My mirror had more magic in it than just speaking to me. I could also see things in it, things that weren’t just a reflection. When I concentrated hard enough, it would show me images of things that were going on in the world. Most of the time I used it to check on the kingdom and make sure people were still happy. Unfortunately, it’s how I heard the gossip about me too. For that reason, I tried not to do it very often.
I was still worried about Snow so I sat in front of the mirror one morning and concentrated on the girl. Within seconds, the mirror started a wave of activity, slowing down to reveal where she was.
It appeared Snow was adopted by seven little people. All men, she was their housekeeper of sorts. Each of the seven little people had their own personality, one appeared very happy, another bashful, one looked to be sleepy, one a little dopey, there was one who sneezed a lot, a grumpy one of course, and one that appeared to be healer or doctor of sorts. They looked like one big, happy family.
I was so pleased that Snow had fallen on her feet. She looked happier than I had seen her since her father died. I knew right then that I had done the right thing. When she was ready, she would return and I would gladly hand over the kingdom to her. I’m sure she would make a wonderful queen one day, but only when she was ready.
I wanted to do something nice for her, considering everything seemed to be going so well. Her progress restored my optimism that perhaps we could still be a family, perhaps my dreams weren’t completely lost.
I called for the royal tailor and ordered a dress be made. Nothing fancy, just something that Snow would be comfortable in while in her new surroundings. The tailor got straight onto it and I had it before the week was out.
“Madeleine, please deliver this to Snow in the woods and make sure she sees the note,” I explained, giving my maid instructions. I had to tell her where Snow was and why, but I knew she would keep it to herself. I trusted Madeleine, she had been with me even before I was married.
I waited in front of the mirror, guessing my maid should have been there before noon. I was so looking forward to seeing the smile on Snow’s face when she got the dress. I’m sure she would appreciate the gift and accept it with the love I sent it with.
Madeleine arrived just on noon, as expected. I settled in front of the mirror, eager with anticipation. She handed Snow the gift, including the note, and then left with a curtsy.
Snow opened the package and took out the dress. I’m sure I saw a smile on her face when she admired it. The tailor had done a wonderful job, it truly was a beautiful dress.
She moved onto the note next and that smile turned into a frown. Much to my absolute horror, she held my note of encouragement and love over a candle and let the flame set it alight. The entire thing vanished into a cloud of ashes.
My heart broke, I had such high hopes for that gift. I guess it would take more than a dress to repair our relationship. I wasn’t going to give up though, not when she was doing so much better.
I continued to watch as Snow put the dress on. It fit her perfectly. I was surprised to see how grown up she was getting. All I could see was a beautiful young woman instead of a precocious child. I wouldn’t have long before handing over the palace.
Standing in front of a mirror, Snow pulled the corset on the dress tighter. She was trying to make her waist smaller, I guessed. She kept tugging at the laces until they grew far tighter than they were ever intended to. She passed out, falling to the floor as she tried to gasp for breath.
I panicked, that wasn’t supposed to happen. She should have known to loosen the dress once it started to get so tight that she couldn’t breathe. I jumped up from the mirror, unsure how I could get to her in time. Even if I sent help, it would take longer for them to get there than she had.
I needed to do something but I couldn’t think of what. My eyes kept flicking back to the mirror and her lifeless body on the floor. I had to act, I needed to do something and quickly.
Suddenly, the little people returned and found Snow on the floor. They quickly helped her, loosening the corset so her lungs could be filled with much needed air again. I held my own breath as Snow gasped for hers. She was alive, she would be okay.
I collapsed onto the chair, my hands shaking. I concentrated harder so I could hear what they were saying, I needed to hear her speak to know she was indeed alright.
“Snow, what happened?” The happy one asked. They were all crowded around her, concerned for her welfare.
They helped her sit up, her cheeks rosy from the effort. “It was the queen, she tried to kill me. My dress was enchanted, it strangled me.”
They all exchanged worried glances while I gasped with surprise. My shock then turned into anger.
“She must be stopped.”
“She’s so evil.”
“We have to do something.”
The nasty comments continued around the circle of little people. “I didn’t do that! It’s a lie!” I yelled at the mirror. I knew they couldn’t hear me but I couldn’t hold it in. Snow was framing me, telling anyone who would listen how evil I was.
My anger subsided into sadness once again. I had tried everything. I thought I was doing a good deed. I just wanted Snow to like me but it seemed like it was never going to happen.
But I would not be dissuaded so easily. I picked up my favorite comb off my dressing table. It was my mother’s and I loved it dearly. Snow would know that, she would see that I was really trying to do the right thing.
I called for my maid once again and instructed her to take the comb to Snow. I would gift it to her and just wait for our relationship to be repaired. She could then return to the palace and we could rule together. I would teach her everything I knew.
After all, Snow White couldn’t hurt herself with just a comb like she did with the dress, right? It was just a comb. How wrong I was.