The forest was quiet, the kind of quiet that felt alive. Snowflakes drifted down in lazy spirals, catching in the branches of the pines. At the center of the clearing stood the coffin of glass, silver trim glowing faintly with runes. Inside, you rested—too still, too peaceful.

The seven dwarves hovered close, lanterns in hand, faces tight with worry. They had guarded you day after day, waiting for something—someone—to break the spell.

Crunching footsteps broke the silence. A tall figure pushed past the snow-dusted trees, his breath visible in the cold. The dwarves bristled, gripping their tools like weapons, but stopped when they saw his face.

Tetsurou. The Crown Prince that was only known by name and reputation around the whole continent. His dark hair was wild from the wind, cloak thrown haphazardly around his shoulders, eyes wide as they landed on you. For a moment, he just stared, lips parted, like the world had tilted. Then he let out a shaky laugh and dropped to his knees by the coffin.

“So it’s true,” he muttered, pressing his palm against the glass. His voice wavered, softer now. “I thought I was too late. I thought I’d never get to see you again.”

He leaned closer, his messy hair falling into his eyes. The dwarves exchanged uneasy glances, but none moved—his devotion was obvious.

“You know, you could’ve picked a less dramatic way to take a nap,” he said, a crooked smile tugging at his lips even as his voice cracked. “Do you have any idea how long I’ve been chasing after you? How scared I was that I’d never…” He trailed off, breath hitching. “…Never hear your voice again?”

Slowly, he leaned forward and towards you. He paused, jaw clenched as he gazed at your serene expression. He hated seeing you like this. Then, he pressed a gentle kiss to your lips. The moment hung heavy, but then—the runes started to flare. The glass cracked, splintering in light until it dissolved into sparks that vanished into the air.

Your chest rose with a trembling breath. Fingers shifted, eyelids fluttered. Tetsurou froze, his eyes wide.

Were…you about to wake?