"Did I walk on something?"
It was Astrael, fully dressed, now beardless but with the usual demonic grin that marred his human face.
"Who are you?!" the princess cried in fear, hastily rising to her feet. Grimilde followed her, taking a few steps toward the man, or rather demon. Astrael looked at her with laughing eyes, placing a hand on his cheek, tilting his head to the side and resting his chin on his knuckles: "You are truly cute, and that's certainly a good thing, but I wonder... where's the spark? The longing, the passion, the sexu—!"
"Don't say another word, Astrael."
The queen squeezed the princess's hand, but never took off her gaze from the demon. "What do you want?"
"Can't I greet the princess in person? After all, I helped you save her... I deserve a thank you."
"As if I'd believe that. Why are you here?"
"The demon?!" Snow White asked in fear, clutching Grimilde's arm. Astrael smiled sweetly at her—at least he tried, because a terrifying grin emerged: "Don't be afraid, I won't hurt you, princess! In fact, I came here..." and he advanced toward the two women, making them stiffen: "To warn the queen. I see obstacles and headaches, you'd better be prepared."
"What do you know?"
"Betrayal, rebellion, invasion..." at those whispered words, the queen felt her veins go as cold as ice, eliminating all the warmth in her body.
It was just as the late king had said.
"It can't be..." the woman whispered to herself, trembling with rage. Astrael gave what must have been a comforting look, then turned his dark, mischievous eyes to Snow White: "Princess, I have to admit, you're interesting. No one has ever captured Grimilde's heart so easily." The seductive demon took a step forward: "A woman who would never give anyone a second glance, nor powerful men nor glamorous women... hangs on the princess's every word."
The demon seemed to want to continue his speech but stopped. Actually, he had come there for another reason.
"Anyway," He turned to the blonde, waving his arm toward himself and giving a small bow: "I am at your service. I'll repay you for your much-appreciated gift."
His mysterious red eyes and his grin too long to be human reminded the two women who they were dealing with.
He bid farewell to the two women: "Now, if you wish to speak to me, just call my name... And one last thing: enjoy your time while you can!" And with that, he disappeared just as he had come, shrouded in black smoke and hidden by the shadows of the forest. Snow White gradually calmed down, trying to make sense of all the demon's words.
Grimilde had told her about the possession, but she hadn't expected such a physical transformation from the man who had once been Edgar; just one look sent shivers down her spine.
The princess noticed the silence that was filling the forest and decided it would be best to return to the castle as soon as possible.
She squeezed Grimilde's arm, moving with her toward the tree where the horse was tied: "We'd better go back." But the queen didn't move any further.
"What's happening?" Her worried voice failed to attract her attention.
"Grimilde!"
After being shaken, the queen recovered, emerging from the whirlwind of her dark thoughts, and as she gazed at the tearful princess, Astrael's words came back to her.
Enjoy your time while you can.
The woman felt the tangle of emotions and the intensity of that state made her act, rather than reflect.
She felt her heart beats fast.
The queen pushed the girl back until her back collided with the trunk of the nearest tree.
"Grimilde, what are you thinking?" the girl whispered in a trembling voice, lowering her gaze. She couldn't meet Grimilde's gaze, which was far too intense and full of intent toward her, an intent she had recognized ever since the blonde's arms had trapped her against the trunk. She smelled the sap, but also the scent of the flowers and the warmth of Grimilde's body. It was enchanting, addicting...
"Darling, forgive me, but I want... no, I long to kiss you." The princess felt her heart pounding, so much that she thought Grimilde could feel it too. Their faces were so close, and their lips could have touched already if one of them had closed the distance.
She wanted it so badly; so she raised her eyes, fluttering her thick black eyelashes, and didn't waste a second, throwing her arms around her neck and crashing their lips together. They were cold, but soft, just as she'd imagined. She felt the woman's hands rest on her hips, then press her against her body, and when their torsos and chests met, they both sighed. Snow White was the first to move her lips, but Grimilde would lead the kiss. The princess felt a fire ignite inside her and trembled from head to toe. Her legs were particularly weak, but fortunately the queen was holding her.
Snow White tried to follow Grimilde's movements, brushing their mouths, leaving small kisses at the corners of her lips.
Grimilde separated from her for only a second. Her eyes were filled with passion, shining in the darkness of the forest. The setting sun was now about to disappear over the horizon. "Open your lips," after that whisper, she kissed the princess again with an initial smack. Surprised, Snow White did as asked and soon felt something warm slip into her mouth. She stifled a moan when their tongues met. Grimilde continued to kiss her passionately for long minutes, gently guiding the princess; she touched her tongue, caressed it softly, longing to continue her journey down Snow White's neck to her chest, but it wasn't the right time or place for that kind of amorous effusion.
Before separating from her, the blonde placed a small kiss on her cheek and then gazed at her enchanting handiwork: Snow White's cheeks were flushed, her eyes half-closed in an expression of pleasure, and her lips were worn with passion. The queen, to maintain control, turned toward the horse, to untie it from the nearby tree.
During the journey back to the castle, the princess remained quiet, but her arms were wrapped around Grimilde's waist, and her face refused to leave her back, hidden from the wind and the world. When they finally reached the castle, before they dismounted, Snow White pressed her lips to the queen's right ear and whispered, "I want to do this again..."