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."

"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.

"Oh yes, one of my best sellers. Here, try a piece!" He cuts a slice and puts it on a plate before handing it to me. "It's my grandmother's recipe. It's to die for."

The smell hits my nose, and I sigh. "It smells amazing." I take the fork from him and take a bite. The flavor bursts onto my tongue, and I moan, eager for more. I finish the piece in a blink of an eye.

"Amazing, isn't it?"

"Yes." I lick my lips. "So good. I'll buy a pie, please." But as I search my pockets, my face falls. "Shoot. I left my money at home." I sigh. "I'm so sorry."

"You know what, it's on me." He smiles, grabbing the pie he took a slice from. "Just make sure to spread the word about how amazing the pie is, and I'll take that as payment enough."

"Are you sure?" I frown. "I don't want to cost you any money."

"Of course. Call it my good deed for the day."

Not wanting to be rude, I take the pie. "Are you sure?" I double-check.

"Yes." He nods. "I'm sure."

"Thank you so much. And I promise I'll be back for more, with money next time." I laugh.

"I'm looking forward to it."

I'm already down the street, taking more bites of the pie before I realize I've kept his fork, too.

Today is an off day. I think it's time to go back to the cottage and maybe take a nap. I'm already risking enough being here.

How am I going to explain the pie?

I could lie and say I baked it myself. But the idea of lying feels wrong. But I can't just throw the pie away, it would be rude after that nice man gave it to me for free.

Wanting another bite, I smile as I dig in for more. Maybe I can eat it all before I get back to the cottage. That way, no one needs to know, and there's no lying. Right?

As I take another few bites, I start to feel weird. "Maybe I ate too much." I groan, looking at the pie to see I've already eaten half of it. "This wasn't a good idea." I'll hide it for later.

Another few minutes pass as I continue on the path toward home. With each passing minute, I start to feel more and more ill.

My sight goes a little fuzzy as my body sways. Heart pounding, I start to panic. I don't feel good. I don't feel good at all.

Maybe I'm allergic to something that was in the pie and I'm having a reaction.

Needing to get home, I stumble my way back to the cottage. By the time I reach it, it's a struggle to keep my eyes open. I see the cottage, only it's so blurry.

I blink rapidly, rubbing at my eyes. Another wave of dizziness hits me, and I whimper, fully terrified now.

This was stupid. I should have stayed home. I shouldn't have left. Where are the guys? I want the guys. I don't want to be sick. I'm scared, and I want to go home. Something's wrong, so very wrong. Am I dying? I don't want to die. What about Regina? The pack? They wouldn't know how much I cared for them.

I manage to stumble my way as far as the front step of the cottage before everything goes black.