Page 3 of Snows Sinful Seven

“No.” I shake my head. “It’s not enough. And for that, I’m sorry. I promise I’ll try harder to get you more.”

“You’ve already done so much.” Her face falls. “I know every time you come here, you're taking a large risk.”

“It’s worth it,” I promise with a smile. “They deserve the world.” I look over at the children who all stand around in a group, waiting for what comes next.

“They do. They really do,” Annie sighs. “Kids, gather around. Princess Snow has brought baked goods and soup.”

“Along with so much more.” I laugh as all the kids gather around the table.

I help Annie dish out the food. Once all the kids have some, they find a place to sit on the floor. It hurts my heart to see them dig into their food like they haven’t eaten in days. And maybe they haven’t. This isn’t right. My father should be doing better by his people. Does he not understand that we wouldn’t have half the things we do if it wasn’t for the people who work hard to provide it for him?

“Snow,” Sally’s soft voice has me turning to face her. As soon as I do, she wraps her little arms around my waist and squeezes.

I’m taken by surprise for a moment before my body relaxes, and I hug the sweet girl back.

“Thank you,” she murmurs against me.

I want to say you’re welcome, but the words don’t come. They deserve so much more. While the people back at the palace are gorging on all they can eat, these sweet, young children are starving.

“Go on, Sally, eat up. Then you can have your sweets,” Annie says in a soft voice. Sally pulls back and smiles up at me.

“Bye, Princess,” she says before going back over to join her little brother.

“Here.” I turn to Annie, sticking my hand in the pocket of my coat and pulling out a wad of money.

Her eyes widen, lips parting as I grab her hand and place the money inside it.

“This is too much.” She shakes her head.

“As I said before, it’s not enough. Take it. Get the children anything they need. I’m not sure when I’ll be able to sneak away again, but I promise when I do, I’ll bring more.”

She slips the money inside her apron pocket and places her hands against my cheeks. “You are a true angel, my dear. Your mother would have been so proud.”

My eyes sting at the mention of my mama. I learned from the best. When my mother was in charge, everything was so different. No one went hungry, everyone was taken care of. Within a year of my father’s ruling, everything has started to crumble.

“I hope so,” my voice cracks. “I wish I could do more.”

“You will. When you are Queen, everything will be as it should be.”

I want to tell her that won’t be happening. I can’t be queen, not unless my father passes away. And as much as I hate that man, I can’t bring myself to take his life. It’s not who I am.

So, I just smile and nod.

The sun is just starting to set as I make my way out of the house and down the path that leads to the shops.

It’s a busy night; people are out doing their shopping and walking in the streets. There’s only the odd car here and there because the majority of the village can’t afford one; most had to sell theirs. Some even sold their homes to be able to survive. Another thing that breaks my heart.

Maybe someone will be brave enough to do what I can’t and take the life of my father. It might be cruel of me to think, but I don’t have any love for that man and wouldn’t shed a tear if he were to die.

As I always do when I come into town, I hit up Mrs. Bark’s baked goods. Mama would always have her make our desserts. I miss them. My father let her go, but somehow, thankfully, her shop is still going strong.

“Snow!” She smiles brightly when I stop in front of her store. “I’m so glad to see you.”

“Same.” I smile back. “How are you doing?”

“Surviving, it could be better, but it could also be worse.”

I nod grimly and hand her over a hundred-dollar bill. “I’d love an apple pie pastry.”

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