Page 73 of Snow White

The king must have noticed something in the way my face changed because he says, “Snow, take her home.”

Snow smiles, her eyes filled with warmth. “I love you, Papa.” She glances up at me. “Home?”

I nod, flames engulfing us again, taking us to another one of my boltholes. It is an isolated mountain castle surrounded by trees and forest. Even as we arrive, Snow refuses to let go of me, and I can hardly blame her.

“I left Belle an invitation if she wants to visit,” I whisper to her.

Snow’s eyes widened. “You did?”

I smile softly at her. “She’ll send word if she wishes to visit, and I’ll use my powers to bring her here.”

Anything for you, Snow.

She smiles brightly. “I want a wedding one day with my family. When you’re ready.”

I fall even more in love with her when she adds the qualifier. I brush her hair back from her face. “My mother fought against this darkness now inside me, and she lost.”

Will history repeat itself?

“She didn’t have someone like me by her side,” Snow insists.

“Promise?” I asked, holding her gaze.

She nods, that determined glint in her glacial eyes returning. “I promise.”

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

I lift her with my new strength and spin her.

With you by my side, even the darkness inside me quakes.

Epilogue

Snow

Dear Father,

I’m sorry for not reaching out until now. It’s been quite busy here in my new home. Azura is learning how to control her new magic, and I’ve been busy helping her try to manage it. I am very impressed with how she has handled it so far, and I know she will be a much better sorcerer than her mother. Once she feels ready, we will have a wedding, and I’d love it if you, Eric, and your fiancé, Lady Lock, could come. I want to keep it small and simple. I hope you don’t mind that, but it will be easier for the both of us.

I wanted to say thank you for understanding and supporting me with my decision. It means the world to me. Also, I will be there for your wedding. I am so happy that you and Lady Lock matched, and I wish you both happiness. I will see you soon.

Love,

Snow White

I smile to myself, folding the letter and gently stuffing it into the envelope. I melt some purple wax, dripping it onto the back of the envelope before pressing a seal onto it. It is a new one, my own emblem. A snowflake mixed with the colors of the rainbow to remember the fairies who helped me save Azura.

I hold it out for a raven, and it plucks it from my hand. It launches itself into the sky on its way to my father.

Belle and Azura are waiting for me, so I hurry into a simple dress before heading to the dining hall. Belle’s father recently passed away due to a poor heart. She was utterly broken, and I told her she could stay for as long as she needed. Azura has surprisingly welcomed Belle with open arms.

There were some tense moments when Belle learned Azura had altered her memories after the night they spent together. She was mad about it for a while, but I think her broken heart has been too much to bear, and she couldn’t stay angry for long. Besides, Azura gave Belle access to her ancient library. It was really hard for her to stay angry after that.

Belle does seem happy, even though she has her bad days. I feel like she is missing something, but I can’t tell what it is. I only hope Azura and I can help her find it.

Arriving in the dining hall, I slip into my chair beside Azura and kiss her softly.

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