**** I do not own any of the OUAT Characters. They are the property of the ABC Network and creators Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz****

Emma raised her sword high above her head and swung it down in a swift movement that flowed evenly and flawlessly. She barely registered the weighty steel as it swung through the air, assailing her opponent with blows and strikes. It was as much a part of her as her own limbs. As she parried and used the flat of her blade to deflect the awkward hits of her opponent, Emma managed to to duck and roll away from him, surprising him with the limber move. While he was momentarily distracted, Emma sprung to her feet and pushed forward, turning her sword and driving the hilt into his unguarded side. He stumbled and fell.

Emma allowed him a few seconds to scramble to his feet before jabbing her sword at his chest. Heaving and breathless he made a final attempt to lift his sword for another attack. Emma gave a small smile and flicked her wrist. the tip of her blade caught her opponents chin and drew not only blood but an indignant yelp as he jumped backwards.

"Ow! Geez Mom! You said you would go easy! Was that really necessary?"

Emma dropped her sword to her side and eyed her teenage son. His dark hair fell damp with sweat about his face, reminding her of the cheeky 10 year old who had wound up on her doorstep all those years ago.

"Put it this way, Henry, in battle you would be dead, so yes, that was necessary"

Their sword-play was interrupted by laughter coming from the doorway of the Great Hall. Both mother and son turned to see who thought their practice was a laughing matter.

"Emma, darling, go easy on him. He is just a boy"

Regina stood, arms crossed, with a bemused smile playing on her lips. She raised a perfectly sculptured eyebrow as she surveyed the sweaty teen and his barely breaking-a-sweat mother.

"Hey!" Henry protested "Im 16! I'm not a little kid anymore!"

Emma sheathed her sword and strode towards the Queen. She had long ago perfected a saunter that raised eyebrows and emitted a powerful intimidation. Most foes would back down when they bore witness to the aura of confidence that exuded from every fibre of her being. She was the Savior, in all amazon might, and this land had showed that it agreed with her prowess. Regina, however, was no ordinary foe. Regina was... Regina, a force in herself to be reckoned with until Emma swiftly pulled Regina into her arms and kissed her. Henry screwed up his face at the display of affection.

"Ewwwl! C'mon guys! Get a room - god knows this castle has plenty - or I'm going back to my Grandmother's!"

Regina smiled through Emma's kiss and reluctantly pulled away, leaving the Savior to chuckle to herself at their son's displeasure. Regina moved toward Henry and playfully ruffled his hair.

"Oh! Henry we barely see you!" she admonished mockingly "Stay! and we promise to behave!" She bowed low and held his hand in a faux court gesture "Stay, my Prince, I implore you"

Henry looked at her and grinned. Regina smiled back, eyes dancing with mischief. She cupped his cheek in her hand, squeezing his cheeks together and making his lips seem fish-like.

"At least until dinner" she offered.

When he nodded his head, she tapped his face playfully and said sweetly

"There's a good boy"

Henry chuckled and sheathed his own sword.

"Ok, Mother. I'll stay. But remember, you promised"

"Great! Dinner is in one hour, go wash up and change. You stink, my son!"

Henry quickly hugged his mother before skirting out of the Great Hall.

Regina turned and watched Henry saunter out of the hall. She started to follow him, pleased with her efforts at "mucking around" as Henry called this amusing pastime. Emma caught Regina as she walked past and pulled her close, planting a kiss on Regina's lips. Emma turned lifted Regina and turn them around, settling Regina against the wall, allowing no gaps for escape. Emma lifted her head and grinned at Regina, raising a suggestive eyebrow. She captured Regina's mouth with her own, and pressed Regina against the wall. Emma's hands moved up Regina's sides, causing her to squirm in Emma's grasp.

"mmmmm - Emma, we promised Henry" Regina murmured

"No, my Queen -" Emma said deliberately "You promised Henry, not me"

Emma kissed Regina's neck, making Regina squirm more. Regina cupped Emma's face in her hands, momentarily stilling Emma's hands.

"You, my Knight, are positively Wicked!"

Emma grinned and worked her fingers through the lace of Regina's bodice.

"We have one hour, my Queen, and I have worked up quite an appetite."