This story will start from the beginning of Emma and Regina's friendship and their progression over time. Italics will be in the past and normal font will be the present with Regina as Queen. Enjoy! Let me know what you think and if I should continue!

Chapter 1

Peering through the small gap in the doorway of the main room, Regina raises an eyebrow curiously as to who her mother is talking to. From her view all she could see was the older brunette seemingly pacing in front of someone while gradually steering closer to the person in an intimidating fashion.

"If you are successful, you'll need to be completely aware of what I expect of you and the needs of my daughter. If you are to be my daughters lady maid, you will give the utmost respect at all times and that includes obeying orders, whatever they may be while also being on wait in case she is in need of anything. Do I make myself clear?"

Hearing a small 'yes ma'am' being muttered, the younger brunette cannot help but feel for the girl who is currently being interrogated by her mother. Also, should she not have a say in who should be her maid? Shaking the thought away, the young princess squints as she moves closer to the gap and stares as her mother eventually moves out of sight to reveal a young, nervous, blonde girl sat upon a foot stool while staring up in slight fear at the older woman. Gulping, Regina bites her lip as she stares in wonder of the blonde before questioning in her head what the girls name would be.

"Right well..I guess this means you have the job. For now of course, you will be on trial and if my daughter disapproves, you will be out with the rest of the peasants"

Nodding slowly, the young blonde rises with a serious expression. "thank you ma'am..you will not regret your decision"

"Hm..." Turning away from the girl, Cora heads towards the door. "Wait here while I fetch my daughter"

Jumping back from the door quickly, Regina hurries along the corridor then turns at the back door as if she had only just come in from her morning ride. Walking up to see her mother appear, the young brunette smiles. "Mother..how is the interviewing going?"

Pausing outside the double doors, Cora looks displeased. "I've hired someone..follow me"

With a simple nod, the princess follows her mother back into the main room then stops with her hands clasped in front of her as she heightens her pose. Looking between the pair, the older brunette begins the introductions. "Regina dear, this is Emma Swan, you're new lady's maid. Miss Swan this is my daughter who you will welcome with the correct title of princess.."

Staring at the blonde intrigued, the young brunette bites her lip. "Mother she may call me by my name"

"Nonsense child. You are royalty, she is a servant..she needs to know her place"

Quietly sighing, Regina offers a small smile towards the nervous blonde.

Giving a shy smile in return, Emma then looks towards Cora as she snaps her fingers in front of her face.

"Well don't just stand there girl. Get to work. Escort my daughter back to her chambers so she may dress for tea"

Moving forward quickly, the blonde guides the princess out then pauses by the stairs with a worried cringe.

Smirking a little, Regina crosses her arms. "You don't know where my chambers are do you?"

"No..I..I wasn't really..given a tour..just sent to work" confessing quietly, Emma glances over her shoulder embarrassed.

Smiling softly, the young brunette walks around the girl then gestures for her to follow. "I will show you then maybe after tea I will also show the rest"

"Thank you princess.."

Stopping at her door, the princess shakes her head. "When my mother is not present please call me Regina"

"Okay..Regina" reaching out to open the door for her, the young blonde follows behind and closes the door.

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Walking through to the Queen's expanded chambers, Emma places some folded garments on the brunette's chaise then bows at the woman who is sat upon her vanity. Glancing towards Regina's guard, the blonde then speaks."Your majesty, I have arranged your attire for the whole week, including your riding attire if you get time"

Fiddling with a perfume bottle, the Queen looks through her mirror at her maid with a pursed lip. "And what about if I have a business trip?"

Smoothing down her apron at seeing the woman stare at her, Emma replies. "There is a chest packed under the staircase"

"Very well.." Twisting on her stool, Regina looks towards her guard. "Anderson..could you make sure that my carriage is prepared incase of a journey"

Watching the guard leave, the blonde visibly relaxes then walks up to the brunette who shuffles across on her stool to allow the woman to join her. "I still can't believe how clueless they are.."

Chuckling, the Queen lifts the bottle she was distracted by and squirts it playfully towards Emma. "It's safe to say that my guards are incredibly stupid"

Tilting back to avoid the mist, the blonde raises an eyebrow. "Do you want me to lose my head for stealing the Queen's perfume?"

"As if I would ever let any axeman take that pretty head of yours"

Smiling gratefully, the blonde turns to face the brunette. "Regina..can I ask you something? As a friend?"

"Of course you can dear.." Placing the perfume bottle down, the Queen also turns to face Emma but with a look of concern spread across her face.

"Why do you still need or want me as your maid? You're Queen which would entitle you to someone much more experienced in service than I, and you also have your magic so you could conjure anything your heart desires?"

Seeing the blondes wide eyed gaze, Regina smiles softly then takes her hand. "Because of what you said before. We are friends so I do not want to lose you. As for experience my dear you have given me something far more important, trust. You have been a part of my life for 4 years and I would not want any other person to fill your position. You know what I like and don't like and I value our friendship Emma. That will never change"

Smiling brightly, Emma reaches across to squeeze the brunette's arm gently in thanks. "I value it too and I am here whenever you need me. Not just as your maid but like you said as a friend..if you ever need to talk or want someone to just be there.."

"You've already done all that. You have been by my side throughout all my troubles and the King. Personally you deserve a higher titled role but selfishly I don't want to lose my maid so..."

"I know. I wouldn't want to be anything else"

Hesitantly touching the blondes cheek, Regina quickly leans forward to hug the woman. Hugging back, Emma grins then moves back to stand as a knock is heard at the door.

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Walking beside the princess, the young blonde takes in their surroundings in awe of how big the place is. "Your home is very nice Regina"

"Thank you..although it won't be my home for long" Regina informs as she leads Emma to the last remaining part of their tour, the garden.

Stopping beside a large tree, the blonde looks across curiously. "You are to move?"

Looking rather grim, the brunette shakes her head before glancing over to reply. "To wed"

"Oh..I see.."

"Which is why you are here. Despite being a princess we are of the lower status...my mother wants me to marry the king and apparently he is obliged so I needed a maid to prepare myself for life as Queen"

"Wow..the king..that's..big" Emma answers surprised while trying to find the right words.

"Big indeed..he's triple my age but has a wealthy background which mother says is important to build on the hierarchy. Personally I wish I could find someone of my own choosing but at 17 you don't get the privilege" Regina explains as she sits upon a bench by the tree. "I hope..that we can get along as it would be nice to have at least one person of my own age by me"

"Me too. I mean..your mother is kind of scary but you seem different..in a good way" the young blonde smiles as she sits beside the brunette. "I hope I get to do my job properly and that you are pleased.."

Smirking a little, the princess bumps her shoulder playfully still aware of the girls nerves. "I am pleased so far. I already know that I shall tell mother to keep you hired"

"Thank you"

Staring at the blonde in amazement, Regina admits. "It would appear I have been waiting for you..not just for the job but as a friend whom I can trust.."

Smiling, Emma relaxes more then holds her smallest finger out. "I promise you Regina Mills, princess, that you can trust me, now and forever more"

Letting out a giggle, the brunette then latches her finger onto the blondes as they shake the promise with a smile.