Snowred

❄ Chapter 18 ❄

Ellie's POV

I kneel at the foot of Snow's bed, on a blanket for my sore knees, while I polish his boots. An early order. I was a little bit worried because after sleeping soundly for a few hours, I woke up and mumbled something a bit 'mean'?

I thought perhaps it was a dream, but I often spoke in light sleep, and what I said to Snow was, eh, I don't want to get married.

I only woke up after that when Snow abruptly rolled out of bed and pretended not to hear it.

With one order to polish his boots, he stalked away naked to find his clothes and a wash kit. Throwing me a polishing rag as he shaved in the mirror, with soap and a blade.

I wasn't one for words much when exhausted, and I was still tired after losing my virginity, Snow might say that also included my rights, to him.

He was from an old world, he would believe whatever ancient laws he wanted. Though women were still lower in this age, I'm sure in his, they were beyond subservient to their husbands. Literal vessels for making babies and raising families. I cringe at the thought of children and at the thought of my own upbringing.

Imagine what kind of mother I would be... I had no idea how to mother.

I pause polishing his boots as Snow turns from shaving. He picks up a stool to drag in front of me next.

I look up suspiciously as he sets it before me, but doesn't offer me a seat. He sits in front of me.

And as Snow watches over me while I'm kneeling, rubbing the rag over one boot, he murmurs to me, "...you're my betrothed..." Snow speaks with a obvious monotone, no emotion, "So... we will remain betrothed until we have a grand wedding. There's no rush, Ellie."

So the wedding today was off.

Now – my mouth opens and my eyes nearly pop out of their sockets.

Snow just agreed with me.

He's already snatching my boots from me and shoving them on his feet, while wearing fresh brown breeches.

"You need to learn to hunt – gear up," Snow adds, "Why are you looking at me like that, Ellie?"

"...you're speaking to me as if I'm... equal..." I bite my bottom lip, "I am far from it but I respect your new manners in regard to your... woman," I blush a bit more and Snow smiles softly, but he says no more.

As he stands, I almost gasp out more words but I don't know what to say.

Snow spins away to shuck on a shirt and then he's out.

He's – gone.

But. Too nice.

Hmmm... I lose my smile. What was he up to now?

I stand with a sigh, and I pick up a sheet to wrap around me. I would head to my guest room, choose some clothes appropriate for hunting... and then I guess I would find out if Snow really had good intentions.

****

I put on small boy breeches, I tuck in an oversized shirt into the waist, and I pull up the sleeves, while I pop on some shoes. I fix up my hair, I wash my face and I test walking. Only a slight curve to my knees, and a soreness in my hips from the handling of me last night... Snow was... I heat up just thinking about it. Um. Possessive. He was very possessive with his words and his power was all about that. Yes. Owning me.

I enjoyed it, but I was also shy in a way I had never been before. I wanted to please Snow, in certain ways I had never thought about much.

I head outside and the young handsome butler is waiting for me on the steps, with a platter of carved fruit at the ready.