“We?” One brow lifted.
“Yes. You will be joining me, won’t you?”
“If that’s what you wish, I will.”
“Good.”
She took his hand in hers and led him out of the bedchamber, leaving the destruction behind.
Chapter 40
KingAlfred’smenhadused the battering ram to bash in the large oak door at the front of the castle. Two of his men now stood to the side of it while others were stationed within the great hall. A few dead—presumably Seraphina’s guards—littered the ground. The captain of the guard was being held by one of Alfred’s men, his hands bound by rope.
Much to her surprise, Tasnia and a few of the other Elders stood behind the king. To her right, Elator. Elation soared through Snow as she broke free from Roderick and rushed to him. She flung her arms around his neck and hugged him tight. Tears flooded her vision.
“You’re all right,” she whispered.
He hugged her back. “The forest—”
“I know,” she said.
He pulled back, holding her at arm’s length. “You saved us, didn’t you?”
“I tried,” Snow said.
“You did.” He gripped her hands in his, squeezing them.
Tasnia stepped up to her then. Elator moved aside as the Elder looked over Snow. “Most of the village burned but because of you, Snow White, the rest was saved. For that, I will be eternally grateful.”
Then the Elder did something that utterly shocked Snow. She dropped to one knee and bowed her head.
“You have the loyalty and gratitude of the elves forevermore, your majesty.”
Uneasiness swept through Snow. “Please rise, Tasnia. I did what needed to be done to save those in the forest and the village.”
She stood up, thanks glittered deep within her eyes. Snow suspected that it was difficult for the elven woman to admit to a mere human.
“I will help you rebuild,” Snow promised.
In a rare moment, a smile lifted the corners of her mouth. “We can manage. It appears you will have your own rebuilding to oversee.”
King Alfred cleared his throat.
“Apologies, your majesty.” Snow turned her full attention on the king who had come to her aid. She dipped a low curtsy. “I want to express my deep thanks for you coming to my aid, though I’m not entirely sure how you got here or knew I needed aid.”
“I received a message from a little sprite who insisted I needed to answer the call. Apparently, she knew I had an enchanted blade with the initials of my family engraved on the hilt.” His gaze flickered to Roderick who stepped up next to Snow.
“I sent her,” he admitted.
“Seraphina had no intention of invading Feywood, did she?”
Roderick shifted next to her, uncomfortable. But it was Erick, the captain of the guard, who answered.
“She planned to invade all the kingdoms and claim them for her own.”
King Alfred glanced his way, his brows raised in surprise.
“It was her plan as soon as Snow White was dead,” he added. His gaze was full of sorrow and regret when he looked at her. “I’m glad to see she did not succeed.”
