Snow and the Dwarves: Part 2

Snow and the Dwarves: Part 2
Lilith's reign as queen was a long, harsh one. Taxation was the worst it had ever been in the land of Lore, while trade and farming suffered. Many tried to speak out against the injustice, but all who spoke against the queen found themselves dragged away by Spiegel's men and locked away, or worse.

The nobility suffered as well as the lower classes. The once fair and carefully appointed lords and noblemen who had served under the king were now made to enforce their new queen's rule, under fear of being tried for treason, and so came to be hated by the subjects that had once looked to them for protection.

Foreign relations were strained as Lilith turned focus away from trade and had the military expanded, drafting any able-bodied man available. Tailors, carpenters, farmers, it mattered little. If they were healthy and strong they were thrown into service. Lilith claimed this action was in an effort to "preserve peace," but it made many in Lore feel uneasy. Worse, it made neighboring kingdoms suspicious. For all appearances it seemed as though Lore was preparing to go to war.

Perhaps it was.

In her ten year reign Lilith had ruled with an iron fist, completely uncontested in spite of the efforts to remove her from power. But finally it seemed a loophole had been found...

"An heir?" Lilith sat back in her throne, scowling fiercely. "What nonsense!"

"It's not nonsense, my lady," her adviser reminded her gently. He seemed afraid the queen would obliterate him with a glance. And as small and mousy as the man was, she probably could have. "You see, my lady, you and the king never had a child... and as the princess died with the king, and you've never remarried, some are concerned you have neglected the duty of producing an heir..."

"And they would take my throne for that?!"

The adviser shrank back as if he had been slapped. "Well, your highness, you're not of the royal bloodline... if you were to die--h-heaven forbid, my lady--but if you were to die and no clear heir were to assume the throne it would throw the kingdom into anarchy. Countless lords and nobles would try to lay claim to the throne... it could mean civil war!"

Lilith sighed in annoyance. "This gives them no reason to take my throne..."

"I'm afraid it might, my lady... you see the king's cousin has already begun a bid for the throne. He has the support of the people and the nobles. They believe he can better continue the royal line than you."

She gave him a venomous scowl. "That bloated fool. Just because his wife couldn't keep her legs together they think that gives him the right to take MY kingdom?!"

"It... it is possible, my lady... I fear if this is contested there may be a revolt. Possibly bloodshed! Perhaps if you were to remarry and have children...?"

She scoffed. "Share my rule with some arrogant old man and bear insufferable little brats? I think not."

"But without an heir to continue the line your right to rule will remain in question!"

Lilith leaned back, closing her eyes in thought. "Tell me this... would my heir have to be my child...?"

"Well... no. But they must be a blood relation."

"And if I found a blood relative and declared him my heir... that would silence these fools?"

"It would certainly reaffirm your right to rule, your highness..."

"Good. Then make an announcement: I am going to declare my heir."

The adviser stood staring in shock as Lilith stood and walked to the door. "Y-you mean you do have a blood relation? Truly?"

"Make the announcement," she repeated. "And have our fastest messenger prepared."

"Y-yes, ma'am. Right away." The adviser bowed low as Lilith left the room. She was met by Spiegel who bowed his head as he accompanied her through the hall.

"Another attempt to dethrone you, milady?"

Lilith smirked. "You'd think these fools would tire of trying to get rid of me legally and just try to assassinate me."

"They have. I personally beheaded three assassins just last year."

"Really. Hm. I wonder which of these fops it was that finally grew a spine. If they try again leave one alive for interrogation."

"As you wish. I trust you have this matter under control?"

"I will, Spiegel. I have a cousin in the neighboring kingdom--a duchess with a young, half-wit son. I'm going to message him to come immediately and declare him my heir."

"I see. Why not just allow me to have the king's cousin taken care of, milady?"

"In good time, Spiegel, in good time. We must at least try to appear cooperative, after all. We've come too far these past ten years to tip our hand now." She turned to him, placing a hand on his smooth, cold cheek. "Not to worry, dear Spiegel. He'll only be my heir in title. After all, you and I both know I have no intention of dying..."

---

The little cottage had changed very little over the course of ten years, save for the children's bedroom. Where there had once been three little beds and two cribs there were now five beds, plus one larger bed set against the wall beneath the window. As the sun rose its light fell across the dark haired eighteen year old girl who slept there and she rolled over, trying to keep the light away from her eyes.

The bedroom door opened and in walked Quee, who went to each bed in turn to wake her children. "Come along now, rise and shine," she said. "Time for a new day. Come on then, wake up."

One by one the dwarf children groaned and sat up, rubbing the sleep from their eyes. But one of the first up and about was the human child, Snow.

Snow, now eighteen years old, had only grown lovelier as the years passed. She had more color to her, after working outside with laundry and gardening, and her figure filled out thanks to the muscles she developed. Her hair, as dark as ever, had grown out a bit and now reached the small of her back, and her lips and cheeks were abright, healthy shade. The simple life seemed to have invigorated her more than castle life ever had.

"Good morning, Mama Quee." Snow yawned and bent down to kiss Quee's cheek. Once she could have looked Quee right in the eye, but now she stood over a foot taller than even Blick.

Quee never noticed the difference. "Good morning, luv," she said, standing on her tiptoes to kiss Snow's cheek. "Go and get dressed dear, it's your turn to feed the chickens."

Snow yawned again and nodded her head. "Kay. I will."

As Snow left the room to change Quee went back to the task of awaking the others. She started with the twins. "C'mon then, Flick and Plick. Let's go, up and at 'em."

The eleven year old twins groaned in protest under the covers of their beds, set side-by-side in the corner, and Plick rolled over. "Ten more minutes...?"

"No, no." Quee pulled the covers away. "Come on, both of ye. You'll feel more awake once ye get up and moving."

The twins sat up groggily, their hair a mess as they rubbed the sleep from their eyes. "Alright, alright..." Plick mumbled. "C'mon, Flick."

Flick nodded his head. Of the two Flick was always the more silent. He could speak of course, but he often preferred to let Plick do the talking.

Next Quee turned to Snick's bed, and found the fourteen year old already sitting up and stretching. "How did ye sleep, luv?" Quee asked as she kissed his head.

"Fine," Snick answered sleepily. "Just had a weird dream..."

Glick giggled as she jumped out of bed. "Was it another dream about Snow...?" the sixteen year old teased.

"No!" Snick blushed bright red. "And that was one time, so shut up!"

"Then what was it about?" Glick giggled again.

"It was strange... we all had beards except for Papa, and we sang all the time..."

"Oh, twas just a silly dream," Quee reassured him. Now both of ye get up and get dressed. We've a lot to do today."

Glick and Snick did as they were told and went to get dressed, leaving Whick the last one to get up.

Blick entered the room, knocking on the doorframe. "Whick lad, come along," he said. "We've firewood to chop before breakfast."

Which yawned and sat up. Now eighteen, he stood two inches taller than his father, and had toned his muscles from years of working alongside Blick in the mines. He had stubble on his face, but had yet to grow out the traditional Dwarvish beard. "I'm coming, I'm coming," he mumbled.

Snow walked by, dressed in a green, floral-print dress, and she smirked. "Now who's the sleepy-head?" She asked as she left the room, kissing Blick's cheek on the way. "Morning, Papa Blick."

"Morning, lass," Blick replied with a smile.

Whick rolled his eyes as she walked out the door. "I guess she'll never let me live that down, will she...?"

"Not likely," Blick replied with a grin. "Now hurry up, lad. That wood won't chop itself."

Once dressed, Snow and the Dwarf family set about their morning chores while Quee made breakfast. Snow fed the chickens, as it was her turn, and Glick and Snick fed and milked Brunhilde the cow while Whick and Blick chopped firewood. When all the chores were finished and everyone had washed up the family sat down to breakfast.

"Papa, aren't we forgetting something...?" Quee asked with a grin. "I seem to recall today being important..."

Blick smiled. "I do believe you're right, Mama."

Still grinning, Quee went to the oven and took out a modest sized cake. It was round and flat, and topped with cream frosting. She set the cake down in front of Snow and kissed her cheek.

"Happy birthday, deary!" said Quee, and the others echoed her.

Snow smiled and clapped her hands. "Oh my!" she exclaimed. "My birthday already? I'd completely forgotten!"

Whick rolled his eyes. "You say that every year, Snow. Nobody's buying it."

She responded by sticking out her tongue at him, but she smiled. "I'm entitled to a little theatrics, aren't I?"

"Alright you two," Quee interrupted as she sat down. "Ye can argue more later. Right now it's time for Snow's present. Snick?"

Snick smiled and produced a gift, wrapped in blue paper and tied with a white ribbon, and he handed it over to Snow. "I helped pick it out," he said, blushing a bit.

Snow smiled. "Thank you, Snick." She carefully untied the ribbon before unwrapping her gift, smiling to see it was a new book. "Oh, it's wonderful! 'Tales of the Valkyries: Warrior Maidens of Asgard.' It's perfect!"

Snick smiled proudly. "A little bird told me you liked stories about Valkyries."

"I told you that," Glick told him, jabbing him in the side with her elbow.

Snow smiled again at them all. "Thank you so much, everyone. I love it!"

Blick gave a warm chuckle. "It's our pleasure, lass. And as a special treat, Mama and I have decided you and the children should go to the village today for some fun."

At this announcement the children all exclaimed excitedly. A trip to the village was a rare and special occasion that they all looked forward to. "Are you sure, Papa?" Snow asked.

Blick nodded his head. "Ye all could use a day of fun before winter sets in."

"Have fun with that," Whick said between bites of his eggs.

Quee turned to Whick with a smile. "You'll be going along too, deary."

Which almost choked. "Me? Why me? I have work to do in the mine!"

"I can manage by myself today," said Blick. "Mama and I agree ye should go along to help Snow look after the children."

"Snow can handle them fine on her own."

"Aye, but whether ye admit it or not lad ye make a good team when ye work together. I expect ye to help keep everyone safe, lad."

Whick opened his mouth, about to protest, but he thought better of it and sighed. "Fine..."

Snow gave him a triumphant smirk, to which he replied by sticking out his tongue, and she turned to Quee. "Are you sure you'll be alright alone, Mama?"

Quee smiled. "I'll be just fine, deary, don't ye worry. Now eat up, everyone, so ye can get properly cleaned up. I'll not have my children looking like a pack of wild imps, understood?"

Snow and the other children nodded their heads and answered "Understood, Mama."

---

After breakfast was over and the cake had been eaten Blick got ready for work and kissed Quee and the children goodbye.

"Now remember," he said to Snow and Whick, "I expect ye to look out for the others. Keep an eye on them, don't let them cause trouble, and make sure they don't waste their money."

They nodded their heads and answered "yes, Papa," and he smiled, patting them both on the shoulder before he turned to go, his pickax over his shoulder.

After they had all cleaned up and put on their best clothes Quee kissed each child goodbye, reminding them to mind their manners and not to speak to strangers before they began the walk to the nearest village.

The village, where Blick always sold the ore he mined, was about a fifteen minute walk from the cottage. One could walk or ride to and from by following a little dirt path that had been cleared many years before. By now the earth along the path was packed down and bare, save for the scattered autumn leaves and the footprints left by various woodland creatures who passed through recently.

Snow and the dwarf children knew the path well. Many times before had they accompanied Blick when he went for supplies, or to sell his ore to the local blacksmiths and metalworkers. But such trips were few and far between, and never before had they made such a trip without Blick and/or Quee along.

Snow felt proud. It meant she was growing up, and that the people she loved as her own parents trusted her to care for the children she thought of as siblings.

Well... her and Whick. She supposed Papa Blick and Mama Quee would rather take no chances... besides, Papa was right. Despite their bickering and teasing Snow and Whick did make a pretty good team. She laughed as she thought of all the things they had accomplished together the last ten years. The anniversary parties they had thrown for Blick and Quee, the little Christmas plays they put together for the younger children, they even planned to one day build their parents a bigger cottage where they could one day retire.

And to think, they had had such a rocky start... True, Whick could still be grumpy and rude, but she knew him well enough to know there was more to him. He was a hard-worker, and he though he was distrustful of people he just met he was fiercely loyal to those he cared about. Especially his family. Snow had grown to deeply respect Whick, even if he did get on her nerves most times.

And yet... somehow... Whick had been the only one she never seemed to think of as "family." She considered Glick, Snick and the twins to be her little siblings without question, and loved Quee and Blick as much as if they had raised her from birth. But Whick... she just never could equate him with "brother." He always felt more like her friend... her best friend, in fact. But lately she had to wonder if that was all there was to it...

She pushed these thoughts aside as she felt Flick and Plick each tugging at her hands excitedly. "Snow, Snow!" Plick called. "We're almost there!"

Snow looked ahead and saw that Plick was right. The village was just up ahead.

"Okay, everyone listen up." Whick stopped and turned to his younger siblings. "Snow and I are in charge, got it? You all keep close, keep quiet, and keep calm. Understood?"

Glick, Snick and the twins each exchanged a look with each other, then looked to Snow. When she nodded her head they turned back to Whick and answered "understood."

Whick smiled. "Good. Now let's go." He turned again, leading the way to the little village, but the moment they reached the market all four of the children let out a wild cry of excitement and each darted away, drawn by the many different goods. Which tried to call them back, but to no avail.

Snow couldn't help but snicker. "Wonderful job, oh leader," she teased. "Papa should take lessons from you. Really."

Whick responded with the customary reply: sticking out his tongue, and Snow giggled as she went to find something interesting.

"Oh my gosh!" Glick cooed as she looked through a collection of combs being sold by an elderly woman. "Aren't these just gorgeous?"

Snick rolled his eyes. "They're just combs."

Glick frowned. "You just have no taste, that's all." She gasped in delight when she found a beautiful blue comb with shimmering metal teeth. "Why don't you go bother the twins if this is so boring?"

"Because they're probably just getting something to eat."

Glick held the comb up to her head and decided that blue wasn't her color. "Then go see what Whick is doing. I'm busy."

Snick rolled his eyes. "Fine. It's gotta be better than this." He turned and went to find Whick, leaving Glick to look at a golden comb with silver teeth.

"No," she sighed, "this one is much too expensive... Oh well."

When Snick found Whick he was at the local sword smith's shop. He had come here before with Blick, when he came to sell the ore which the smith refined into metal for his weapons and armor, so he knew the man well.

"Take a look, Whick my boy." The smith, a tall man with a large chest and thick arms, and more hair in his bushy mustache than on his bald head, held out a shining battle axe, smiling proudly. "I made this with the last bit of iron ore your papa sold me. Is it not beautiful?"

Whick smiled as he admired the beautiful weapon. "It's amazing, Karl. May I?"

Karl nodded and handed the axe to Whick, who held the heavy weapon up to examine it more closely.

A pair of farmers passed by, and when they saw Whick they laughed. "Careful with that, lad," one joked. "A little boy like you could get hurt holding that big, heavy axe."

Whick said nothing. He just gave the axe a skillful twirl before he threw it, sending it spinning through the air, and the blade buried itself in the stone wall of the smith shop.

Both men stared in amazement and Karl just laughed. "Pretty nice throw," he said, patting Whick on the back.

"The balance was a bit off though," said Whick.

"Oh? I'll work on that then. Give your papa my regards, eh?"

"Will do, Karl." Whick smiled and waved as he and Snick left the shop, leaving the men still staring in amazement.

"Wow," Snick exclaimed, "how did you do that?"

Whick grinned. "We're dwarves. It's in our blood."

"Really?"

Whick shrugged his shoulders. "No, probably not. But I've been chopping wood and swinging a pickax all my life, so a battle axe isn't much different."

Snick frowned. "You're no fun, you know that?"

Whick just continued to grin.

The twins meanwhile, as Snick predicted, had gone to look about at all the food. There were fresh-baked cakes, roasted chicken, a wide selection of exotic fruits and nuts, and any other kind of treat one could imagine.

"It all smells so good..." Plick said in wonder. "Where should we start?"

Flick, ever the observant one, quickly spotted a vendor selling sugar candies and pointed him out.

Plick smiled. "Flick, you are a genius."

Flick grinned proudly and he and Plick rushed to the candy vendor. They passed a group of men, all wearing cloaks, with swords and their sides, and Plick pushed one aside in his excitement.

"Wha-whoa!" the man exclaimed as he fell over. His companions laughed at him, but the young man was less than amused. He got up and ran a hand through his dirty-blond hair, turning to the two dwarf children that tripped him as they purchased their sugar candies.

"Look here," he said, stepping over to the twins, "who do you two think you are?"

Flick and Plick turned to the man and Plick smiled up at him. "Oh. I'm Plick, and this is my brother Flick. Who are you?"

The man frowned down at them. "Never mind that, you little rascal. How dare you trip me like that?"

"I didn't trip you... did you trip him, Flick?" Flick shrugged his shoulders.

The man frowned down at them both. "Ah, I see. Refusing to take responsibility, eh? I'd expect nothing less from a pair of dwarf urchins..."

Plick turned to Flick with a look of confusion. "Urchins? Should we be offended...?" Flick frowned and nodded his head. "I thought so." Plick nodded and turned up to the man. "You shouldn't call people names, mister. It's rude."

"Rude??" The man frowned. "And pushing a man over when his guard is down isn't? Now I've got mud on my best cloak!"

Plick shrugged. "Maybe you need to improve your balance, mister."

"That does it... I think somebody needs to teach you two a lesson."

"And what lesson would that be...?" When the man turned around he saw Whick and Snick there, Whick frowning dangerously.

"These two urchins," the man explained, "need to be taught a lesson about not tripping people."

Whick raised an eyebrow. "You let two eleven year olds trip you? Maybe you're the one who needs a lesson in walking."

The man's companions snickered again and his face turned a light shade of red. "I take it you're related to these to vagabonds? Or are you just short?"

Whick's mouth curled into a frown and he clenched a fist. "'Short'? You're about as clever with your insults as you are coordinated."

The man became even angrier and he reached out a hand to grab Whick by the collar. A crowd gathered as the two stared each other down, anticipating a fight. "You've got a big mouth for such a little twerp," the man muttered. "But why don't we see if you're not just talk, dwarf."

Whick glared. "You really want to try it, pretty boy?"

The crowd continued to gather around them, until Snow could see the growing audience from the book stand she now browsed through. "What's going on over there...?" she wondered to herself. She became worried about the others and quickly paid for her book before rushing over, and she fought her way to the center of the crowd where she saw Whick and the man staring each other down.

"Oh, All Father," she breathed, "what's that idiot gotten himself into this time...?" She quickly rushed over and pushed the two apart. "Alright, stop it! Whick, what are you doing?!"

"Me?!" Whick frowned at her. "This creep was bothering the boys!"

"Papa Blick told us to look out for the others, not get into fights!" She sighed and turned to the man, trying to smile. "I'm sorry, sir," she said politely. "Whick is very temperamental... and he has a big mouth..." That last part was directed mostly at Whick, but he ignored it. "I hope you can forgive him, really this is all just a big misunderstanding..."

The man barely listened to her. He stared, captivated by her beauty. "I'm sorry... but who are you, exactly?"

Snow hesitated. She didn't much like the way this young man looked at her, or the idea of giving out her name. "Um... I-I'm a friend of the dwarves," she answered.

The man found it odd that she avoided giving him a name, but he smiled. It would be fun trying to find out. "Well, I do hope we can be friends as well," he said.

Flick and Plick rushed to Snow's side, glaring at the man. "He called us urchins!" cried Plick."

The man looked a little ashamed. "Well, they did trip me..."

Snow frowned at him. "It was probably just an accident, no need to insult them. They're only children after all..."

The man looked down at the twins who stuck their tongue out at him and he forced a smile. "Yes... and such charming children, too..."

Snow rolled her eyes. "Come on, you two, apologize for tripping the man."

Both of them hesitated, but finally Plick gave a reluctant "sorry..." and Flick nodded in agreement.

"There," said Snow. "Problem solved?"

The man turned to her, a grin forming on her face. "You're quite the peace maker, miss. I'm impressed."

"Or maybe you're just a flirt," Snow muttered.

"Oh please, don't be like that..." the man smiled at her. "I'm really not so bad, you know."

"I'm sure you aren't. But it's time for us to go." She took the twins by the hands and walked away. "Whick, Snick, let's find Glick and finish up here."

Whick and Glick turned to follow, Whick turning to the man with a warning glare, and they walked away as the crowd dissipated.

The man watched Snow walk away as his companions stepped forward. "She certainly is something, isn't she?" he asked.

"I suppose so, lord Frederick," one of his companions answered. "But we should really hurry. The queen is expecting us."

"Oh yes... my mother's cousin..." Frederick rolled his eyes. "Very well, lets not keep the old queen waiting." He turned and walked away toward the stable where their horses were being kept, and he and his companions rode away toward the castle.

---

After finishing up their business in the village Snow and Whick headed home with the children, neither one bothering to speak. "What even happened?" Glick asked as she adjusted the new comb in her hair.

"Whick almost got in a fight," Snick explained. "And Snow had to save his butt."

"She didn't have to save me!" Whick snapped. "I would have been fine!"

"Yeah," Snow said with a roll of her eyes. "You would have beat him up, then his friends would have jumped you, then you'd be beaten to a pulp and we'd all get in trouble. Wonderful idea, Whick."

Whick frowned again. "I'd rather do that than hear you flirting with that guy again..."

"I was not flirting with him!" Snow turned to him with a glare. "HE flirted with ME. And I didn't like it anymore than you did. But somebody had to keep you from making an ass of yourself. What would Papa have said if he saw you acting like that?"

"Papa would have split the guy's skull for talking to the twins like that..."

"Whick, Papa would not do that."

Whick turned away with a scoff. "I know my father better than you do, Snow."

Snow looked at him a moment, completely silent. His words felt like a knife in her gut, but she wouldn't give him the satisfaction of telling him that. Instead she turned to the others. "And when we get home, nobody mention this to Mama or Papa, understand?"

The children looked surprised. "You mean lie?" Glick asked, shocked at the idea.

"No... just... don't tell them. It will just worry Mama and if Papa finds out he may never let us go to the village again." None of them wanted that, so one by one they nodded in agreement. "Good... now other that that little mixup I'd say we had a fun day, right?" The others nodded in agreement again, save for Whick who just stared ahead as he walked. "Besides, everything will be alright... I'm sure we'll never see that guy again."

---

When Frederick and his companions reached the castle he was led straight to the throne room where Lilith sat, lounging in the throne. He had never met his mother's cousin before, and now that he saw her he had to admit she was nothing at all like he expected.

Long, dark hair, flawless skin colored with a slight tan, piercing gray eyes and blood red lips were a far cry from the old, gray-haired woman he was certain he would meet. For a moment he felt certain he had been brought to the wrong queen.

"Queen Lilith...?" he asked.

She gave him a smile, showing off her flawless white teeth--the sight reminded Frederick of a wolf he saw once--and held out her hand. "Frederick, my darling, it's so good to see you. Tell me, how is my beloved cousin these days?"

Frederick stepped forward, hesitating only a split second before kissing her hand. "Ah, yes. Mother is well... just fretting over her gray hairs as usual, and fighting off arthritis."

Lilith laughed. "Poor dear... and she was always so vain, even when we were children..."

"Yeah..." Frederick looked her up and down. "It's funny but Mother always told me you were a teenager when she was little... but you certainly don't look that old..."

Lilith laughed. "Oh, you flatter me, my dear. Oh, have you met my bodyguard Spiegel?"

"Bodyguard?" Frederick turned around and, to his surprise, saw the intimidating man standing there. When had he come into the room?"

"Spiegel, dear," said Lilith, "This is Frederick, my dear Cousin Helga's son."

"Elsa," Frederick corrected.

"Yes, yes, my cousin Elsa's son, that's what I meant. Frederick, this is Spiegel."

Spiegel bowed slightly, saying nothing as he stared unblinkingly at Frederick. For a split second he thought he saw the Queen's face staring at him, but he waved it off as just a trick of the light.

Lilith stood and slipped an arm around Frederick's, a motion that made him more than a little uncomfortable. She either didn't notice or she ignored it. "Spiegel, be a dear and have Frederick's things taken to our best room?"

Spiegel bowed again. "As you wish." He turned and left the room as Lilith dismissed the other servants, leading Frederick to one of the tall windows which faced out over the kingdom.

"I'm so glad you've come," she told him, "you see I face a terrible predicament. My poor husband--may he rest in peace--died before he and I could have children. And his poor little girl died as well, leaving the kingdom without an heir. Now there are those who think I should be dethroned, all because I hadn't the heart to remarry after my beloved's death." She gave an overly-dramatic sigh and held the back of her hand to her forehead. "It's been a nightmare, really..."

"I see..." Frederick carefully took his arm from hers, obviously unimpressed with her theatrics. "And what's that got to do with me?"

"Why, you're family of course!" She turned to him with another sickly-sweet smile. "You're the only child of my dear cousin."

"I have a little sister..."

"Well then you're the eldest child of my dear cousin! And I would like to proclaim you my heir."

Frederick seemed genuinely surprised. "Me? Your heir? You barely even knew I existed before today. In fact, if I recall correctly, mother says you never wanted anything to do with your family years ago..."

Lilith's smile faded. Apparently this boy wasn't going to be as easy to manipulate as she'd hoped. Oh well, might as well drop the charade. "Well, I can see nothing gets past you... Very well, you want to know the truth? The truth is I need an heir in order to keep my throne and you fit the bill." She folded her arms. "Do you have a problem with this...?"

Frederick was silent a moment before smiling. "Not really," he admitted. "I mean, this is legitimate, right? I'm your heir and I get the throne when you die? Er, or retire or something?"

"Yes..."

He smiled again. "Then I honestly don't care what your reasons are for making me your heir."

Lilith grinned, pleasantly surprised. "Well, a man after my own heart. If I had one. In that case all the better." She turned to ring one of the many bells which called servants to the throne room. "I'll just have you shown to your room now. You'll forgive me if I don't dine with you, of course."

Frederick shrugged his shoulders. "Makes no difference to me. Although I have to admit, I am curious about how you've stayed so young-looking..."

Lilith just smiled. "Now dear, I can't just give away my secrets..."

A servant soon arrived and bowed, offering to take Frederick to his room. Frederick nodded his head and turned to follow, but he paused and turned to Lilith again. "Oh by the way, would you mind if I went out for a bit tomorrow?"

"Out? Out where?"

"I met this girl in a village near the mountains." Frederick smiled. "A really cute one. Pale skin, red lips, black hair..."

Lilith felt her blood run cold at Frederick's description. A girl with pale skin, red lips and black hair... she had only heard a girl described that way once before, and that was ten years ago... "She does sound pretty... and you say she was in a village near the mountain...?"

Frederick nodded his head. "I want to go back there and try to find her. Do you mind?"

Lilith forced a smile. "Why no, not at all. I hope you find her."

Frederick gave her a grin. "There isn't a pretty girl alive I couldn't track down." He waved to Lilith as the servant led him away.

Lilith turned to the window again, glaring out at the mountains. She didn't have to know that Spiegel had returned.

"We may have a problem..."

---

The following day, bright and early, Frederick mounted his horse and rode alone back to the village. Once there he began to ask around about the beautiful girl.

"Oh, her?" One of the local booksellers smiled when Frederick mentioned her. "She comes into the village sometimes with the old dwarf miner and his family. Nice enough girl. I think she's their maid or something. Ask Karl the sword smith, he knows more about the dwarves than anyone."

And so he did, and Karl was most informative.

"Ah, Blick's girl." He smiled as he wiped the soot from his hands. "A sweet lass at that. It's no wonder why Blick and his wife took her in."

"Any idea where I could find her?"

"She lives with the dwarves," Karl explained. "Why, are you a friend of hers?"

Frederick smiled. "Yes, you could say that..."

"Ah. Well, the dwarves live down at the base of the mountain." He pointed to the woods, at the beginning of the little path. "Through there. Oy, but if you're thinkin' of makin' trouble for the dwarves be warned. Blick's a hell of a fighter, and so's his whole family. They'll not make it easy on an unarmed lad like yourself."

"Oh not to worry. Trouble is the last thing I'm looking for." Frederick thanked the sword smith for his time and returned to his horse, riding toward the woods and the dirt path.

---

The day had been a quiet, uneventful one in the dwarve's household. As always the family awoke, did chores, had breakfast and bid farewell to Blick and Whick as they headed to the mine for the day.

Nothing had been said of the incident in the village, and the family was able to enjoy a pleasant meal and one of Blick's best stories before going to bed, though her argument with Whick had kept Snow awake.

Thankfully the following day's chores were a good distraction, with Whick gone to the mine there was nothing there to remind her of the unpleasantness of the trip to the village.

At least, there was nothing to remind her before Glick rushed excitedly into the house while Snow and Quee were doing dishes.

"Mama! There's a man riding up on a big white horse!"

"Oh?" Quee looked surprised. "Who would be coming here?" She and Snow quickly dried their hands and followed Glick outside. The boys were already there, admiring the large white stallion as it approached. But when Snow recognized the rider she groaned. "Oh, no..."

Frederick smiled at her as he rode up and climbed down from his horse. "Ah, we meet again, fair lady."

"Oh joy..." Snow muttered sarcastically.

Quee stepped forward, confused, and she gave a polite curtsy. "Good day, sir," she said. "Do ye have business here?"

Frederick smiled at the old dwarf woman. "I've come to visit this lovely young lady. We met yesterday in the village."

"Oh...? Quee turned to Snow who looked as if she wanted to run as far away as possible. "I see..."

Plick and Flick tugged on Quee's skirt, pointing at Frederick. "Mama," Plick whispered loudly. "He called us urchins!"

"Urchins?" Poor Quee was even more confused.

"Ah..." Frederick scratched his cheek, looking slightly embarrassed. "Well you see miss, I'm afraid your children and I had a slight misunderstanding yesterday..."

"He almost beat Whick up and Snow saved him!" Plick announced. Snow sighed and slapped her forehead.

"Snow, eh...?" Frederick smiled again. "Unusual name, but I like it."

Snow glared at him and finally grabbed his sleeve. "Mama, would you excuse us? I'm just going to have a little chat with mister..."

"Frederick."

"...Mister Frederick in private." She pulled Frederick away by his arm until they were out of earshot of the others. "What the hell are you doing, tracking me down like that? Do you have any idea how creepy this is?!"

"Creepy?" Frederick frowned. "Most girls would find it romantic."

"Well I'm not most girls. Now what are you doing here?"

He gave her a smirk. "I'm here to find someone who's not like most girls of course. You left so quickly yesterday we didn't get a proper introduction."

"Well now we have, so kindly leave."

"Leave? Before we've had the chance to get to know each other?"

Snow folded her arms. "And what makes you think I want to get to know you?"

Frederick smiled, as if the question amused him. "Well why wouldn't you?"

Snow rolled her eyes and laughed. "You just think you're the All Father's gift to women, don't you?" She sighed. "Listen, I don't know what it is you were expecting but you cannot just stalk me and my family!"

"Family...? You mean those dwarves?"

"Yes, those dwarves. Do you have a problem with that?"

"No, no, certainly not. It's just that it's... unusual, that's all."

"Well they're my family. And this is my home. And I don't like some stranger coming her looking for me."

Frederick opened his mouth, about to speak, but he paused a moment. He went silent, and a thoughtful  look came over him. "I... I hadn't thought of it like that..."

Snow frowned but her posture became more relaxed. "Well, you should have... Now if you'll excuse me I have work to do." Snow turned to go.

"Wait! So... let's say I wanted to get to know you the non-creepy way... would you object to that?" Snow turned to face him again and he smiled. "I'm really not so bad when you get to know me..."

Snow stared at him a moment. She was trying to figure this man out, but it was difficult. "And what's the non-creepy way?"

He smiled. "Well, like maybe I could come back to visit some time... maybe spend a little time with you and your... family?"

Snow paused a moment before sighing. "Maybe... That's up to Mama Quee and Papa Blick, though."

"Ah, well why didn't you say so?" Frederick grinned and walked over to the cottage again, bowing slightly to Quee. "Madam, it has been brought to my attention that I never asked your permission to visit miss Snow. I would like to rectify that by asking you now if I might come back to visit some time?"

Quee looked him up and down a moment, a little unsure, but after a moment she smiled. "Well... I suppose dear Snow could use more friends. I'll just have to talk it over with my husband tonight."

Snow sighed but Frederick smiled. "I'm grateful, madam." He bowed again. "I should take my leave now... Oh! And I almost forgot." He produced two sugar candies from his pocket and offered them to the twins. "A peace offering."

Flick and Plick stared at the candy, wide-eyed, but they hesitated. "So you're not gonna call us urchins anymore...?"

Frederick smiled. "Only if you promise not to push me down anymore."

"Deal!" Plick and Flick rushed forward and snatched the candy away and Frederick laughed.

"Well, I should get back now. But may I come back again sometime soon?"

"Ye may." Quee smiled. "Thank ye for your visit sir, and have a safe journey."

Frederick bowed again and gave Snow a smile before he mounted his horse.

As he rode away Quee turned Snow and the children, folding her arms. "Well, dearies? Is there something ye neglected to tell us yesterday...?"

They headed inside as Snow prepared to tell the story. Nobody noticed the figure hidden among the trees watching them...

---

Spiegel had followed the queen's orders to the letter, as he always did. She told him of the girl Frederick had mentioned, and told him to follow him back to the village. If what she suspected was true he would report back to her immediately.

And so he followed Frederick. Never once during the journey to the village did the young man even suspect he was being followed, and in the crowded streets it was child's play for Spiegel to avoid detection as he spied on his target.

When he spoke to the sword smith Spiegel was nearby, his face hidden by a heavy hooded cloak, and he heard every word. From there it was simple to follow, staying just outside the path where the trees hid him from sight. He could easily hear the clip-clop of hooves as Frederick's horse strode along, but Spiegel's soft boots were all but silent on the soft undergrowth.

Finally Frederick came to the dwarves' cottage and Spiegel hid himself in the trees nearby. When he saw the dark-haired woman step out the door he narrowed his eyes. She certainly looked like the princess... she was the right age, too. But could it be...?

That's when he heard one of the dwarves refer to her as "Snow." There could be no other explanation.

The princess had survived...

When Frederick mounted his horse again and rode away Spiegel headed back to the castle as well. Though Frederick rode on horseback, Spiegel somehow arrived first on foot and he made his way to the queen's chambers to make his report.

Lilith was not pleased. "How could she have survived...?"

"The huntsman obviously was less than truthful," said Spiegel. "A possibility I had been prepared for... but I'm surprised she survived in the woods and found refuge."

Lilith scowled at him. "If you hadn't already killed that huntsman I would have killed him myself." She growled and stood up from her chair, pacing the room as Spiegel stood there silently. "I cannot allow this... not after all the years I spent clawing my way up from nothing! I've come too far, sacrificed too much to have this pale-skinned brat come back and ruin things!" She turned to Spiegel. "Did Frederick seem to recognize her?"

"No. As far as he knows she's just another peasant."

"Good... we can keep this quiet then. Right now he's content to be my heir in the hopes of taking the throne someday, but if he finds out his girlfriend is the real heir there's no telling what he would do. And if anyone else found out..." She shook her head, unwilling to even consider such a thing. "This must be fixed. Immediately."

"I agree, my queen. What are your orders?"

"You already know my orders, Spiegel." Lilith grinned. "Kill her. And don't leave witnesses."

---

That evening when Whick and Blick returned home Quee told Blick everything that had happened that day, and all about the incident in the village.

Blick scratched his beard in thought as his children sat at the dinner table, silently looking down in shame. "Well... this certainly an interesting turn of events... Whick, what have you to say for yourself?"

"Me?" Whick turned to Blick in surprise. "I was just looking out for the twins! Snow's the one who had us lie about it!"

"I didn't want to worry anyone!" Snow glared at him. "Besides, I'm the one who kept you from getting into a fight!"

"For the record," said Glick, "I was looking at dresses during the whole situation. So I had nothing to do with it."

"Well neither did I!" said Snick.

"He called us urchins!" cried Plick. "But he gave us candy so we forgave him." Flick nodded in agreement.

"Alright, settle down!" Blick ordered. It wasn't often that the soft-spoken dwarf raised his voice, so when he did his children knew better than to ignore it. When they went silent Blick took a calming breath before continuing in his usual gentle tone. "I'm not interested in who did what. What matters is ye got into trouble in the village, then hid it from Mama and me."

The children lowered their heads in shame again, but Blick smiled gently. "Now, now, no need to hang your heads like that. I'm not angry. Just disappointed. Flick, Plick, you should mind your manners. Whick, you should be careful of your temper, and Snow, Mama and I would prefer honesty. At all times. Understood?"

They nodded their heads and answered "Understood, papa."

"Good. Now... what do we do about this young friend of Snow's?"

"He's not exactly a friend..." Snow mumbled.

"He seems like a nice enough lad." Quee smiled as she served everyone their dinner and sat down across from Blick. "And handsome, too."

Glick sighed. "Yeah... he really was..."

Whick rolled his eyes. "He wasn't that handsome. And I don't think we should let him come here."

"Why not?" Blick asked. "It would be rude of us to turn a visitor away."

"I don't like the thought of some stranger coming here while you and I are off at the mine. What if he got his buddies together and ransacked the house or something?"

Snow frowned. "He seemed full of himself but he didn't seem that bad..."

"Oh, well, thank goodness you can tell when someone doesn't 'seem that bad' after two minutes of talking to them. What ever would we do without your keen judgment, Snow?"

"Hey, I don't like this any more than you do, but I figure I should at least give him a chance..."

Whick scoffed. "Why, because you've got a crush on him?"

Snow blushed. "I do not!"

"Well then why are you putting my family at risk by bringing strangers here?"

"I didn't ask him to follow me, Whick. And I'm not putting anyone at risk! They're my family, too!"

Whick turned to her with a serious look, and before he could stop himself he said the cruelest thing he could. "No. They're not."

Snow went silent, and she stared at Whick a moment. She was torn between shock and anger, and so many replies popped into her head that she couldn't think of which to say.

"Whick!" Quee frowned at him. "How could ye say such a thing!"

How could he indeed? Whick regretted the words the moment he spoke them. But to admit that would mean admitting he was wrong, and in the heat of the moment pride overpowered his better judgment. "Well it's true! She may live here, but she's not part of this family!"

"Now ye just stop that!" Quee turned to Snow and patted her hand gently. "Snow dear, don't ye pay any attention to him."

Snow didn't say anything. She didn't even look at Quee. Without a word she pushed her chair out from the table and stood up. "I'm not hungry,"she muttered. "Please excuse me." Silently she walked to the door. "I'm going outside for a bit."

"Snow dear," said Quee, "please..." but Snow ignored her and walked out the door. When the door closed behind her all eyes turned to Whick. Everyone looked at him with contempt.

But nobody was angrier at Whick than himself.

---

Why did I say those things? he asked himself. He had also excused himself from the table and retreated to the bedroom, sitting on his bed in silence.

Before long Blick came into the room and sat down on the bed. He sat in silence a moment, puffing on his long-stem pipe.

"Are you going to tell me to go apologize?" Whick didn't turn to his father as he spoke.

Blick shook his head. He didn't turn to Whick, either. "No, I know ye better than that, son. Ye never did like to be told to apologize. Especially not when ye and Snow got into an argument. But ye always did come around on your own and make things right."

"But how do I make this right, Papa? I've never seen Snow so hurt..."

"Talking helps. It always helped when Mama and I fought."

Whick tried to hide a slight blush. "That's different."

"Is it?"

"Well yeah! You and Mama are married Snow and I are... we're... Well, we're not married!"

Blick smiled. "Ye care about her, don't ye?"

Whick didn't answer.

"Ye know no one else noticed but when Snow first came here there was a way ye looked at her. And ye still look at her the same way."

"...So?"

"So... it's a little like the way I look at your mother." Blick turned to his son with a smile. "She's your best friend, Whick. And you're hers. I won't say there's more to it then that, but ye do care about her, and ye will make it right." Blick patted Whick on the shoulder as the other kids came in, ready for bed. "But ye best do it soon. It's time for bed. Ye don't want her to sit outside all night, do ye?"

Whick shook his head and smiled a bit. "No... I'll go talk to her."

"Good lad." Blick smiled again and turned to go as Whick stood up, heading outside.

When Snow stepped outside the moon was high in the sky, but now it had dipped below the mountains, leaving everything bathed in darkness.

Snow didn't notice, nor did she know how long she was outside. She just sat down on the tree stump--her favorite spot to sit and think when she was upset--and gazed up at the stars. When Wick stepped outside and sat down on the stump next to her she didn't turn to look at him.

"Mama and Papa sent you out here, didn't they?" She frowned. "I'm sorry, did I say 'mama and papa'? I meant Quee and Blick."

Whick frowned as well. "No, they didn't. Well, not really... Papa did talk to me but I'm here because I want to talk."

"Talk about what? How I'm not part of this family? I think you made that clear already."

"Snow... I'm sorry. I didn't mean that, okay?"

"Then why say it?" Snow turned to face him at last. "Why did you say that if you didn't mean it?"

"I was angry, okay? That guy... I just don't like him."

"You don't like anybody aside from the family."

"That's true, but I especially don't like that Frederick guy." Whick sighed. "I don't trust his intentions..."

Snow rolled her eyes. "Wick, that's silly. It's not like he's going to rob us or something."

"I don't mean that. I mean with you."

Snow paused, surprised. "Wait... with me?"

Whick was silent a moment, turning his gaze away to stare up towards the mountains. "I don't like the way he looked at you, alright? It's the way most guys look at you when we go to the village, but this time was... worse."

Snow blinked in confusion. Men looked at her when they went to the village? Since when? And why did Whick care?

She smiled just a bit, as if amused. "Whick, I'm not completely helpless you know..."

"Yeah. I know."

"And it's not like I trust him either. I don't even know him. But he doesn't seem TOO bad... just annoying..."

"That's not bad?"

"Well I live with you, so I'm used to annoying." She playfully nudged him with her elbow. "Why, are you jealous or something, Whick?"

Whick blushed again. "N-no! I just... I..."

Snow smiled gently. "Is it weird... that I'd like it if you were...?"

Whick turned to her, confused. "Like it? If I was jealous?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "It shows you really do care about me..." She looked down at her feet a moment, looking thoughtful. "I always wanted you to like me, Whick. Ever since we were kids. So it's nice to know you do..."

Whick was silent a moment as he looked at her. He didn't know what to say... 'Idiot, of course I like you!' 'You really can't tell after all this time?' and 'I'm sorry, I should tell you more often!' all came to mind, but they all sounded too stupid.

Snow smiled at him again. "Honestly, Frederick stalks me, you insult me... I'd hate to see what someone who doesn't like me would do to me."

Whick rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah... But I am sorry." He turned to her again with an earnest look on his face. "You are a part of this family. An important one." He smiled a little. "You're more like a freakishly tall dwarf now, instead of a human."

Snow grinned. "I take that as a compliment, my good sir."

"Good." Whick stood up, rubbing his hands together. The autumn air was colder than usual. "Why don't we go inside now? We should get to bed."

Snow nodded her head. "Yeah, that's a good idea." She stood as well and followed Whick as he entered the cottage.

She almost reached the doorway but paused when she heard a rustling in the bushes. She turned around fast, trying to spot the source of the noise, but there was nothing.

"Strange..." Snow felt a chill down her spine. Something just didn't seem right here... She felt even more compelled to get inside now and she turned to the door again, only to see a tall figure standing before her.

Snow opened her mouth, about to scream, but the man reached out and clasped a cold hand over her lips, his other hand wrapping around her throat. She tried to struggle, beating her fists against his chest and face, but he didn't seem to feel a thing.

"We meet again, little princess," the man whispered in a voice Snow remembered all too well...

Spiegel...

She stared at him, her eyes wide, as she was finally able to make out the details of his face. How... how had he found her?

"You've been quite the nuisance, princess," Spiegel continued as he began to apply pressure to her throat. "That huntsman was supposed to have taken care of you ten years ago... now it seems I'll have to finish the job myself."

Snow felt the hand tightening around her neck and struggled for breath as her windpipe became closed off. She kept trying to struggle against him, but her strength was starting to fail her.

Spiegel's face never changed, his expression remaining cold and lifeless as he choked her, though Snow thought for a second she noticed step-mother's cruel grin. He didn't even appear surprised when a chair broke against his back and he released his grip on Snow.

She fell to the ground, coughing as Spiegel turned to see Whick standing in the doorway. When he noticed she hadn't come inside Whick turned and found Spiegel there and grabbed a chair.

"Get away from her!" he shouted.

Spiegel said nothing. He simply grabbed Whick by the collar and picked him up, throwing him back into the house. Whick flew through the door and hit the table, breaking it in half as he fell to the ground.

Spiegel followed him inside, prepared to continue the fight, but found Whick unconscious.

Good, he thought. A much easier target.

But before Spiegel could make his move Snow rushed him, jumping on his back with a shout. "Leave him alone!"

Spiegel was unimpressed by her attack and flipped her over his shoulder with little effort. As she lay on the ground, dazed, he looked about for a weapon to finish the job. His eyes settled on the sharp metal comb Glick had left out, laying on the floor where it fell when the table collapsed.

Taking the comb in hand, Spiegel turned and knelt beside Snow, raising the comb above her chest.

Time to finish the job...

He raised the comb high, poised to stab her, when he felt a sudden thunk in his back. He turned his head and saw Blick standing behind him, his hands still clutching the handle of the pickax that was now buried in his back.

For the first time Spiegel looked afraid, and he dropped the comb. With a burst of strength he pushed Blick away and ran off, the pickax still stuck in his back as he stumbled away into the woods.

Snow groaned and sat up as Quee and the children gathered around her. "Are ye alright, deary?" Quee asked, her voice full of concern. "When we heard the commotion Papa was quick to grab his pickax. And a good thing, too."

Snow didn't answer. She was more concerned with Whick. She turned to the wreckage of the table and saw Blick already helping him to a sitting position. He seemed battered and bruised, but otherwise alive. Thank the All Father.

"Who was that?" Snick asked. He and the others seemed almost as shaken as she was. "What was he doing here?"

Snow was silent a moment. She stared off into space, her eyes wide with fear and confusion. How had they found her... after all these years...?

"I think..." she whispered as she hugged herself. "I think my step-mother sent him to kill me..."

---

Lilith had been laying in bed, resting comfortably, when she felt a sharp, searing pain in her back.

She sat up, screaming in pain as it felt like she was being stabbed, but when the servants rushed in she sent them away.

Spiegel... something had happened to Spiegel!

She felt her heart pounding in her chest, both from agony and from fear, but she got out of her bed and stumbled over to the window. Where was Spiegel?!

Finally she felt his presence and turned to see him fall to his knees before her. A pickax was stuck in his back.

"Spiegel!" She rushed to his side as he fell over and cradled his head in her lap. "How... what happened to you? Oh, that wretched girl!"

"My queen..." Spiegel's voice was growing weak. "I've failed you... my queen..."

Lilith shook her head. "Be still. You need to save your strength."

"I have none left... forgive me..."

"Shh..." Lilith stroked his cold cheek with her thumb. She held him a moment longer as the life faded from his body. As he died his skin became smooth and reflective, like glass, and his body began to crack and break apart.

When it was over, all that remained was a pile of broken bits of mirror laying in the floor next to the pickax, and when Lilith looked at herself in the shards she saw the reflection of an old hag staring back at her.

"Snow White..." the hag scowled hatefully and clenched her wrinkled, arthritic fists. "I would have killed you before... but now you're going to truly suffer for what you've done!"