A/N: This chapter is probably not the best I've written as I had to keep switching time frames, so I apologise if it doesn't flow very well! I also want to thank xxxMadameMysteryxxx, celticank, impureevilregal, VampWolf92 and EvilRegalTwinnies for reviewing the last chapter and also to all those who favourited and followed!
Six months later and the Queen had had enough of being in mourning for a man she never loved. She knew that she had to keep going for a few more weeks to keep up appearances, but after that, she'd be glad that she would never have to think about him again or have people giving her their sympathies over the 'tragedy'.
She could also then start to do something about getting rid of Snow White. The only thing that was keeping her from showing her disdain for her step-daughter in public was the small 8-year-old currently curled up against her side as she cried over the King's body with her sister, and as soon as she could find a way to secretly get rid of said sister, the more time she would be able to spend with her daughter.
"Snow, Tallie," she started. "I know this is tough on both of you, tougher than it could possibly be for me, but if there is anything I can do, please let me know. Snow, I may only be your mother by marriage, but I am here for you, dear, as well as for Talulla, truly and forever."
At this point, the older girl leant in and wrapped her arms round her stepmother from the other side to her sister, much to Regina's annoyance. The three stayed like that for several minutes before Snow pulled back, closely followed by Talulla, both their faces stained with tears. However, it was only the younger one who pulled at the Queen's heartstrings. How could the young girl mourn over someone who had never treated her with the respect she deserved, someone who had ripped her away from her mother with the intention of keeping them apart for goodness knows how long?
"Thank you for being there for us, mother," Talulla whispered into Regina's ear. "I know you didn't love him, but thank you for keeping up the pretence for Snow. We'll find a way to be happy again, I know we will."
The Queen smiled at this and placed a soft kiss on the young girl's forehead before getting up with the intent of leaving this room for good. She never wanted to see it again. Snow could care for it, place flowers on the grave, and when she was gone, the servants could deal with it. Abigail wouldn't tell a soul if the Queen didn't visit her husband's grave, she was far too loyal.
"Mother, who is that man I saw? The one in all the fur?" Talulla asked her a week later at dinner when Snow had retired, leaving mother and daughter alone.
The Queen had known that she wouldn't be able to keep it from her daughter for long that she had hired a huntsman, but she was hoping it would have stayed out of her notice slightly longer.
"He's a Huntsman," she said.
"A Huntsman? Why do you want one of those?" the girl asked, her eyebrows creasing into a small frown.
The Queen silently cursed her daughter's inquisitive nature. "He came here seeking refuge, I gave him that. He won't be here long though, only a few days probably. He just needs a few days to recuperate before he goes on his way," she explained.
Talulla's eyes lit up. "Oh, can I meet him? I need to get to know the people of this land, don't I? I mean, isn't that what princesses are supposed to do? Get to know their people?"
Regina laughed, easing up the tense air that had been surrounding her. "If you're that keen, I don't see why not, he's in no way particularly special. Just be warned that in a couple of days, he's going on a special task for me, so he won't be around long."
"Okay, mother! I'll go find him tomorrow," Talulla sang happily. "Maybe he can tell me about all the animals he sees?"
"I'm sure he will. Now, isn't it time for bed, sweetheart?"
The young girl pouted, making Regina laugh once more.
"Come on, to bed with you," she smiled. "I'll be up in a few minutes to tuck you in, alright?"
"Fine," Talulla sighed, her shoulders sinking visibly, but she got up and left the room without any further complaint.
On her way up the first flight of stairs, the young girl was so busy watching where she was going that she didn't notice the shadow that fell over her until she bumped right into something… or someone.
Letting out a gasp, she looked up into the bright blue eyes of the Huntsman himself.
"Forgive me, sir, I wasn't watching where I was going," she apologised hastily, stumbling down a step.
"It's quite alright, I suspect it's as much my fault as yours, my lady," the man said, smiling kindly.
"Uh, I was wondering whether it was possible whether tomorrow, you could to tell me all about the animals you see on your trips?" she asked tentatively, wringing her hands out of a nervous habit. "Mother rarely lets us out of the palace and I do so want to know about the world out there. I've only ever been to the forest once, you see."
"If that's fine with your mother, then of course," the Huntsman replied. "How about we say we'll meet in the sitting room at noon? I'm sure I can tell you what you wish to know," he smiled.
"Really? Thank you! I must go now though, my mother will be up soon and she will expect me to be in bed."
"Ah, I see. Well, I won't keep you." The Huntsman stepped to the side and Talulla continued up the stairs, only stopping at the top to cheerily wave goodbye to her new friend.
Over the next couple of days, Talulla spent a large amount of time with her new friend, much to Regina's distress. The way the Huntsman described the animals fascinated the young girl, especially the man's particular love for wolves. As soon as he mentioned having a wolf as a companion, there were non-stop questions by the shocked princess. She couldn't think of anything more amazing than having a furry friend with different coloured eyes.
"Is he your pet?" she asked.
"No, certainly not!" the man shot back quickly. "He does not belong to me, he is a wild animal seeking company, which I give to him."
"When I was younger, I tried to get the birds outside of my window to perch on my hand, but I could never quite do it like Snow can. She can get the birds to send messages to me when we're in separate rooms! Isn't that amazing?"
"Come on, I think you've interrogated this man quite enough, Talulla," Regina smiled as she entered the sitting room, leaning on the doorway. "Go on up and get ready for your afternoon tea. I'll be through shortly. I just need to talk to the Huntsman alone, alright?"
"Yes, mother," the young girl replied dutifully, standing up and smoothing down her skirts before heading towards the door.
"Oh, and Talulla, it's unlikely you'll be seeing the Huntsman again," Regina called to her. "He's leaving tomorrow morning at dawn. You might want to say goodbye now."
Talulla turned back, looking slightly crestfallen. "Oh, well, thank you, Huntsman, for all you've taught me. I appreciate the time you've spent in my company," she told him, her mouth curling into a small smile.
The Huntsman returned this smile. "You're welcome, my lady. It's a pleasure to talk to one so interested in animals."
The young girl's smile grew bigger before she turned and left the room happily, having no idea that her mother and new friend were about to discuss the execution of her beloved sister.