Snow White (6 page)

“Mother!” He wanted to pull her away but found himself frozen, completely unable to move his body.

And then he watched in growing fascination as the green mist rose from the ground and completely enveloped her, twisting and winding itself around his mother from her feet to the tips of her hair. It covered her in a mystical green glow.

His jaw locked and his breathing became labored. Slowly he felt his airways closing before him as his mother chanted in an eerie voice he did not recognize.

“Mirror, mirror, on the wall.

What splendor have ye provided us all?

Here we be, both good and proud,

Wise man, foolish man, the brave and the cowed.

‘Tis I who stands by the glass

Thine utmost exemplar to be at last.

Ye with all thy wisdom foresee,

And remember—give the glory to me.”

CHAPTER NINE

CORLAN PULLED SNOW INTO the library and put the large book of legends back where it went. “I am telling you, it was the most terrifying thing I have ever witnessed.”

“It sounds like it was!” she exclaimed, still speaking in a hushed tone. “Did the mirror converse with her?”

“Yes!” He looked around the room. Seeing they were completely alone, he walked her to the furthest point from the door, yet positioned himself so he would know if anyone came in. “There I was, frozen, not able to move, and the mirror came to life. A man’s head could be seen speaking with my mother—it was not her reflection at all! My ears were shut off and I could not make out what was being said, but I am telling you, whatever it was, my mother has not been the same since.”

“Yes, I said hello to her a few moments ago and she gave me a look that would have shot daggers if it could.” She clutched his arm. “What should we do?”

“I do not know. I will try to ascertain what exactly is happening to her, what lunacy is beginning to control her mind so we may discern what she plans to do. But, Snow, I warn you now—do not ever go into her quarters again. Do not do it.”

He paused as a maid came into the library and put a small book upon a shelf. She curtsied at the couple, but quickly went on her way.

“When I was finally released from the bizarre enchantment the mirror placed over me, I collapsed to the ground. It took several deep breaths before I was well enough again to walk out of there.”

“Corlan, no! Do not say such things. I cannot bear to hear of you experiencing this.”

“I am fine, truly. However, until we can come up with a better solution, it is best that you and Raven stay clear of her completely. Do not even be tempted to take a peek at that mirror. I worry about the evil it controls.”

She nodded before her wide eyes grew more concerned. “Corlan, I am so sorry this is happening to Melantha. How difficult for you to face. ‘Tis not fair.”

“No, it is not, though I worry for your father as well. Herbert is a good man, and from the legends I read, almost every spouse of those who owned the mirror were killed.”

She gasped and covered her mouth.

He could have kicked himself for being such a fool. Why would he say such a thing to her? That was the absolute worst thing to reveal at such a time. “Snow, I am sorry. Forgive me—I should not have let that slip.”

“Nay.” She shook her head, blinking.

He could tell the emotions were too much for her. Good heavens, now he had made her cry. Such a charming prince had never existed before. “I am a dunce!”

“You are not. I need to hear the truth no matter how painful it is. If I am not aware of what is actually happening around me, how will I be able to prepare for it?”

Seeing her blue eyes shimmering with tears, he could not help himself. “Snow, I vow I will not let him die. I will protect your father at all costs.”

She smiled and stood up on tiptoe. Tugging his arm toward her, she pulled his large frame down to meet her much smaller one and then, surprisingly, kissed his cheek. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I will be forever in your debt.”

The mirror’s dark magic must have done more to Corlan’s brain than he realized, for in the next second, he clasped her shoulders and kissed her upon those full red lips. They were softer than he had imagined, and his heart soared when she let out a little moan and kissed him back.

“
Corlan
!” bellowed King Herbert.

The shout was so loud that at first he thought her father was in the room with them. Instantly they jumped apart as he looked around the empty library.

“Corlan, my son! I need you now!” The shout ricocheted off the castle walls.

Glancing at Snow’s startled features, Corlan held her hand and they ran from the room.

“Where are you? You are needed at once!” Now Corlan could tell Herbert was in the main hall.

“What do you think is wrong?” Snow asked as their feet flew down the grand staircase.

He could not begin to answer and so therefore remained silent until they came to her father. His mother was already there, holding her husband’s arm. Raven stood next to them.

“I am here! What is needed?” he asked as they approached the king.

“I must leave at once—there has been an uprising with the Yandren court. We are to go to arms immediately and meet them on the outskirts before they invade here in the center of Olivian.”

“Yes, sir,” Corlan replied, his heart pumping. “I will get my things promptly. Expect me to ride within ten minutes.”

Herbert walked forward and placed a hand on his shoulder. “No, my boy. I need you here to protect the women.”

“What? I am the greatest swordsman you have. You need me on the battlefront.”

“Nay. I need you here!”

Had he done something wrong? “Why?” He tried to hide his disappointment and be obedient, but it was extremely difficult. How would he be able to protect the man if he was not fighting with him?

“You are the best in the land, but I love these women with my life, and so I leave my best to protect them. I must, or I shall worry every single night and day I am gone.”

Corlan nodded. “Very well.”

“I want you to know that I visited with Hibbens two days ago and changed my last will and testament.”

Snow gasped.

“I have named you my heir, should anything happen to me and then Snow. You are as much a son to me as any other man could be, and so, I naturally leave it all to you.”

Overcome, Corlan hugged his new father. “Sir, I thank you. Though, to be perfectly clear, you are not allowed to die.”

Herbert chuckled and pulled back. “I have no plans of having my existence ceased at this early stage in my life.” He looked at his new queen, and her hand went out for him. Corlan watched as the king pulled his mother close and kissed her. “I will be back before I am missed,” he said.

“Then you tell a falsehood, for you are already missed,” she exclaimed as she kissed him again.

Their display reminded Corlan of two very sweet lips he had tasted recently, and he looked over at Snow. Her smile at seeing the love of their parents only made him adore her more. There was not a selfish bone in her body. How kind were her thoughts for everyone. She looked over then and blushed when she caught him staring.

King Herbert’s last words were for his daughter as he caught her up in a large bear hug. “If need be, show them all how I have taught you to fight like a lion. Remind our enemy that you are more than a pretty face. And Snow?”

“Yes?”

“I love you.” He patted her back. “Trust Corlan with your life. He will see that nothing harms you.”

CHAPTER TEN

THE HOUSE BECAME QUITE melancholy after King Herbert left. Snow found herself worried ill most days for his safety and prayed for his quick return. A week after he had gone, Snow and the others were in the game room attempting their hand at whist. She was particularly anxious today because of the rain—it did not allow her a chance to wander outdoors and forget her troubles.

They had all been keeping a careful eye on Melantha. Snow had seen her scowl in her direction more than once that day. And just after tea, she had grabbed Snow’s arm and cornered her in the small alcove near the library. “Where are you going? I did not give you permission to walk these halls.”

“Forgive me,” Snow had said, shocked at the crazed look in her stepmother’s eye. “I did not know.”

“You think I do not see all that you are doing,” she snarled as she loomed closer to Snow. “You think I do not see what you are attempting to do to us all, but know that I am not fooled! I know of your betrayal. I know of your thoughts.”

Snow was so stunned and confused, and Melantha so clearly livid with her, that she dared not utter a word in protest.

“You will soon pay for all you have done!” And with that, the queen spun around and made her way back down the stairs.

Snow did not know what she had done to upset the queen, but she hoped to remain as hidden as possible so as not to trigger any more anger and cause the madness to grow even further.

“Your turn, Snow,” Terrance said from across the table. “Woolgathering again, I see.”

She grinned as she played her trick. “Yes, well, what other choice do I have?”

“You could join us and play the game,” Raven teased.

Snow caught Corlan’s gaze and held it. He must have been watching her for a while. “What are you thinking about?” she finally asked him. “Am I woolgathering too much for you as well?”

“No.” He released a slow breath. “I assume the same thoughts have been plaguing both our minds,” he said before leaning forward and playing his trick.

“I am fairly certain it is similar to what has been niggling in
all
of our thoughts.” Raven placed a card down.

Snow watched as everyone looked at each other.

“Correct, Snow?” Terrance asked. “At least, that’s what has been worrying me, ever since you told us of your encounter with the queen earlier.”

“You are worried about me?”

“Yes, we are all concerned over the way Queen Melantha has been treating you. It is clear you are the first victim of the cursed mirror.”

“You feel it too?” she asked them.

Corlan nodded his head and put his cards facedown on the table. “How could we not? It is clearly obvious she is angry with you. I do not feel it will be safe to live here much longer.”

“What do you mean?” Her heart grew cold. Would she have to leave her home?

Following Corlan’s example, Terrance and Raven put their cards facedown as well and pulled their chairs in closer.

“You have been speaking about me, I can tell.” Snow set her hand down. “Well, out with it. What do you know that I do not?”

Corlan cleared his throat. “It is the legend. I was reading up on it, as you are aware, and it would seem that when one person becomes the target, jealously forms about them, a dark desire to see the person dead and removed from their sight.”

Snow rubbed her lips together as she attempted to process what he was saying. “And so you believe that to save my life, I will need to leave.” She looked up at Raven and Terrance. “You all do? There really is no choice?”

Corlan continued, “Snow, this is indeed something that we cannot take lightly. I cannot allow you to die. And with your father away, there is even less protection for you. I have no idea what must be going through my mother’s head and what she finds about you to despise, but, whatever the case, this is real.”

“Perhaps she was able to break the enchantment on Snow,” Terrance said quietly, his eyes meeting hers.

“Oh, good heavens!” Snow gasped. “But she is so very settled. She has my father, and she is so beautiful! Certainly I am not to be envied.”

“What do you mean?” Corlan asked.

Raven leaned toward Snow. “Yes, what is it that Terrance seems to know, but the rest of us do not?”

“Go on and tell them your fears. It is better that they understand everything.”

Snow groaned before muttering, “’Tis nothing. I just wonder if perhaps I am under an enchantment—a spell to make people flock to me. And I have been concerned in the past that a woman will be able to break free of the spell and find me revolting because of the attention I receive.” She then spoke the last few words, though it felt almost silly saying them aloud to her friends. “And, depending on her envy, she may wish me dead.”

Corlan did not blink. He folded his arms, but did not seem upset. “So you have thought this for some time, and you did not think to speak to me of your concerns?”

“I felt foolish.”

Both Corlan and Raven glanced at Terrance.

“But clearly you feel at ease in sharing now. It is best that you told someone, so it does not matter who.” Rubbing his chin, Corlan thought a moment longer. “I could see what you are saying; perhaps you
are
under a spell of some sort. And there is definitely a very real concern here. We have all witnessed my mother’s newfound jealousy of you.”

“With the mirror feeding her suspicions, how far will she go to fulfill her covetous rage?” Terrance asked.

“Death,” Raven whispered. “Just as Snow fears.” She turned to Corlan. “You know Mother has always had a darker, passionate side. If that glass is convincing her that Snow is a threat, there is nothing we will be able to do to stop her.”