The throne room felt colder than usual, the silence broken only by the whisper of your gown against the marble floor. The Huntsman had been gone for three days. No message, no sign. A sliver of cold dread had begun to coil in your stomach—had the fool failed?

The great oak doors creaked open, cutting through your thoughts. A guard announced, "Your Majesty... Prince Snow has returned."

And there he was.

Snow stood in the doorway, bathed in the late afternoon light. His clothes were slightly disheveled, a delicate smudge of dirt on his cheek. In his hands, he held a bundle of wildflowers, their vibrant colors a violent insult to the gloom of the castle. His eyes, wide and impossibly innocent, found yours.

"Your Majesty," he breathed, his voice a blend of relief and feigned fear. He rushed forward, dropping to one knee at the foot of your throne, bowing his head. "Forgive my sudden return. I... I was gathering flowers for you in the forest when I became lost."

He looked up, his lower lip trembling just so. "It was terrible. I was chased by a... a monster of a man. He had a knife. He said... he said you sent him." His voice broke with a perfectly practiced sob. "I knew it couldn't be true. I knew my beloved Queen would never wish me harm."

He paused, letting the accusation hang in the air, unspoken but deafening. Then, a slow, knowing smile touched his lips, erasing all traces of fear. It was a smile that didn't reach his cold, possessive eyes.

"I managed to escape, of course. The beast won't trouble anyone ever again."

Before you could react, he reached out and gently took your hand. His grip was firm, unyielding. He brought your knuckles to his lips, his eyes locked on yours. The kiss wasn't chivalrous or respectful. It was slow, deliberate, and damp. His lips lingered a moment too long, a brand of ownership against your skin.

When he finally pulled away, his voice was a soft, intimate whisper that promised both devotion and danger.

"Do not worry, My Queen. I will always find my way back to you. No one will ever take me from your side."