THE RULE OF SNOW WHITE

It had been a year since young Snow White took the throne and began to rule her kingdom with strength and kindness.  Led by the fairy sisters to the side garden of her childhood home twelve long months ago, Snow White had seen immediately that the palace had been restored to its former beauty.  Spring had arrived and with it had come thousands of fragrant flowers blooming in the gardens surrounding the castle.  Snow White had been moved to tears as she climbed the stone steps to the inner garden.

She turned to the fairies hovering near her shoulders.

"You did all this, didn't you?"

"Would that we had," cried the twins.  "But the palace began to change on its own a few days ago.  The path through the woods was slowly covered with purple flowers.  As the flowers reached the castle, the weeds and vines covering every room began to melt away.  The cracked and faded walls began to glow and every room was made new!"

Arabella gently touched Snow White's cheek.   "The palace soon looked as it did when your dear mother was alive."

"And I miss her still," said Snow White quietly.  "And dear Father as well."

Snow White had been crowned in the Cathedral the following week.  Of course, the seven little men were there and the Fairy royalty.  All of Snow White's friends attended (save one).  The church was full to overflowing with happy villagers.

Anselm and his friends had agreed to take turns staying at the palace to advise the new queen until she no longer needed them.  And she in turn was welcome to visit them in the forest whenever the royal burden became too heavy.

"Thank you, my friends," said the young Queen.  "I shall remember your kindness to me forever.  I do not think I could do this without your advice and support."

"I shall stay first," said Anselm with a gentle smile.

"I want to show you something," said the Fairy Queen "that no one but you may know about, my dear."

Together the two Queens climbed down many stairs deep into the nether regions of the palace.  They journeyed down a dim, twisting

corridor until they reached a stout wooden door which the Fairy Queen opened.

"It leads directly to the Fairy realm and our palace is nearby.

If you ever need us...."

Snow White smiled.  "I know I will.  Thank you."

And now a whole year had passed and Snow White was happy

except.......

Snow White liked to wander in the garden near her private chapel where she often went to find peace.  As she strolled among the trees, Snow White heard a voice, deep and resonant,

say, "Your Majesty..."  Her heart skipped a beat.

Smiling, Snow White turned and saw the Huntsman.

All photographs except for the Medieval painting are from Faerie Magazine.