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Apple Tree
Date: 8/13/2015, Categories: First Time, Author: FeliciaGreene, Rating: 9, Source: LushStories
turned away, the cruelest cut. “Do be sure, when you do come tomorrow… to bring me her heart.” Roget had nodded, his teeth clenched, not trusting himself to speak. Had almost ran to his sparse hut at the edge of the woods. Made arrangements. Don’t worry, Snow-White. He began to climb the stairs again, summoning his courage. I’d sooner cut my own heart out than yours. I told Veronique I had a plan - all I really have is a wing, a prayer and a horse waiting outside. You’re getting away tonight. And in the morning… I’ll be here. Ready to face the Queen. Her room was silent. Roget looked around in one long, tense beat, examining shadows. Nothing. He exhaled. Thank God . She managed to get out alone . Then a knife was at his throat. Roget’s reflex was to lash out, but the blade seemed very, very sharp - and as moonlight flashed on the metal he saw a familiar silhouette. “So it’s come to this, huntsman.” “Please, Snow-White, don’t -” “Oh, now I’m Snow-White again?” The blade pressed tighter against his throat; Roget tried to twist away, felt another blade pushing against the small of his back. She was always clever . “Now you’re here to kill me, I’m Snow-White again? You bastard. You - you...” the voice broke into sobs, but the knives never wavered. “You were my friend , Roget, and she got to you, she dragged you into bed and turned you against me.” “No. No, she didn't. I swear on my life, small as it is.” Roget tried to turn, to look at her face, but the blades held him still. ... “Everything I did - it was to keep you from harm. Everything.” “But you did harm me. You were all I had, and you cut me away like I was nothing. I had no-one, Roget! So I started relying on myself.” The blades dug a little deeper, as the princess began to cry. “And I’m going to cut your throat, and run away, and never, ever come back.” Roget closed his eyes. She’ll do it. I know she will. She had never been one to hide away when the cattle were being slaughtered, when the pigs were led away to the grim hut that stank of blood. She’s brave. She’s always been braver than me . He felt light; oddly giddy. So these are what final moments feel like. “Fine. Kill me. But let me confess before I die.” A moment of silence, then, “Speak.” “I didn't come to kill you. I came to get you away. I have a horse waiting outside, friends in the woods who’ll hide you… Because I love you. I loved you a year ago, I love you now.” He laughed. “It feels good to say it; even with a knife to my throat. And you should cut my throat, you really should. I gave you a year of sorrow when I should have galloped away with you, that day in the forest… I thought my silence would protect you, and all it did was make the Queen suspicious. And I creep in here now, planning to get you out, expecting you to be some silent doll. I am sorry for this.” He swallowed. “But I’m not sorry for loving you. You were meant to be loved.” He waited for the knife. For a heartbeat, nothing changed. Then an abrupt clatter as the ...