Page 2 of Snows Sinful Seven

The thought of never being happy, never finding the person who can’t live without you, the person you’re eager to fall asleep next to and hate to leave their side in the morning, is truly terrifying to me.

I’ve yet to figure out how to get out of the fate my father has chosen for me, but I’m working on it. I will not stay here and marry some man I don’t love. Some man who will only see me as an object to wield and use for their own desires.

Mama used to read me stories of true love. Of princesses finding their princes and living happily ever after.

While it might be only a story—a dream—I want it. I want that with every fiber of my being.

Father and Regina walk down the aisle, everyone standing, watching, waiting for them to leave the church before following them to a grand party with a feast big enough to feed the entire village.

Of course, that's not what's going to happen. While the villagers continue to go hungry, people here will have their fill, letting most of it go to waste. It breaks my heart any time we have a big party. I’ve begged Father to share the leftovers, but all he did was laugh and tell me nothing in life is free. If they wanted food, they had to work for it like everyone else. As if they don’t work endless hours for the measly pay he offers them, which is not enough to survive on.

Regina passes me, her gaze flicking over to mine. My heart stops for a moment as I look at her dead eyes.

At this moment, I want nothing more than to save this woman, to take her far away from here.

But how do I save someone else when I can’t even save myself?

THE PARTY GOES ON FORhours. The dim lights provide me with the perfect cover as I carefully make my way around the room, grabbing as much food as I can throughout the night and stashing it away.

No one pays me any mind. After my father pulled me in front of the room and forced me to stand at his side as he lied to his people about how happy he was and how much he loved his family, he shooed me away, not to be seen for the rest of the night.

I changed out of my colorful dress into something of a darker shade, allowing me to blend into the crowd.

Throughout the night, I keep stealing glances at Regina; the need to check on her is overpowering.

It’s as if she’s a statue. She just sits there, unmoving, face blank, as she stares off into the distance. Father ignores her completely, talking to his friends. Not real friends, just people who are of use to him. The moment they’re not, he finds new people.

Standing there with a basket of food, I’m conflicted on if I should leave and do what I’ve had planned for days now, or stay and find a way to help her.

Only there is no helping her, at least not right now. Not today, not with everyone’s eyes on the happy, new couple. Not while she is so close to him.

So, as much as it pains me to do so, I turn around and slip out of the ballroom.

Gathering as many baskets of food as I can, I make my way out of the palace through all the endless tunnels within the walls.

The sun has yet to set, leaving my path well-lit as I make it to the end of the property and out a small door.

I take the familiar path down to the village, one I’ve taken many, many times before.

While I might have a luxurious home and expensive items, I’ve never felt more at home than when I’m out here.

Smiling, I make my way to the orphanage, excited to see the children. Their smiles and childlike wonder always bring me joy.

“Snow!” Sally, a sweet little girl with messy blonde curls, cheers as I step into the old rundown building.

I smile back brightly. “Hello, Sally. I’ve brought you some sweets.”

The way her eyes light up like it’s Christmas morning makes the risk of being here worth it.

“Hey, everyone! Snow brought sweets!” Sally shouts, gaining the attention of all the children around.

“Now, now. Not before you’ve eaten your supper.” I laugh as I place the baskets on the table.

Annie, the kind older lady who cares for the children, approaches me with a grim look. “Sadly, that’s not happening tonight, Princess.” She swallows hard. “Willy has been ill the past few days and was unable to work. No work, no money. No money, no food. We’ve been trying to make do with what we have, but it’s not enough.”

My heart sinks, and my stomach churns, but I give her a soft smile. “I do hope Willy is feeling better soon. But...” I pull back the cloth that covers one of the baskets to reveal dozens of freshly baked rolls. Then, I pull out a pot from another, one that’s filled with chicken noodle soup.

She gasps, her eyes welling with tears as she puts her hand to her heart. “Princess,” she whispers. “This is too much.”

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