Snow White Read Online Free Page B

me and are not overly jealous as of yet. But I fear one of them will be able to remove herself from my enchantment sooner or later and then desire me dead.”
    “Why would they want you dead?”
    “Because of the attention I receive, of course. It cannot be pleasing to any female to watch another be lauded with all the glory. Take Raven, for instance. She is a very pretty girl and should have her own onslaught of suitors, and yet, no man will look twice at her. I genuinely fear they never will while I am still here and unwed.”
    “Then why have you not done so?” he asked, confused at her logic. If she truly cared for Raven, why not accept one of the hundreds of men vying for her hand?
    She sighed and gave him a look that showed what a simpleton she thought him. “Because I want a man to love me—the real me. And I cannot guarantee that anyone knows the real me with this spell attached. Besides, I vowed long ago that I would not entertain any suitors until Raven was wed.”
    “Are you jesting? You would put your life on hold, hoping someone would wed her first, when you yourself say it is impossible to notice your sister?”
    “No, I am not jesting. I am determined to do just that. She is a delight. She is my best friend. And she has been passed over and left behind again and again, and I cannot have her go last in this as well. She deserves happiness as much as anyone.”
    “You really do have a large heart.”
    “I love her that much. She has done so many things for me. But I cannot let her know how I feel or she would be livid.”
    “I can imagine that much.” He cleared his throat and then said, “Can I reveal something to you?”
    “Yes.”
    Was he a fool to tell her? Perhaps it would help her to know. “I kissed Princess Raven today.”
    “You did what?”
    “It was a very pleasant surprise for us both, but yes, I did kiss her.”
    “Terrance!” Her face was wreathed in smiles. “I am so happy to hear such news! You have made this the most perfect day, even more perfect than before.”
    “She slapped me.”
    Snow’s smile dropped. “I beg your pardon?”
    “No, do not. It was warranted. I should not have shocked her as I did. But she was so matter-of-fact and forlorn and adorable, I had to lean down and kiss her.”
    “But she slapped you?”
    “Yes. Quite soundly. She has a forceful hand, that one.”
    “Oh, dear.”
    He grinned. “It did not put me off at all. In fact, it had me wishing to come into her good graces even more.” He had made sure she was smiling when he walked her into the ballroom afterward.
    “Terrance, are you saying what I think you are saying?” she asked.
    “I am definitely astounded by the events of today,” he hedged. “I came to this palace for the sole purpose of meeting you and before I could do so, I had quite outrageously ruined any chances I might have had with that rather fetching sister of yours.”
    “I do not believe they are ruined, per se.”
    “Oh, of course not. There is nothing a man loves more than a worthy challenge. And finding a delightful, forgotten minx in the process may prove to be exactly what my heart needs. However, she has become cynical and believed herself to be worthless for a long while. It will take persistence on my part, and going very slowly with her.”
    “Are you truly going to try for her hand?”
    “I admit to feeling a strong pull to you when I saw you and again when we met. It is there, but after speaking to you and hearing your fears, I have to wonder where my true loyalties lie. I believe my interest, for whatever reason, has already been claimed.”
    “Perhaps it is because you met her first and spent time with her before you met me.”
    He thought about it and then shrugged. “Perhaps.”
    She grinned. “Would you like to see her again?”
    Was he ready to see Raven so soon? “Is there anything else plaguing you?” he asked Snow instead of answering her question.
    “Yes, but it can wait. This is much more