Under the Roses

126 - Late or Early, Matters Not

VANESSA

Rapunzel was shaking her head furiously. "No, no, no," she was saying. She whirled around to face the monarchs on the dais. Vanessa could see her shaking almost as violently as Alice, but this was out of fury and rage. "You can't possibly take her seriously!" she screamed, flinging back an arm to gesture at Princess Snow. It was her cut hand, and blood spattered on the nearby people. Snow wiped a spot of blood off her cheek.

Vanessa knew who this had to be. Snow White. She fit the description, and Rapunzel had even said she was supposed to be dead. She supposed she ought to have been shocked that there was another heir, but it was as Amabel had said. The initial shock had worn off long ago, and now she was glad that there would be anyone else who would be taking the throne other than Rapunzel.

"We don't even look alike!" Rapunzel was shrieking so loudly it was a wonder Vanessa's ears weren't bleeding yet. There was a wave of murmurs through the crowd, but Rapunzel's voice, high and shrill, cut through it all. "Take her away!"

"Princess Rose," Amabel said firmly. Vanessa knew she didn't have children, but she did have an entire kingdom, and her tone was like that of a scolding mother. "Please calm down. It is well within another heir's right to test for the crown."

Amabel had picked up the ceremonial knife and robe. The robe was draped on its pedestal, and Amabel was wiping the blade on a handkerchief. Behind her, the monarchs still looked stunned. Prince Ivan was still on his knees.

"Princess Snow of Ailthe," said Amabel. "Please approach the throne."

Snow did so, placing her arm on the redheaded guy that both Rapunzel and Ivan had called Jack. As he started to lead her towards the dais, Rapunzel stepped in their way, face stormy and eyes blazing.

"I will—"

"Excuse me," Snow said. She looked up at Amabel. "I'm sorry, there appears to be a cockroach in the middle of the aisle."

Vanessa watched Rapunzel's eyes widen and her mouth fall open. It would have been funny in any other circumstance. As she sputtered, Snow and Jack sidestepped her and continued to the throne.

Jack left Snow in front of the throne. Snow had dressed for the occasion, in all black. Though maybe it was a very dark red. Vanessa could see how Rapunzel had been so jealous of her. The girl was beautiful.

There was something so ethereal about her as she stood in front of the throne. She looked so dainty and so firm at the same time.

"Before we take the vows," said Amabel, "it will be suitable to conduct the test again." She held out the dagger and diadem.

"Of course," Snow said, reaching for the knife.

"Someone stop her!" said Rapunzel. "She's a fake! Get her out of here!" She looked like she was about to rush Snow again, but Jack stepped to her side and grabbed her arm, yanking her to his side. "Get away from—"

"Your Highness, if you really believe she's a fake, you'll allow her to take the test," said Jack, and Vanessa could see the white of his knuckles as he gripped Rapunzel's arm. Rapunzel tried swatting at him, to no avail.

Snow waited with a raised eyebrow until the commotion had died down. Then, she took the dagger and held it in her hand. She wrapped her other hand around the blade as Rapunzel had done and sliced her palm.

Then, placing her bloody hand over the diadem, she let the blood drip.

Everyone, even Rapunzel, was still as they watched. The blood slid over gold.

Then it crystallized into three bloodred jewels in the diadem.

Smiling, Snow handed the knife back to Amabel and took the diadem as the imperial robe was draped over her shoulders.

"Princess Snow of Ailthe," said Amabel. "Will you have faith in your people?"

"I will." Snow smiled down at the crown in her hands.

"Will you honor the laws of the kingdom?"

"I will."

"Will you be loyal to your people?"

"I will."

"Will you love your people?"

"I will."

"Will you set your people free?"

"I will."

"Swear on your soul, your blood, your body."

Snow lifted the crown. "I swear on my soul, my blood, my body. I will."

And she placed the crown on her head.

Turning, Snow stepped to the throne and sat.

Rapunzel screamed.