Page 49 of Snows Sinful Seven

Chapter 13

Snow

I’m used to trying to find ways to occupy my time. Living in the palace with hardly any freedom, I’ve gotten good at being creative.

But the cottage is smaller than the palace, and there aren’t as many things to keep me busy. I’ve already cleaned, baked, and have supper in the slow cooker. I did the gardening yesterday, and there's honestly, nothing else to do. I could watch TV or read a book, but I don’t like the idea of sitting around.

There’s an anxious energy coursing through me right now, and I know I’ll go out of my mind if I have to sit here and stew in my thoughts.

I need to go see Mrs. Bark to see if Regina has been back. Part of me knows that if she had been, then Mrs. Bark would have told her where to find me.

Still, I need to go. I need to see for myself if there's any news.

As I change into my new pants and hoodie, guilt fills my stomach like a heavy stone. I know I shouldn’t be going without the guys; I should wait and ask one of them to take me. But, of course, I’m not going to listen to reason because I’m going out of my mind not knowing anything.

The guys have been quiet about what we’re going to do regarding my father. Any time I ask what the plan is, I’m told it’s being handled. Yet here we are, close to two weeks and still no plan.

I know something like this can’t just happen overnight. But every day Regina is in that palace, her life is at risk. At the very least, her mental health. How long until my father forces her to bed?

Has it already happened, and is she okay?

The idea makes me want to be sick.

Pulling the hoodie up over my head, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror.

“Who the heck am I?” I sigh, my bright blue eyes staring back at me. “And how did I get to this point in my life?” I don’t even recognize myself. And I guess that’s the point. I look nothing like Princess Snow.

I head outside to the shed. I need something to defend myself with, right? So, I grab a small hatchet sitting on the work table and slip it into the pocket of the hoodie.

Not wanting to waste time, I take off running through the woods, grateful that I’ve gotten a pair of sneakers. They would have worked wonders the night I escaped the palace.

They’re very comfortable and practical.

I make it to Mrs. Bark’s shop without being seen and slip into the back like before. Only this time, Mrs. Bark isn’t in the kitchen baking.

“Hey,” I whisper-hiss, trying to get her attention from where she stands in the front.

Her head snaps over to me, eyes widening. “Snow? What on earth are you doing here, girl?”

I look around, making sure no one is inside. Mrs. Bark goes over to the door, slips the open sign to closed and locks the door.

Sighing, I pull my hoodie down and sit on one of the stools next to the counter. “You look... like a boy,” she laughs.

“Good disguise, right?” I grin.

“Not bad. So, what are you doing here? And where are your boys?”

“My boys?” I ask, brows furrowing.

She crosses her arms over her chest and raises a brow. “Please. Don’t think I don’t know those boys have been taking good care of you.”

“Of course they have. They’ve been very sweet and welcoming.”

“And there hasn’t been anything more?” she questions.

“We’ve become good friends. Close friends. I enjoy being around them.”

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