It gets kind of cramped below deck. Look, we can see Eric's castle from here." Snow White smiled brightly as Prince Merlin followed Snow White's outstretched arm towards the horizon, and the distant coast.
"Well look at that, we're getting closer." Prince Merlin swallowed, terrified to think about what King White may do to him.
"It'll be nice to be home again, especially during the holidays." Snow White sighed.
"Yea. Would you be upset if I didn't prepare the perfect present for you?" Prince Merlin looked rather downtrodden.
"Oh don't worry about it. I honestly, and obviously, haven't been shopping for gifts lately." Snow White's face flushed as Prince Merlin chuckled.
"It's ok Snow, we'll just celebrate as friends. Maybe go to Hans' new bakery him and Rosa are running."
"That sounds great!" Snow White nodded, though the words friends seemed to echo in the back of her mind.
"Is there something wrong?" Prince Merlin looked down at Snow White.
"No, yes. Not really, I'm just a little . . . confused I guess." Snow White turned to face him.
"Confused? About?"
"Princess Carmela. She gave you a spell to make you to forget me. What broke the spell?"
"Do you remember the yellow paper flower . . . my lucky charm?"
"Yes, but how did that help you remember everything?"
"My lucky charm has always been something special. You've always been someone special. I- I hated not remembering who you were when I saw you. The only answer I can give is the lucky charm held some of my fondest memories of you, and it triggered my feelings for you. True love conquered the amnesia potion. Cliché as it may sound."
"Wow, that's pretty cheesy and amazing. It's really sweet. I'm glad the spell was broken." Snow White smiled earnestly.
"Me too, but I know there was a shift in our relationship. It's, it's terrible what happened. I'm so sorry Snow." Prince Merlin's eyes welled up slightly.
"Oh Merlin, don't apologize. It wasn't your fault. I know it wasn't, I just need a little time to -"
"Don't worry about it, not need to apologize, or explain anything to me. You take all the time you need. I know I've been unkind to you; I hurt you. I can't even begin to tell you how sorry I am."
"Merlin, let's agree we both need time, and I think we need some alone time. Once we get ourselves resituated and to be friends again." Snow White didn't dare add "maybe even more than friends."
"Sounds like a plan." Prince Merlin smiled.
Prince Merlin and Snow White finally arrived at Prince Eric's port and went their separate ways. Snow White told her father all that happened, King White immediately wanted Princes Carmela arrested and questioned. Snow White tried to calm her father down. It took a fresh batch of cookies and buttermilk; along with some gifts she purchased for her father. The next few days Snow White was readjusting to her schedule, and going out with Rosa to go shopping for their friends.
"I'm dying for something sweet." Rosa smiled as she licked her lips, opening up the doors as the sweet sugary smells of Hans' bakery came flooding through the opened doors.
"Hello Snow White, Rosa." Hans said the latter with endearment.
"Hans darling! I'm starving. Make me my favorite please. Snow, do you want anything?"
"I'll have some hot chocolate with a cinnamon role." Snow White pulled off her red gloves, the warmth coming from the stoves in the back. Snow White inhaled deeply as she looked around at the decorated cakes, cupcakes, the delicately wrapped up cookie boxes, boxes of chocolate, and other sweet treats.
"Coming right up girls. Take a seat, I just have one order I need to finish up." Hans excused himself (after giving Rosa a peck on the cheek).
"Rosa, this is such a great bakery." Snow White smiled as she sat down at a corner table.
"Isn't it just precious? The last owners wanted to retire and Hans used to work for them when he first started baking. I'm so . . . happy working here. I-I never thought I'd actually enjoy working. But you know how I am with food." Rosa giggled as Snow White nodded. They began talking about the holidays and listing who they bought gifts for and who they still needed to buy for. A few minutes later the door opened, Snow White and Rosa both turned to see Prince Merlin walk in. Were it not for the letters that Snow White and Prince Merlin corresponding, things may have been a bit more awkward.
"Merlin." Snow White smiled and waved.
"Hey Snow." Prince Merlin waved. He had on a rather thick jacket, fleece mittens, and a knitted scarf. There was a dusting of snow around his shoulders and his head.
"You're the order Hans was talking about right?" Rosa asked.
"Yea, I was really craving something sweet, plus Arthur, Jack, and the others were craving a fruitcake, for whatever strange reason." Prince Merlin chuckled.
"Hans is one of the best bakers, patisserie, and cooks around." Rosa said matter-of-factly.
"It's true." Snow White nodded, Prince Merlin agreeing with her. The three chatted and a few minutes later Hans came out with a rather large box and a tray with three steaming cups.
"Here you are Merlin. Nice and hot." Hans handed Prince Merlin the box, then putting the three cups down on the table.
"Do you mind if I take a seat?" Prince Merlin asked as Rosa as Snow White signaled for him to sit down. They all three had hot chocolate. They all talked for several more minutes, until Prince Merlin said he unfortunately had to leave. He hugged both Snow White and Rosa before leaving, though he lingered longer when holding Snow White. The remainder of the day seemed to go by rather quickly; as did the rest of the week.
One day, when practicing her drawing, there was a loud knocking at the door, followed by the echoing of voices. Snow White got up and went to see what was happening. As she walked closer towards the stairs, she heard her father, along with the voices of two women; one of which she recognized.
"I apologize your majesty, but I am adamant about having this issue settled quickly." A shrill voice was heard throughout the castle.
"I see, well let's go into the study." King White said firmly.
"What's going on?" Snow White asked no one in particular as she hurried down the stairs, then the noise of objections sounded.
"I'm innocent I tell you! I have no debts to pay! She's lying!" The voice of Princess Carmela pierced the air as Snow White cringed slightly.
"That's enough! I've had enough of the trouble you've caused. So help me, we're going to discuss your actions within my kingdom. As the king, I am able to decide what exactly is to be done with you." King White snapped as Princess Carmela froze, she knew he was not going to listen to a word she said, thus she remained silent.
"Your highness, Princess Carmela has been purchasing potions, spells, charms, and the like from me. I have made the calculations of what she owes me, but she refuses to pay. All I ask sire is for the money, or for her incarceration until her debts are paid." The average witch kept her head low and was respectful.
"Fine, fine. And you Carmela, what have you to say on the matter?" King White snapped his head over towards Princess Carmela, who looked rather taken aback.
"Well, I suppose from one perspective, I may owe the witch some money." Princess Carmela bit her lower lip.
"Hmm, then it's settled. You have a fortnight to come up with the sums, otherwise you will be imprisoned until your debts are paid. Witch, I need to see all that Princess Carmela had ordered from you." It was settled, and a fortnight seemed to pass rather quickly, in which King White found that Princess Carmela has purchased an amnesia potion. Princess Carmela, unsurprisingly, was unable to pay off her debts and was thus arrested. Upon her questioning, she admitted to putting a spell on Prince Merlin. King White came up with an alternative solution. He brought the average looking witch into the dungeon and said Princess Carmela could go free, only if she was cursed to appear as a slug until she learned her lesson (by which was impossible for someone of her upbringing). The witch agreed. It was settled. Snow White did not feel satisfied, but there was some form of closure after she heard how the spell worked and the plans Princess Carmela had for Prince Merlin. And slowly, Snow White's feelings were beginning to shift, to become warming towards Prince Merlin. He allowed himself to temporarily feel satisfied in her warmth towards him, but he was lying to himself if he said he was content with their current relationship. Prince Merlin never once asked Snow White about where they stood with their relationship.
"And then she just admitted to everything." Snow White still couldn't get over Princess Carmela's confession.
"Well I'm not the least bit surprised, I told you she was terrible . . . and psychotic." Prince Merlin looked out the window. They were at his house (or rather the house of the F7); Snow White wanted to borrow a book and decided to pay Prince Merlin a visit.
"Hey, where have Pino, Nocci, and Cchio been?" Snow White finally found the book she was looking for, though she couldn't quite reach it.
"Oh, they've been working on a project of some sort. Though they won't tell anyone what it is." Prince Merlin stood up, he swore he heard a small grunting sound coming from his library.
"Grr!" Snow White was on her tippy toes trying to reach the book, but couldn't quite reach it.
"Here, let me." Prince Merlin reached the top shelf with ease, but he unknowingly came rather close to Snow White (nearly an inch apart, noses touching).
"Oh, um thanks." Snow White looked away as she gingerly took the book and walked to the other side of the room.
"Sure." Prince Merlin tried to not look hurt by how quickly she moved away from him.
"So this book of poetry is one of your favorite?" Snow White tried to change the subject.
"Yes, I rather like the Romantic poets. I also liked Shakespeare's sonnets. Sappy as they may be, they're actually quite lovely." Prince Merlin blushed; he knew every time he read through the poems, the only woman who resembled the beauty described was standing before him.
"He is really great with his use of the English language." Snow White continued talking about poems, Shakespeare, and Romantic literature; but Prince Merlin was studying Snow White's features. He recalled the last time they kissed, it had been several months ago. He still remembered how warm her lips felt against his own, her soft body pressed against his own and how his heart nearly leapt out of his chest every time she smiled. He'd give anything to reach out and caress her cheek, to hold her close and tell her how beautiful she looked when discussing her passions. Then he realized she was asking a question.
"Are you ok Merlin? You look a little flushed, and you've been staring off into nothing for a while." Snow White stepped closer as Prince Merlin turned away for a moment.
"Fine, fine, just thinking. The sun will be setting soon, let me walk you home." Prince Merlin smiled as Snow White nodded. The two fell into conversation with ease, winter was coming to an end, and spring was just around the corner. A gust of wind came whirling out of thin air, causing Snow White's scarf to fly up and block her view, she nearly fell but Prince Merlin caught her.
"Snow, are you ok?" Prince Merlin asked as the two momentarily paused. Snow White was looking into his deep brown eyes as he was staring back into her chocolate-brown ones. A flush crept up on both their faces.
"F-fine thanks." Snow White stuttered, standing up straight.
"R-right." Prince Merlin held onto her hand, claiming he didn't want her to nearly fall again. They managed to get back to her castle in one piece. Though their farewell was rather awkward. Then King White appeared, heading down to the kitchen for a snack when he saw the two chatting in the foyer. He waited a moment, but realized the conversation wasn't going anywhere.
"Oh bother!" King White stomped over.
"Papa?" Snow White looked rather confused.
"I'm tired of this awkwardness between you two! I understand what happened was unexpected, hurtful, etcetera, but it wasn't Prince Merlin's doing. It was that awful Carmela. It was a spell Snow. Do you not think this has gone on long enough? Hasn't Prince Merlin paid his dues? Even if he had nothing to do with it?" King White looked at his daughter, whose jaw was nearly on the ground in utter shock.
"I-I don't know what to say." Snow White was rather taken aback.
"Snow, don't say anything. I mean you're father's right, I had nothing to do with that spell being put on me, but I don't expect things to go back to the way they were."
"Oh nonsense boy. I see the longing in your eyes. I know you still love my daughter and want to marry her. Now don't disagree with me or try to correct me. If another fellow came along and tried to win my daughter's hand, you'd be furious."
"I cannot deny that sire, I would be."
"Then, it's settled. You two will be wed at the full bloom of spring." King White said, or ordered rather, as Snow White turned bright red.
"Papa." She giggled.
"Snow, I-" Prince Merlin was cutoff by Snow White's kiss. He held her tightly as her father nodded, making his way to the kitchen with a rather satisfied grin across his face.
Needless to say, spring was in full bloom. The aid smelt of flowers and the entire kingdom was in attendance.
"Rosa, don't you think this is too much?" Snow White looked at herself in the mirror as her friend squealed in delight.
"Nonsense, you look stunning!" Rosa clapped her hands together. Snow White looked in the mirror as she looked at the white ball gown. The bodice was fitted and the skirt pooled around her, leaving behind a rather long, but manageable train. The gown had long sleeves with an intricate floral lace pattern. The veil matched the sleeves.
"This is lovely work. Cinderella is a visionary." Snow White sighed.
"And the maid of honor's dress isn't too shabby either." Rosa teased. The two giggled when Ariel, Tiana, and Sleeping Beauty burst through the door.
"Come on!" The former said.
"The guests are waiting!" The latter hurried Rosa and Snow White along.
It was a lavish wedding. The smell of roses filled the air, the breeze picking up the white and pink colored petals, scattering them across the floor. The guests were seated in cushioned chairs. Merlin was nervously waiting for Snow White to appear, or perhaps not.
"Stop fidgeting." Prince Arthur snapped.
"Sorry. I can't help but think she'll leave again, for good." Prince Merlin looked down at his princely attire, trying to avoid pulling off any of the gold buttons.
"Nonsense, you two are made for each other. Nothing's changed. Well, that's not entirely true, but what happened was neither of your faults. It was just . . . a gimmick."
"Really making me feel confident there Art." Prince Merlin said curtly.
"You'll be fine, you're both crazy about each other. You'll go off into the sunset and rekindle what you had. Who knows, it may even be better than what you had before." Prince Arthur gingerly put a hand on Prince Merlin's shoulder.
"For once I think you're right." Prince Merlin smiled, then the music began playing as everyone stood.
Snow White was a vision. Her makeup was kept simple. Her hair was curled and half pinned up, the veil was brushing her cheeks, but with the breeze it was flowing away from her face. Snow White was curvaceous and the dress accented every curve of her body. Everyone held their breath, watching her walk down the aisle with her father, who was shedding a few tears. Prince Merlin too felt his heart throb with each step she took towards him, his breath hitched as King White placed Snow White's hands in Prince Merlin's. The two said their vows and sealed them will a kiss. Everyone roared with approval. Pino, Nocci, and Cchio were in attendance; as were the other members of the F7 with their lovely fiancés.
"Pino, Nocci, Cchio, who are your lovely guests?" Snow White asked.
"This is Bella-Donna." Pino answered first, introducing Snow White to a wooden girl with dark black hair curtsied.
"This is Bella-Ariana." Nocci said, the wooden girl with ash-blonde hair curtsied.
"And this is Bella-Elena." Cchio said, the wooden girl with auburn hair curtsied.
"How sweet. They're all lovely." Snow White smiled; the triplets blushed as the six went off to dance.
"They were insistent on creating their own ideal dates." Prince Merlin shrugged.
"It's cute." Snow White smiled when she noticed two guests she hadn't expected to see.
"Oh, who's this?" Snow White went over and saw Prince Average dancing with the Fairy Princess.
"What on earth?" Prince Merlin was rather shocked.
"Oh hello. Congratulations are in order." The Fairy Princess curtsied while Prince Average bowed.
"Yes, and I suppose you deserve some congratulations?" Prince Merlin posed the question as kindly as possible.
"I suppose you could call it that." The Fairy Princess shrugged.
"Honeybun, don't be like that. We're both extremely happy." Prince Average kissed his lover's hand, causing her to blush through her green skin.
"Well, then you do deserve congratulations. Fairy Princess, I am amazed, he was never this civil when I first met him." Snow White giggled as the Fairy Princess nodded, telling Snow White about the first time she had met Prince Average and was tempted to drown him. They all laughed. The night continued to go on rather normally. Prince Merlin and Snow White danced all night, then there were fireworks and a rather big surprise. The triplets proposed to their dates and upon kissing them, the wooden girls magically transformed into real girls, to which the triplets turned back into princes. You see, love isn't always as one expects, and happy endings don't always end in marriages. Snow White and Prince Merlin found themselves even more in love after facing trials and tribulations together, along with distance can make the heart grow fonder. Snow White wanted to learn more about herself and acknowledge her own feelings before returning Prince Merlin's feelings, though she knew she still loved him. And Prince Merlin learned patience is a virtue and brought about his happiness. No two love stories are the same, but this particular one was solely dependent on the girl who put on a pair of magical red shoes and stumbled about seven cursed dwarfs.
The End