“What do you want?” She asked, her voice filled with impatience and grumpiness.
I looked down at my fruit basket, ready to hand it over. Unfortunately, it looked like I had lost most of it in the journey. I had stumbled over a few times, I guess I didn’t notice the fruit tumbling out too. All that was left was a single apple. It didn’t seem like enough for a present but I didn’t have anything else.
I pulled out the apple and held it up. At least it was a perfect shade of bright red and looked completely unharmed from the journey. “I have brought you this delicious juicy apple.”
Snow looked at it warily. “What do I want with an apple?”
“It’s yummy, it will fill your taste buds with its sweet nectar.”
She took it carefully, like it might hurt her at any moment. When was she going to understand that I didn’t want to hurt her? I wanted nothing but the best for her.
Our reunion didn’t seem like it was going to be as wonderful as I had hoped. When she didn’t even recognize me, it just twisted the dagger I already felt in my heart.
“Take a bite,” I urged. I at least wanted to make sure she enjoyed the apple, even if it was such a diminutive gift for my step-daughter.
She looked at it again before flicking her eyes to me. She didn’t trust me but what was new? She never trusted me, ever since we had first been introduced by her father. I had tried so hard at that first meeting for us to be friends. It was apparently all for naught.
I smiled encouragingly as she placed the apple to her ruby red lips. She took a small bite, at least trusting me that much. It was time she knew for sure who I was.
“Snow, I’m your step-mother, the queen. I’ve come to make peace with you,” I said gently. Her eyes opened wide with surprise as she gasped.
As she did, the bite of apple must have caught in her throat. Snow started choking, dropping the apple so her hands could indicate her throat was blocked. I quickly put down the basket so I could help her.
At that moment, the back door of the wooden house swung open and all the seven little men walked in – fresh from their day of hard work. I glanced over Snow’s shoulder as they quickly approached her.
I panicked, I couldn’t be seen there. They would blame me for Snow’s accident and think I had poisoned her or something. I couldn’t let that happen, not when all the rumors were so bad already.
Amongst the little people was a doctor, I knew he would be able to assist Snow better than I. I slipped away from the house and ran as fast as my legs could take me. The entire time, I prayed and wished and hoped that the little people would be able to make her better. She was in good hands with them, much better than my own apparently.
I gasped for breath as I ran through the tall trees of the forest. I had to get home, I desperately needed to view her condition in my mirror. She had to be okay. My dear daughter had to be. I would never be able to forgive myself if anything happened to that girl.
It was only an apple, how could she have choked on it? She had taken such a small bite. Surely she wouldn’t have done it on purpose? I hated myself for even having that thought. Poor little Snow.
My legs ached and I lost track of how many times I had fallen over but I wasn’t going to stop. It felt like my life was at stake, just as much as Snow’s. If I didn’t make it back to the palace and see that she was okay in the mirror, I wouldn’t be able to survive another minute.
I kept going, the bruises and cuts accumulating over me. I would have someone at the palace attend to them once I saw she was okay. That was the plan because nothing else mattered to me except Snow.
Finally, I reached the palace. I ran through the stone corridors until I was sitting in front of my mirror. My appearance was ghastly, it was no mystery why I had received so many disapproving looks as I came in.
But my wild hair and smeared makeup were not the issue at that point in time. “Mirror, mirror, on the wall, show me Snow and her fall.”
The mirror image wavered into a sea before clearing again. Snow was still lying on the ground, all the seven little men gathered around her.
The doctor amongst them turned Snow onto her side and gave her a few pats to the back. A little piece of apple dribbled out of her mouth but still she remained lifeless. He settled her back on the floor again, not seeming to notice the piece of apple.
“She’s been poisoned,” he concluded, to the gasps of the others. “It must have been the evil queen again. She gave her a poisoned apple and then ran away.”
“But Snow…” the bashful one started sobbing. “She can’t be gone.”
The grumpy one wrapped an arm around his shoulder in comfort. They really did love my Snow, at least her last moments were with loved ones.
Tears ran down my cheeks, landing on my lap and pooling. Snow White was dead, and I had killed her. I shouldn’t have gone there, I should just have let her be. I was only trying to be nice and look what I had done. I didn’t know how I was going to be able to live with myself.
Once the kingdom heard the story about what I had done to Snow, they would all turn against me. It didn’t matter how well I ran the kingdom, they would only be thinking of my evil act. And it was evil. I had killed her, pure and simple. Whether it was intended or not, it made naught difference. I was a killer, I was evil.
CHAPTER7
For three days I was glued to the mirror, unable to tear myself away from it. I watched as the little men built a glass coffin for Snow. They didn’t want to say goodbye to her and she didn’t seem to be decomposing, so they insisted on the walls being glass.
She looked to be just sleeping peacefully, still as beautiful in death as in life. Her cheeks kept their rosy glow, her lips still ruby red. I wished she would just wake up, like it was just a terrible dream. I knew she couldn’t because of what I had done but it didn’t stop me wishing.
After her funeral, I stopped watching. I covered my mirror with a red velvet cloth, refusing to peek any more. No matter how long I stared at her, it didn’t change anything. I vowed never to look in that mirror ever again.
The news of Snow’s death had filtered through the kingdom. I didn’t know what to say to my people so I let the gossip tell the story. The Huntsman told me I should set them straight but I couldn’t. How could I convince them I wasn’t evil when I couldn’t even convince myself? My actions had caused her death, there was no denying it.
At least while everyone thought I was evil, they kept away from me. The maids all did as they were told, my advisors agreed with everything I said. It was much easier getting things done when they were scared of me. Little did they know how much I cried in my private chamber, away from their prying eyes.
I knew I had to go on, my kingdom did need me even if they thought I was evil. I had to wear the burden of my sadness in private so I could reassure them the kingdom would continue on. The problem was, we no longer had an heir. If I didn’t remarry and then bear a child, the kingdom would stop with me.
But who would want to marry an evil queen? I had no chances of finding anyone who would love me like a husband should. And no-one would compare to my wonderful late husband. Nobody would even come close.
The days that passed soon turned into weeks. Everything went back to a type of normal but my heart was shriveled. I went through the motions for the good of the kingdom but that was all. Anything else was just too much to bear.
One day, I was seated in my throne room, staring out the window when one of my most trusted advisors ran into the room like his pants were on fire. They weren’t, but he did hold a note in his hand.
“What is it?” I asked, my curiosity getting the best of me
“We’ve had word of a royal marriage,” he panted. He had obviously run quite a way to bring the news to me.
“A royal marriage? Between whom?” He had my full attention now. I hadn’t heard of any courtships occurring in the kingdoms.
“Snow White and Prince Charming.”
At just the mention of her name
, it felt like I was falling. I gripped the side of the throne so I wouldn’t slide off onto the floor. “Is this a joke? Is someone deliberately trying to hurt me?”
My advisor shook his head fervently, I think I saw a little bit of fear in his eyes. “No, my queen. It is true. Snow White is marrying Prince Charming this afternoon. She’s alive.”
I still couldn’t believe it, it felt like I was now dreaming. “How is this possible?”
“I don’t know, my queen. But Snow White is alive and well.”
“Everybody leave,” I commanded. I needed to process what was happening and I couldn’t do that with an audience and a room that was spinning in my head.
I paced back and forth, still unable to believe what was happening. How could she still be alive? I had seen her choke to death. She had been placed in a glass coffin, never to awaken again.
Perhaps they had got it wrong? Perhaps this girl who claimed to be Snow was just an imposter? If she looked the same, perhaps people would want to believe it was really her? Anything was possible when people wanted to believe hard enough.
There was only one option for me and the kingdom. I had a wedding to go to.
CHAPTER8
Everyone in the kingdom was outside the church. Those that weren’t fortunate enough to get inside were just waiting to see the happy couple from the courtyard. If it was anything like my wedding, they would parade through the streets, sharing their joy and happiness with their people.
I had to bustle my way through everyone, trying to be as polite as possible. Nobody wanted to give up their viewpoint, especially not to let an evil old woman through. How things had changed in only a few years. Once, they would have parted and curtsied so I could glide through them. How I longed for those days when things were so much simpler. And I had my husband by my side.
Trying desperately not to use my elbows to get me through, I worked my way up to the church doors. Guards stood there, crossing my way with swords.
“Invited guests only,” one of them barked at me. I stood myself up to my full height, standing like the queen I was.
“I am the queen, I order you to let me in. Am I not entitled to see my daughter marry her prince?” I stared down at them. When my polite words didn’t work, I scowled at them. “Do you want me to curse you?”
The swords magically parted for me. I lifted the hem of my dress off the floor and stepped over the threshold. I had to squint in the darker church to adjust to the lighting. I could just make out two figures at the front of the aisle. Could it really be Snow, arisen from the dead? I didn’t want to get my hopes up but I would know that silhouette anywhere.
I hurried up to the front, desperate to know the truth. The bride and groom came into view. Prince Charming was exactly how I had remembered him when I last encountered his chiseled good looks. And standing next to him was Snow White, my step-daughter.
My hands started shaking, it was like seeing a ghost. How could it even be possible? I saw her choke on the piece of apple. I saw the glass coffin her little men built for her. My mirror would not have deceived me, it was unable to lie. My husband had made sure of that.
“Snow?” I breathed the words as they caught in my throat. They both turned to look at me, surprised to see me there. I remembered the last time we had been together, she hadn’t recognized me. “It’s your step-mother, the queen. You’re alive!”
I went to throw my arms around her, I needed to hug her more than I needed anything else. Yet the prince took a step between us, shielding her with his body. “Come no further.”
“Snow, oh, Snow. I am so overjoyed to see you. And you’re getting married. I have never been so happy for you,” I continued, unfazed. “This is a day of celebration, your father would be so proud of you.”
Snow placed a tender hand on Charming’s shoulder, he allowed her to step forward. “I don’t believe I invited you to my wedding, Step-Mother.”
“But, you’re alive, we can be a family again. We can rule the kingdom together as one.”
“I’m not doing anything with you. You tried to kill me, I have seven witnesses to your evil,” Snow replied, staring me down while putting her hands on her hips. Even with a scowl she was the most beautiful girl in the kingdom.
“I didn’t, it was an accident,” I stammered. “I only sent gifts with the best of intentions.”
“With the intention of killing me.”
“I wouldn’t kill you, Snow. I wouldn’t do something like that.”
“Guards!” Snow suddenly yelled. Her voice echoed off the large stone walls. Guards started rushing at me from all angles. I took a step back, holding up my hand to halt them. I was, after all, still the queen of the kingdom.
“Stop. I will leave,” I declared. It had dawned on me that I was never going to have a happy relationship with Snow. She was never going to be my daughter, no matter what I did. I would always be her enemy.
Even though it pained me like nothing else, it had to be this way. I prayed my husband would forgive me for giving up. Perhaps he would be proud of me for trying as hard as I did? Wherever he was, I hoped he knew how much I had wanted to be a family.
“You and Charming can have the kingdom,” I said loudly, making sure everyone heard me clearly. “I give it to you in full. I will never return.”
Snow looked satisfied. She should be, she did win after all. I was bowing out gracefully before she pushed me out. And knowing Snow, she would probably choose to push me out of a very tall window.
If she wanted all the stress and worry that running a kingdom took, then she could have it. I was tired of working all day, every day, just to have everyone gossip about me being evil. I was done with all that, well and truly over it. Let her find out how hard it was on her own. I had done everything I could to make it easier on her.
“I wish you nothing but happiness for your future together. May you be blessed with many children and a kingdom of peace.” I nodded before turning and leaving. Every eye in the place was turned to me, I could feel them burning into my back.
I didn’t stop until I was at the edge of the forest, realizing I had nowhere to go.
CHAPTER 9
There was only one place I could think of that might offer me refuge. I ventured into the woods, travelling for hours before I reached the home of the seven little men. They had cared for Snow so well, and they didn’t know what I looked like, perhaps they would take me in too.
I vowed I would never call myself a queen again. I was just plain old Amelia, the name my parents had given me. I knocked on the door, my heart pounding in my chest as it was answered.
The sneezy one stood there, losing his grip on the doorknob and sliding off. He had to catch his footing before he fell to the ground. “Yes?”
“My name is Amelia, I am lost. I was hoping you might take me in?” I waited with crossed fingers, hoping they would be just as hospitable to me as with Snow.
The little man was joined by his six friends. The one always smiling pushed the sneezy one aside. “Come in, come in. A pretty woman is always welcome at our door.”
I took a tentative step inside, it already felt like home. I would be happy there, I could feel it in my heart that I had found my true family.
That was close to twenty years ago now. Like I promised myself and Snow, I never again set foot in the kingdom. I was a forest dweller now, happy to keep a home for my seven companions – and a few more.
It seemed the Huntsman wasn’t so happy with the new order of things at the palace. He had found me, sensing I might retreat to the forest. He showed up at my door one day and we have been together ever since.
We were married in a simple ceremony in the gardens, Doc performed the vows for us. We had a beautiful lunch together as the sunbeams shone through the trees and we danced all night. It was the most perfect wedding I could have ever wished for.
One year later, I got my wish of having a daughter. And then a son. And then another daughter. The Huntsman and I had three gorgeou
s children, each one filling my heart with nothing but joy. We spent every day playing with them, teaching them things, and dancing in the sunlight. Their seven uncles loved them just as much as we did. I don’t think I have ever laughed that much in my life.
Snow and Charming had children too, and I heard they ruled the kingdom admirably. The people embraced them and the economy flourished. I was happy for them, pleased they had both gotten what they really wanted.
Overall, we all lived happily ever after. Even if it was in a way that I had never expected.
The End
UGLYSLEEPINGBEAUTY
CHAPTER1
The wail of the newborn baby interrupted my thoughts. So the kingdom had a new princess, good for it. Just like with any new member of royalty, I was summoned to attend the blessing.
It was tradition in our kingdom for fairies to attend the birth of any royal baby. We had been doing it for centuries and it was important to honor the king and queen. I couldn’t refuse even if I wanted to.
I stood with my fellow fairies, watching the baby girl as she lay in her crib. Each of us were required to give her a gift and wave our magic wand to ensure it would happen. The rules of our kind were that we could only grant one wish for her. Just one, no more and no less.
Fern, the fairy to my right, granted her beauty so she would grow into the most beautiful princess to have ever lived. Petal, the fairy to my left, granted her a perfect singing voice so she could enchant the kingdom with her songs. Yawn.
It was suddenly my turn to grant a gift. Silence fell on the room as I stared at the infant. I had been nervous for days about the gift I would grant. I knew what I had to do but was dreading it anyway. There was no other way, it had to be like this.
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