Red Shoes & the 7 Dwarfs

Finale

It took Snow White and Prince Merlin a while to sail back, they made sure to take breaks and dock whenever possible. The weather was sunny and fair but the temperatures on the ship seemed rather lukewarm. Even icy-cold at times. Others roaring hot. Snow White at times felt a little awkward around Prince Merlin. First she couldn't believe what happened with Princess Carmela, and now he was there promising he was under a spell. She believed him, but a small part of her was still rather shocked. Somehow the salty sea air seemed to calm her nerves. She watched the waves rolling over one another, hitting the ship. Snow White looked over the horizon as she spotted Eric's Castle off in the distance. Her heart sung for a moment, suddenly she heard footsteps approaching.

"Hey Snow, I was wondering where you went, you hungry?" Prince Merlin asked as he walked up to Snow White.

"Hey Merlin. I'm ok thanks. I just wanted to get some air. It gets kind of cramped below deck. Look, we can see Eric's castle from here." Snow White smiled brightly as Prince Merlin followed Snow White's outstretched arm towards the horizon, and the distant coast.

"Well look at that, we're getting closer." Prince Merlin swallowed, terrified to think about what King White may do to him.

"It'll be nice to be home again, especially during the holidays." Snow White sighed.

"Yea. Would you be upset if I didn't prepare the perfect present for you?" Prince Merlin looked rather downtrodden.

"Oh don't worry about it. I honestly, and obviously, haven't been shopping for gifts lately." Snow White's face flushed as Prince Merlin chuckled.

"It's ok Snow, we'll just celebrate as friends. Maybe go to Hans' new bakery him and Rosa are running."

"That sounds great!" Snow White nodded, though the words friends seemed to echo in the back of her mind.

"Is there something wrong?" Prince Merlin looked down at Snow White.

"No, yes. Not really, I'm just a little . . . confused I guess." Snow White turned to face him.

"Confused? About?"

"Princess Carmela. She gave you a spell to make you to forget me. What broke the spell?"

"Do you remember the yellow paper flower . . . my lucky charm?"

"Yes, but how did that help you remember everything?"

"My lucky charm has always been something special. You've always been someone special. I- I hated not remembering who you were when I saw you. The only answer I can give is the lucky charm held some of my fondest memories of you, and it triggered my feelings for you. True love conquered the amnesia potion. Cliché as it may sound."

"Wow, that's pretty cheesy and amazing. It's really sweet. I'm glad the spell was broken." Snow White smiled earnestly.

"Me too, but I know there was a shift in our relationship. It's, it's terrible what happened. I'm so sorry Snow." Prince Merlin's eyes welled up slightly.

"Oh Merlin, don't apologize. It wasn't your fault. I know it wasn't, I just need a little time to -"

"Don't worry about it, not need to apologize, or explain anything to me. You take all the time you need. I know I've been unkind to you; I hurt you. I can't even begin to tell you how sorry I am."

"Merlin, let's agree we both need time, and I think we need some alone time. Once we get ourselves resituated and to be friends again." Snow White didn't dare add "maybe even more than friends."

"Sounds like a plan." Prince Merlin smiled.

**

Prince Merlin and Snow White finally arrived at Prince Eric's port and went their separate ways. Snow White told her father all that happened, King White immediately wanted Princes Carmela arrested and questioned. Snow White tried to calm her father down. It took a fresh batch of cookies and buttermilk; along with some gifts she purchased for her father. The next few days Snow White was readjusting to her schedule, and going out with Rosa to go shopping for their friends.