Barren

Gertrude took her job as Queen seriously and did what she could to provide for her kingdom. Horatio seemed to respect her lack of interest in congical relations. Which Gertrude appreciated. He really wasn't that bad. She longed for a happily ever after, and he was her only choice as her husband, but she just couldn't forgive him for her parents. She knew she should. Maybe then they could be a happy family...but for now they just played the part.

Gertrude was walking to meet Snow White in the garden's, on her way she passed some noble men who were leaving that area.

"She is quite a lovely girl, will grow up beautiful I'm sure" one said to the other.

Gertrude froze and held her breath. They were talking about Snow White. She was eight almost 9. How could she have not seen it. She needed to find a way to protect Snow White. It puzzled her mind all evening, and she was unable to focus as she played with Snow White. She decided it was time to teach the girl how to defend herself.

That night after dinner Gertrude had come to one conclusion. It would be less vital and could wait for Snow White to be used for marriage if she had a son that nobles would wait for him to grow up. With this in mind she visited Horatio's chambers that night.

"leave us" Gertrude dismissed all servants and guards.

"What's the matter Gertrude? You never want to talk to me" Horatio asked.

With that Gertrude unlaced her bodice and slipped out of her dress. She stood their naked and vulnerable. She hated feeling vulnerable. Her face twitched with nerves. Horatio stared at her, unable to not admire her beauty.

"We both know you don't view me that way wife, so why are you presenting yourself to me like this" Horatio said gesturing at her body.

"We must make an heir for the kingdom" Gertrude stated blank faced.

"I suppose we must" Horatio.

With that Gertrude lay herself on Horatio's bed and let him have his way with her. He was not gentle. It hurt bad, but Gertrude held her tongue and held back her tears. This, this is how she protected Snow White. That is what she repeated to herself in her head over and over.

This became their rhythm nightly for the next two months, until Horatio started to refuse her. He didn't enjoy it anymore, for it was so clearly guided by duty. He only would see her in this way once or twice a month. She had yet to get pregnant. Her chances were decreasing as Horatio began to take interest in other noble women. Gertrude feared that he would take a mistress, that he wouldn't even try for an heir. Snow White would be left on her own. Rumors began to circulate the castle. Not of Horatio's infidelity...no that Gertrude was barren and unable to satisfy the king. The word that echoed in Gertrude's head was barren. Barren...barren.