Page 50 of Snows Sinful Seven

“Mmmhhmm.” She smirks. “How close are we talking?”

My eyes widen in understanding. “Mrs. Bark!” I hiss. “I can assure you it’s nothing like that.”

“You’re telling me you don’t find any or all of those fine monsters attractive?”

My cheeks heat. “I mean... Well, yes.”

She grins wider. “And I can assure you, they fancy you just fine.”

“No.” I shake my head. “It’s not like that. They respect me, I’m their princess. And I’d never be able to choose anyway. I like them all for different reasons.” Saying it out loud feels so much more real.

Mrs. Bark shakes her head. “They’re a pack, hun. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind sharing you.”

“Are you trying to convince me to become involved with six lycan monsters?” I ask with a playful smile.

“Child, if I was you, I’d be locking those men down.” She laughs.

I roll my eyes. “I couldn’t. Even if they all wanted me—which they don’t—” I give her a pointed look, but she doesn’t believe me. “It wouldn’t matter, anyway. I can’t be with anyone, not while Regina is still at risk. She’s my main priority.” My smile falls. “Have you heard anything from her?”

“No.” She shakes her head, giving me a soft look. “Sorry, dear. But, if it makes you feel any better, the word is your father has been out of town the past week.”

“Does he know I’m missing?” He has to by now. I might not see him often and can go weeks without doing so, but his staff would have noticed my absence, right?

“I’m sure he does. But no one around the village has said anything that I know of. So if he does, it’s not being shared.”

“Because he doesn’t want people to know I’m gone. Would bring too much attention to me if I show up dead,” I mutter.

“And that's why you shouldn’t be here, young lady,” she scolds me.

“I know. I know,” I sigh. “I just can’t sit in that cottage and do nothing for another day. Maybe I should sneak back into the palace and bring Regina back with me.”

“Are you mad, woman?” Mrs. Bark’s eyes widen. “You do not go back to that place. Not until your father is dealt with.”

“But that's the thing.” I jump to my feet and start to pace. “No one is doing anything. There are no plans set in place. Not even talk of one at all. I can’t just sit by and do nothing anymore. I need to get Regina out of there first, then take care of my father.”

“Snow.” Mrs. Bark grabs my shoulders, forcing me to stop. “You might not see it, but those men of yours are working behind the scenes, trying to figure out the best possible next move. That black one of yours, your personal stalker.” She grins. “He’s been in town, talking to people. There’s something at work, my dear. Just give it time.”

“He has?” I blink in surprise. Gabe’s been working on a plan this whole time? How come no one has said anything to me?

She nods. “Things like this can’t happen overnight and will most likely lead to war. I think your men are just trying to give you as little to worry about as they can. You're a kind soul, Snow,and the harm of another wouldn’t sit well on your shoulders. They know this.”

“But I don’t want a war,” I whisper, eyes filling with tears. “I don’t want anyone to get hurt.”

“I know. Me either. In a perfect world, everything would work out in the end. But this isn’t a perfect world, and sometimes, people have to make great sacrifices for the greater good. And the people of this kingdom, they're ready to fight to see the rightful person on that throne.”

Her words haunt me as I leave. I don’t want people to die. I don’t want harm to come to any of my people. While I’m honored they would fight beside me, it shouldn’t have to come to that.

But knowing my father, he won’t go down without a fight.

I’m in my own head as I walk, not realizing that I’ve drifted away from the path that leads into the forest and ended up turning down a back alley. I’m about to turn back when I hear someone call out. “Fresh apple pie!”

Blinking, I look down the alley to see a man at a booth across the street. It’s covered in baked goods. I know I shouldn’t go, but my belly rumbles in hunger. Apple pie really does sound good right about now.

I’ll be quick. I’m dressed differently; I’m sure no one will know it’s me. Grabbing my hood, I flip it up and head down the alley.

“Hello! Welcome, welcome.” The man gives me a bright smile as I stop in front of his booth. “Can I interest you in any of my baked goods?”

“I heard something about an apple pie?” I laugh, giving him a friendly smile.

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