The Poisoned Apple

A few weeks later, Rose was in the TARDIS library reading with Sarah-Jane and K9 one afternoon, when Donna and Martha burst in, looking terribly excited.

"Goodness me. What's got you two so excited?" asked Sarah-Jane.

"It's the annual Enchanted Ball on Earth in our tonight," said Martha, smiling. "Since it's just been one crazy trip after another, we've talked the boys into having a night off, so we're going. It's going to be a blast."

"Well, that sounds like fun," said Sarah-Jane, smiling. "What time's the ball?"

"Seven o'clock," replied Donna. "That gives us just four hours to get ready. We've got to get busy. We've got a lot to do."

Rose raised an eyebrow. Being royalty, she'd attended quite a few parties herself and knew what to expect at those sort of things, but she didn't think Donna and Martha had a lot to do to get ready for the ball. They were beautiful and already had great men on their arms.

She didn't say so aloud. Instead, she said, "Well, I'll help you out, but I don't have the slightest idea what I'm going to wear tonight."

"Oh, rubbish. We'll all work together on one another," said Donna. "More importantly, we'll make sure this is a night to remember for you and Old Big Ears."

"I beg your pardon?" said Rose, feeling a blush rise to her cheeks.

"Just trust us, Rose. Tonight's going to be like one of your dreams," said Martha. "Don't you think so, K9?"

"Affirmative," said K9, as he happily wagged his tail.

Sarah-Jane took Rose's hand and helped her to stand. "Come on. It's time to make you look like a Princess."

"By the time we're done with you, the Doctor will have a double-heart attack," said Donna.

Rose just laughed as she allowed the girls to take her into the TARDIS wardrobe and help prepare her for the ball.

XXX

At the ball that evening, it was something out of a storybook.

The room was of blue marble with gold, a grand staircase led down to the ballroom, there were enormous glass windows that showed a magnificent view of the city, there were beautiful bouquets of flowers hanging, candles were everywhere, a large crystal and gold chandelier hung from the ceiling, a buffet of food and drink was in one corner, a grand orchestra was playing fantastic music and everyone there was dancing and was dressed in either a stunning gown or handsome suit.

Sarah-Jane and Wilf were happily chatting away over some glasses of punch, Martha and Mickey were happily dancing the night away while stealing a kiss or two, as were Donna and Jack. The Doctor was waiting patiently for Rose, who was arriving a little late on the advice of Donna.

Before long, a young lady wearing a hooded cloak appeared at the top of the staircase. When she took off her cloak, it was revealed to be Rose, who appeared to be completely transformed.

Her golden hair was in beautiful curls that fell past her shoulders; she smelt of rose perfume, she wore a stunning blue fairytale gown embroidered with silver and matching slippers; sapphire and diamond earrings dangled from her ears, her treasured locket and TARDIS key gleamed on her neck, and she truly looked like a princess. She wasn't even trying, yet she looked so incredibly beautiful.

The Doctor couldn't take his eyes off her as he approached the staircase and she walked down to him.

"Wow. You really are the fairest one of all," said the Doctor.

Rose blushed. "So, if I'm the Fairest of One of All, does that make you my Prince Charming?" she teased.

The Doctor chuckled. "If you'd like," he said. He bowed and held out his hand. "May I have the honor of this dance, milady?"

Rose smiled as she curtsied and took his hand. "You shall indeed, milord."

And with that, they walked out onto the dance floor, curtsied and bowed to one another, and then as a beautiful romantic love song began to play, they began to dance a beautiful waltz. (A/N: I know the following song isn't from any version Snow White, but it fit the scene perfectly. Please, no flames.)

You're in my arms
And all the world is calm
The music playing on for only two
So close together
And when I'm with you
So close to feeling alive

For a few moments, not a word was spoken, as if they were savoring the magic of the evening. But then, without thinking, the Doctor started softly singing along to the song and Rose found herself closer to him. She placed her head on his shoulder and breathed in his scent for moment before pulling away as he twirled her and lifted her up in his arms, causing her to smile and wish the moment could last forever.

A life goes by
Romantic dreams will stop
So I bid mine goodbye and never knew
So close was waiting, waiting here with you
And now forever I know
All that I wanted to hold you
So close

If Rose hadn't found her way to the TARDIS, who knew what would've happened? Though no one knew it, the Doctor had gone back for her, only to find that she'd disappeared. When he'd been unable to find her, the Doctors' hearts were nearly broken. Finding her again in the TARDIS had been nothing short of a miracle, that he was immensely grateful for.

There'd been a trip where he'd almost lost himself to revenge and grief and Rose alone had pulled him back from the brink of the abyss. She'd saved him and restored the light to his life in a way that only she could. Ever since then, and especially now, at the moment he danced with her, he'd come to realize that he would be content if he could just hold Rose in his arms for all eternity

So close to reaching that famous happy end
Almost believing this was not pretend
And now you're beside me and look how far we've come
So far we are so close

All the changes that had taken place were just miraculous.

Rose had changed so much since she'd met the Doctor. Gone was the frightened young royalty-turned-servant girl and in her place was a courageous and adventurous young woman. She'd gained and learned so much in her travels with him. And everything she was, was because of the Doctor, because he'd entered her life when she'd needed him. He'd helped shape her into what she was now.

While the Doctor cared greatly for his friends, he'd still felt lonely and incomplete. Rose had made him feel happier than he had in so long and she made him feel complete. Whenever she was with him, when her hand was in his, he could do the impossible. He never wanted to let her go, not ever. If he had his way, he'd hold onto her forever until the end of time.

How could I face the faceless days
If I should lose you now?
We're so close
To reaching that famous happy end
And almost believing this was not pretend
Let's go on dreaming for we know we are
So close
So close
And still so far

As the song came to end, everyone including Rose and the Doctor slowed down and soon ceased dancing for a few minutes before the next song was to begin. But they couldn't tear their eyes away from one another.

"Rose…" he began.

"Doctor, I…"

But before she could continue, they were interrupted by the maître d'.

"Pardon me, Doctor, but there's a gentleman asking to see you in private," said the maître d'. "He's this way."

"Oh, thank you," said the Doctor. He turned to Rose. "Sorry about this. I'll just be a minute. Wait for me on the stairs."

"Sure," said Rose.

She watched him disappear with the maître d' before she walked up the grand staircase. She went to the top and didn't move from her spot. She just watched everyone else dance for a few moments. She was feeling a mixture of emotions and needed a minute to collect herself.

I nearly told him how I feel. What was I thinking? He's the last Time Lord and I'm just a common human. How could I possibly think he could return my feelings?

A tear escaped her before she could stop it and then she wiped it away just as quickly.

She nearly jumped out of her skin when someone placed their hand on her shoulder. She spun around to see an ugly old woman behind her, dressed in a servant's attire.

"Forgive me if I startled you, child, but I couldn't help but notice how sad you looked," she said. "Why don't you tell old Granny Smith all about it?"

"It's nothing," said Rose. She didn't really want to talk about it. "I'm fine."

"Nonsense. Has that old Doctor done something foolish to hurt your feelings?" she asked.

Rose felt her breath catch in her throat as she stared at her. "How do you know him?"

"I've met him before," said Granny Smith. "I was no older than you are now when we met, but I never forgot him. He's a dangerous and yet wonderful man. Few can compare to him."

That's true enough. I've never known anyone like him before in my life. He's truly one of a kind.

"You love him, don't you, child?" said Granny Smith. It wasn't a question.

Rose felt her throat tighten as she nodded. "More than I can say," she confessed. She loved him with every fiber of her being and there was nothing she wouldn't do for him.

"But you can't be together forever even if he does love you in return. You're a human and he's an ancient Time Lord. Am I correct?"

Rose nodded.

"Well, then I believe I have the solution to your problem." The old woman drew a luscious-looking red apple out of her purse. "This is a special creation of mine. One bite will make you just like him and you can be with him forever."

Rose's jaw dropped as she took the apple. "Impossible. You're having me on." She'd become accustomed to a lot of strange impossible things in her new life with the Doctor and her friends, but changing oneself to become something else entirely? Now that couldn't be done.

"I can assure you, I'm not. But you won't know that for certain unless you take a leap of faith," said Granny Smith, gently. "To do it or no, is your own choice, but would you rather live a mortal life rather than take the chance to truly be with the one person you love most?"

Rose hesitated. She's got a point. There's so much that could happen if this works. Even if the Doctor doesn't return my feelings, at least he won't be the last of his kind anymore. And if he does love me, we can be together for eternity.

She took a deep breath. There's no question about it. Whatever happens, he's worth it. He was always worth it.

And with that, Rose took a bite of the apple.

However, right after she bit the apple, she felt very strange and couldn't breathe. Suddenly, everything became dark as she collapsed.

XXX

The Doctor went down where the maître d' instructed and entered a room where a terrified young man with strange marks on his skin, wearing a nurse's attire and a blue hat was waiting.

"You're the Doctor?" he asked. "Is Miss Rose safe?"

"Yes, I am. She's fine. And in any case, who's asking?" asked the Doctor.

"My name is Chip. I am servant to Queen Cassandra and friend of Princess Rose. You have to help me Doctor. Miss Rose is in grave danger," he said, as he gripped the Doctor's shoulders.

The Doctor narrowed his eyes. "What?" he growled. "What do you mean she's in danger?"

"Mistress Cassandra wants Rose dead. She's jealous of Rose. When she tried to have her dealt with, I helped Miss Rose escape and tricked Mistress into thinking Rose was dead. She believed me, but then she discovered Rose is alive. She thinks Rose tricked me into freeing her, which is the only reason I'm still alive."

"How'd you get here, then?"

"Mistress fixed the broken vortex manipulator so we could travel. She managed to track Rose down to this place and time. She's here and she wants Miss Rose dead!" explained Chip. "I had to warn her, but if I went near her, Mistress would know, so that's why I came to you. Please, Doctor, you must help!"

The Doctor's hearts skipped a beat. Rose's stepmother was here and out for trouble.

Without thinking, he ran out of the room and entered the ballroom, only to see Rose at the top of the stairs with an old hag. Much to his horror, Rose was collapsing and dropping an apple.

"ROSE!" he yelled.

His yell aroused the attention of the others, who immediately ran with him to Rose and caused the hag to flee from the room.

He would've chased after the hag, but he was more concerned for Rose, who lay limply in his arms and wouldn't wake up, despite his frantic efforts to awaken her. Finally, Martha took her from him.

"Doctor, we'll take care of her. Just go after the hag!" said Martha.

"Go!" barked Donna.

The Doctor didn't want to leave, but he knew he had to and also knew Rose would be in safe hands. So, he ran off in search of Rose's poisoner.

He caught up with her in another room. Shimmering red and pink light emerged from the hag's mouth and into the form of Queen Cassandra, and then she tried to escape, only for the Doctor to stop her.

"Going somewhere, are we, Cassandra?" he snarled. He pulled out his sonic screwdriver and used it to completely fry the circuitry of the vortex manipulator and her back-up teleportation device. "I'd reconsider if I were you. You're already late for an appointment with me, witch."

"The correct form of address is Your Majesty!" said Cassandra, huffing.

"One you don't deserve," he growled. He was angry and when he was angry, he became even more dangerous than he already was. "WHY? Why did you poison Rose? She did nothing to you!"

"She deserved it!" hissed Cassandra. "That pathetic little blond thing deserved what she got! She had no right to be more beautiful than me or always being so sweet or to make friends or think I was ever going to let her take my throne. She wanted more from me than I was willing to give. She needed to be punished. If I couldn't claim her youth and beauty, then her life was forfeit."

The Doctor let out an angry growl that made her step back in fear. "All she ever wanted from you was a mother's love! You drove her away and you couldn't even leave her in peace!"

"She deserved it," repeated Cassandra. She stood a little straighter. "So, what're you going to do now, Doctor? Even if you try and arrest me, I'll just escape into a new body. Do you intend to execute me, then?"

"No. Rose wouldn't want me to. Be thankful for her compassion, Cassandra. Because that's the only reason you're not getting something worse," said the Doctor, angrily. He grabbed her wrist and glared at her. His blue eyes were two narrow slits of blue fire. "But if you think I'm letting you go after everything you put her through, you've got something else coming. You're not going into another body or anywhere else but prison for the rest of your miserable life. I've fixed that."

Cassandra looked confused, but then looked horrified as the authorities from the Shadow Proclamation teleported into the room. The Doctor had not only fired Cassandra's escape routes, but he'd also used a special frequency to permanently trap Cassandra in her current form and alert the police to her location. Cassandra tried to escape, but failed miserably and was taken away forever. She had a lifetime in prison to look forward to now.

No sooner had she been taken away, the Doctor's cell phone rang. He answered it. "Hello?"

"Doctor, you should come downstairs," said Sarah-Jane. She sounded like she'd been crying. "It's Rose."