A/N: Thanks again for the reviews and support. You guys are the best! I wanted to finish this chapter by 4th of July, and thank goodness the site went back up (it went down while I was editing!) Anyway, here's the latest chapter. I hope you guys like it. R&R. Enjoy!

Chapter 5

The bells chimed in the clock tower set in the highest peak of the castle as the morning light seeped through the cracks of the curtains that hung freely on the paned windows. Snow White fluttered her eyes open, adjusting them to the bright light that gradually made its way into the room. The bells chimed once more, signaling everyone to wake and prepare for the upcoming wedding as a distant sigh escaped from her lips. Her soft gaze then traveled to the velvet-carpeted ceiling above her and felt a sudden dread lurking in the pit of her stomach as soon as she heard the last bell rang. Her thoughts began to race frantically as her mind trailed from William, the love of her life whom she will marry in just a few hours and be crowned King, and then the Huntsman whom she can't help, but miss dearly as being apart from him for this long has made her heart yearn for his company. Days without the Huntsman were the loneliest she has ever felt since being trapped and held captive in a cell for many years, and she too wondered whether he still thinks of her as she of him. But the constant dreams of his kiss...and his long lasting image has kept her awake all these nights, it was as though they were telling her something; something she has yet to discover for herself. Still, no matter where he was and how hard she tried, somehow she cannot get him off her mind.

A sudden knock on the door broke through the silence and interfered with her troubled thoughts as Greta, her appointed lady-in-waiting, hurriedly entered her chambers to help the Queen get ready. "Today is the big day, your majesty." Greta said cheerfully as she began to pour hot water into the tub for Snow White's morning bath. "You must be so excited." The enthusiasm that filled her voice only made Snow White even more nervous as the excitement that once played on her features were now replaced with anxiety and fear, leading to the wedding that everyone waited and hoped for. Surely, it should be the happiest day of her life, but there was a sense of doubt hovering over her as Snow White turned to her female companion and weakly smiled.

"Well, yes it's my wedding day. Why wouldn't I be excited?" She said carefully, followed by an uneasy chuckle that did not go unnoticed. However, despite the discomfort that seemed to overwhelm her, she managed to contain her composure. At least for a little while. "Is everything settled then?" She asked to re-direct the attention away from her. Greta simply gave her a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry, my Queen. Everything is well taken care of."

Snow White reluctantly got out of bed; fatigue from sleepless nights evident from the dark circles that surrounded her emerald eyes as a heavy yawn escaped from her lips. Snow White averted from Greta's curious gaze as silence reigned over them. Greta then began undressing the Queen and momentarily stopped once she noticed the distant and weary look on her face that prompted her to speak. "Are you alright, your majesty?" She asked worriedly as Snow White turned to face Greta, wondering what it could be that deeply concerned her. "Forgive me, but you haven't been yourself these past few days."

Snow White smiled appreciatively as she stepped into the bathtub and submerges herself in hot water that suddenly woke her up from her fatigue state and relieved the stiffness aching throughout her rigid body. She closed her eyes while resting her head at the edge of the tub, allowing the water to put her mind and body at ease. "I just can't believe I'm getting married." She said vaguely. Although Greta felt there was more to the Queen's odd behavior than she was letting on, she did not push even further as she simply nodded her head. Just moments later, two young sisters in their late teens, Mirabelle and Amira, entered the room, bowing respectfully before their Queen with the completed wedding dress lying in their hands. They hung it freely by the door, allowing the morning light to show its exquisiteness of the fabric and jewels that shined brightly in their wide eyes.

"Wow..." Snow White muttered breathlessly. "It's quite beautiful." She stared at the elegant off-white dress made of silk and satin, decorated in lines of pearls and lace that was intricately done by hand. By the look in her eyes, the ladies knew the Queen was more than impressed.

"You're going to be the most beautiful bride the Kingdom has ever seen, I'm sure of it." Greta spoke admiringly as she helped Snow White step out of the bathtub and into her robe to keep warm and dry.

Greta and the ladies did not waste anymore time as they began working diligently with the task at hand. They helped Snow White into her wedding dress, which took a bit of effort as they successfully, but carefully slipped the dress from under her. It fitted the Queen perfectly as it accentuated her nice, petite figure while exposing her back free of scars and bruises from the war. The sleeves of the dress covered about ¾ of her arms while leaving the tops of her shoulders exposed, showcasing her collarbone and porcelain skin. Snow White stared at her reflection in the mirror as the reality of marriage began to sink in. Soon she will fully give her heart to William. And as that moment grew nearer, fear became more evident as she felt a wave of discomfort wash over her. It was as though time suddenly went full speed, and Snow White could not keep up nor stop for a brief moment to take a breath.

Meanwhile, Greta and the ladies continue to do their magic as the circles that surrounded her eyes instantly disappeared, and any sign of fatigue was no longer present. Her emerald eyes were now full of light, so captivating that anyone can simply get lost in them.

"Almost done, your majesty," Greta muttered, carefully placing the golden crown on top of Snow White's head and finally putting the veil over her without covering her flawless face. A light gasp escaped from Snow White's rosy lips as the ladies smiled at their finished work, awestruck by the beauty and mere perfection their Queen possessed.

"You must come." Greta said hurriedly after admiring the work they have done. "There will be a carriage waiting for you in the courtyard."

Snow White nodded, pushing the discomfort that was building up inside, as she hastily followed Greta out the door while Mirabelle and Amira carried the long train of her dress from behind. They were greeted by two soldiers who stood guard at Snow White's chambers, and then the dwarves who suddenly appeared before them down the long corridor as though they were expecting her arrival. Snow White smiled as she felt a sense of comfort in their presence.

"Your majesty," Quert spoke breathlessly as they all stared at their Queen in awe and bowed before her. "You look wonderful." She smiled, exchanging looks of understanding with the dwarves as she immediately turned to her ladies for a moment of privacy.

"Meet me in the carriage and wait for me there." She ordered carefully as she watched Greta furrow her eyebrows in bewilderment. She slightly parted her lips to speak, but nothing came out as she bit her tongue against it. "I won't be long."

Without questioning the Queen, Greta obeyed as she signaled the ladies to follow her. As soon as they were alone, Snow White shifted her gaze over to the dwarves, searching for any sign of hope that would finally lift her spirits.

"Is he alright?" She asked as the dwarves exchanged grave looks in return. "Is he safe?"

"I'm afraid he has turned cold, your majesty." Beith, the presumed leader of the group began sadly. "He spent most of his days in the tavern, drinking and getting into fights with other men. It is as though he has become himself again when his poor wife died." Snow White felt her heart weaken as her eyes traveled solemnly to the ground, a mixture of guilt and regret playing across her face.

'Wife?' She pondered as she could hear the Huntsman's faint voice emerging from the back of her head, whispering as though she was still dreaming. 'I once had a wife, Princess. Sara was her name.'

"Nothing has changed, my Queen." Muir spoke despondently as Snow White shook her head and returned from her brief reverie. "He won't speak to no one." Silence lingered in the air with only the sound of wedding bells chiming in the distance. Snow White lifted her eyes, and knew it was time.

"Thank you for all that you've done, my friends. But if he wishes to live his life in despair, then I'm afraid there is not much I can do."

Muir wrinkled his forehead. "Surely, you don't mean that, your majesty. You care for him as much as he cares for you, and I can see from the pain in your voice that you miss him. Why else would you ask us to travel to his village?"

Snow White looked down, suppressing any hint of sadness that may be seen in the depths of her emerald eyes. It was her wedding day afterall, and the one person she should think about was William, her future husband and King. Nothing or no one else mattered to her at the moment...even though deep down she truly cared and yearned for the man who saved her life, but refused to acknowledge it for fear of losing what she has now. "I must go." She spoke to break the silence. "Please be happy for me."

The dwarves looked at her in surprise. "W-we are happy for you, your majesty." Muir said, reassuring her with a genuine smile. "Forgive us if you thought otherwise. We just want you to be sure that this is where your heart truly lies."

She smiled a little and gave her nod of thanks as she began walking down the long corridor towards the sound of bells.

The tall wooden doors opened, distinct chattering among the crowd instantly stopped. Snow White stepped into the church for the first time since her coronation. Just as she once felt dread with the responsibility that goes along being a Queen, she now felt uneasiness playing in the pit of stomach, knowing that she will soon be married and be expected to start a family. All eyes turn to her as eerie silence fell upon the room with only the sounds of 'oohs' and 'ahhs' coming from the crowd. She looked in the eyes of her subjects; men and women of all ages, their gazes filled with love and joy when all she could mask was fear and doubt that suddenly clouded her thoughts. Music began to play harmoniously in the background, signaling everyone to stand up as Snow White felt her breath slightly hitched and her heart beat irregularly against her chest, it was as though she was about to explode into madness and she desperately needed familiar eyes to help calm her nerves. This was it; this was the moment she was waiting for and there was no turning back now. As Snow White attempted to step forward, having to steady herself from falling, her eyes finally gazed up at William and soon felt a wave of comfort settling in. Everything seemed focused now as he smiled back at her; completely awestruck by her beauty, just as everyone else can see in the room, as his heart and breathing stopped at the sight of her.

With the unsettling nerves now behind Snow White and the music, providing her a sense of calm, it didn't take very long for her to reach William as he kindly takes her hand in his and guides her carefully to the stair steps where the priest stood before them. The music suddenly stopped as their guests all sat back down in unison.

"We have gathered here today, before God and these witnesses, to join in holy matrimony Queen Snow White and William." The Priest began as Snow White and William stared at each other from the corners of their eyes and smiled lovingly. He gave her a look of reassurance; a promise that he will love and protect her for eternity. And in that very moment, she was ready to give her heart to him. "And if there will be any among you, who may show just cause, why they may not lawfully joined together and should not be married, let them now speak out or forever hold his peace."

Silence reigned over them as Snow White searched among the crowd with eyes all staring back at her, smiling, expectant…with so many hopes and wishes for the future all rested on her shoulders now, not just as Queen but as a wife and future mother. She shut her eyes as the sound of his voice took over once more, drowning the words of the priest as though the dreams have not yet escaped her.

'I loved her more than anyone or anything and then I let her out of my sight and she was gone. And I became myself again, a self I never cared for. Until you. Because you remind me of her.'

Snow White slightly shook her head, fighting the panic and his voice that suddenly threatened as she searched out familiar faces to steady her nerves. She first saw the dwarves who stood in the back of the church, staring at her worriedly with a mix of doubt and acceptance playing in their eyes. And then there was Greta who gave her an encouraging smile, one that she needed to remind herself that she was going to marry her true love and live happily ever after with him.

Snow White turned back to William with a sense of uncertainty behind her emerald eyes. But she smiled anyway, pushing any thoughts of doubt that may cloud her judgment; ignoring the sound of his voice that was merely a dream, and instead focusing on William whose soft and loving gaze settled in hers. It was all that she needed to reassure her true affections; where her heart truly lies and whom she was destined to be. Just as the priest began to say his final words; to officially announce their union, Snow White felt as though the crowd was closing in on her, the weight of their eyes pressing down upon her. She averted from William's fixed gaze and immediately spotted a shadow lurking in the back of the room. Her breathing sped up, her eyes widened in mere disbelief as a familiar face appeared behind the crowd.

She lightly gasped and uttered, "Eric."

A/N: *Whew* Thanks for reading! Please don't forget to leave a review. =)