Typically, guests will arrive at the castle doors by carriage. They would first approach the large, black, cast iron gates that surrounded the golden castle. Everything about the royal home was detailed. The iron gates were engraved with vines twisting up each pole and at the top, instead of the usual and predictable spike, a rose bloomed. It was much more inviting and welcoming to guests. Just that one simple detail on something as simple as a gate. Beyond this, was the archway which served as the entrance to the castle. It was pure gold, which when reflected off of the moons rays, gave a simple glimmer in the evening light.
Unfortunately, the Grimhilde's didn't have the luxury of entering in one of those fancy carriages. They had to go by foot.
Herz was walking in her delicate heels through the dirt surface towards the castle. She lifted her dress in order for it not to get filthy. A black cloak covered her dress and the hood covered her head. It was covered with flour designs sewed in a gold thread. It was her mothers. She didn't often wear things of her mother due to the fact it brought back to many memories.
Including the painful ones.
She walked right next to her father, who was all dolled up in his finest of cloths. His black pants and nicely polished boots made him look distinguished. His beige blouse and burgundy tail coat showed off his unique sense of style. He was in such a jolly mood as he walked through the iron gates. Herz couldn't help but notice the fine detail of the vines working it's way up to the blooming rose on the top.
"Look papa. Isn't it beautiful?" Herz pointed in astonishment.
"If you like that my dear, wait until you see the castle." Her father exclaimed with excitement.
Herz couldn't help but smile at her fathers delight of coming to the ball. At the cottage, he took longer than her to get himself prepared and ready to leave. He kept looking in the mirror and asking his daughter if he looked alright. She would say he looks exquisite, but he would change nonetheless.
As they approached the golden arch, guards stood, guarding the castle. Herz recognized a few from earlier today and quickens her and her fathers pace to get by them. The last thing she wanted tonight were cruel remarks made towards her father from idiotic soldiers.
One of the golden doors to the castle opened, revealing the ballroom. Words could not give justice to its beauty. A chandelier hung with the flames lit. The crystals which hung from it created sparkling light of the ballroom floor and danced along with the guests. The floor was a pristine white marble that didn't have a scratch. Herz wandered how that was possible, considering the amounts of balls that occur in a years time and the numerous amounts of guests who danced on the floor. The walls were golden and engraved just like the gates; filled with vines and roses. "How interesting." Herz thought to herself.
Her father and her gave their cloaks to one of the butlers whom was placed at the top of a grand staircase leading down to the dance floor. Once her cloak was off, her dress was revealed. Herz was wearing a deep purple ball gown laced with silver thread; giving the dress a rain drop feel. The sleeves hung off her shoulders, revealing her porcelain chest. Her hair was half up, kept together neatly in the back of her head by a diamond clip, another thing of her mothers.
She looked the part of a queen.
Her and her father descended the staircase, finally touching their shoes to the marble of the floor. Herz couldn't help but stare at the reflection of herself that she saw right at her feet.
"My dear. I am going to find a drink. I am quite parched. Would you like one?" Her father questions with a raise of his eyebrow.
"No thank you. I'm quite alright." Herz replies.
Her father makes his way around the chattering crowds of people, disappearing to go and locate the beverages. Herz stood alone at the back of the room up against one of the railings of the staircase. A tap on her shoulder startled her a bit, causing her to turn around.
"I'm sorry did I scare you?" A young, handsome man questioned.
"Oh no! My apologies. It's my first time at one of these things." Herz replied nervously, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear.
"Well, I would love to be your first dance at one of these 'things'. " he stated with a raise of one of his eyebrows. He was very forwardly flirtatious, Herz noticed.
"I'd be delighted." She replied with a curtsy.
The young gentleman led her towards the dance floor where the live music played a waltz. She began to move in time with the rhythm of the three beat dance. Herz taught herself all the routines to the dances in the kingdom as a girl. She was quite good at it, she had a knack for picking up the rhythm quickly.
Her partner on the other hand, wasn't the most fantastic mover she's encountered.
The dance got to the part where it was time to switch partners. Herz twirled into another mans arms. Older than the other gentleman she previously danced with, but not old enough to be her father. He was much more acquainted with the routine, which made her feel more comfortable in her movements.
One, two, three. One, two three. One, two three. Switch.
She turned into another mans arms. He had a stronger grip. And excellent dancer. She looked up to identify her marvellous partner.
"Well isn't it Fräulein Grimhilde again?" The king asks with a jolly laugh.
Herz was in shock. Had he really remembered her? And was she really dancing with the king himself. Was this a dream?
"It was Herz, wasn't it?" He inquired, trying to look her in the eyes with a soft smile on his lips.
"Yes. That's me." Herz replies sheepishly.
"Your name is lovely. It means Heart, correct?"
"Yes. It does. My father loved the name."
"Your father is a smart man then." He smiled.
"You are very good and dancing the waltz your majesty." Herz said, twirling in and out, back in the kings arms.
"Please. Call me Henry, Miss Herz."
She looked up at him, finally making eye contact. His eyes were a beautiful green. They were the colour of the spring leaves found on the trees in the village.
"Would you mind if I took you out of the ballroom for a moment Herz?" He asked with a calm but almost nervous grin.
"Of course your majesty." She realized her mistake. "Pardon me, Henry."
He chuckled a bit before grabbing her hand and whisking her away from the crowded ballroom. He took her down a hall which lead to a small wooden door. He turned the golden knob which revealed something she could have never imagined.
The Royal Gardens.
He lead her down the pathway containing every colour of rose she could think of. The fresh smell of flours filled her nose in the most comforting way. There were statues and fountains with naked woman posed in the most beautiful manner. He finally stopped at a tree which had a bench under it.
"What kind of tree is this?" Herz asked as she put her hand against the trunk to feel the unusual smoothness of the bark.
"It's an apple tree. It has been in the garden for over a century. Isn't it a wonder?" He said, looking up at the full leaves of the tree. His eyes sparkled in the moonlight, Herz noticed.
"Yes. It's simply marvellous." Herz looked at Henry with a certain glimmer in her eye. Henry's gaze returned back to her, looking into her eyes as if he was searching for her soul. "You amaze me Herz."
"How so?"
"Your beauty is beyond compare." He smiled.
Herz' cheeks turned a faint shade of pink. She looked down at her feet, trying to regain her composure.
"It's true." He stated. "I'd have to say you are the fairest woman I have laid my eyes on in this land." Henry grabbed Herz's rough and calloused hands and placed them within his warm and soft ones.
"I would love to see you again, after tonight." He added. He was distracted by a stray piece of hair that was out of it's placed and gently tucked it back behind her ear.
"I would be delighted Henry."
The king couldn't help but smile, causing Herz to smile as well.
"I shall make sure that on my next leisurely ride with my daughter, I stop by your cottage again."
Herz thought back to earlier today when she first encountered him. She also remembered the cold glare she was given by princess Snow.
"That would be lovely." Herz said trying to brush away the negative thoughts that flooded her memory.
Henry stood offering a hand to Herz. She accepted it and stood to follow him back to the ballroom. They said their goodbyes and he left to make an appearance to a different, more distinguished crowd.
Herz watched as the man who made her heart flutter walk off into the crowd.
"Herz my dear! I was looking all over for you!" Her father exclaimed from behind her. She turned around to face her father whom had his face stuffed with the royal delicacies.
"Father. I must tell you about this evening. You will never believe it!" She said as she escorted her father towards the exit of the ballroom.
She couldn't believe it herself.
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Hello lovely readers! I hope you are enjoying the story so far.
This story is based off my own imaginative idea of how I think the evil queen came to be. All great villains need a backstory, right?
Since the tale of Snow White was originally German, I wanted to keep the heritage and use it in the names. Herz does indeed mean heart (which I thought would be a little extra something for the readers to have fun with!)
I hope you are enjoying! Please comment and vote!
-Lex
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