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I didn’t know the Queen well, but from what Snow had said and what little I’d seen I knew she wasn’t a good person. She was definitely a different kind of Queen than his former wife who was a light that radiated kindness and beauty, this woman just seemed dark.

We pulled up to the castle, and the little man ushered me in. I couldn’t tell if he was the one from last night, but I had a feeling. He had a similar stature and general presence of an asshole.

“My Queen.” He bowed. “I present to you, the Huntsman.”

I took my hat off and bowed the same as him.

“Very well. You may leave us Seamus.”

I stood up and looked at the man. Without his hat on, he looked like a little rat with small beady eyes and a pointed nose. He quickly glanced at me, then scurried away.

“Huntsman.” The Queen uttered, looking at me from head to toe like I was a statue on display. She reached forward and grabbed my arms. “So strong.”

“Thank you, Queen.” I lowered my shoulder just slight enough so my quiver would fall off my shoulder so I could pull my arm from her mangy grasp to adjust it. “What can I do for you today?”

She tilted her chin up and looked across her nose at me. “Do you use that bow often?”

A flashback to Snow with the bow flashed before me. “I’ve been practicing with it lately. I usually prefer a blade.”

She shuddered in ecstasy. “How animalistic.”

Her seductive stare made me cringe on the inside. She was a beautiful woman on the outside, but I could see past the facade and saw the evil simmering within her.

“Thank you, Queen.”

She tossed her head back and cackled. “A man of simple words. I appreciate that.”

I nodded. “What can I do for you, Queen?”

“In my chambers.” She waved me down the long, window laden hallway, which echoed with our footsteps.

I couldn’t help but notice the large portraits on the wall of the late kings and queens, specifically of the current king's late wife. I was shocked to find it was still hanging up and would’ve imagined that it’d been one of the first paintings to be destroyed when the dark Queen took over the house. I paused only for a second to admire the late queen’s beauty, on the inside and out. It even radiated from the painting on the wall.

The dark Queen pushed the door open and walked in, turning to wait for me. “I don’t bite… unless you ask.” Her cackle made my skin crawl.

I smiled and walked in, staying as close to the door as possible.

“There is a delicate matter that requires your personal attention and I’ve asked around and heard you’re the best huntsman in the area. Accurate, lethal, and discreet.”

I nodded, knowing exactly where this was going.

“Last night,” she paused for dramatic effect and held her hand up, reaching for the handkerchief on her table, so I grabbed it for her. “The princess.” She paused again, wiping the tear from her eye. “Just dreadful.” She peeked at me for a brief second, then continued. “She attacked her father and I.” She let out a sorrowful sob.

“Queen. Are you ok? Is the King ok?” I was more concerned about the King, but knew I had to play her stupid little game.

“Yes, yes.” She patted the air.

“How can I help?”

“After the attack, she fled the scene like the coward she is.”

I didn’t speak, but continued to stare at her, waiting.

“Yes. Well then,” she nodded. “I need you to track her down.”

“Of course, Queen. Where would you like me to bring her once I locate her?”

She laughed, a wicked, pitchy laugh. “No. I don’t want you to bring her anywhere. I want you to kill her and cut out her liver and heart and bring it to me as proof.”