A/N: This is my first attempt at writing in many years and my first ever Swan Queen fanfic. Please let me know what you think!

Alternative universe, no Storybrooke, no curse, no magic.

Her muscles were burning, but she wouldn't relent. The stop watch on her wrist told her that she still had one minute to go and she'd be damned if she'd give in before her repetitions were complete. Ignoring the cool beads of perspiration rolling down her forehead, Emma gritted her teeth, squeezed her eyes shut and continued her chin-ups.

"C'mon Swan! Keep it going strong!"

August's voice was dimmed by the heavy metal music blasting in her headphones, but the message was crystal clear. Don't give in, no matter how hard it gets.

Not something that Emma needed telling twice, that had basically been her motto her entire life. She was no stranger to pain and struggle. Abandoned on the side of the road as a child, she had been bounced around the foster systems of Boston for as long as she could remember. Most families had either deemed her too troubled or else adopted her but later conceived children of their own and she was once again left to the whims and fancies of the system. Not that every family had been terrible of course, but some had been far worse than others. Alcohol and drug abuse, near starvation, neglect, physical violence, inappropriate unwanted sexual advances, Emma had encountered them all. It was no wonder she had fallen into a lifestyle of never trusting, constantly running and watching her back. Always in search of something, her purpose. She had almost convinced herself that she would never fit in anywhere.

She pushed the memories away as the stopwatch ticked down and felt her stomach muscles clench as she pulled herself up for one final lift, shaking in exertion. There was no point focusing on the past, she couldn't change it and it only brought back unwanted pain.

Exhaling deeply, Emma slowly lowered herself down as her watch beeped, thankfully ending her work out session. She removed her I-pod headphones and tucked them in her short pockets, as August gave her a crooked grin, throwing her a towel.

"Good job, you beat your personal best today."

'I better have, the way you pushed me! At this rate I'll have more muscles than you soon,' Emma joked, dabbing the sheen of sweat from her brow and upper lip. August nudged her elbow, eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Keep dreaming buddy. You're gonna need me to keep on your back if you want to get into the academy!" He ran a hand through his short cropped black hair, a welcome style from his usual bohemian shaggy cut.

Emma took a drink from her water bottle as she wiped down the equipment she'd just used, picked up her bag and headed for the exit, a spring in her step.

'You told me I'm already doing better than half the guys in your division!'

August eyed her as she leant against the doorway, cocking her head. His eyes never left hers as he started bicep curls.

"You are, but you're not meant to remember me saying that!" He watched her bounce on the balls of her feet, a bundle of nervous energy. "You'll do great today."

Emma clucked her tongue, tucking loose strands of blonde hair behind her ears. The second-hand clock above the weights floor read 5.15 AM. Too early for any sane person to be awake by her standards.

'I hope so. It's just a psychological oral exam, the usual for any hopeful applicant.' She flashed her charming smile at him, watching his muscles strain, 'I gotta run, I'll be late for work.'

"Drinks tonight? Tell me how it goes?"

'You bet, meet you at The Ginger Man at 6?'

"Sure thing, take it easy Em.'

Emma waved goodbye and jogged out the bright coloured doors of Blink Fitness, headed for her car; a bright yellow, somewhat beat up VW; Bug as she liked to call it. Time management wasn't really her strong suit, but gosh damn, it would have to be if she wanted keep paying the bills.

She couldn't afford to lose everything she'd worked so hard to build.
Not this time.

House keeping wasn't really Emma Swan's dream job of choice. It was only supposed to be a temporary position while she was studying in Boston. Yet here she was, 3 years later, working for one of the most prestigious hotels known to New York. The fast paced, high demand, physically challenging shifts with routine hospitality duties such as cleaning toilets, vacuuming, mopping, stripping and making beds made from fabric more expensive than her whole months wage, wasn't exactly what she'd had in mind when her long time best friend Ruby Lucas had excitedly invited her to come and rent with her in the Big Apple. Still, the pay was higher than she could've asked for and it wasn't as though she could exactly complain about her work environment.

The New York Palace was 55 stories of impressive regal architecture, sweeping staircases, high arching ceilings textured in brilliant colours of gold, browns and creams, lacquered wooden floors with plush carpets and stunning skyline views displaying every angle of the vibrant city.

Working 5 days a week, 7 hours a day, Emma had enough money to live relatively comfortably even if she felt ridiculously out of place in her maid's uniform. A knee-length black dress, with rounded white collar complete with box pleat waist apron. A far cry from her usual attire of skin-tight jeans, biker boots, white tank top and trademark red leather jacket. But still, a job was a job and it was nice to work in a building where immaculate high standards were the norm.

Sometimes it simply made Emma feel out of place. She'd come from a lifestyle where money was always tight, food coupons and thrift shopping were a weekly routine and sleeping in her car when no other accommodation was available seemed almost second nature. The lavishness of this hotel and the people in it were a stark contrast to the life she'd lived.

Emma tapped her foot impatiently as she waited for the elevator to arrive so she could finish servicing the last of the rooms on her list. She smoothed the hem of her dress nervously, observing the guests entering and exiting the lobby. They all looked a million bucks. She felt under dressed and suddenly wished she were invisible. There was enough on her mind today, without having to feel inferior also.

With a start of shock her gaze landed on a tall, lanky brunette in a dirt-stained chef's uniform leaning against one of the entrance windows staring in her direction, looking severely out of place. Bright red streaks, nose rings, tattoos and dark smoky eyeliner were not common place amongst residents in the halls of the Palace.

What the heck was she doing here?

Emma abandoned her cleaning trolley and briskly marched over, trying to stay as professional as possible.

"Look at you, Maid Swan!" Ruby Lucas wolf-whistled as the blonde approached her, a cocky smile plastered on her red painted lips.

'What are you doing?' Emma hissed, grabbing Ruby's arm and leading her to the door way, 'You know you can't be here when I'm on shift Rubes!'

Emma tried to ignore the elegant customer's stares of disapproval as Ruby let out a loud snort, throwing her hands up dramatically.

"And why not? Can't a best friend come and visit her favourite gal before her big police interview?"

Emma hushed Ruby as politely as possible, keeping her voice at a dangerous whisper.

'Look, that's super sweet, but nobody here knows that I'm applying to be an officer alright? I need to keep this job and that means not advertising to the world about potential replacements, so let's keep it on the down low for now.'

Ruby raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow, pursing her lips.

"This job is turning you into a whole different person Em, you need to chill out. You really are mad at me for visiting you on the clock, huh?"

'I'm just really not supposed to entertain friends while I'm here,' Emma mumbled.

"And since when does Emma Swan take orders from anyone?!"

Emma sighed, exasperated.

'I love you Ruby, but you really don't get it. I try not to draw attention to myself here. This…' She gestured around the lobby at the ornate furnishings, 'This isn't me. I don't fit in, but it's the best paying job I know. I just want to do my work and get out without any hassle.'

"Uh huh. Well I'm sorry for barging in and disrupting prim and proper Madame Emma Swan during her daily duties." This time it was Emma's turn to snort and she felt herself relax a little. Trust Ruby to never take anything seriously.

'I've got to get back to work, but thanks for the encouragement, I'll need it.'

Ruby gave her a short hug with an "I'll see you back at home" and watched her friend make her way back through the crowds to the elevator.

"Hey Emma!" She called mischievously. Emma span, rolling her eyes.

'What?!'

"Maid, police officer…You've really got thing for uniforms! It's hot!" Ruby winked, laughing.

Emma considered making a rude hand gesture as she pushed her cleaning trolley into the elevator and pressed floor 47. Instead she smiled, waved and watched Ruby dance out into the street, obviously pleased with herself. Emma let out a long breath as the doors closed, glad to be away from her boisterous house mate and the throng of seemingly endless crowds. She could feel the beginnings of a slow stress induced headache.

She'd never anticipated the end of a shift so much.

Regina Mills was the epitome of high class, always dressed to perfection in designer labels. Today was no different. She'd carefully selected a charcoal Altuzzara pencil skirt, with a white Sachi chiffon pleat blouse. As it was approaching fall and temperatures were cooling down, she'd donned a double breasted black stretch faille jacket. Opaque stocking clad legs led to shiny Louboutin pumps. A splash of red lipstick accentuated her plump lips. Jewellery, simple yet elegant, a thin gold necklace and sapphire studded earrings complimented her appearance. Her looks turned heads and she knew it.

CEO of the acclaimed Walker-Mills Insurance Company, Regina definitely meant business. The chains were actually owned by her mother Cora Mills, an esteemed millionaire, who had appointed her daughter as Executive after the sudden unexpected passing of her husband Henry three years ago.

Hardly the sort of person to let grief overwhelm her Regina had thrown herself into her work and in a matter of years had transformed the company into one of the country's leading businesses.

In truth Regina was so well off she never needed to work another day in her life, but she found the power and notoriety far too scintillating to resist. Plus it kept her busy and helped her stay centered. There was nothing she hated more than feeling out of control.

She almost never took lunch breaks but today was an exception. Robin had arrived in town late last night and she barely saw him enough these days as it was. The two had met in San Francisco, his home town, at an impromptu board meeting with the company's leading shareholders. Robin himself was a successful entrepreneur, manager of the Merry Men pubs which were scattered along the west coast from Seattle to San Diego.

He'd met her outside her work, looking dashing as always in an Armani navy skinny fitting suit, pressed white shirt and black oxford loafers. The two had dined together, chatting casually. Even though Regina owned her own apartment, generously bought for her by her mother for her thirty first birthday, she preferred to spend her time in hotels – it was less isolating and gave her a much needed sense of escape.

She smiled warmly as she felt his arms wrap around her waist from behind and leaned into his embrace.

As passionate as she was about her career she also longed for companionship, romance, and true love. Something to chase away the loneliness that gnawed away inside her. She knew deep down that her heart was her one weakness. Cora had told her that often enough growing up.

She'd spent her life trying to meet the approval of her mother. Somehow she realized that no matter how hard she tried, she would never quite succeed.

I deserve this, she told herself. A small relief from the dizzying reality of stock markets, meetings and long hours of overtime.

She suppressed the noise of pleasure building up in her throat as she felt Robin's lips trail along the side of her neck.

"Not yet dear," she managed to breathe as the doors of her private elevator opened.

'Forgive me, I can hardly resist you Regina. I missed you so much,' he replied in a gravelly voice, following her to the room. Her heart swelled at his words. She couldn't help it.

Usually calm and composed Regina turned, key card in hand, burying herself in his solid chest.

"And I you,"

She looked up into his brown eyes, tracing the stubble on his chin with her delicate fingers. He pulled her into a deep kiss as she fumbled with the door. Without watching where they were going and still wrapped up in each other's arms they stumbled into her room. Regina's fingers were already unbuttoning her jacket.

2 months, she'd waited too long.

"Oh, crap!"

Suddenly she froze realizing they were not alone. Tearing herself from Robin's grasp she spun to see an attractive blonde woman halfway through making the bed, staring awkwardly in their direction. She'd obviously dropped the pillows in shock, they lay abandoned at her feet.

The housekeeper hurried to retrieve them, bending low and Regina's eyes lingered a little too long on the curve of the muscles in her arm. Her throat had tightened, she found it hard to speak.

"I-I'm so sorry Mrs. Mills, I was told you wouldn't be returning until after dark," The woman stuttered, delicately placing the pillows in their correct place.

'It's Miss.' Regina replied curtly, wetting her lips with her tongue.

"S-sorry?"

'I'm not married. It's quite alright Miss…?'

"Swan. Emma Swan," The woman said, watching the well-dressed couple before her. Regina saw her eyes land on Robin's left hand and widen as she noticed the thick gold wedding band on his ring finger.

Shit, this was not good.

The tension in the air was so thick you could cut it with a knife.

As the situation unfolded Emma was finding herself increasingly uncomfortable and somewhat flustered. She'd heard rumors of the famous Regina Mills and even seen pictures of her on the covers of business and finance magazines such as Barron's and Forbes, but they definitely did not do her justice. The woman in front of her exuded authority and grace. She was absolutely stunning. And lived a life that Emma could only dream of.

'Well, that will be all Miss Swan, I think your services are no longer required.'

Emma frowned, twiddling her thumbs. She knew this lady was just trying to cover her tracks. The man she was with was obviously married and not to Regina. That could do damage to such a distinguished reputation.

"With all due respect, I'm not supposed to leave until I've finished."

Emma almost flinched as Regina took defiant steps towards her, her mouth tightening into a hard line.

'Are you disobeying a direct request from an esteemed client?' Regina scowled, her deep chocolate eyes staring into emerald ones.

"N-no ma'am," Emma tried to hold her ground, but failed miserably. She bit her lip, fidgeting. God damn this woman made her nervous.

'Good. Because the next time you talk back to me, I will make sure you never return to this workplace again.' Emma seethed, opening her mouth to argue, but promptly decided against it as Miss Mills kept advancing forward. 'Is that clear Miss Swan?'

The scent of Regina's perfume and the proximity of this amazing, if not intimidating woman had Emma's head swimming. She could smell spiced apples and cinnamon, see the vein pulsing in Regina's neck. So close they were almost touching. She knew she should be frightened, but Emma couldn't help the butterflies that shot straight to her stomach as Regina's eyes looked her up and down momentarily, as though daring her to retaliate.

"I think she understands Regina," Robin's calm voice cut through silence and Emma jolted, as though she'd only just remembered him.

Regina took a step back, pleased and gestured to the door. Emma felt the strong desire to punch her, but quite fancied keeping her job, so she just ground her teeth together and made her way to the exit.

'Do try not to forget your place again Miss Swan. You are only the help after all. One can be easily replaced.' Regina smirked, folding her arms across her chest.

That's it.

Emma turned at the doorway, staring fearlessly into the brunette's eyes. She mock curtsied, a cocky smile on her face.

"Your wish is my command, Your Majesty,"

She didn't bother waiting around to see Regina's outraged expression as she shut the door much louder than she would've liked and stormed down the corridor.

Emma had literally never encountered someone so infuriatingly rude! The fact that she was also the most attractive woman she had ever seen only angered her further as mixed feelings wracked her body. She took the stairs two at a time, trying to push the encounter out of her mind, blowing air from her cheeks slowly in an attempt to calm down.

Deciding that it was completely ridiculous and pointless to even think that she could harbor any kind of feelings for that arrogant, aristocratic piece of work (despite what her body was screaming at her), Emma endeavoured to focus her attention on gathering her wits for the impending police assessment as a way of distracting herself.

When all was said and done she had much more pressing things to worry about than Regina Mills.