AU. Warning, this is SWANQUEEN, and NOT Snow friendly. Ill only continue if people think it's worth reading, so please comment.
Regina didn't go to the courtyard to greet the White Queen. Leopold couldn't make her. He may have taken her as his bride, but truth be told, he held very little power over her. They were in a marriage in title only: Forced into a marriage in an attempt to meet a royal necessity and a mother's fantasy. But that's a story for another day.
Regina looked down from the tower as Snow and her idiotic prince walked into her castle, host of guards following closely behind like mindless fools. She watched as Leopold took his daughter into his arms, folding her tightly into a loving embrace that Regina had never experienced. Not with him nor any person. Regina bit back the envy and resentment, finally looking away toward the billowing green of the countryside in the distance. Sometimes Regina missed being common. She missed the freedom. And yet, she was never really free. Not with Cora breathing down her neck, willing Regina into something she didn't want to be.
But that was neither here nor there. Regina was Queen of Kingdom Black. And down in her courtyard, greeting her King and husband, was King and Queen of the White Kingdom; technically her step daughter. Regina hated Snow White. She was indifferent toward her idiot husband, but Snow, Leopold's daughter, Regina hated. She was alone in that. Snow had a way of making the world love her. She was so sweet, and kind, and caring, and god damned endearing to everyone, people couldn't help but buy her act. Regina hoped that there were at least a few people in Snow's court that knew the truth. Surely there has to be some people that were privy to her sadistic cruelty.
Regina saw right through Snow's innocent act. Regina knew that underneath that sweet daughter exterior was a master manipulator. Snow, the REAL Snow was evil, conniving, and extremely vindictive. But no one seemed to know this but Regina. Instead, this is exactly the personality that Snow has successfully projected onto Regina. So much so, that throughout the two lands Regina was known as "The Evil Queen". This made Regina even more bitter, knowing that although she was a just and good Queen, she got the bad rap while the real evil one was seen as The White Queen, pure and just.
Regina scoffed as she watched the happy reunion in the courtyard below and flew off to her personal chambers, her cape billowing behind her.
XXXXXXXXX
Regina sat in the corner booth of the pub, identity safely hidden behind cloak and hood. She often wandered into the ordinary corners of her kingdom, several reasons beckoning her there. For one, despite the rumors Snow had spread, Regina was a good queen. She genuinely was concerned for the well being of her people. She found she got the most honest picture of how things were in her kingdom if she went out there herself undercover, getting a sense of people's welfare as well as their feelings toward the crown. For two, well, Regina sought comfort. It was no secret to anyone that Leopold had a different whore or whores in his bed every night. Regina didn't mind, honestly, because it meant he wouldn't come seeking her company. But Regina was a vibrant woman, and she sought companionship as well. What Regina needed was well beyond a simple sexual encounter, but for now, it would have to do. She would come here when she needed an outlet, and never had a hard time leaving with whomever she picked, man or woman. As Regina made eye contact with a woman in the corner booth across from her, it seemed tonight would be no different.
Even though Regina was well hidden in her cloak, it was her eyes that drew people in: dark chocolate, lustful, needing. She gazed across the bar and was quite intrigued with what she saw. Green, smiling eyes met her over a tipped mug of ale. The blonde locks that framed the shapely face were perfectly curled down to strong looking shoulders. Her legs were propped up on another chair in lazy comfort, clothes entirely masculine in origin. She was dressed in men's pantaloons and boots, and yet a feminine top led to the oh so slight view of cleavage.
Regina raised a flirtatious eyebrow as she brought her own mug to her lips. Regina was familiar with this game. She had an attractive woman on the line, all she had to do was reel her in. Regina watched as a drunk patron walked over to her mysterious stranger and placed a groping hand on her shoulder. Regina was amused to see her give a look of disgust as she brushed his hand off her shoulder and told him to get lost.
Regina tried to keep flirtatious eye contact when several other drunken male suitors approached the strange blonde. She was amused by how the stranger forcefully and colorfully rejected more advancements.
Regina's breath caught a bit when the beautiful blonde got up and sauntered over to her. The confident smile as she came closer made Regina's heart beat faster. She smiled back as the stranger stood next to her and motioned to the empty seat across from her. "Mind if I join you?" Regina felt her belly start to burn at the sound of the stranger's voice.
"Not at all."
They smiled at each other, knowing full well the mutual attraction that had been instantaneous. The blonde suddenly narrowed her eyes and shook her head. "What are you doing here?!" She demanded.
Regina panicked. Had she been recognized? She ventured out all the time and no one had yet recognized her as the queen. She froze and whispered, "what?"
The blonde smiled sweetly and shook her head. "You don't look like you belong here."
Still confused, Regina didn't answer, just looked questioningly at the beautiful stranger.
"You're just-too beautiful."
Regina sighed out in relief. It was just a pick up line. She chuckled and took a swig of ale.
The blonde furrowed her eyebrows and shook her head. "No, I-that's not a line. I just mean, there's something about you. You just seem-confident yet insecure at the same time."
Regina scoffed. "Okay, you need to work on your come ons, because that was anything but flattering."
The sound of the blonde's laughter made Regina pause. Damn, this woman was something. "It was meant as a compliment, believe me. You just seem..." Regina met the sea green eyes and saw them sparkle. "...special."
Their long sensual gaze was interrupted when one of the nasty drunks that had been hitting on the blonde earlier slid into the booth next to Regina and put his arm around her. Regina shirked away but the smelly man held on and pulled her to him. Regina felt herself cringe as he spoke into her ear, the smell of rum making her nauseous.
"So how's bout the three of us get a room together and have some fun?!"
Regina couldn't help the look of disgust on her face as she tried to push the foul man away. She heard his buddy call to him from across the bar. "You're wasting your time, Killian! Those two are pussy lickers through and through!"
Before Regina even knew what was happening, the foul man was ripped from the booth and instantly had his nose broken by a swift fist to the face. He was down and being kicked in the gut before Regina had a chance to glance up at his attacker. It was the blonde that had, but a moment ago, been seated across from her. Regina gasped as she saw the man's buddies spring on the blonde like rats on cheese. What happened next completely took Regina by surprise.
The first man that had grabbed her from behind received an elbow to the face, sending him staggering backwards. The second descended a dagger toward the blonde's heart, receiving a deflecting blow to the wrist only to be followed by a nose breaking palm to the face. The third got a good punch to the blonde's cheek, sending her backwards a few feet. Regina watched as her eyes darkened and determination covered her face. She recovered quickly, returning the punch and following it with a punch to the stomach and knee to the groin.
But there were too many of them. The blonde was clearly acceptionally good at fighting, but she was swarmed with men, pummeling her and savagely kicking her to the ground. Regina started to become desperate. She didn't know why, but she felt extremely protective of this woman, and also responsible since she had been defending Regina's honor.
"Stop!" She yelled, but no one could hear her through the action. "Stop!" She cried louder. She was getting no where, and this poor woman was bring pummeled in front of her eyes. In one swoop, Regina left the booth and tore off her hood and reached into her cape, pulling out the medallion bearing the royal crest.
"I SAID STOP!" She called at the top of her lungs, Queen of the Black Kingdom booming through the pub.
Gasps and cries of "It's the Queen!" littered the pub until finally the men let the blonde go and dropped to a knee. Regina glanced down at the blonde who was on her rump, brushing blood from her lower lip. Regina looked back at the horde of men in front of her, now recognizing them as a band of pirates. "GET your sorry asses OUT of this bar and BACK onto your MISERABLE boat!"
She didn't see the look of horror and disgust that made it's way across the blonde's face. Regina watched in satisfaction as the men scrambled to their feet, grabbing their injured mates as they made for the door. Regina sighed in satisfaction before looking back towards the injured blonde.
Regina let out an annoyed groan. She was gone.
XXXXXXXXXX
Regina couldn't avoid it this time. She had to officially sit in as Leopold and his beloved daughter held a "political convention", in which Snow repeatedly tried to convince her father to let her rule BOTH kingdoms. Regina had been successful so far in keeping this from happening, but wasn't sure exactly how long her spineless husband could refuse his demanding daughter.
Regina had tried to play the happy family. But Snow had been so resentful of Regina for 'taking her father away', that all of her efforts were met with bitterness and dissent. What Snow failed to realize was that Leopold's attentions were always on his daughter, so much so that Regina never felt like a wife. She had tried to push aside the fact that she didn't want this marriage, forget that all her choice had been ripped from her control. She had tried to make the best of the situation, but soon found there was no good to be found. Her husband was a womanizing cad who doted relentlessly over his spoiled daughter. So Regina did her best to ignore her terrible marriage and put her heart into running the kingdom as best she could.
Regina slumped in her chair as she listened to Snow dottle on about how much of a terrible leader she is. At least, that's what Regina heard.
"It's been a terrible year for crops, Daddy, I don't know what else to say! The farmers, I don't know, the farmers are just terrible at their jobs! They are completely uncooperative with my men, always putting up a fight when we come to take the harvest!"
Regina lowered her glass of wine. "That's because you don't leave them enough to survive the winter. They do all the work just for you to come along and take their livelihood and let them nearly starve to death."
Snow turned her head slowly and met Regina with a menacing glare, one which Regina gladly returned. "Daddy, I don't appreciate her tone," Snow said sweetly.
Leopold sighed and put his hand over Regina's. "That's enough, Regina."
Regina rolled her eyes and pulled her hand out from under his and grabbed her wine. She heard Snow go back to talking about how good of a leader she is and yet how terrible and disloyal her people are and rolled her eyes. Regina glanced around the room until her eyes were drawn to Snow's guards. As her eyes came to the soldier directly behind Snow, Regina noticed their eyes drop quickly, as if they had just been watching her. The helmet kept Regina from getting a good view, but as she eyed them up and down, she noticed they were wearing gold armor instead of the silver worn by the rest. Regina figured that was Snow's captain of the guard, as her own captain dressed differently as well. Regina looked the captain up and down, noticing something very different. Regina chuckled and tossed a grape into her mouth.
"...and it's just that times are tough, you know that, Daddy. The fields of the White kingdom weren't that great to begin with, and having incompetent peasants," Snow sighed. "It's hard to find good help these days."
Regina scoffed. "Apparently so. Is that why you've employed a woman as the Captain of the Guard?"
The room came to a startled silence, Regina smiling sarcastically at an angry Snow. Regina saw the female captain shift her weight in discomfort, eyes darting up to meet Regina's briefly before lowering back to the floor. Regina thought she caught a familiarity in the eyes.
"That woman happens to be the fiercest fighter in all the kingdom. Kingdoms plural, I'll wager. She can certainly best any of your men."
"Oh, really? What about we place a little wager on that?" Regina asked as she leaned forward.
"Gladly. What would you like to wager?" Snow rose to the challenge confidently.
"That wagon full of gold you're asking for. The one to pay off your debts to Cinderella? If your captain beats my best man, it's yours. If not, you're on your own."
"Now, now, Regina, lets not-" Leopold tried to interject.
"No. It's okay, Daddy," Snow stopped him. Her gaze never left Regina's as she smiled slowly. "Swords?" Regina nodded. "Alright. You have yourself a deal."
Immediately the two captains drew their swords and moved to the empty space in the room. They eyed each other as they circled slowly around the other. Regina's captain was about the same height as Snow's female guard, but much stalkier and muscular. Regina was certain that no matter how good at swordplay this woman was, she would be easily out powered.
He made the first strike, coming at her in an overhead swipe. She quickly spun out of striking range, kicking out swiftly to catch him square in the ribs. He oofed before blocking her reciprocating strike and the two separated again. Regina raised an eyebrow and nodded. She was good. The two circled each other again until they met in the middle, swords clanging furiously. They parried back and forth, moving about the room together. Although he was much stronger than her, she was able to use her skill and speed to keep him at arms length. Finally she was able to catch him off balance, sweeping his legs out from under him with her own. In one swift movement she kicked the sword out of his hand and placed her blade at his throat. The two looked at each other intensely, breathing heavily.
Although Regina had just lost the bet, she had to fight back a smile at this impressive woman. She had a strength that Regina found incredibly attractive. She hadn't even seen this woman yet, but her clear strength of mind and body were very impressive. Regina cleared her throat as she heard Snow's clapping and cheering. Regina saw the captain help Regina's man to his feet and pat him on the shoulder. And kind, too, Regina thought. The two walked over and stood tall in front of both sets of royals. Regina's captain took his helmet off and placed it under his arm. He looked meekly at Regina, knowing how his failure had embarrassed her.
"I may need to reconsider your position as captain, Robin. It's not in my favor to have my captain lose a sword fight to a woman."
Snow smiled broadly. "Not just any woman. I told you, she's the best fighter in all the lands. Liberator of the innocent, protector of the throne, savior of the White Kingdom. I present, Captain Emma Swan."
Regina looked on curiously as the captain gave a simple bow. Snow waved her hand at her in annoyance, indicating that she should remove her helmet. Regina noticed green eyes flash to her shyly before finally she reached up and pulled the helmet from her head. Golden locks fell from the helmet, cascading around her head. Regina nearly was unable to stifle her gasp as the sea green eyes of the woman from the bar met hers. And they were angry.
The anger and hatred in those previously sparkling green eyes took Regina aback. She tried to hide her discomfort as suddenly it hit her. Of course this woman hated her. She was Snow's captain. Surely she listened to and believed all the hateful and terrible lies Snow had been feeding people. This Emma Swan hates Regina as much as Snow herself does. Maybe even more. This Emma was only attracted to Regina when she didn't know who she was. Now that she knew she was the 'Evil Queen', Regina was her number one enemy.
Regina couldn't deny the slight disappointment she felt, knowing the strong attraction they had felt would apparently go nowhere. And yet, when Regina met the angry eyes of Emma Swan, she felt a ferocious pull between them, an almost carnal desire for each other. As Regina felt her body flush with this intense desire, she felt something else as well. Like there was more to this woman than just sex appeal. Like there might be something else, something...more between them.
Regina's lips tweaked a bit as she noticed the split lip and bruises along her face, remembering the previous night's brawl. "Captain," Regina's voice melted out like hot lava. "Seems you've taken a beating recently. Fighting for someone's honor?"
Emma's eyes flashed. "I was. I realized too late my efforts were wasted. Turned out to be nothing but a common whore."
Regina felt her anger flare to the surface but managed to swallow it down before anyone but Emma noticed. "I see. Well, you have bested my captain, as your...beloved Queen predicted. Seems she was right about you."
Regina saw the blonde force a fake smile. "She always is. As I'm sure she is right about you, as well." She visibly forced herself to bow slightly. "Your highness," she forced out bitterly.
Regina knew what the captain was implying and should have been insulted. Instead she found herself challenged, a sensation that both annoyed and aroused her. No simple soldier, captain or not, should dare insult the queen of any land. Yet this one did. Regina, despite herself, was impressed. "Perhaps," Regina said. She smiled salaciously. "Perhaps not. Either way, you have won your Queen's hand out of gold, saving her from Cinderella's debt. I certainly hope your almighty queen will figure out how to rule a kingdom properly before this happens again."
Regina saw the blonde's eyes flare, yet behind them was an apologetic glimmer, as if secretly she knew Regina was right. But she would never be disloyal to her queen. No, Captain Emma Swan was loyal to the bitter end. Regina could tell this.
Emma bowed slightly before returning to Snow's side, who had already stood up to leave. "I've had enough of this dribble for the evening. Ill see you for breakfast, father," Snow flicked her wrist as she set out of the hall, King and guards scurrying behind her like helpless ducklings.
Regina watched as her blonde took one more parting glance at the Evil Queen before lumbering out of the hall after her queen. Regina took in a deep breath as she felt a new exciting purpose in her life. This Emma Swan not only seemed a challenging target for Regina to bed, but why not take away one of Snow's most trusted foot soldiers as well. Regina smiled and sighed out heavily as she watched the attractive captain leave the throne room. The White kingdom was there for a week long visit. A visit that should prove quite entertaining for Regina.
