Chapter 1

Making her way through the market stalls, Emma Swan clutched tightly to the small basket sat on her right arm that already contained some food items for dinner that evening. Now that she had collected what was needed for Granny, the blonde was in search of any little item for herself with the small amount of pennies she had left.

Although her life hadn't been entirely great after being abandoned at birth with no real stable home, Emma was now glad she had found a friend in Ruby and loved living with the girl and her Granny in a small cottage situated in the woods. Life was calm and peaceful but still the blonde could not shake her curiosity of finding her mother and often tried to find ways in looking for her.

"Oh careful dear!"

The blonde looks towards the voice that rang through her ears. Although soft, it had a certain edge to it. Looking at the corner of the courtyard, Emma sees a hooded figure crouch down to retrieve a ball, passing it over to a small boy who wonders over slowly with a scared look upon his face. Emma could just about see the tip of the person's face as she hands the ball over and strokes the child's arm with a smile to reassure no harm was done. "Go and have some fun"

Spotting a sudden thick strand of brown hair fall forward and out of the woman's hood, the blonde raised her eyebrow intrigued feeling that she knew of the person if only they would look in her direction. As the strange woman rises, she pushes her hair back inside her hood and looks over straight at Emma whose eyes widen in shock knowing straight away that it was the Queen.

The brunette stares at her a moment seeing the curious look in the blonde's eyes and gives her a smile before walking away leaving Emma to stand rather shell shocked.

After filling up the basket, Emma makes her way back to the cottage with the thoughts of the Queen invading her head and that voice. That soft addictive voice that she could listen to for hours. If only there was some way to see her again.

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The following week, Emma made her way to the market as usual to complete Granny's shopping list with the hope of seeing the benevolent Queen, well at least she was in her eyes. Of course the blonde had heard the stories of the evil within the Queen but Emma simply put them down to rumours not willing to accept any judgement on the woman unless she knew of her personally.

As Green eyes darted around through the stalls and around the courtyard, Emma could only hear the constant chatter of stall holders and customers. Sighing she heads over to the fountain through the archway to sit down. Looking down, again the blonde allowed her thoughts to consume her of the brunette and where she was. Everyone knew at this stage in her life there was no king. He was killed, apparently by the Queen herself. This was yet another story Emma refused to listen to. "Unless I see of any wrong doing myself, I shall not believe her to be evil as they say"

Feeling an unknown presence sit beside her, the blonde glances across seeing the same cloak and hood that belonged to the brunette the previous week. Emma looks away speechless suddenly feeling her nerves rise up from the pit of her stomach.

"I know that you know who I am dear"

Emma gulps at hearing that voice, the voice that moments ago she could of swooned over but now fills her with panic.

"And I also know that you will not speak of my presence within the market"

Closing her eyes briefly, Emma takes a deep breath looking over now coming face to face with dark meaningful eyes. "I..no I will not your-"

"Ssh" the brunette places a finger to the blonde's lips. "Do not even speak of my title. It may come across strange for me to do this, however I am building up my courage to reveal myself. If I was to do that now I surely would be killed due to all the stories being told. I want to prove myself and that will take time"

Emma hitches her breath when the Queen places her finger to her lips then looks ahead at the market once again also trying to build up courage to speak to the woman. "You know..there are some people who..don't believe in them stories..or at least..that is all they are. Stories. Not real life"

The brunette gives a small smile and sighs. "I wish that were true"

Emma looks over again. "What hope do we have if you do not believe in yourself?"

The Queen looks at her taking in the question, pondering the answer with a frown. "I'm afraid I have no idea..but I must leave. Even my guards are unaware of my travels"

The blonde watches the woman stand and turn to her. "Maybe someday you can be who you want to be"

The brunette nods and slowly holds her hand out. Emma smiles slightly and takes it to shake both looking towards one another with shocked eyes at the burning feeling they receive. The Queen clearly more aware of what just happened pulls her hand away fast and turns on her heel.

Emma frowns confused then heads back to the market. Stopping beside one stall, the blonde leans against the post listening to a conversation that took her attention.

"I hear the arrival of the dark one has travelled through the land although it is unclear of his plans"

"Whatever they may be they would surely not be good as he practices dark magic and everyone knows he likes to make deals with people. Gives them what they want in turn for a reward of some kind"

Emma bites her lip wondering if he could be of any help to her. If she agreed to make a deal, within reason of course she could finally figure out who she really was.

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Standing in front of the large castle that apparently held the dark one, Emma takes a breath looking to Ruby whom she dragged along to help her find where the dark one lived as she knew her friend could somehow use her wolf senses to do so. "you can go now Ruby I've got this"

Ruby looks uncertain at the thought of leaving her friend behind in such a dangerous place but backs off when the blonde gives her a look to trust her. The red cloaked woman gives a nod for good luck and turns to leave knowing that if Emma needed her help all she would have to do is call thanks to her super hearing power.

Knocking hard on the door, Emma jumps in surprise as she finds herself suddenly standing inside the main hall of the castle looking towards the excited looking man sat at the dining table.

"Hello dearie..I was expecting you. Although to be honest I thought you would be here sooner rather than later" the man then holds a finger up grinning. "but oh well better late than never"

Emma gulps then holds her head up trying to be confident. "I have come to ask you to make me a deal..you see I am trying to find-"

Rumple stands and nods waving his hand. "yes yes, your mother I am fully aware considering I know of the woman"

Emma's eyes widen at the new piece of information then sighs. "what do I need to do to be told this information?"

Rumple wriggles his eyebrows giddy. "that my dear is simple..I need you to retrieve something for me..that was once mine but was stolen"

The blonde nods slowly already hating the idea of having to steal from another person. "where shall I find it? and what is it you want me to find?"

Rumple walks over grinning and puts an arm round her shoulder causing Emma to stiffen. "oh it's just a small goblet..within the Evil Queen's castle"

Emma gasps in shock and looks worried. "the..Queen's castle?.."

"yes dearie..it should be displayed within the dining hall...so Emma..do we have a deal?" the imp looks curiously at the blonde who looks more concerned and hesitantly shakes his hand.

A/N: I already have the chapters planned out so if you want me to continue let me know! :)