CHAPTER 1: THE CORONATION

The halls were crowded as everyone filtered in; the entire kingdom had come to see their new Queen. The guards successfully placed everyone where they needed to be; two sides on either side of the hall. Yet there was a crowd of people throughout the halls and out of the door, all they wanted was a glimpse of their new hope.

William looked about at all the faces; he could see the excitement and anticipation. Some had still never seen her but had heard about her beauty.

William held his head up proudly. They were friends first but now something had changed… they were all grown up. He went from liking to tease her, to liking her and wanting to protect her. And she indeed was beautiful, and so was her heart.

The trumpets sounded and the guards stood straight. The Queen was about to enter the hall. Everyone hushed each other to silence, smiles wide on their faces.

And there she was. Skin white as snow, lips red as rose, and hair as black as a raven. William believed she almost glided into the room. The room was in awe of her. Yet she couldn't keep her eyes up. She was led to the throne where she awaited to be crowned.

She glanced over everyone, looking at her news friends the dwarves, the townsfolk, and then William.

He made sure to give her a nice, gentle, and reassuring smile. But Snow just looked on, still a little shaky.

The priest slowly placed the jeweled crown upon her head.

Hail to the Queen!

The hall filled with hails and voices. A chill of excitement ran through William.

"Hail to the Queen" Hail to MY Queen. He thought with a smile.

He noticed that she still looked around. She looked as if she might run out. Then he watched as her eyes fixed on something in the back and they lit up. A small smile appeared on her lips. She took a deep breath and lifted her head proudly. William looked towards the back but could not see what she was looking at.

But the hall erupted once again into cheers and the guards lifted their swords making the path for the Queen to walk through her people. She slightly bowed her head, and started to walk down the steps.

Were there really so many townspeople? Snow White thought to herself. She tried to walk with care and finally made it to the throne. She looked around at the faces, seeing new faces and old friends, the Dwarves, William, the Duke, and the village women. As the priest was talking her thoughts were preoccupied.

How am I to lead all these people? Rebuild this kingdom? Have a really earned their trust?

Hail to the Queen!

Am I ready to be a Queen?

Hail to the Queen!

Hail to the Queen!

The priest told her to stand and hold the blossoming branch firmly. She rose and felt the air of excitement and hope. But she was still unsure of herself. She looked at the doors… she just wanted some air. After being locked up for years after the death of her father, how was she a leader? Sure she led one battle against the Ravenna, but was it enough? Was it all really going to be easy?

She continued to stare at the doors, drowning out the cheers around her. Then she saw him.

The Huntsman.

He stood at the door, as if waiting for her to come to him. He gave her a proud smile. It filled her with hope and peace. She felt stronger. So she took a breath. She knew she could do this. She was ready.

The guards lifted their swords. She bowed before the people in gratitude for their blessings. As she was about to take her first steps down the throne as a Queen, someone grabbed her hand. It was William. She gave him a grateful smile.

She walked down the aisle, with William close behind her. And she smiled at the townspeople. This was a new beginning and she was ready for it.

"Bless you my Queen." A woman held Snow's hand and bowed then she returned to her children and family.

Snow White nodded and thanked her.

"My, my, how odd it is that I shall now have to call you my Queen." William walked over and teased.

"It is odd. I don't think I shall be used to it any time soon." Snow laughed. She gave William a hug.

They were in the dining hall, people dancing and eating in celebration.

"Though I don't mind at all. Now you just have a crown, but you've always been a queen to me." William hugged her a little longer. When he pulled away Snow couldn't look at him.

"I distinctly remember being the damsel in distress while you were always the king." Snow said remembering when they were children.

"Those were games Snow—I mean my Queen. I just wanted to be the one to save you. But you saved us all. I only wanted to be a king so I could make up for my lack of purpose." William smiled.

"Oh William, you do matter!" She touched his arm.

"Do I? How do I matter to you?" William spoke in a serious tone. He held her hand. Snow looked at him but could not answer. He waited. Then there was a tug on her arm. One of the dwarves, Muir, held out his hand.

"A dance, my Queen?" He bowed slightly.

Snow turned to William and shrugged. William nodded.

Snow followed Muir to the dance area and did the dance she learned from Gus. Everyone watched then followed. Laughter and joy filled the air. Snow had never had so much fun before this was her first party.

Just then a deep voice cut in, "May I?"

Snow turned around and her heart jumped, it was the Huntsman.

Without thinking she turned to him and put her hands in his. She twirled her around and they were both laughing and smiling.

"I did not know you could dance so well Huntsman." Snow looked at him.

"We didn't exactly have much time to dance my lady." The Huntsman looked down at her.

"Well, we shall have time now right?" Snow offered.

"There is a time for everything. And this is quite a celebration."

"Yes. It is. Maybe it's too much." Snow White looked around at everyone.

"Too much? Have you heard about this Queen?" The Huntsman looked at Snow in mock surprise. "Why, she melted a trolls heart with one look, she lead the kings army to ride once more into an epic battle, who brought life back to a dead land, she personally destroyed the one woman who terrorized the land with her dark magic, and did I mention she was the fairest and most beautiful of all?"

Snow blushed. "She does sound like something I suppose."

"You're more than something Snow White. You're a queen."

"You think I can rebuild and lead a kingdom?" She searched his eyes.

"I know you can."

She pulled him closer and they danced slower.

"Thank you my dear Huntsman." Snow said into his chest.

The Huntsman, surprised by her gesture, looked around nervously. He looked at William who wasn't paying attention. But he did notice that Muir was staring at the two of them smiling. The Huntsmen stopped dancing. Snow White looked up.

"What's the matter?" She asked.

"I am terribly thirsty." The Huntsman started to walk away, and then he stopped. He turned back to her. He saw her face was a little saddened. "Join me, Queen?" She smiled once again. She walked with him.

"William!"

"Well if it isn't the brave Huntsman." They both embraced. Snow watched then. They seemed to be like brothers, or soldiers.

"Care to have a toast over our new Queen?" Huntsman poured three glasses of wine.

"Of course."

"To our Queen, Snow White, may your kingdom prosper!" The Huntsman raised his glass.

"And receive all your heart desires, as you lead us all! To the Queen! To Snow!" The three raised their glasses together and drank.

"Queen—" William started.

"Please call me Snow, it's odd hearing that coming from the both of you." Snow corrected. They laughed.

"I was wondering if I would be able to take this opportunity and to go on a walk with you? There is much on my mind about the kingdom and my home that I wish to discuss with you. But as a friend that is. I don't want you to have to deal with policies and such on you first day as queen."

"Um…" Snow looked between the Huntsman and William. The Huntsman gave a small smile.

"I shall… join the dwarves in a drinking. Should be a fair one now that both parties have something to lose." He walked away.

William held out his arm. Snow took it.

They started to leave the party. Snow looked back and saw the dwarves dancing. There was no sign of the Huntsman. He was gone?

She followed William reluctantly…