Snow of the Whitethorn: Chapter 10

Visions in the Tower

As Snow tiptoed down the hallway of family portraits towards the dining room that evening, she could already hear arguing coming from behind the closed doors. It was Aunt Ermine and Father. Snow couldn’t quite make out what they were saying, but Father sounded more angry and aggressive than Snow had ever seen him. It frightened her. In response to his indecipherable ranting, Aunt Ermine’s voice was light, taunting, and occasionally, she even laughed. This seemed to aggravate the Holly King further. Snow hesitated in the hallway. She had arrived early, so as to avoid further reprimand from the Queen, but now she thought perhaps she should return to her room and wait until the proper time for the meal to begin.

Suddenly the door slammed open, and Snow jumped in surprise. It was her Father striding out of the room, pulling at his collar and completely oblivious to Snow’s presence. His eyes were wide and the pupils were quite large. He was breathing rapidly, and seemed a little unsteady on his feet. Had he been drinking? Or had his anger sent him out of his wits?