Fully Bared

~A Snow White and the Huntsman Story~

The stoned pavement of the castle's halls were frigid, paralyzing the tips of my toes as they swayed across the floor in a slow fashion. My cheeks though, were gleaming with warmth from the sun's rays as it shined through the tall iron window overlooking the village. The scenic view I had grown accustomed to it as a child was restored to its fullest glory. I could smell the aroma of the baker's fresh loaves again and hear laughter from young children as they played carefree in the streets. Harmony was restored in the Kingdom, my Kingdom, from Ravenna's bitter reign. I could feel partial solace from the effect of my restorations, but something more powerful lurked in my veins.

My mind immediately returned to Eric's face. His eyes, his cold and guarded eyes seen to others, couldn't compare to the warmth that existed behind them-which only I exclusively could see. The desire to be near him, a sense of protection as I felt his arms hold me against him, only grew stronger every day. This new sense of passion dwelling inside me just by thinking of him frequently sent my heart pounding. It was so strong I felt weary afterwards. I wanted to know what lied in his heart and mind, and whether he had envisioned himself loving me as much as I felt I was in love with him.

The last view I had of him, was his back as he left me in the rose garden at my coronation ball. I remember looking into his eyes, as we danced in the garden, listening to the music playing inside the crowded gathering. Balls were not his style, so I was quite surprised when he entered the rose garden, smiling softly as I gazed at him in shock.

"Eric? You came. I didn't think you would." I said, still dumbfounded by his entrance.

"And miss Queen Snow's coronation? No, not a chance." He said casually.

He took a few steps closer to me until we were only inches apart.

"I had to see you, before I leave tomorrow for the West Village." His tone grew slightly dismayed by his news.

"The war..." I said, upset by his news. "The war against the Dronamors. King Leonard asked for our Kingdom's assistance. You'll be leaving for the army." I said, not being able to look at him as I said those words out loud.

"Hold on," He said, putting his finger under my chin, so I could look at him. "I won't be gone long. I'm a fierce fighter, I'll make it out just fine."

"I know. But war, it's still so treacherous." I said. "Just promise you'll be careful."

"I promise, Queen Snow." I smiled at his remark.

"And promise you'll stop calling me Queen," I said playfully. "It doesn't make me sound very tough."

"Like a name makes you less tough. You can't really be what you already weren't."

I playfully punched him in the chest, to which he smiled and chuckled playfully in return.

"After learning how to dance properly, I am definitely tough. Dancing is a real challenge."

"I beg your pardon?" Eric asked, appalled. "Dancing is nowhere compared to face-to-face combat."

"Prove it." I dared, laughing at the idea of him dancing.

At that remark, he bowed before me and left his hand out for me to take it, to which I did.

He pulled me closer and his hand rested against my waist as the other cradled my hand in his. I felt a tingle inside me as I came closer to him.

He danced wonderfully, though he made me laugh as he teased the different styles of dance, even imitating my councils in the process. I just laughed, feeling radiant and carefree in his presence. He always knew how to make me smile.

It was then, our bodies danced slower, and soon my head was resting against his chest as we swayed to the song playing in the ballroom behind us. His breathing soothed me and his warmth beat against me and I let my eyes close to capture all the senses of this moment.

"I'm going to miss you, miss your humor and your laugh." I said, still resting against him.

"I know. I will miss you too. But it won't be long. And I'll be back soon. I promise."

I nodded and as we separated, I grew more depressed and as I gazed into his eyes, I couldn't help but hug him once more. His arms wrapped around me and I knew I didn't want to let him go.

"Goodbye Eric. I'll be waiting." I said, fighting back my tears.

He nodded and as we separated for a second time, he gave me a single nod before exiting the garden and into the night. I didn't know what had happened, but in that moment I wished I could have kissed him before he left.

I wondered why I hadn't kissed him. I knew my passion was strong, the moment I first laid eyes on him, I knew there was something about him I couldn't escape. Something I didn't want to, even if I could. This feeling in my heart hit like a ton of rocks every time it came, leaving me breathless and bare, seeing as I have been so closed off from feeling so blissful for so long. I could feel my cheeks blush at my contemplations, knowing my emotions were so bottled up that they could seep through my skin at any moment.

But then again, he was guarded as well. After everything he has been through with losing his wife and feeling responsible for it, I knew he wanted to resist my advances. He had avoided me prior to that romantic night after everything we had experienced with my resurrection. It lingered in my mind maybe he himself was hesitant of the tension lingering between our glances from across the room and our body language raging, as we took into account each other's presence. I wanted him desperately, but not at the cost of losing him forever to where distance was the only thing not separating us.

A voice echoed down the hall and I heard Susan's breathless voice and quick paced footsteps rush down the concrete hall, as she called my name.

"My Queen, you must come at once, the council is waiting for you in the meeting room. You must come quickly."

I took one last gaze at the sun before following her, knowing time for love was futile now, as he was not here and I had a kingdom to rule. I must tuck these emotions down under my heart and consider the factors at hand, as I am Queen and time for personal conflicts was not important now.