Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

  Amy and Ugly Duckling were lying in her crib while Mag was reading the files about elves. “Can you tell me a story, Father?”


  Mag put the files down and walked over to her with a smile. “Sure.” Normally, he didn’t have time to tell her stories; he felt he was not a good father. “Do you want to listen to the story of Snow White?”


  Amy nodded. “Yes. But is Snow White made of snow?”


  “No. She’s a princess with skin as white as snow,” he answered, smiling. “Many many years ago, there lived a king and a queen. They prayed to God for a child every day.

  “A year later, the queen gave birth to a lovely princess that had skin as white as snow, lips as red as blood, and hair as black as ebony. They named her Snow White……”


  Mag told the story in a low voice, from the wicked new queen to the seven dwarves and the poisoned apple.

  Amy and Ugly Duckling listened to the story attentively. They looked worried when Snow White was in danger, and relieved when she got help.

  “In the end, the prince and Snow White lived happily together, and the wicked queen was dead.” The story ended, but Amy didn’t look sleepy at all. Mag touched her hair. “If a stranger gave you an apple, would you eat it?” he asked.

  Amy thought a moment. “Would I be poisoned if I just took a bite?”


  “Yes. The poison would probably kill you.” Such a little foodie!

  “Then I wouldn’t eat it,” she said, disappointed. “You won’t find a wicked mother for me, right, Father?

  Mag’s heart ached. He smiled and shook his head. “No. I won’t.”


  “Thank you, Father.” Amy smiled and fell asleep.

  The kitten snuggled up to her and went to sleep too.

  I never thought about finding her a new mother. Mag tucked them in and kissed her hair. He looked for a while at her sleeping face with fond eyes, and then got back to the files.

  Most of the information in the files was useless, but at least he found out the elven princess had been living with the Tree of Life since three years ago. Maybe I can find out more information about her from Sally.

  I don’t think she has anything to do with that incident. Maybe she is imprisoned there. Mag put the files in the safe and went to lie in his bed.

  What’s she like? Mag wondered. I should find her for Amy. After all, she’s her mother.

  The next morning, Mag was woken by the alarm. He turned it off and looked at Amy. She was still sleeping; Ugly Duckling was struggling to keep itself from falling off the edge of the bed. He picked it up and put it beside Amy.

  “Meow,” it cried out with gratitude.

  Mag washed up, brushed his teeth, and went downstairs.

  More dishes meant more work, but he had got stronger, and the food he ate every day was helping him build up his strength.

  At six AM, Mag went upstairs to wake Amy up. “I ate a poisoned apple. Only a kiss can save me,” she whispered.

  Mag quickly got into character as well. “I’ve come to save you, sweetheart.” He crouched down and kissed Amy on the forehead.

  Amy giggled and opened her eyes. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. “You saved me, Father!”