𝔗𝔥𝔯𝔬𝔲𝔤𝔥 𝔗𝔦𝔪𝔢 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔗𝔞𝔩𝔢𝔰 ✓

BONUS CHAP: A Fairytale Christmas

I shook the snow out of my hair as I entered the shop. A sweet pumpkin scent filled the air as I took my jacket off.

"A new candle?" I asked, looking at Hunter as he entered from the back room.

"You know Aldus is obsessed with them," he laughed. Hunter made room for me to pass into the back room, which contained a sofa, small tv, and fridge.

I plopped onto the couch and looked at the show that was playing: Friends. Hunter had gone into the built-in kitchen through a different door.

Since I had first seen him after my adventure, we became good friends. Aldus had allowed him to stay at the shop and I got a job there as well.

Something flew in my direction and caught it directly in my hands.

"Merry Christmas," Hunter told me. I looked in my hands to see a silver pocketwatch and smiled.

"I have something for you too," I told him, digging through my bag until I felt the leather-bound book in my hands.

Hunter laughed as he picked up the big book of Fairytales.

"This brings back so many memories," he sighed, setting it on the coffee table. I placed the watch on top and looked sadly at the items.

"If only I could see Ella and Ariel again," I wished. Swirls of gold suddenly encircled the watch and book, swirling around and around until the whole room was covered. I didn't even have time to respond before I was swept away.

I yelped as I felt myself falling. My eyes were shut and my stomach was dropping as my arms and legs flailed all around. I suddenly landed with an oomph and felt something cold yet soft.

Taking a minute for my head to clear up, I sat up and found myself in a heap of snow with Hunter sitting beside me.

"Where are we?" I murmured, looking around before recognizing the familiar woods.

"No way!" Hunter exclaimed. I couldn't help but gasp in surprise and joy when I saw the familiar tree that Ella used to sit under everyday.

I hurried to stand up and yelled in excitement. "I can't believe we're back!"

"Mina?" a sweet voice asked. I turned around to see one of my best friends standing there in person with her husband.

"Ella!" I squealed, running to hug her. Hunter went to chat with Charming while we caught up.

"I'm pregnant now," she said excitedly.

"Aww that's amazing," I gushed. She started on about her life after I left, including the fact that princesses could now travel to other kingdoms besides their own.

I just listened as she rambled on, excited to see my best friend again. The question that caught my ear was this:

"Have you and Hunter decided to marry yet?"

I started coughing, waving my hand off when Hunter looked at me in concern.

"We're not even dating," I whispered.

"Charming and I didn't date," Ella responded. "Besides, I saw the love he held in his eyes for you back then."

"We're just friends," I assured as we both looked at the men, smiling at each other.

"For now," she murmured cheekily.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing," she sing-songed. I think I taught her sarcasm and dry wit, I thought to myself. Oh no, Princesses weren't supposed to know that kind of stuff. I'm such a terrible influence.

I was dragged out of my inner monologue when I heard my name being called by the other princess that I got to know.

Behind her was a little girl with black hair like Eric's. She ran to give me a tight hug.

"Who's this Ariel?" I asked, cooing at the small child.

"This is Melody, my daughter," she introduced. I picked her up and almost melted when she giggled.

"Hunter's staring," Ariel giggled into my ear. I caught his green eyes in my own, a small smile fixed on his face as he watched me.

"Alright let's go to the palace," Ella told all of us. We walked to the enchanted castle, which was decorated with all various Christmas decorations, including a very tall tree hung with many ornaments.

"Isn't this amazing?" I asked Hunter. "I can't believe that we get to spend Christmas here."

Our Christmas included a very large dinner, consisting of many dishes that I have never heard before, and presents that mysteriously appeared for us. Mine included a red cloak and a charm bracelet that had a glass slipper and a white shell.

"This is the best Christmas ever," I sighed. "I don't even want to go back."

"Well before we do go back, I have one more gift," Hunter told me.

"What could that be?" I asked, looking up at him.

"Close your eyes," he whispered. I trusted him enough to snap them shut and felt my face go extremely red when his lips touched my cheek.

"Merry Christmas," he murmured. "I love you Mina."

My eyes snapped open and I gaped at him in awe. The way he said it, I knew it didn't mean just as friends. Before I could respond, however, gold swirls circled around us flew us into oblivion.