A/N: I couldn't get this story finished by the end of soulmate day, so here's just the prologue. There will be at least a few chapters more.
In this AU, Regina never cast the curse.
"I don't like this," Charming said as they walked down the long corridor towards Rumplestiltskin's cell. "How can we entrust our daughter's future to the Dark One? He's far more dangerous than Regina."
Snow White had baby Emma in her arms, partially concealed by her cloak. "He's far more powerful than Regina," she corrected. "But he doesn't have a personal vendetta against me, so I'll take my chances."
"Wise choice, dearie." Rumple's voice echoed eerily in the dungeon a moment before his cell came into sight. "Have you brought the child?"
Charming stepped in front of his wife and daughter once they were near. "If you try anything…"
The Dark One's fingers curled around the jagged bars of his prison. "What could I possibly do to hurt the little princess?" He beckoned for Snow to come forward, and she did, adjusting Emma so that the baby was fully visible in the light from the torches. "You want to know her future," he told them.
"Regina keeps making threats," Snow told him desperately. "We need to know what she's planning so that we can protect Emma."
Rumple let out one of his frightening laughs, and Charming set one hand on Snow's shoulder, the other ready to draw his sword. "She will take Emma from you," he said. "But not until she's grown." His smile was so gleeful that both king and queen knew there was more to this.
Emma fussed, all the noise waking her, and Snow cradled her closer. "How do we stop her?"
"The future's a funny thing, dearie. It has a way of happening no matter what you do to stop it. The Queen is your child's soulmate, and keeping them apart will do more harm than good."
"What?" Snow held Emma tighter, gaping at Rumple.
Charming had his sword at the ready now. "I don't know what kind of trick you're trying to play…"
"No trick." He laughed again, gaze focused on the baby. "Your child will love the Evil Queen. And you both know all too well that the harder the world tries to keep soulmates apart, the closer they become."