I'm sorry this took so long! I'll try to update faster for next time!
I found a beta, cyr1988, so we can all thank her for polishing this fic.
Hugs,
M.
All of Emma's bad feelings disappeared as soon as she put her father's armor on. Emma loved her father's armor. Mostly because it was the only thing she had left of him. It was made from yellow and white gold; the design was simple, plain except on the back where two wings were engraved. "An elegant armor for an elegant Swan", her mother used to say to Emma. The armor was a piece of art and part of the Swan's history. It didn't belong as a costume for a masquerade. And for that reason, Emma almost felt bad about wearing it. Almost.
Emma had heard about the Mills' parties several times, so she knew that they liked spending money for their extravagant events. However, nothing could prepare her for the surprise she felt as she walked into the mansion.
To say that the Mills liked to go big didn't even begin to describe the way they had decorated their whole house. It looked as if they had walked through a portal, travelled to Venice, and were in the Italian city rather than in an exquisitely decorated mansion.
"David!" someone called from the upper floor, they looked upwards to find out who had spotted them.
A young woman smiled at them from above, and her eyes shone in such a way that Emma knew who she was: Snow White. She was pretty; Emma had to admit, but not enough to risk her life over her.
Emma and David waited as Snow ran down the stairs. Her black hair dancing as she did. Emma took the time to look around. Everyone had dark hair. It was the Mills' trademark, as opposed to the Swans, who were either blonde or redheaded. Instinctually, Emma checked to see if her mane was safely tucked inside her helmet. Just one blonde lock of hair would give her secret away.
"You made it!" Emma's attention was snapped back into reality when she heard another's female voice.
"Snow," David said, embracing her with a hug, "This is my cousin, Emma."
"So we finally meet," Snow smiled at the blonde, her cheeks slightly flushing as she remembered the first and only time Emma had seen them, when she had caught them. "Your body is too fit for a woman," she pointed out, not even following the polite etiquette after being introduced to someone. It annoyed Emma more than she could explain.
"And you are too straightforward for a lady."
Snow White's cheeks were now crimson and it made Emma feel too good about her comeback. But before any of them could say something else, a fourth person joined their conversation.
"There you are, Snow. I've been looking for you," her tone sounded as annoyed as Emma felt, which spiked Emma's interest in this woman.
Needless to say, this woman was beyond stunning. And when she glanced at Emma, the blonde forgot how to breathe.
The woman was wearing an elegant dress. It was not a baby blue like Snow's but a dark, rich burgundy, and it hugged her body in such a way that didn't leave any doubts on how perfectly shaped her body was. The dress itself was enough to make everyone stop and stare, but the woman was so much more that that. She was the most beautiful woman Emma had seen. Her skin was more tanned than any other Mills, but her raven colored hair was unmistakable. She was one of them. She was a member of the Mills Family.
"Regina!" Snow White replied with a sweet smile.
So that was her name. Regina. Emma had heard numerous tales about the beauty of Regina Mills, heir to the Mills family. She always thought the stories had been embellished, to make Regina look even fairer than she really was. But, standing in front of the woman, Emma realized that the stories didn't live up to the exquisiteness of Regina.
"You mustn't run away like that, Snow," It was obvious that she liked Regina more than Regina liked her.
"These are the two knights I told you about, the ones I invited from the Western Islands," Snow's tone hinted an underlying message, and Emma wondered if Snow White had told Regina about her affair with a Swan. She certainly had hoped the brunette was not that dense.
To be fair, David had been unwise enough to tell Emma, but Emma was not the heir to the family. David was. Emma was bound to be loyal to him. Regina was not obligated to be loyal to anyone but her grandfather.
Emma studied the woman called Regina with curious eyes. Wondering if she'd play along with Snow's not-so-subtle lie or would walk away to alert the Mills family about the intruders. But, when Regina bowed to them with the grace that was only befitting of a queen, Emma realized that Regina had, indeed, decided to keep up with Snow's masquerade.
"Do you think you can keep her entertained, Emma?" David whispered to her ear. "I'd really appreciate some alone time with Snow."
Emma looked at David. And even though her features were hidden under her helmet, David knew she frowned at him. Going on separate ways was definitely a bad idea, especially for Emma who had to stay with Regina. However, for some bizarre reason, David seemed to really like Snow, he seemed happy, and she hadn't seen him this happy in a long time. Having that in mind, she decided to take a risk in order to keep her cousin in high spirits.
"May I have this dance, milady?" Emma turned to Regina and asked in a deep, masculine tone as she held out an arm towards the beautiful woman. She didn't know if Snow had told Regina about her real identity, but she didn't want to find out either.
Regina studied Emma's arm before raising her eyes and locking them with Emma's. It made the blonde's heart beat faster.
"Go, Regina. I'm sure this charming gentleman will protect me if any Swan wants to steal me away."
David suppressed a chuckle and said, "I'll protect her with my life, milady."
Ignoring the irony behind Snow and David's statements, Emma led Regina to the dance floor.
She held one of her hands up for Regina to grab and she slid the other one around Regina's waist, pulling the brunette woman closer. As soon as the orchestra started playing a waltz, their feet started moving in perfect sync, and suddenly, Emma has glad that her cousin Anna had made her dance as the man during their lessons. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to keep up with the charade without stepping on Regina's feet.
Regina's dancing skills were better than Anna's, though. She was superior in any and every way. And, the way her hair smelled when Emma swirled her around and held Regina against her body made Emma's knees shake.
It was not meant to be an erotic movement; it was part of the dance's routine. But when Regina's back was pressed against her front, she felt her heart pumping faster. Her sight blacked everything out except Regina, who smiled at her after the twirling movement had finished. And when the brunette placed her hand on Emma's shoulder and snaked it around Emma's neck, bringing them closer. The world around had ceased to exist, at least for Emma.
It was as if Regina became the only thing that mattered in her world. The emotions that were swirling around felt so much better than the high she got from fencing. And suddenly, she felt like the room was too small to contain both of them and the rest of the guests.
"I need some air," Regina commented when the orchestra stopped playing the song. It was as if she had read Emma's mind.
"Lead the way, milady," Emma blamed her reluctance on letting Regina go due to the fact that David had asked her to keep her occupied. But it was so much more than that, and she knew it. "After all, what kind of gentleman would I be if I don't stay by your side?"
Regina smirked and leaned in, further pressing her body against Emma's, "We both know you are not a man, dear," she whispered to Emma's ear "But feel free to escort me."
Emma nodded. She couldn't do anything else. She was sure that she'd even take the moon down for Regina, had the brunette asked her to.
The blonde followed Regina closely, their hands linked, so they wouldn't get separated as they made their way through the crowd. Emma couldn't help but to feel euphoric from the touch. And she never would say it out loud, but she didn't want to let go of Regina. Ever.
"How did you know?" Emma asked.
"It is refreshing to hear your real voice," Regina said with a chuckle. "I suspected when you bowed at the beginning of the dance, and I confirmed it when you pressed my backside to your front, and well…" the brunette pressed herself against Emma leaving just enough space to slip one of her hands between them and fondled the area between Emma's legs "There was something missing," the corner of the brunette's lips turned upwards.
Emma didn't know which would make her head explode with lust first: Regina's lips or her hand. Then, much to Emma's chagrin, Regina backed off.
"Oh, that, and my dear, dear cousin couldn't keep her mouth shut," she added.
The blonde stayed rooted to her spot as Regina walked towards the balcony's rail, studying her in silence. And suddenly she understood David and his "love at first sight" pull to Snow. She now understands why he's fallen in love with a Mills. They are beautiful without putting any effort into it. And when you look upon them, you can't help but feel soothed, she realizes. By looking at Regina, her restless soul calms down, it is as if she hasn't got a worry in the world.
"Didn't your parents teach you that staring is rude?" Regina teased. Emma wondered how long had the brunette been looking at her.
"I am admiring the view," she replied, "Just as you are."
"Take your mask off," Regina ordered, but it didn't sound like a demand.
"I don't think that's a good idea," Emma replied, and when Regina took a step forward, she took one backwards. "Regina," she said as a plea.
"Em-ma," the brunette sing-sang, mocking Emma's plea. The blonde felt her heart swell with pride when she heard her name rolling down Regina's tongue "I just want to see, if they were telling the truth."
"They?"
"The people that tell stories about you…"
"So, you've heard about me?" Emma asked, and Regina could almost feel the grin through the helmet "Good, because I've heard so many things about you."
"Good things, I hope," the brunette commented with a feral smile.
"Interesting things, for sure."
Another step forward, another step backwards. And then, Emma's back hit the wall. Regina smiled, happy by the fact that she had the armored woman trapped. She placed her hands on each side of the helmet and pulled it up.
The first thing Regina noticed was a long, curly, and unruly blonde mane, falling like a cascade over the other woman's shoulders. And her eyes, blue and green like the sea on a summer day. And that smile. It was half smug, half terrified.
She dropped the helmet to the floor, and the crashing sound snapped Emma out of her trance. Adrenaline pumped into her blood and before she knew what she was doing, Emma grabbed Regina by the waist and in a sharp movement, she shifted their bodies and pinned Regina against the wall.
"Don't," she said, trying to ignore the tingling sensation that ran throughout her body due to the fact of having Regina's body pressed against a wall "Please, don't go away. Don't tell your family. If you had half of the fun I had today, please don't say a thing."
"Who said anything about telling my family?" Regina replied with a tone that Emma couldn't figure out "Snow had told me about you and your cousin sneaking into the party. Which, by the way, was a terrible idea."
"Try telling that to David."
"I think between Snow and him, they'd make one fully functioning brain," she rolled her eyes "Do tell me, what is your plan when you get caught?"
"You mean if we get -," before Emma could finish she heard someone calling her name. They both looked towards the Mills' vineyard, only to see David running towards them, towards the stables. Killian and Robin Mills were closely following him.
"You were saying?" Regina chuckled. She was amused to see two of her cousins chasing David.
Emma studied the balcony's height; it was not bad, she thought. She swung her legs over the rail.
"What on earth are you doing?" Emma heard Regina say, she turned around to see Regina standing close to her. Worry filled those dark-chocolate eyes. Was Regina Mills concerned about Emma's wellbeing?
"This is my plan if we get caught." she replied, and without thinking twice about it, she pressed her lips against Regina and jumped of the balcony, landing few meters ahead of David.
"Run, Emma! Run!" he yelled. Emma looked up, to gaze upon Regina's beautiful face one more time, and then, she did as her cousin ordered.
Regina watched, with her fingers pressed to her lips, Emma's blonde mane swing freely in the air as she ran away. Her fingertips ghosting the short-lived kiss she had just shared with Emma.
A smile appeared on her face as she saw the Swans jumping onto their horses and then rushed out of the Mills' Castle, partly happy that Emma had managed to outrun her cousins.
Her sight then dropped down to the helmet that the blonde left behind. Regina picked it up and studied it. She noticed that the armor was stunning when she saw it. But, upon further reviewing of the helmet up close allowed her to study the details and they were amazing. Little swans and lyon flowers were carefully engraved, it was remarkable handiwork, done by an accomplished artisan. Along the edge, someone else had engraved an inscription in a simple way, 'Use your head to think, Emma, not to just wear this helmet.'
So the helmet had been given to Emma, probably her father. Was he still alive or did he die during the Dark War?
Regina tucked the helmet underneath her dress cape. She wasn't fooling anyone; they'd all notice she was hiding something. But her cousins were smart enough not to question her and her uncles and aunts trusted her enough not to ask.
Carrying Emma's helmet safely hidden, she walked towards her room. Her face bearing a smile, a smile that disappeared when she opened her room's door and found Snow White looking at her.
"Regina," she smirked "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you are smitten."
"Yes, well," the other woman replied, "If I wouldn't know any better, I'd tell grandfather about your dalliance with the Swan boy."
"But that would jeopardize your future encounters with Emma," Snow smirked, obviously aware that she had the upper hand for the first time in her life.
"And do pray, dear, why would I be interested in that neanderthal?"
"Because, if you weren't interested in her, you wouldn't be holding to her helmet as if your life depended on it."
"Just get out of my room," Regina rolled her eyes. Not even bother to denying anything anymore.
Snow White nodded and walked towards the door. "She wakes up every day at dawn and goes for a run along the river up to no-one's land," she pointed out before she left the room. David had told her that a while ago, "Not that you care."
"Indeed," Regina agreed, trying to maintain her composure, "Good night, Snow."
"Good night, Regina."