Ares walked right into Borias's tent, causing the man to jump up in alarm. He reached for his sword but instantly relaxed when he saw it was Ares.

"You've been doing well, Borias," he told the man.

He bowed awkwardly before the god. "I'm pleased to hear it," he said, "I was worried I'd lost favor with you as it's been a month since you last showed yourself."

"Well I've been busy," said Ares, "but that's what I need to talk to you about. However, I don't think this is the best place to be talking."

He snapped his fingers and he and Borias rematerialized on a grassy hill overlooking the small cabin where the Dwarf's and Snow White live. "The Queen is evil and she threatens the gods," Ares told him, "we need to eliminate her."

Borias looked at his feet. "I loved her once…"

"She's not as sweet as you might think," said Ares, "she's lived for over one hundred years, sucking away the life and power from those she knows. She probably did it to you too."

Borias let out a sigh, "I knew she was corrupt. I knew something was wrong there but she was just so beautiful, I couldn't resist her," he said.

"Well it looks like I set you free," Ares said with a wink.

"Exactly, so what you want me to just kill Grimhilde? You really think I'd have the heart to do that?"

"No," said Ares, "I have someone else lined up for the job, I just need to align her with you."

"Who is she?" he said, "if Grimhilde is as powerful as you say she is she probably won't be easy to kill."

"Exactly which is why King White's daughter will do it," he said.

Borias looked surprised, "She's just a child, do you really think she could do it?"

Ares smirked, "You aren't much older than a child yourself Borias, and yes I think she can, but she isn't exactly aware of the plan yet."

"But my men killed her father, she won't join with us."

Ares explained to her the truth behind the king's death and Borias was shocked. "Grimhilde must be stopped," said Borias.

"I'm glad you agree," said Ares, "now come I want you to see our valiant little warrior."

He led Borias over to the cabin and they peered through the window at a young girl who danced merrily with the dwarves. "She's incredibly beautiful," Borias said.

"And she's got a fire within her," said Ares, "she will be a great warrior with time."

"Do we have that kind of time?" Borias asked.

"I'll have her ready within a month and then we can arrange a meeting," said Ares.

"That doesn't seem like much time," said Borias, "But I trust you."

Snow looked shocked when Antoni handed her an actual sword for lessons. "It's only been a couple of weeks since I began and you trust me with a sword?"

"Of course," said Ares, "we have to move on eventually. The edges are dulled but it's going to hurt a hell of a lot if we hit each other with it."

"I can handle it," said Snow, flashing him a smile.

She danced forward, coming dangerously close to hitting him with the blade, but he blocked it, a ding of steel ringing out. "Nice one," he told her, "sometimes you can catch an enemy off guard, especially if he's a talker."

"Like you?" she said, jabbing the sword forward again. But once again he blocked it.

"How will you learn if I don't talk? I have to instruct you," he said. This time he went forward to try to take a swipe at her but she was fast, blocking his move.

She jumped forward hitting the blade. They went on like this for nearly an hour before steel made contact with flesh.

"Ow!" Snow yelped jumping back. A red welt was across her arm where Antoni had managed to hit her.

"It hurts but you have to keep going anyways," he said, "an injury like that shouldn't keep you from battling. Sure it will slow you down but you have to keep fighting."

She growled, jumping forward swinging her blade. She had the crazy look of a mad-woman in her eyes. He blocked but she had put a lot of force into the attack.

She swung her leg out, catching him off guard and knocking him to the ground. The sword clanged out of his hand and she swung her blade forward pressing her sword point to his throat. "I win," she breathed.

"You fight dirty," Antoni said clicking his tongue, "I like it. I need to teach you more. If you fight like that you survive."

Snow beamed, clearly pleased with the compliment. He got to his feet and Snow picked up his sword. She stepped closer to him, sliding the sword into his hand. Her eyes looked deep into his. Leaning forward she grazed her lips across his.

Antoni pulled away, "Snow we can't do this," he said, panic in his voice.

"Why what's wrong?" she looked hurt.

He ran his finger through his hair, taking a deep breath. "I'm not Lord Antoni," he said in a whisper, "I'm not even human."

Snow was confused. He was clearly human. He wasn't short like the dwarf's or furry like an animal.

His appearance changed a bit, his dark hair and eyes remained but he looked older, maybe around his mid-thirties and wore a leather vest with no shirt underneath. "I'm Ares God of War."

Her eyes widened. "What why? Why are you here? Why couldn't you just tell me who you were?"

Snow backed away from him in a panic. She had just kissed a god? Why? Why had she kissed a god?

"I'm sorry Snow," he said, "I shouldn't have deceived you but I know you wouldn't have trusted me and I needed you to know. I need your help."

"Why would you need my help you're a god and why should I trust you after you lied to me?"

"Snow just let me explain," he said, "Please."

"Go to hell," she cried as she stormed back to the house.

Ares just stood there watching her walk away. She wasn't ready, why did he tell her so soon? Perhaps he shouldn't have told her who he was at all. But that kiss… as wonderful as it was, she couldn't have feelings for him. And he couldn't have feelings for her.