Ehrhart

Snow White's Prince

The villagers recognized Anastasia and Wilbert, but they seemed surprised when she brought along the huntsman. "Snow White's home will be empty in her absence. As far as I know, she has no guardians and takes care of herself. We can stay there."

And so Anastasia led her father to Snow White's home, and they quickly adapted to the cozy building and its contents.

"I will head to the market to make money off of the jeweled case," the huntsman said, heading out. "This way we can eat for a little while. But we'll both have to get paid jobs sometime."

"I understand."

And so the huntsman left home to go make money off of the heart casket. Anastasia began to sweep the home and whistled to herself while she worked, until-

A knock came on the door, followed by a muffled voice. "Snow White? Are you home?"
Anastasia froze. She had multiple options here, she knew, but each of them led someplace bad. She walked over, leaned the broom against the wall, wiped her forehead, and opened the door.

"Snow's out right now," Anastasia said. "I'm Anastasia, a friend of hers." Then she scanned him.

The person was a prince, there was no doubt about that. He wore cream-colored boots, pastel blue pants, a blue tunic with yellow trim, and a red cape. Beneath his tunic was a white shirt with huge puffy sleeves. Leather straps held the cape in place. In his right hand he held a blue hat with matching yellow trim and a white feather peeking out. From a leather belt hung a lethal-looking sheathed knife.

Anastasia raised an eyebrow. "And, who may I ask, are you?"

The prince smiled. "My name is Casper Charming."

"Charming?" Anastasia repeated, her back straightening. "You are a prince!"

The prince waved off the exclamation with a wave. "Call me Casper, please."

"Why?" Anastasia demanded, a feeling of unease expanding rapidly inside her stomach.

"I insist."

That wasn't much of an answer.

"Well, don't just stand there wasting your breath," Anastasia snapped, surprised by the harshness in her own voice. "Come in if you have a purpose."

"I came to sing to Snow White, but do you know where she is?"
Visiting some friendly man-eating dwarves in the middle of nowhere. "No."

"Ah. Well, perhaps I can practice on you?"

Anastasia leaned back against the wall. "I suppose. Just make it quick. I have a house to clean."

The prince smiled warmly and began to sing.

Now that I've found you, hear what I have to say.

One song, I have but one song, one song only for you.

One heart, tenderly beating, ever entreating, constantly true.

One love that has possessed me-

One love, thrilling me through.

One song my heart keeps singing

Of one love, only for you.

"That was... interesting..." Anastasia said. It wasn't that she was speechless in awe, it was just that she didn't know how to respond. "You have a nice voice."

"As do you," the prince said. "I would love to hear you sing."

"Me?" Anastasia said, completely caught off guard. "I- I'm afraid I don't sing."

"What do you do, then?"

"Fight."

"For another man's love?"

"No. Fight to live."

The prince seemed shocked by this. "If you're having trouble getting by, you must understand that you're always welcome at my palace."

"At... your palace?"

"It's just over the Seven Hills and past the forest."

"Well, thank you, Your Maj- Casper, but I think my father and I will get by just fine on our own," Anastasia fibbed.

The prince's face fell. "Well, I had better be on my way, then. It was nice meeting you, Anastasia."

"And I, you, Casper." Though it wasn't true. Casper seemed more than a little annoying to Anastasia.

Casper bowed, Anastasia curtsied, and the prince left.

After he was gone, Anastasia picked up her broom, pretending it was a handsome prince like she'd seen Snow White do many times, and sang as she swept.

Her voice was clear and beautiful, which was a surprise because Anastasia hadn't sung since she was seven, learning the letters of the alphabet.

And outside the window, the animals of Lohr am Main came to hear her sing, just as they had with Snow White.

It seemed as if the princess had been replaced.