Chapter 2

In the morning, I was lying in bed with Emma, holding her as the last of her morning sickness dissipated, when there was a disturbance in the hallway. I placed a gentle kiss on Emma's shoulder and climbed out of bed. As I walked to the door, I magically dressed myself and steeled my spine for whatever I would find. When I threw open the door, I smirked at the sight of Lucas and Red grappling in the hallway.

"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?" I bellowed, my voice echoing down the corridor.

The two combatants flinched and pulled away from each other. Lucas immediately bowed and said, "This woman was attempting to sneak into your chambers, my Queen."

I raised an eyebrow, suppressing the amusement I felt, as I flatly said, "Yes, I've been expecting her."

Red shot my Master of the Guard a triumphant grin and he looked stricken. "My apologies, your majesty. I was unaware of that."

I waved away his concern and turned to Red, "Please, come in, dear." She immediately stepped around me into the sitting room and I turned back to Lucas, "Have lunch brought up for the three of us and assemble the household. I have an announcement to make this afternoon."

"It would be my pleasure, your majesty," he said with a bow.

When I shut the door and turned to study the wolf, she was prowling my sitting room, examining everything. I couldn't help but smile as I crossed over to sit on the chaise and said, "Lunch will be up soon, please have a seat."

She glanced over at me before cautiously sitting in a chair opposite me. I tried to read her expression, but it was carefully guarded and I couldn't tell what she was thinking. She studied me for a long time before she finally asked, "Why?"

I lifted an eyebrow and replied, "Why, what? Please be more specific dear, I can't read your mind."

"Why me, Regina? You have scores of loyal subjects. Why did you ask me to protect your child?"

I pursed my lips and asked, "Did you read the treaty?"

"Yes, but I—"

I raised a hand to cut her off and said, "You've lived in the White kingdom all these years. Do you honestly think that Snow White will be able to restore it in five years?"

Red hesitated before she shook her head and said, "No, I don't. I think she would only be able to do it by making a deal with Rumplestiltskin. Only magic could repair the damages to the country in that amount of time. But they fear releasing him more than they fear you."

I smiled, "Exactly. Which means that my child will inherit the White Throne. You are the only one who I can trust that has a vested interest in the future of both kingdoms."

"Why do you trust me? I was trying to kill you a month ago," she asked as she got up to pace the room.

I watched her, letting the silence play out before wryly saying, "I know. I am glad you didn't succeed." She let out a frustrated huff and turned to face me. When she met my amused gaze, I explained, "You are not the first werewolf I've met, dear. I know how deeply the loyalties run in your kind. Emma told me you were to be her sponsor for her naming. I would have to be blind not to see the way you interact with her. She already has your loyalty and that is why I trust you."

Red let out a sigh and glanced in the direction of the bedroom, before she nodded and slumped back into her chair. "She does, but I still don't understand why that makes you want me to protect your child."

I let out a sigh and explained, "As my Consort, Emma has split your loyalties between the two kingdoms. However, unless Snow is a bigger idiot than I thought, the kingdoms will be united under my rule within a few years. While ultimately, this will only make the kingdoms stronger, not everyone will be pleased by the change. Between me focusing on saving the White Kingdom from utter ruin and my White Knight focusing on defending our vulnerabilities from our enemies, I need to know that my heir is protected by someone who is unwaveringly loyal and a fierce enough fighter that even the most daring knights fear to face. That my dear is you." I paused before I let a smirk fall over my face and I teasingly said, "Besides, you are the only one that Emma will tolerate at her side when she is too pregnant to defend herself."

"I heard that," Emma said flatly from the doorway. I glanced over and my smirk deepened.

"You were meant to, my love. I felt you coming," I said, matching her dry tone.

Red coughed to mask her chuckle and Emma shot her an irritated glance, before turning to me with narrowed eyes. "I do not need a defender, Regina. Even if I can't easily use my sword, I will still have my magic."

I stood and closed the space between us to take her hands in my own as I stared into her eyes. "I know, but we weren't discussing Red guarding you, dear. She would be protecting the baby."

She pursed her lips and said, "And you don't think I will be able to protect the baby?"

"I just want to be cautious, darling. I cannot lose you, either of you," I said softly, dropping one of her hands so I could stroke her still flat stomach. "I would never recover from it."

Tears welled in her eyes and she covered my hand with her own, pressing it firmly against her taut belly. "You aren't going to lose either of us," she said tenderly.

I leaned in and pressed my forehead against hers, letting myself soak in the love I felt from her. After a moment I leaned back and asked, "How are you feeling, darling?"

She smiled wryly, all trace of her tears gone. "Hungry enough to eat an entire deer," she admitted.

I chuckled, "Well, lunch should be here soon. Will you sit with me until it arrives?" Instead of answering she pulled me back to the chaise and sat, yanking me down to sit in the circle of her arms. I leaned up to kiss her cheek before letting myself to settle into the embrace. Once we were situated, I turned back to Red and asked, "Will you agree to my offer?"

She seemed startled by the abrupt return to our original discussion, but after only the slightest of pauses she said, "Yes, Regina, but I need to return home and take care of a few things."

I inclined my head and said, "Of course. We aren't going to announce the pregnancy until the dangers of a miscarriage are past, so you have a little over two months before I would like you to assume your responsibilities. Will that give you adequate time to settle your affairs in the White Kingdom?"

Red nodded, "Yeah, thank you. That should be plenty of time."

"Excellent. Thank you, Red," I said with a smile before I waved my hand, conjuring a small silver medallion on a chain with an apple engraved on it. I handed it to the wolf and said, "Here, take this. It is a mark of safe passage; it will allow you to move freely within my kingdom. If anyone stops you, show it to them and you will be unharmed. If you are prevented from returning, put a drop of blood on the apple and we will come get you."

She studied it for a moment before she nodded and slid the chain around her neck as she said, "Thanks."

"You're welcome, dear. We will take care of the formalities when you return, but you are one of my people now, Red. I do protect my subjects, and will do no less for you. If you need assistance, use the pendant."

"So, does that mean that I have to bow and call you 'your majesty' now?" she said with a smirk.

I smiled, "Only in public, dear."

She chuckled, "Alright, I think I can handle that."

"I know you must be eager to get on the road, but will you stay and have lunch with us? I can have a horse ready for you when we are finished so you can make up any lost time," I asked, changing the subject.

"Yeah, I'd like that. I'm still waiting for Emma to quit stalling and tell me what happened yesterday," Red said with a grin.

Emma huffed and said, "I was waiting for you two to finish talking."

I chuckled and shifted to place a chaste kiss on her pouting lips. "My apologies, Consort. I will attempt to discuss the business of the kingdom after you've had a chance to gossip in the future," I said dryly.

She smirked and haughtily said, "See that you do, your majesty."

I laughed and poked her in the ribs, making her squirm before I moved over to the mirror and said, "Mirror, tell Sandra to prepare a horse for Red. She will be leaving in approximately an hour and will need provisions for several days."

The blue face of the trapped genie swirled into view and he nodded, "Yes, your majesty."

When his face faded from view, I turned to go back to sit with Emma, but a soft knock at the door stopped me. I went and opened the door for the maid. She bobbed a quick bow and said, "Thank you, your majesty," before she wheeled in a cart piled with food.

I felt an eyebrow rise at the amount of food provided, but when Red and Emma both immediately stopped talking to stare at the food, I got the sudden thought that it might not be enough. I could only chuckle and shake my head at my companions when they both launched themselves towards the cart as soon as the door closed behind the maid's retreating form.

There were several minutes of silence while we all ate, before Emma finally slowed down and continued recounting our meeting with the White rulers. When Emma was finished with the story, Red sighed and said, "I'm sorry. I can't believe Snow said those things."

"I can," Emma said softly, and I could feel a pang of the regret that washed through her. I reached out and placed a comforting squeeze on her thigh and she smiled sadly at me.

Red pushed back her empty plate with a frustrated grunt. "This is going to make my discussion with them even more difficult. Hopefully, she will stop doubting your love after I talk to Snow."

"Not that it matters much at this point, but why?" I asked curiously.

She gave me a wry grin and said, "You're the only person I've ever smelled on Emma. There isn't any possible way for her to be pregnant by anyone else, Regina. Even Snow isn't dumb enough to refute my nose."

A small lingering doubt that I hadn't even realized that had been plaguing me, dissolved at hearing those words and I smiled. "No, but she's probably going to think I've ensorcelled you to lie."

Red rolled her eyes and snorted, "Yeah, probably. But there's nothing she can do about it."

I nodded my agreement as Emma bitterly muttered, "Yeah, cause no one could ever disagree with the saintly Snow White."

Red chuckled and said, "It's okay, Emma. You guys won, remember?"

At that, Emma brightened and smirked, "Yeah, we did." We all laughed, and I found contentment in the easy camaraderie. I couldn't help but be amazed that Snow's best friend and closest ally would be in my sitting room and laugh with me. I smiled, feeling some of the loneliness that had plagued my entire life ease. It wasn't the same loneliness of longing for a lover to share my life with, that Emma had filled. This was the loneliness of never having a true friend. I couldn't help but be grateful for the blonde who had encouraged me to give Red a chance.

When the meal had finished, I left Emma to walk Red to the stables as I made my way to the dungeons. I'd left the Huntsman down there for the weeks since Emma's knighting celebration. I couldn't decide what to do with him and I didn't want to risk him interfering with my plans for Snow. But now it was time to release him. Out of everyone in the kingdom, he had more invested in the rivalry than nearly anyone else and should be there to hear it end.

When I opened the door to his cell, he clenched his jaw and bitterly asked, "What do you want now?"

I paused and studied him. For the first time, I realized that I didn't want his obedience. I had been using him as the cold-blooded killer he had been when I first met him, but the years of his servitude had changed him. I met his angry gaze impassively and waved a hand, changing him into clean clothes. "Come, you will want to hear the announcement I have to make," was all I said as I turned and strode from the room. I could hear him grumbling behind me, but I ignored it when I heard his footsteps following me.

Emma was waiting for us just outside the doors to the throne room. She was leaning casually against the wall and smiled immediately when she saw me. I couldn't help but return her smile and for a moment nothing else existed. But then her eyes slid past me and widened when she saw the Huntsman. She looked back to me, an unspoken question evident in her eyes. I shook my head to tell her this wasn't the time. She nodded and held out her arm. I smiled, weaving my hand through the offered arm and we walked into the throne room together.

I forced my face into an emotionless mask as we strode through the gathered crowd. Once we reached the dais, Emma released my arm, but neither of us sat. I took a moment to impassively survey the crowd and was pleased to note Lord Steven towards the back of the room. He looked mildly interested in the coming announcement, but I caught his eyes darting between Emma and I as silence fell over the room. I glanced over at the blonde and saw that she had also noticed the suspicious man.

Content that she would keep an eye on him, I turned back to the rest of the crowd and raised my voice to fill the room. "Today, we have new reason to celebrate. A treaty has been signed with the White Kingdom to bring an end to the longstanding feud between our kingdoms." I paused and glanced at the Huntsman. He had a look of shock, worry and anger on his face that made me glad I'd made the decision I had. It was time to get rid of the arrogant man.

I looked away and continued, "This treaty will ensure that our kingdom continues to prosper and grow in strength and wealth in the coming years. I will not go into the finer points of the treaty, but Queen Snow has agreed to stop all attempts to kidnap the Consort in return for me no longer seeking vengeance for her betrayal. Furthermore, she has agreed to abdicate the throne and name my heir as her successor if she is unable to restore her kingdom to its former glory within five years." This had the room erupting in noise as everyone reacted to the news. I didn't even try to suppress the victorious grin that broke out at the crowd's astonished murmurs.

As I watched them react, I noticed my Spymaster trying to catch my eye. I immediately held up my hand for silence and waited as it slowly filled the room. I turned back to him and calmly asked, "Yes, did you have a question, Lord Jared?"

He gave a small bow and said, "Yes, your majesty. Forgive me, but why did Snow White agree to these terms?"

I smirked and simply said, "To get back her Prince Charming."

That had laughter ringing out in the room. I smiled in response and turned back to the crowd, "This news will be posted throughout the kingdom in the coming days. For now, please resume your duties." I paused, waiting as people began to talk amongst themselves as they filed from the room. Just before he could exit, I called out again, "Huntsman, I wish to have a word with you."

He froze for a second before turning and pushing his way through the crowd to stand before me. I could feel Emma's curious gaze on me as I watched his progress, and I was relieved when she didn't ask for an explanation. "What do you want from me your majesty?" he asked insolently when he came to a stop.

I grit my teeth, but waited until the room had cleared before I spoke. When I did, I ignored his question and asked, "What do you think of my news?"

"I think you found a way to take everything from a Good woman," he spat out.

I lifted an eyebrow and coldly stated, "Snow White has fallen from grace, Huntsman. She is no longer the pure hearted girl you once met."

He snorted and derisively asked, "And whose fault is that?"

"It's not entirely my fault, no matter what you believe. I will not take responsibility for her selfish behavior. Yes, I took her daughter; however, I will not be held accountable for the suffering in her kingdom. That was entirely her doing," I said, mockingly.

"I do not believe that," he said bitterly.

I sighed, "Think what you will, after today you will no longer be my problem."

The Huntsman warily asked, "What do you mean by that?"

"You have outlived your usefulness to me, Huntsman. Do not worry, I will continue to honor the deal we made all those years ago. Wolves will continue to be protected in the Shadow Kingdom." I paused and held out my hand, summoning the box that had protected his heart for so long. His eyes widened when he saw the box in my hands. I calmly walked down the steps and took out his heart. I immediately felt a surge of happy pride through my bond with Emma and I smiled, but I didn't look back at her. Instead I gently lifted the heart and pushed it back into the Huntsman's chest.

He gasped and fell to his knees as his long forgotten emotions overwhelmed him. When he recovered enough he looked up at me and asked, "Why?"

"It is time for you to make your own choices, Huntsman. Go, live the rest of your life as you see fit. See for yourself what has become of the girl you sacrificed your heart for," I said.

He slowly stood and said, "I will." I nodded and he spun on his heel and left.

I watched him walk away, uncertain about how I felt at losing a man I once used to forget about my loneliness. The uncertainty disappeared when I felt the strong arms of my Consort wrap around me. "You are amazing. I love you, Regina," she said proudly.

I smiled and turned in her embrace. "I love you, too," I said before pulling her in for a deep kiss.

She returned the kiss with equal fervor, and I lost myself in the passion she invoked within me. When we pulled away, I blinked in surprise at the sight of the familiar surroundings of our bedroom. Emma must have noticed my expression because she chuckled and placed a chaste kiss on my cheek. I lifted an eyebrow and asked, "Just what do you think you are doing, Consort?"

She smirked and put a throaty growl in her voice as she said, "I am going to fuck the Queen."

My breath caught and heat raced down mine spine. My voice had gone husky as I said, "Well, Consort, I believe we're both wearing fair too much clothing for that."

She grinned mischievously and her magic flowed over me. I closed my eyes against the seductive pull of it and when I opened them again, I was lying naked in the middle of the bed.

A/N: I know it's more than a little evil of me to stop there, but I promise there will be smut in the next chapter. I hope you enjoyed, please let me know what you thought, or if there is anything in particular you would like to see in future chapters. I do know where this story is going, but I'm willing to add a few side-trips if an idea inspires me. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement.