A/N: Hey, guys! Again, I appreciate all the reviews, the support and your patience. I apologize for the delay, I've gotten sick for the past few days, but I am getting better. This chapter is very short, but it ties in from the previous chapter. I hope you guys like it. R&R. Enjoy.

Chapter 6

He watched her from the back of the church, his heart beating in a paced rhythm; slow at first as it gradually quickened with each step forward. He had considered not attending, although he was not formally invited in the first place and knew the Queen may show displeasure for going against her wishes. But punishment was better than planting himself in a corner of a deserted tavern, drinking his sorrows away in solitude and continuing the kind of life that has eluded him any chance of true happiness. He wanted to escape darkness and return to a place that gave him a sense of purpose—for she had become the light of his dark world and the one who went out of her way to show him human kindness during times of despair. But most importantly, he yearned for closure and felt an overwhelming amount of guilt with how things ended between them since their last meeting. And although she will soon be married, at least now he can finally put his mind at ease for she deserved to be happy, and be loved by someone noble, who would protect her and support her and help her lead this Kingdom; someone like her childhood love William, who knows her better than anyone else.

He hid behind standing soldiers, trying not to draw attention to himself. He saw her, looking out over the crowd with a mixture of discomfort and confusion playing across her face. He smiled a little, remembering the moment of her coronation when she too appeared anxious, scanning the faces of her subjects with the fear of running an entire Kingdom evident behind her emerald eyes. And there she was, about to marry her childhood love and he wondered whether it was the nerves that have gotten the best of her or something else entirely. But God was she beautiful—so Goddess-like and flawless—she had to be the most beautiful creature he had ever laid eyes on since his wife passed as he felt his heart clenched at the sight of her. He simply can't pull away no matter how hard he tried.

He then saw her expression change as soon as she turned back to William, smiling as though all her worries were put aside—comfort and love now resting in her eyes. He looked down briefly, contemplating whether he could endure anymore of the torment—whether it was worth all the trouble to travel from a long's day journey to know that they can still be good friends after all this was over. As the thought lingered immensely in the back of his mind, the closing words of the Priest resonated in the room and prompted him to step to the edge of the crowd, visible for everyone to see. And then she saw him, and he felt his whole world instantly stop. He swore he saw her mouthed his name as he felt a sudden jolt go right through him.

"Huntsman?" Hissed a familiar voice nearby as he immediately turned to the side where the dwarves stood only a few feet away from him. They smiled of course; surprised and obviously overjoyed by his unexpected appearance as they fail to contain the excitement that made him rolled his eyes. "What are you doing here?" It was Muir who spoke as the Huntsman shook his head, trying not to make a scene. He then shifted his gaze back to Snow White as he watched the corner of her lips turn upward and knew instantly the smile was intended for him.

"I do…" William whispered as she quickly faces him, her eyes filled with renewed panic and uncertainty. He gave her a reassuring smile, waiting as though he had waited his entire life for this moment. He then gave the Priest a nod, signaling him to continue on.

"Your, majesty…" he began as she could feel her breath slightly hitched and her heart pacing rapidly. She had to steady herself from falling, and luckily for her, she had William to hold on to. "Do you take William as your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?" The Priest echoed as she could feel all eyes pressing down upon her.

She swallowed nervously, her eyes never leaving William's soft gaze. She slightly opened her mouth and expelled a breath she had held for quite some time now. "I…" Snow White breathed; her body tensing up as her clammy hands began to slip from his hold, but he held tighter, perhaps to ease the nerves and the excitement as she could feel her knees weaken. "I…" She suddenly shifted her eyes to the Huntsman, who smiled softly and gave an encouraging nod—one that provided her a sense of comfort she desperately needed. She turned back to William, anxiously waiting for a response as the words that clung to her life finally slipped from her trembling lips. "I...can't marry you."

He instantly let go of her hands, his eyes widening in hurt disbelief. Murmurs and whispers began to erupt the crowd as Snow White downcast her eyes, for fear of being condemned by her own people. How can they trust their Queen now—so naïve and innocent about the world…about love? They trusted her to make the right decisions, and yet she failed to make a decision for herself; a decision she thought she was ready for. "I'm so sorry, William." She spoke shamefully, her eyes reluctantly traveling up to meet his sad ones. He slightly parted his lips to speak, only to be overwhelmed with confusion and the hurt that consumed him as he pressed his lips together and looked away to the crowd, searching for answers.

And then he saw the Huntsman as he felt his fists clenched together, threatened by the sight of him.

A/N: Thanks for reading. Please don't forget to review!