Rags to Royals
Don't worry, I plan to continue The Devil's Savior and should have the next chapter up no later than next weekend. But this story plot won't leave me alone; so, I hope you enjoy it! Please share your thoughts and opinions. My goal is to try and update weekly for both stories, so long as life doesn't get too busy.
Chapter 1
There was a light breeze as a woman in her early 40s made her way through a small village. She was out taking a stroll, needing space from her home and responsibilities. It's clear this woman comes from money by her attire. She wears a fancy black and purple dress that really showed off her regal look, along with comfortable traveling shoes, though they are covered underneath her dress, as well as a long purple cloak to keep warm from the cool air. In about two months-time Winter will arrive; however, the Dark Kingdom is already feeling it's presence drawing near.
The woman was enjoying her peaceful walk through the tiny village, until a few drunken men walked out of a tavern. She shakes her head in disgust, it was hours from being dark and these fools were already wasted, based on their clothing, they looked like simple bandits. There was only three of them, if they gave her any trouble as she walks pass them, she could easily take them out.
"Hey babe, you looking pretty hot. Maybe it's all that clothing on ya" The tallest of the man speaks. He has a full head of un-kept dark-brown hair, with light brown eyes, he was probably no taller than 6ft 2inches, he was thin but well-built.
"Yeah, we could be your warmth instead" The shortest of the trio snickers. He couldn't be more than 5ft 5inches tall, he was thin and kind-of scrawny for a bandit, he has short black hair and blue eyes.
"Were you on your way into the tavern babe? We can buy you a drink" The third and final man speaks. He just a few inches taller than the shortest of the trio. He was average built, not particularly strong looking, but not entirely weak either. He has long brown hair, reaching just passed his ears, along with dark blue eyes. All three had swords hanging at their hips.
The woman just gives the drunken fools a devilish smile. "Thank you for the kind offer dears, but I am find on my own"
"Awe come on lady, don't be that way" The tallest wines pathetically.
The shortest makes his way over to the woman, putting a friendly arm around her shoulder. It was pathetic how small he looked next to her, she towered over him in height. "Yeah, we young fellas could show you a grand old time" He snickers.
The woman was losing her patience, she was about to summon her magic to get the fool off her. Only her husband had a right to be this casual with her, no other foolish man will live being so friendly as they please. However, just as she lifted her hand the man falls over, flat on his face with a cry of surprise. She turns around to see an agitated blonde staring at the foolish drunks with her emerald green eyes. The woman dressed as a simple traveler. She had on dark black boots, black hosen pants with a drawstring waist button fly and tied front closure, along with a white long lightweight shirt. She also wears a sword at her hip.
"I believe the woman said no, you three idiots still haven't learned much I see"
"Damn it Swan, why must you ruin our fun!?" The middle height man wines.
"Shut it Ryan. You're lucky I don't knock you three fools into a coma. Now get going, unless you really want a fight?" The blonde smirks, knowing they were afraid of her.
"Damn it Swan" The fall man who had fallen, finally managed to pick himself up and made his way back to his friends. "You'll regret this one day bitch" The trio take off with hurt prides. The young blonde just shakes her head with a heavy sigh.
When she looks at the older woman she offers her a friendly smile. "Sorry about them, I hope none of those idiots hurt you?"
The woman smiles. "I'm fine dear, thank you for your assistance. I'm Cora, Cora Mills"
Emma holds out her hand. "Emma, Emma Swan" The two woman shake hands before letting go just seconds later. "Word of advice. If you come from money, I wouldn't dress like you do around here"
"Normally people around here know better than to attack me dear, I am not a helpless woman"
"Ah, got ya. Well those three idiots aren't from around here and neither am I really"
"Are they friends of yours?"
Emma shakes her head. "Nope, just run into them from time-to-time during my travels and story-telling at the different taverns I work for"
Cora smiles. "A story teller, how wonderful. You must share me some of your wonderful tales one-day my dear"
Emma grins. "Well, I'm in town for a few weeks and I work nearly every night as soon as it gets dark" She explains. "However, today I have a night off to relax a bit"
"Wonderful, you must come to my home. We can have a cup of tea and I would love for you to meet my daughter. I'd like to thank you for your help"
"Oh, it's no big deal really. You don't have to go through any trouble or anything like that, just to say thanks"
Cora ignores the blonde and hooks arm with the younger's woman's arm as she drags her along outside the village, towards her home. "I insist dear, after all, it would of me not to thank you in some way"
Emma chuckles. "Well, I guess I can't turn down a free cup of tea"
"Excellent. I am certain my daughter will like you" Cora grins as she leads the young blonde to her home. Cora didn't think she be so lucky to find what she had been searching for. For the past month, she has been searching for someone perfect for her daughter to marry, but none have peaked Cora's interest, until now. Lately, the White Kingdom has been pestering Cora to marry off her daughter to their son. They think it would finally bring some real peace between the White and Dark Kingdoms. But, Cora wasn't about to just hand her daughter over to the Charmings so easily. It doesn't help that the Dark Kingdom doesn't seem to have a good image with many other kingdoms, most fearing the magic she and her daughter possess. It was a month ago when Cora finally made a deal with the Charmings, they were to give Cora a year to find someone for her daughter, and then another year for the two to fall in love and allow the two to get to know one another. Being Snow and Prince Charming, they were all about giving people a chance to find true love. But, if Cora fails, she must agree to allow Neal Charming to marry her daughter. Or, more tales of the Dark kingdom rulers will be spread to have people fear the king and queen. Once Cora has her daughter married, she plans to have her daughter take over the kingdom, so that she and her husband can finally retire. With a new ruler for the kingdom, she hopes a new image can come about, along with new allies for her daughter. She decided that since bribing other kingdoms has become a fail as of late, that she should have a peasant from their kingdom marry their daughter. However, Cora is a picky woman, and she wouldn't allow just anyone be married off to her daughter. Normally most people would hunt for a handsome young man for their daughters, especially with royal families. But Cora had other plans for her daughter, plans that would eventually come to light.
When they arrive to the castle Emma stares wide eyed, her heart pounding. "Wait, you live in the Dark Kingdom Castle!?" Emma pulls herself away from Cora.
"What's the matter dear, afraid?"
"Well no, I mean, I've heard some stories, but I think most of them are bit exaggerated and most of them did come from the White Kingdom. But, wait, Cora, Cora Mills" Emma's eyes become even wider. She points a finger at the woman in shock. "You're the queen! The name didn't hit me at first and I don't know why, but you're a queen!" Cora can't help but smirk at Emma's stunned reaction. Most people quickly bow in fear when they realize who she is. The young woman lowers her hand. "Why do you want to bother your time with me? I'm just a peasant"
"That might be true dear, but as I said. You helped me deal with annoying situation and I wish to thank you"
"But, since you're Cora and if the rumors are true, then you have magic, you would have been fine with or without me there"
"True, but it's the thought that counts. Now, are we going to stand outside the rest of the day, or do you still wish to accompany me for some tea?"
Emma smiles and shakes her head. "Well, today isn't going exactly how I planned" She laughs nervously but follows the queen inside. Emma looked around like a child in awe as they wondered through the main halls.
"Sydney!" Cora calls for. In seconds a man appears next to Cora. Emma jumps back a bit surprise by the sudden appearance.
"Yes, my queen? How can I be of service?" He bows for a moment, and looks back up at his queen, waiting for orders. He completely ignores Emma's presence.
"Retrieve my daughter please, tell her to meet me in my office and then make us three cups of tea"
"Right away your majesty" And just like that he disappears instantly.
Emma blinks, it isn't like she hasn't heard of magic during her travels. But she hasn't seen real magic up front like this before. Many times, she has run into tricksters, con-artist, people pretending to be skilled in the art of magic. But Emma knows real magic is rare for humans to control. Emma quickly follows behind the older woman's pace as they make their way to a really nice big office. Emma looks around for a minute. The floor were wooden with a dark purple and black carpeting in the center, in front of the fancy wooden desk, throughout the room were bookshelves filled with books. Behind Cora's desk were shelves filled with scrolls neatly organized, along with a tall wide window view, looking towards a wide-open field, that lead towards the Enchanted Forest. Cora makes her way to sit at her desk. In front of her desk are two free seats. "Please dear, have a seat"
"Umm, thanks" Emma says, suddenly feeling very nervous now that she realizes just how real her situation is. She is actually-about to have tea with a queen!
"I must be honest dear, there is another reason I invited you to my home. For one, you peaked my interest, well done dear, not many can achieve that so easily as you have. Once my daughter makes her way here, I'll continue on with what I wish from you"
The two didn't have to wait long, as they hear a knock at the heavy door. "Come in dear"
"Mother, Sydney said you wished for my presence?"
Emma stares over her shoulder and is stunned by the beauty that walks into the office. This young woman whose skins looked completely flawless, her dark-brown eyes held kindness but a hint of mysterious darkness to them as well, her long dark hair was tied in a loose pony tail, as the woman appeared to be wearing an outfit for horseback riding. She couldn't be much older than Emma, Emma being just shy away from sixteen.
Cora grins. "Yes dear, I've finally found you the perfect bride"
Emma's head nearly spins a 180 as she looks at the queen in horror. "WHAT?!" This definitely wasn't how Emma thought she would be spending her day off.
To Be Continued!