Page 9 of Snows Sinful Seven

In this moment, I vow to do my best to see her smile more, to hear her laugh. And if I’m the reason for it, all the better.

Chapter 3

Snow

The palace has been a little less lonely these past few weeks. I’ve been spending more and more time with Regina. The more I get to know her, the more I like being around her.

She’s sweet, funny, and kind. But her mouth! I’m now used to the colorful language she uses, and it makes me laugh every time she does. In return, my laughter makes her smile. I like making her smile. It’s much better than hearing her cry. I don’t like that she’s unhappy here. If I can make her time here a little bit better, that’s all that matters to me.

“Where are we going?” she asks, brows furrowing as I hand her a black cloak before slipping my moss green one on.

“Out.” I grin excitedly. My father has gone away on business for a week. I want to make use of that time the best way I can, and that means getting out of the palace.

“We’ve already been out to the garden today,” she points out.

“No.” I laugh, shaking my head. “Hurry, put it on. I’ll show you.”

She raises a brow. “Are we about to do something we’re not supposed to be doing?”

I bite my lower lip, trying but failing to hide my grin. “Maybe. But everything will be fine, trust me. I do this all the time, and I’ve never been caught.”

A smile forms on her lips. “Snow, do you have a wild side I haven’t met yet?” She laughs as she finally slips the cloak on.

I shrug. “I hate being cooped up inside. I’d much rather be out there.” I look towards the window. “When my mama was alive, I hardly spent time inside the palace. I prefer nature.”

“I’d have to agree with you on that one. Alright then, Princess, lead the way.” She winks.

The gestures make my belly flutter and I quickly look away, pushing aside those unfamiliar feelings I’ve been getting as of late.

Regina follows after me as we sneak out into the hall. After a quick check to make sure no one is around, I smile and nod my head in the direction to the left. We take off running, a thrill sweeping through me. I raise my hand as we come to a stop, pressing my fingers to my lips before pulling the candlestick on the wall. The wall slides open, revealing a door just big enough for us to squeeze through.

Once I’m in, I look back to Regina, who’s staring at the opening with wide eyes.

“Okay, this is cool. It’s like something out of a medieval movie.” She smiles widely before following after me.

“Perks of the palace—makes it easy to move around without being seen. I’d never risk it any other way. I’d be caught for sure if I did.”

“Now, what do we do?” she asks.

Taking a step forward, I squeeze my way past her. “Sorry,” I whisper, glad it’s too dark in here for her to see the way my cheeks heat as I grab onto the candlestick inside the passageway, closing the door behind us, the position causing my front to be pushed up against hers.

I’m about to move away when Regina grabs my hips. I freeze, my heart thundering in my chest.

“What are you doing?” I whisper.

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