"She breathes." Roark pointed out, and as he spoke a hint of fog brushed across the glass. Kiara studied it for a moment before straightening.

  "What, exactly, would you like us to do with her?" She asked.

  "Take her to Lin, he has seen such cases before."

  "Can he not come here?" Kiara replied shortly, her impatience starting to resurface. Roark smiled slightly, clasping his hands behind his back.

  "I'm afraid the Wood doesn't agree with him. A fear of trees you see, and confinement." Roark replied while Kevan made the gesture of dragging his hand across his throat like a dagger. Belle watched him curiously, and then Kiara as her frown deepened when she leaned forward to examine the casket again.

  "So, will you do it?" Roark looked to the princess, but the prince spoke up.

  "Yes. Absolutely. You have always been great friends of Briar Hill." He announced rather abruptly and his sister stared at him.

  "That is wonderful news." Roark replied, rocking back and forth on his heels as his brethren broke out in joyous dancing.

  "Hey-" Kiara interrupted their celebration. "How do we unseal her?" She asked and a hush fell over them as Roark rushed to her side, throwing his arms over the glass.

  "No, no, you mustn't remove her. Not yet. That is for Merlin to ascertain."

  Kiara looked to Kevan, and then back to Roark.

  "...you want me to take this...back to the castle?"

  With the immediate danger gone Roark regained his spirits, coming over to pat her on the back with a grin.

  "I don't think it'll be a problem for the strongest warrior in the land." He assured her and Kiara groaned slightly.

  "Come now, let's have some lunch. Shouldn't travel on an empty stomach, you know." The ancient dwarf skipped as they poured back out into the yard. This time Maddox held out the hammer with his head bowed, and Kiara swiped it on her way past with a grumbled thanks. Belle had that unplaceable sensation once more while she witnessed the scene, a tickling combination that left her unsure of whether to smile or frown.

  They gathered around a table outside, and the tops of her knees pressed against the wood as she sat down, leaving a wood grain tattoo. It was otherwise a splendid affair, and Belle quite enjoyed the spiced pies they produced. Kiara meanwhile, fidgeted from her place at the table, sneaking glances at her weapon while everyone else chatted merrily. Roark caught her at it, and when the merciless gray steel flashed Belle suddenly lost her appetite.

  "Briar-Rose, well she's a beauty isn't she?" He said in admiration and Kiara looked up as the conversations faltered. She glanced over at Belle, then tossed the cloth back around the hammer and put it under her arm.

  "Not worth the hassle." Kiara grunted but Belle could tell she was lying. Ignoring the unbidden tears that welled up in her eyes, Belle sat there silently.

  "What are we if not the fruits of our labor? It all comes back in kind." Roark raised his glass, rapping the side of it with a dwarf sized fork.

  "To hard work, and a bountiful harvest." He announced with a wink, and beamed at them all.

  Prince Kevan was still uncharacteristically quiet as they made ready to depart, but Belle made up for it by saying goodbye to each and every dwarf, her good humor returning as they hugged her. There was patient Roark, and angry Gram, then obedient Dulles. There was Herold, who chattered away, and Maddox, who was more the strong and silent type. Fairbairn didn’t speak at all and always seemed to be watching everyone, and finally there was Iver, dressed all in leather ranger’s gear, his hair falling into his eyes as he smirked at them.

  “What is it with the Rose boys and drowsy damsels?” He whispered to his brothers, who turned to gossiping about it in conspiratorial tones while Belle’s attention was brought back to the fore.

  "You're a lot nicer than that other one, your brother there. Make sure you tell him we're people too." Gram glared at her before sticking his hand back out for a shake. For a moment Belle's breath caught as she took it, but the prince again came to her rescue.

  "I fear 'Lord Tristan' won't be coming down from his high horse any time soon, so don't hold your breath." Kevan chimed in, breaking Belle out of her reverie. He looked as sad as she felt though at the talk of brothers, and both of them instinctually turned to Kiara.

  The warrior princess was busy rolling her sleeves up and pushing her hair back behind her ears. The prince moved to get the horses in position, then hopped onto Ashe as Belle waved at her newfound friends.

  "Let's go." Kiara looked at Belle as she spoke. With her stomach in knots for some reason, Belle stiffened as Kiara picked her up and settled her across Larkspur's broad back. Next, Kiara secured her precious weapon, and then she was faced with the burden of Snow White.

  "We'll have to take the scenic route." The prince pointed out and Kiara muttered curses once more, but gripped the set of handholds at the front of the wooden contraption.

  "Yah!" Though Kevan's spur forward was soft spoken the horses obeyed, and Belle held on as they started their journey. At the beginning, she couldn't help staring back at the stone hut, smiling in spite of herself while she watched the chimney smoke billow. As the afternoon sun began to blaze however, she turned her attention back to the task at hand.

  The morning had been crisp, but the familiar Briar stickiness returned in full force as they went. Belle couldn't help staring in awe at Kiara, who walked backwards, hauling Snow White's casket as if it didn't weigh nearly as much as her horse.

  In the heat Kiara soon began to sweat, and Belle felt her own brow break out. The warrior princess's shirt clung to her, leaving little for Belle's imagination.

  Looking away from her, she caught a glimpse of Kevan, who was just as intently focused on Snow White. They locked eyes for a split second, before both of them found a sudden burning interest in the foliage.

  When they came upon a stream the trio stopped for a break, and Belle was grateful for a chance to stretch her legs. Kevan stayed right by Snow's side while Kiara went immediately to the water.

  Belle hung back at first, watching as Kiara downed long draughts, but then she was possessed of a spirit of recklessness.

  Lowering her shawl, she joined Kiara in kneeling by the waters edge.

  Running her hands through the rippling waves, she took a few small sips, and then a deep breath. Without really knowing why, she splashed the ever so serious princess of Briar Hill.

  Kiara deftly avoided the brunt of the damage, rounding on Belle with a narrow eyed expression.

  Feeling a creeping sense of disappointment Belle's smile disappeared. Wordlessly, Kiara stood. She dried her palms off on her breeches, and then offered Belle a hand up.

  When Belle took her hand everything seemed to change.

  It was a split second and a life time rolled into one, and on the other side of it the sunlight was brighter, the leaves sharper.

  Yanking her hand away, Belle walked back over to Larkspur with her gaze firmly focused on the ground.

  Kiara was unfazed, and gave Belle a boost onto the horse before returning to her dreadful assignment as if nothing had happened.

  "Careful, would you?" Kevan asked nicely. Kiara rolled her eyes at him, but started slowly anyway.

  Belle stared straight ahead while they rode this time. When the castle gates appeared Kiara lowered her charge and ran ahead to recruit a few of the Guard to help in their endeavor.

  Belle tried to sneak away while they were preoccupied, but Kevan didn't quite let her.

  "Dear princess, did you enjoy our little trip?" He asked breathlessly, his cheeks pink and a wild grin gracing his features.

  "Yes, thank you for inviting me as your guest, your grace." She replied before thinking of something. “…is Lin really afraid of trees?” She asked, disbelieving, and Kevan nodded.

  “To be fair, he’s got a decent reason. If you happen to meet a beautiful fairy named Vivian in your travels, I’d steer clear.” He declared and Belle tensed up at the thought of romance, her mind immediately flashing back to the Giants Wood.

  “I’ll be sure to do that.” Belle replied, stiff and unfeeling. The prince gave her a questioning look, but she merely bowed and took off.

  Flying up the castle chairs to her chambers Belle tumbled into her bed, then glared up at the ceiling. She stayed there until the sky got dark and Violette appeared with dinner.

  "How was your walk, my lady?" She greeted Belle with a smile as the princess flounced into a seat at the table.

  "It was very interesting." Belle replied after a few moments had passed. Forcing Violette to join her, Belle leaned forward, a very serious expression on her face.

  "So..." She began. "...tell me all about magic."

  Violette nodded, looking resigned.

  "Ah, yes..."

  The next day was a torrent of rain, and the princess spent most of it trailing her handmaiden, picking up right where they’d left off the night before.

  “So, are there magical babies?” Belle asked as she followed Violette into the kitchens that morning. It wasn’t the proper place for a noble, but as usual the Briars didn’t seem to care about such things.

  “Yes. Some are born with the gift, while others must learn.” The girl replied, placing a bundle of grapes just so on the tray she was preparing.

  “Can anyone learn?” Belle continued, plucking one of said grapes and earning a twitch from Violette.

  “I suppose, but it isn’t for everyone. Much like battle, or scholarship. Everyone has their calling.” Violette answered with her tongue between her teeth as she searched out the best figs she could find from the kitchen stores.

  “Not in Lyons…” Belle grumbled in response, suddenly angry at what she perceived to be a lost opportunity. For all she knew, she could’ve been much more than a princess, if only her father had allowed it.

  “Well, your grace, magic is very powerful you see…” Violette said cagily, reaching out to straighten the blocks of cheese Belle had haphazardly introduced to her masterpiece.

  “So?” Belle replied, being dense for a moment. Her lady in waiting straightened, holding the tray carefully as they turned to leave.

  “It is easier to rule those who cannot rule themselves my lady, no offense.” Violette was sheepish, fidgeting a little while Belle stared hard. The princess sighed after a minute, holding the door open for her.

  “None taken.” Belle announced but she was still disturbed by it. She didn’t speak up again until the reached the landing.

  “Are there different types of magicians?” She asked, dropping the topic of her father, and Violette nodded.

  “Like what?” The princess continued and Violette gave her an exasperated look as they reached her chambers once again.

  “Princess…” Violette groaned and Belle grinned, shrugging.

  After that the lady in waiting not-so-patiently spent the rest of the day entertaining Belle’s unending questions, only teasing her every once in a while. The girls were giggling about love potions when there was a knock at the door late that night. Violette’s expression was questioning as she looked at the princess. They certainly weren’t expecting anyone.

  Belle stayed behind Violette while the girl popped open the door and a familiar face greeted them.

  “’Evening, Lady William.” Prince Kevan waved.

  “Good evening, your highness.” She replied with a curtsy but her voice was impolite.

  “I need to speak with Princess Isobel, if you don’t mind.” He said, bouncing on his heels a bit. He looked like he was trying not to smile, which didn’t make Violette feel any better about the situation, but as usual Belle’s curiosity was burning.

  “I don’t think that would be proper, your grace.” She said in response and he pulled at his hair, reminding Belle of Kiara for a split second.

  “Come on Violette, it’ll be proper, you have my word. This is very important.” He whined. There was a tense moment where Violette’s irritation was palpable to the princess, but eventually she stepped aside, letting him in.

  “Princess, sorry to keep you from your sleep.” He apologized as soon as he swept in, his energy infectious.

  “It’s quite alright, I wasn’t sleeping. What is it?” Belle asked impatiently and he looked over at Violette.

  “…I’d rather a private conversation,” He began, wincing a little bit under Violette’s answering glare. “Though the kingdom surely thanks you for your service Lady William. You’re the best of the best, the cream of the crop.” The prince showered her with compliments even as Violette’s hands balled up at her sides.

  “Fine.” She bit out, letting the door slam behind her as she departed. When the sound of her footsteps faded Kevan looked Belle in the face, his chest swelling up.

  “She’s awake.” He breathed.

  Chapter Five

  Red Wolf Blues

  "Snow White?" Belle's hands flew up to her mouth. Delightedly, Kevan grabbed a chair, straddling it.

  "Who else?" He beamed, enhancing his already formidable features and Belle was happy for him. A mess of other emotions welled up inside her that she side-stepped by plowing forward.

  "Was Roark right? Was Lin able to bring her back?" She asked, genuinely curious about the beautiful girl in the glass case.

  "Nope, that didn't work." He replied, resting his chin on his hands and looking mighty pleased with himself. "Other means had to be employed."

  "How did you...?"

  Kevan exploded from the chair, unable to contain himself within it.

  "After he got her out, I kissed her. I kissed her and she woke up!"

  "...I thought that was an old wives tale." Belle gasped.

  "Oh no, true love's kiss is real. Been undoing curses since the beginning of time. In my family-" Kevan began, but then his voice faded off. Biting his lip, he continued to pace. When he started up again he was intense.

  "Never mind about that. I think there are rules, however. You see, it wasn't a total success. Which makes sense I guess, she's never met me after all. How could it have the required potency?" The prince stroked his chin as he mused and Belle was perplexed, just the thought of such a thing was making her feel light-headed.

  "...and that's why I need your help." The prince finished.

  "Okay." Belle agreed without hesitation, fascinated by the goings-on.

  "Perfect. I'm in search of a book, and that seems to be your purview, if half the castle gossip is true."

  She didn't know how to feel about that, so she ignored it as best she could.

  "Oh, well, I'd be glad to help, in anyway I can." Belle replied once she'd recovered. Looking relieved Kevan took her hands in his.

  "I'll be ever in your debt." He replied sincerely.

  "That won't be necessary." She said with a small smile. It was very hard to turn the prince down. "Can you tell me anything about this book?"

  He sighed, dropping her hands only to wring his own.

  "Not much. It's old, that much I know. It's a very...dark tome. It's said to create an ominous feeling. That isn’t much to go on, is it?" He said apologetically.

  "It's a start." The princess replied. "I'll do my best." She added and Kevan bowed deeply.

  "I can't thank you enough Belle." As he spoke an irresistible wave of sleepiness washed over the princess, despite her curiosity.

  "I'll leave you to your rest, thank you again, Princess." With that he took his leave, bidding Violette a good evening as he disappeared into the candle lit halls of the Crystal Castle.

  -------------------------

  The next day Belle was up before the sun. While Violette slept she paged furiously through all the titles that she kept in her room, but found nothing of note. With a long sigh she stood in front of the window, waiting for the answers to come to her, and not just about Snow White.

  Everything was different in Briar Hill. Worlds that she'd never considered now seemed to dance just beyond her fingertips. Lyons felt like a graying memory, though she was loathe to admit it.

  Hugging herself, she leaned against the cold glass, watching her own breath crystallize and disappear.

  Over breakfast Violette kept giving her pointed looks, and eventually Belle broke down.

  "It's not what you think, with the prince."

  "Good." The girl replied after a minute, looking satisfied.

  "I'll be in the library." Belle announced once she was finished and took off.

  She didn't make it very far though. As soon as she cleared the winding staircase she spotted Kiara and the king, who strode through the foyer engaged in deep conversation. Ducking behind one of the columns Belle pressed her back to it.

  As their footsteps slowed she peeked over her shoulder.

  "...we'll have to double the guard. We can't be over prepared in that respect." Anthos rumbled, his hands clasped behind his back. Kiara rested hers on the hilt of her sword, and there was a great ease between them. It reminded Belle of her father and Tristan, an unspoken expectation that was nonetheless risen to.

  "They are ready. The watch will start within the fortnight."

  "Very good." The king paused, looking down with a glint in his eye. "Now, what about the outskirts?"

  "I've fortified the hunting parties, but we'll need a long term answer before the cold starts." Kiara answered, her eyes like steel, her voice just the same.

  "What're you thinking?" Anthos gave her a smile, and Belle felt a twinge of envy at their warmth, their inside secrets.

  "A change in culture might be in order." Kiara replied and the king shook his head, clapping her on the shoulder as they started forward again.

  "The real question remains, who will win the pie contest at the Giver's Fete?" Anthos asked while Belle carefully padded away from her hiding place.

  “Rowan, that much is certain.”

  Kiara’s reply made him laugh, and Belle sighed as their backs shook, and their footsteps faded away.

 

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