Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction. It is an adaptation of the characters created and owned by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. This story is not associated with Disney’s adaptations, their added characters, or story elements.

“We’re not going to be arrested here, are we?” Rafe asked as they neared the edge of the woods. It would only be a short time before they came upon Snow White’s kingdom.

Aledia shrugged. “I doubt it will happen. She would make an enemy of not just one, but two kingdoms if it’s discovered I am here. One Kingdom will want us arrested, and my father will want me freed. It’s really in her best interest to keep my whereabouts secret.” 

“That is unless you are freed and then returned home, and we are sent to the dungeons…” Jacob said. 

“What a boost of confidence,” Rafe grumbled as he trudged through the snow.

The hills of the countryside glistened in the morning light. Aledia still found it odd that they had spent the evening in a tree trunk. She bit her chapped lips as they pressed forward. What if Snow White didn’t take them in as she hoped? There was always the possibility that she was leading her friends into a trap… she could be a bargaining chip for peace while her friends… 

Aledia glanced back at her companions as they slogged through the snow and slush. Her heart ached as she wavered on her decision. They needed answers, though. Snow White’s kingdom was the best choice they had in the area.

“Looks like we are starting into the village,” Wilhelm said as the first cottage came into view. A few other farms scattered around the area as they made their way into the village.

“Should we set up a place to meet up should things go sideways?” Rafe suggested.

“That may not be a bad idea,” Aledia said as they rounded a bend into the main portion of the village. 

“Back at the glen?” Wilhelm suggested.

“The glen that only you can find?” Jacob scoffed.

“Well… there’s a lake about two miles south from here. We can meet there?” Aledia said.

“That could work,” Jacob said.

They approached the castle and felt the eyes of the guards follow them. Aledia forced her back to stand tall. She had come here many times as a child. The guards knew her as well as their own queen. She hoped that they were just as loyal to her as they were to their queen.

A single guard greeted them on the steps of the castle. “Princess Aledia, we have alerted her majesty to your arrival. I will escort you to the library. You and your companions may wait there for her majesty” he said.

Aledia strolled in behind the guard as they were led into a warm library. She sniffed as her nose began to warm and drip. A roaring fireplace lit the small library. She was sure, if her nose wasn’t stuffed, that she would be welcomed by the familiar smell of books.

Jacob looked equally at home in the small space. Aledia couldn’t help but smile as he looked about the room. His eyes scanned the spines as he idly took stock of the titles. Rafe fell into a set by the fire and Wilhelm chose to wait by the door. He didn’t relax, but looked about the room with serious eyes. 

A moment later, the door burst open, and Snow White swept into the room. Her dark hair was swirled behind a glittering crown, and her gown was a deep red velvet. She embraced Aledia in a bone-crushing grip. 

“Aledia, darling! I have missed you!” Snow White said with a smile. 

Aledia returned it with a grin of her own. “It’s only been a few weeks since I saw you at your wedding.”

Snow White wavered her pale hand. “Weeks, months, days, they all blend the same. If it were up to me, I would keep you here forever. All the same, where have you been? Look at you!” 

Aledia looked down at her dress and cringed. The winter had taken a number on her dress. The hems were covered in mud and slush, and were threadbare in a few spots. She refused to think of what her hair looked like. After weeks on the road and the trails they had been through, her appearance was the last thing she focused on.

“It’s been a long trip and an even longer story,” she said.

Snow tisked and looked over the men. Their appearance was as rundown as Aledia’s.

“This won’t do. I won’t have anyone staying in my home look as though they’ve been to hell and back.”

Rafe snorted and quickly coughed to cover it up. 

Snow looped an arm through Aledia’s. “You shall use my chambers, and we will get you back into sorts. I’ll have the guard escort your friends to be tended to as well.”

Aledia’s hair rose, and she thought her blood froze in her veins. Why was Snow separating them? Did she know about the bounty on their heads? Was this her way of capturing her friends?

“Is there any way I can stay with them?” she asked quickly. 

Snow gave her a strange look. “To bathe? That’s a bit scandalous, don’t you think?” 

Jacob cleared his throat. “If I may be so bold, that is not what she meant, your highness. We’ve been on the road for so long that we’ve all come to look out for one another.”

“Ah, that makes much more sense. All the same, Aledia, you will come with me and tell me your tale. We will see your friends at dinner, where we will have a feast in your honor,” Snow said and dragged Aledia away. 

“I’ll see you all soon,” Aledia called as Snow White pulled her out of the library.

Jacob looked to his friends and then to the guard. “What of us?” he asked.

The guard arched a brow. “A servant will be around to show you to the bathing chambers and then your rooms. It looks like you all need a good rest.” He looked over the group. “I’ll also have them send up some ale. Looks like you lot need it.”

Rafe grinned. “This is a man after my own heart. A bath, bed, and a drink. It is just what the doctor ordered!”

Jacob glanced at his brother and saw a small smile peak from under his beard. How had they not noticed how they must have looked. He supposed that getting chased down by devils and guards would chase vanity from their minds.

A servant knocked and announced they were all to follow him. Rafe, Jacob, and Wilhelm thanked the guard and followed the servant into the stone hallway. A slight draft chilled the air , but it was nothing after traveling in the snow for weeks.

The servant led them to their rooms. A steaming tub awaited each of them. He informed that new clothing and the barber would be in to help make them presentable to the King and Queen. 

Jacob looked around the room. It wasn’t a cell. In fact, it was the same room he stayed in when he attended the wedding with Aledia. It felt like ages ago. None of that mattered at the moment. Staring at the warm water, he could practically feel the dirt caked onto his skin. He smiled and headed for the tub, ready to take a small break at this moment of peace.