Just to save confusion, here is a list of the families:
The Whites/Charmings.
Snow White - married to David and mother to Emma.
David/Prince Charming - married to Snow and father to Emma.
Emma 'Swan' White - known as the Princess and daughter to Snow and David.
The Mills/Golds.
Cora Mills - married to Rumplestilskin, stepmother to Neal and mother to Regina.
Rumplestilskin - married to Cora and father to Neal and Regina.
Neal - son of Rumplestilskin, stepson to Cora and half brother to Regina.
Regina Mills - Queen. Daughter of Cora and Rumplestilskin, half sister to Neal.
I know technically Regina is supposed to be stepmother to Snow but for the purpose of this story, Snow had moved away and Regina is younger which may seem ew with regards to the King but hey he's dead so it's now irrelevant.
Just a heads up that there will be a Neal/Emma pairing but mainly friendship as its SwanQueen all the way! Also Emma and Regina will be friends to begin with but feel free to shout at your computer/phone at the pair to just get together! Or for Snow to butt out? Either way there will be drama and it will ultimately be SwanQueen! Oh and feel free to review ;)
Chapter 1
It had been 6 months since the untimely passing of the King and 3 months since the Queen's family moved in. For them 3 months, Regina Mills or as what many know her as, her majesty, found herself in a conflict. While she loved her mother dearly and on some level came to care for her newly revealed father and brother, the brunette Queen found herself rather suffocated. The castle was her home, she was Queen and yet they all wanted to take over in some aspect of her life. Sometimes all she wanted was for someone to talk to which was very difficult considering she was given the name of the Evil Queen by the people of the Kingdom and truth be told Regina had never really done anything bad but everyone had came to the conclusion that the King's death was her fault in some way.
Making her way down the extravagant corridor leading to the main hall, the brunette takes in her surroundings with a mixture of feelings towards what she sees. Heading through the large double doors which were pulled open by two guards clad in black armour, Regina stops by the fireplace and sighs.
"There you are..."
Letting out an eye roll before peering over her shoulder, the Queen raises an eyebrow. "What is it that you are after dear brother?"
Walking up to meet his sister, Neal smirks at knowing how to wind her up. "Are you off on business today your majesty? Maybe a meeting with King George in which I may accompany you?"
Scoffing, Regina shakes her head. "I would never allow you to accompany me on any of my business trips..and for my other answer, no I am not as I received word that.." Looking unimpressed, the brunette glares into the fireplace. "Snow is coming back to the castle with her family as she feels she needs to be at home now that her father has passed.."
"Oh.." Frowning, Neal questions. "Did she not marry a shepherd? And didn't they have a child? I'm sure father mentioned it to be prophesied"
Gripping her hands by her side, the Queen grits her teeth. "Yes she did marry..her true love and had a daughter.."
Raising an eyebrow, the dark haired man teases. "And exactly how long ago was that? The daughter I mean?"
Glancing across once again, the brunette squints her eyes. "Get your mind out of the gutter..."
Holding his hands up in defence, Neal shrugs. "Just asking"
"Well don't.." The Queen states before glancing towards the door seeing one of her guards enter.
"Your majesty, Snow White has just arrived.."
Sighing, Regina stands tall and composes herself. "Thank you for informing me..Neal.." Nodding towards the door for her brother to follow, the brunette makes her way out of the hall and towards the entrance of her castle briefly making eye contact with Snow who is stood in the grand corridor. "Snow..it's good to see you again.."
Feeling awkward, Snow nods in acknowledgment. "If only it were under better circumstances...I do hope my quarters are still in order?"
"Yes they are..your father wouldn't have had it any other way" the Queen responds as she peers over the Princess's head towards the two newcomers who have entered, with the older stranger she could only assume to be the shepherd bumping shoulders playfully with a young blonde who smiles up at him.
Following the brunette's stare, Snow decides to make an introduction. "This is my husband David..and our daughter Emma"
Going a little wide eyed, the blonde shifts her cloak to curtesy but pauses at her mother taking her arm. "Honey you don't need to bow to her"
Looking between the two women, Emma stands straight and moves closer to her father confused while remaining quiet. Biting her lip, Regina then raises an eyebrow at being taken by the arm by her brother. Stepping forward, Neal grins at the blonde. "Hello Princess.." Lifting the young woman's hand to kiss it, he introduces himself. "Neal..the Queen's brother.."
Frowning in a protective manner, David clears his throat to get his attention while Snow smiles in awe. "Hello Neal"
Turning towards the older Princess, Neal smiles back and repeats his action of a hand kiss. "What a pleasure to finally meet the infamous Snow White"
"Neal..shall we let our guests settle in before flirting our way through the family?" The Queen glares as she steps to the side to allow entrance as the two White women smile embarrassed for the man while David chuckles quietly.
Giving a small subtle huff, Neal also steps to the side prompting the family to walk further into the castle with Snow taking note of the changes made to her home. Watching warily, Regina cannot help but allow her gaze to turn towards the younger Princess who goes straight back into a playful war with her father while talking quietly about the castle. Looking over her shoulder briefly, Emma lets out a small coy smile towards the Queen then follows her parents up the staircase.
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Strolling into her daughter's chambers, Cora goes and stands beside the vanity in which the brunette is sat inspecting her appearance before dinner is served in the hall. "I take it the Charming family are here?"
Chuckling lightly, Regina nods while turning to face her mother. "Unfortunately. Yes. However not all of us are disappointed"
Frowning in confusion, the older woman takes over and begins to fix her daughter's hair. "Care to explain dear?"
Waving her hand half heartedly, the Queen responds. "Only Neal taking a liking to Snow's daughter..seriously mother he was quite embarrassing"
Smirking, Cora shakes her head. "I blame his father.."
"I heard that dearie.."
Looking towards the open door, both brunette's smile towards the imp. Sliding a final clip into the Queen's hair, the older brunette moves herself to beside her husband with an apologetic look. "I was merely complementing..everyone in this castle is aware of the Dark One's softer side. Typical family man and hopeless romantic.."
Scoffing, Rumplestilskin looks offended. "I am not!"
Laughing, Regina rises from her seat and approaches the pair. "I think what mother is trying to say is that Neal is simply after the same thing you were...a family"
"The same would go for you too dear.." Cora cuts in before touching her daughter's cheek with a smile.
Clearing her throat, the Queen bites her lip. "That will never happen. No offence to you father but being the Dark One's daughter and an Evil Queen..no one will ever find them qualities endearing.."
Taking hold of her arm, the imp shakes his head. "You are most certainly not an Evil Queen"
Shrugging, Regina deflates. "Tell that to the Kingdom who has come to the conclusion that I killed their King"
"You did no such thing. He was ill" Cora states angrily at the accusation.
"You might want to start informing his daughter that.." Pausing in her speech, the Queen nods towards a guard that had approached her door. "Anyway enough of that for now, dinner is ready..oh and one thing mother? Be nice"
Gaining a pointed glare from her daughter, Cora looks innocent then follows her family out to the main hall.
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"So Princess, tell me what exactly do you like to do in your spare time?"
Raising an eyebrow at Neal, Emma bites her lip. "..spare time? What's that?" Hearing her father chuckle, the blonde looks down at seeing her mother glare. "Well I like to..ride and..sword fight.."
Looking shocked, Neal then smiles in a daze. "A sword fighting Princess..you're everything I could ask for..."
"Neal!" Scolding the boy, Cora sighs. "I do apologise for my stepson..he has a problem thinking before he speaks"
Hiding a giggle, Emma catches Regina's stare as the brunette watches curiously. "That's quite alright.."
Moving on from the moment, Snow smiles proudly. "Actually Emma here is now at the appropriate age to be married and so we have decided on a fresh start. Now that we are home where we belong, we are sure that a rightful suitor will soon come along..." Giving Neal an approving look, the older Princess then lifts her wine glass.
Rolling her eyes, the blonde sighs. "Mom..I don't think they need to hear this..."
"Emma is right Snow, leave the matter be for now..we are enjoying dinner" David interjects.
Placing his cutlery back onto his plate, Neal rises from his seat. "If we are finished, may I take the Princess for a tour of the grounds?" Seeking permission off her parents, he smiles upon Snows approving nod.
Also standing, Emma takes a breath then makes her way out of the room taking hold of Neal's outstretched arm. Watching them go, Regina purses her lips while finishing her wine glass as the brunette Princess decides once again on discussing her daughter's future as a wife.
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Sat upon a bench in the gardens, Emma gives a brief smile as Neal places a kiss upon the back of her hand then turns to leave as the blonde had requested some time alone. Deflating with a sigh, the Princess glances down towards her hands placed in her lap.
"I'm sorry to disturb you Princess..."
Tilting her head up to see the Queen, Emma looks shy. "Please do not apologise..this is your home and gardens your majesty.."
Chuckling lightly, Regina doesn't look convinced as she approaches the bench. "I believe that it is now your home too.." Gesturing to the bench, the brunette sits beside the Princess when the girl nods. "So..it would appear you have taken a liking to my dear brother.."
Frowning a little, Emma shrugs. "He's nice..I guess...I mean I've met worse and I'm pretty sure that my mother is consulting with yours right now about our wedding already.."
Feeling bad, the Queen cringes. "You would assume correct.."
"In that case, I may need your help if I am able to ask?" Turning towards the brunette, the blonde looks hopeful.
"What is it?" Appearing concerned, Regina doesn't hesitate in taking hold of the Princess' hand, surprising them both.
"What does Neal like to do in his spare time..I mean..he told me some interests but, if I were to...please him, what can I do?"
Staring at the lost Princess, the Queen hides her sadness. "..Princess..."
"Emma, please...call me Emma"
Smiling a little, Regina nods. "Only if you call me Regina..but as I was going to say..from what I have seen, just be yourself..he already appears smitten with you dear.."
Nodding nervously, the blonde looks down. "And what if..what if..there is never love..if we try our best but he never loves me or I love him?..I don't want to live an unhappy life. How can I be sure that he is the right one for me?"
Hearing the girl's panic in her voice, the Queen squeezes her hand while lifting the Princess' chin with her spare hand. "Do not worry of such thing. At the end of the day all anyone can do is take a chance..otherwise we never know. I will admit Neal isn't the brightest catch but he will look after you as a Princess should be looked after and if not? He will have the Queen to answer to" smirking, the brunette strokes her cheek. "It will all work out I promise. If you need help with anything just ask.."
"You really aren't who everyone says you are..including my mother.." Emma states seriously but with a hint of a smile.
"I guess not everyone can know and understand you fully..otherwise, you would never find that connection with a special someone..who at the end of the day are that special to hold your deepest secrets.."
Raising an eyebrow curiously, the blonde teases. "And what exactly are yours?"
Laughing, Regina releases her chin and moves back. "Now that would be telling.."
"Well I know of one secret that everyone should know. You didn't kill my grandfather..he was merely old and it was simply his time.."
Nodding, The Queen clears her throat as she goes slightly teary. "Thank you...now I don't know about you but the cook doesn't seem to cook a generous portion of food when it comes to a dinner so would you like to join me in the kitchen..to raid the cupboards?" Smiling playfully with a nudge to the Princess' shoulder, Regina awaits a response.
Laughing at the fact the Queen wants to raid the cupboards, Emma nods then stands to follow the woman back inside the castle.
A/N: cont?