Prologue
"Emma, sweetheart, you must be up now!" the Queen whispered softly into her daughter's ear, her voice sounding as sweet as the blue wrens that sang outside the palace windows.
The princess muttered something unintelligible into her pillow as she curled her huge blankets closer. She ought to at least be allowed to sleep in today, of all days! It was after all, her birthday. Not just any birthday at that; her eighteenth. But it would seem the subtlety of Emma Swan's complaints was lost on her mother who quickly swiped open the soft blue curtains from the windows surrounding her bed. Snow White continued her urges upon returning to her daughter's side, this time even attempting to pull the blankets out of the younger girl's iron grip.
"Your father and I have a surprise for you, Emma! Come and get dressed. I've kept my mouth shut for an entire month and I'm not sure I'll last much longer!"
"I don't like surprises in the first place and especially not this early in the morning," Emma mumbled to know one but her beloved pillows, still unable to part with her bed. She knew that if she were to do so, the rapidly evaporating memory of the adventures she'd just witnessed would disappear. Even now, they were growing dim, but, lying in the same dented spot on the bed that she had when sleeping, Emma could still see the black sails of the pirate ship and the daring swordsman who fought by her side. Emma refused to release her dream as her mother pulled her from her bed.
"I promise this will be one that you'll like, my dear!" Her mother hurried to the expansive white wardrobe which had been pushed to the farthest reaches of the room only the night before when Emma saw it fit to redecorate in order to challenge her father, King David, more affectionately coined Prince Charming, to a duel to show off her latest sword skills. After rummaging through the very messy shelves full to the brim with a odd mix of leather and tulle, the queen reemerged.
"How about this? I think it should do quite lovely! Perfect for anything the day could throw at us… from dancing to, say, horseback riding," her voice rising slightly on the last idea, mere pondering or blatant hintings. Snow White held up a tea length dress, the color very close to the faint blush that crept unnoticed on the blond's cheeks.
"Alright fine! I'm up now," Emma laughed as she rolled out of bed and pulled the gown from her mother's arms and returning it to the back of the cupboard, careful not to reveal any of the other contents. With a new found vigor, the princess found a simple outfit and was quick to dart behind the large room dividers to change. She returned a few minutes later dressed in a pair of jet black riding pants and a crimson coat with a simple but elegant braided updo. After moving to her bed to slip on a set of knee high boots, she turned questioningly toward her mother.
"So, what's this big surprise?"
….
AN- Heey! So this is just a little something I've had brewing for quite some time and, on my latest writing kick decided "What the heck!" I hope you all liked it! I'll try my hardest to update but will write sooo much faster if you comment and like! I run on your opinions and really like constructive criticism! More chapters to come ;)