Page 13 of Snows Sinful Seven

“Snow, darling,” Mrs. Bark greets us at the bar as we take seats on two of the stools. The place is empty, but that’s expected for this time of day. It will pick up later in the evening.

“Hi,” I greet her.

“Back so soon?” She looks from me to Regina and back to me. “And who is your friend?”

“Regina.” Regina holds her hand out to Mrs. Bark.

Mrs. Bark takes it, giving it a shake as she looks at me. “Regina. Isn’t the new Queen named Regina?”

Her eyes widen as realization takes over her face, eyes darting back to Regina, then to me again. I give a firm shake of my head paired with a glaring look.

She swallows and nods her head. “Nice to meet you, Regina. What can I get you to eat?”

I relax, knowing Mrs. Bark isn’t going to make a big deal over this. I trust her with my life and now with Regina’s.

For the next hour, we sit, talk, and eat our fill. Regina’s fun, flirty personality comes out again. I smile from ear to ear, unable to stop watching her. She’s so pretty, and seeing her happy is addictive.

Regina seems like she’s in pure heaven as she eats a large plate full of Mrs. Bark’s homemade lasagna. When Regina makes a comment about hiring Mrs. Bark to cook in the palace, Mrs. Bark and I share a sad look. It’s heartbreaking how much has changed.

“We better get back to the palace. Just to be safe,” I tell Regina when I notice the sun will be setting soon.

“Already?” Regina asks. “It feels like we just got here.”

“Time flies when you’re having fun.” Mrs. Bark smiles. “You're welcome back here anytime. Any friend of Snow’s is a friend of mine.”

“Thank you.” Regina smiles.

Mrs. Bark gives me a knowing look, but I shoot her a warning one back that just makes her smile wider. “Be safe, ladies.”

Knowing that Mrs. Bark knows what to do, I leave a bag full of money on the counter before we leave the now-busy pub.

“That was fun,” Regina tells me as we walk down the dirt road, out of town, towards the trail.

“I’m glad. Mrs. Bark is like a grandmother to me. She’s the best.”

“I like her.” Regina nods.

Just as we’re about to reach the tree line, I freeze. That same feeling as before takes over me. It’s as if someone’s watching me.

My head darts around, looking for those glowing eyes, that towering form from before.

“Are you okay? What’s wrong?” Regina asks, sounding worried. “Did you see something?”

“I think my mind is playing tricks on me.” I wrap my arms around myself, running my hands up and down to try and rid myself of the chill. “I feel like someone is watching me.”

Regina steps closer as she scans the tree line. “I don’t see anything, but stay close.”

She pulls up her dress to reveal daggers strapped to her thigh. My eyes widen in surprise as I stare.

“Where did you get those?” I hiss, eyes flicking back up to hers.

“Stole them.” She grins. “I mean, is it really stealing if I’m the queen?”

I laugh, shaking my head. “I’m not the only one with surprises.”

“Trust me, Princess, I’m full of them.” She winks before grabbing my hand and pulling me towards the path. “Don’t worry. We’re going to be fine.”

And we were. We make it back to the tunnel entrance with no issues. But the feeling of being watched doesn’t fade away.

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