Free Snow White by Jenni James Page B

He worried about her, though, and he could tell Corlan was beside himself with fear for her safety. Though neither of them mentioned it, Terrance knew they were both worried about wolves or other beasts.
    Taking an oil lamp, he slipped out of his room and made his way down the darkened corridors to the library. Perhaps there was a chance he could go find Snow himself and guarantee that she was safe. Excitement poured through his limbs at the thought. Yes! It was the perfect solution. Allow him to protect her.
    He waited until Corlan came back to spring it upon him.
    So eager was he to share the news that he did not see Raven slip in until she said, “So, you will now become Snow’s hero and not Corlan?”
    Terrance glanced over and smiled, his heart jolting at the sight of her. She looked stunning, her long hair shimmering in the soft glow of the lamps around them. “Hello.” When she did not reply and appeared to be waiting, he thought back on the question she had asked. “Yes. Yes, it will be me who claims the hero part, I imagine. Though,”—he turned to Corlan—“did you not tell her what happened?”
    “Corlan explained the spell on the way to the library.” Raven seemed upset as she fidgeted a bit.
    “What is wrong?” Terrance asked.
    The look she gave him would have soured milk. “Honestly?” she snapped. “You must inquire if something is wrong?”
    “I—uh…”
    She flipped her long braid over her shoulder. “My sister is alone in a forest, running for her life. My mother has become so darkened by a cursed mirror that she has eaten a pig’s heart, believing it to be Snow’s, and has turned herself into an old woman.”
    She threw her hands up and crossed to a tall window. Pointing outside, she continued, “My stepfather is battling for his life and may very well be the first person in this family to die, though the others do not fare much better.” Turning around, she looked at Corlan. “And my dear brother, the one who was left to protect me and Snow, has now been enchanted by the mirror as well and has to overcome every bit of personal battle training he has had not to hunt and kill my best friend!”
    She walked up to Terrance, her eyes snapping fire. “It is nearly four in the morning. I have not slept well and I awaken to hear we must remove all the mirrors in the castle immediately. And then I come in here to see you eager to become the true hero of the story.” She pushed against his chest. “And you have the gall to ask what is wrong. Honestly? Am I to lose everything tonight?”
    He quickly captured her hands before she pushed him again. “Raven, enough.”
    She tugged against his hold. “Let go of me!”
    “No. I will not. Not until you allow your thoughts to calm down.” He tugged on her wrists and brought her in close. “Come here.” He slowly wrapped an arm around her, his other hand still holding both of hers, and then whispered, “I beg your pardon. Forgive me.” When he felt her melt a bit in his arms, he gently released her hands and tucked her fully into his embrace.
    “I loathe you,” Raven mumbled into his chest.
    “No, you do not.”
    “Yes, I do.” She sniffled and then the sobs came. “I have never despised anyone more in my life.”
    “Shh…” He pressed a kiss upon the top of her head and felt her arms go around his middle.
    “I wish you had never come. Ever.” She sobbed harder.
    “Why is that?” he asked softly as he left a kiss on her brow.
    “Because then I would not be crying right now.”
    “Nay. You would still be crying.”
    “I would?”
    “Yes, you would. Especially with all the circumstances you are facing. But it is easier to blame me, is it not?”
    Her shoulders began to shake.
    “Raven,” he whispered, his hands trailing upon her back. “Hush. It is all well. You are welcome to shed tears upon any part of my shirt you wish.”
    “I want to detest you. Why can I not detest you? It would be so much easier for me if you would