Warnings: References to non-con, a-holes trying to defend attempted non-con, a bit of violence. Other than terminal blushing I don't think there's anything else to worry for. Tell me if I'm wrong.
A Godiva Tale
Chronicle the Second
From the moment she woke a sick knot of foreboding twisted Emma's guts. Even the weather seemed dreary and overcast as though the heavens themselves warned of ill tidings. She wanted to curse and stomp and rant and rave against the foolhardy venture, but as always not a word left her lips for even one could be the death of her. As she lined up with her fellow knights for morning roll call the nervousness in her stomach grew to a deep ache.
Usually, this ritual was a bonding moment, a reaffirming of their allegiance to their king and his fondness for them and a recognition of their exalted station. But this was no ordinary morning. And their king was of a truly foul temperament.
"My noble knights, today my queen takes to the streets in all the glory that God gave Her. She does this in service to the people. No, actually She stated that they were Her people. The queen in Her arrogance believes that She is their sole representative, that She knows what is best for them. The innocent, ignorant fool believes that every last one of them is true and pure of heart, that they will respect Her noble sacrifice."
With each new phrase, the king's face twisted into a deeper and deeper rage until at last his wrinkled visage took on a dangerous, cruel air.
"I don't believe so. In fact, I am certain that Her sacrifice will be in vain. Today will be a learning experience for our queen. And what I require of you my noble knights… is to do nothing."
Murmurs and whispers of confusion erupted amongst the knights. Emma began to feel nauseous. No good could possibly come of this. Every cold sweating terror that haunted her dreams loomed in the warrior's mind taunting her. If left unguarded she feared that her frustrating, stubborn, beautiful, pure, generous-hearted queen would no longer be so.
"Whomever She chooses to accompany Her shall defend Her not. Your only duty is to see that She lives and to report what all occurs to me. That is all, no more."
For a moment, Emma feared she might vomit inside her armor. The lady knight knew all too well the horrors that even a clothed woman undefended might face. With all she had in her the masquerading young woman pleaded silently to any who would listen and aid that she be placed in the queen's protection.
Luckily, her prayers were answered. No doubt she would find herself the answer to the queen's prayers. No matter how she tried to remain respectful green eyes were continually lured back to tempting curves of cinnamon flesh. On more than one occasion the female knight found herself wondering if it indeed tasted like the sweet spice. Emma had thought that riding behind would ease the temptation for at least she would not be gazing upon the queen's breasts or sex. And yet that backside sculpted to pure perfection by heavenly hands taunted every lustful leaning she possessed.
Such notions of perfection were shattered when the queen collided with the ground. The man had darted out of a side alley attacking from the side before she could get an angle on him. Panicked eyes rose a moment to her cohort in shock not wanting to believe that he would obey such an edict in the face of such vile intentions. But Killian showed his true colors and Emma showed hers. Her rage erupted in a whirlwind of controlled violence. First, she punished her associate making certain that he was unable to interfere before she leveled her vengeance on the Queen's attacker.
In that moment all the temptations she had feared lay bare before her and yet Emma saw not a one. Her eyes were for the Queen's state of health and mind alone. With the might of virtue on her side, the queen's weight was as nothing making it a simple matter to pull her close. A strategic mind feared returning to the castle whether forward or back in their current state. One knight alone was not enough to defend against what else might await them, a mystery the stoic woman had no interest in solving. Instead, she carried on through the village holding her charge as close as possible in order to use her own body and armor to disguise as much of the royal form from view as possible.
It wasn't until they had passed the populated areas that Emma felt it might be safe to find a place to rest and recuperate. An abandoned barn seemed the perfect place. As she came to a halt the gallant woman cautiously lowered the rattled regent to the ground. One swift movement brought the knight to her feet before her queen.
In that moment of relief, a brief breath of comfort, relaxed eyes beheld all that they had denied themselves. Emma had never been so grateful for her helmet as it disguised the look of breathless wonder, the untold depths of longing that must certainly be naked on her face. Never in all her days had the loyal subject beheld anything as thoroughly captivating and alluring as the queen's body.
Before so much as a whimper of pained control could leak forth a stunning blow brought stars to her eyes. And just like that, she was undone. Her helmet, her mask, gone. The long blonde locks she could not seem to part with flowed around her shoulders like a death shroud. And likely they would be for she knew that the discovery of her sex would mean her death. It did not matter that none could best her with sword, lance or spear. Her aptitude would mean nothing should the naked queen bare her secret.
With her jaw still stinging from the blow of her helmet as it was struck from her body determined green eyes faced their fate. Her only hope now lay with the tempestuous, inscrutable creature before her. Without sparing breath for apologies or pleading Emma simply lay the truth at the queen's feet in a numb voice that echoed of the grave, "I saved your life. Now I need you to save mine."
As the queen slowly gathered Her wits about Her a simple shake of the head cleared the last of the shock. A kind smile and awkward laugh were offered as Regina negotiated, "Of course. I would be more inclined to feel that the scales were balanced if things were a bit more even between us." The slow flush of high cheekbones reminded the stunned lady knight of how the dark beauty must feel in Her current rather striking state. "Right," Emma offered in a short burst before turning to her saddlebags. "That's actually why I came in here."
A moment's digging produced breeches and a tunic. The flustered blonde returned her focus to her charge making certain to keep her gaze high for both their sakes as she informed the queen, "I do hope you didn't think it was for any other purpose. The last thing I would want is to frighten you, especially after…." The lady knight's throat closed on the words she could not seem to bring forth. The involuntary reaction eased Emma's worry that the long denied ability to speak would not end.
Even as the knight's words spilled forth her manner was still more telling, more expressive yet. Regina noted with some curiosity how attuned and familiar with these unfortunate circumstances Sir Swan seemed. Out of gratitude for the mercy the beautiful blonde had shown Her the rattled regent decided to respect Her knight's privacy. "Thank you," a gentle smoky voice purred as She accepted the gracious gesture. "For everything." A pleased smile broke across aristocratic features as She clutched the clothing to Her chest delighting in the slight maidenly blush blooming on apple cheeks.
Emma turned to look at anything else as the queen dressed as though the rotten rafters and support beams were absolutely enthralling. Perhaps she should use a keener eye on a strategic lean should such become necessary. Those thoughts were cut short by an encouraging whisper of, "You can look now." Even as green eyes returned to her queen the amusement at her own discomfort dancing in warm brown eyes sent the once bold knight's gaze dashing to the thatched floor.
Misunderstanding the smitten knight's discomfort as awkward worry Regina closed the distance between them to soothingly stroke steel coated arms. "You needn't worry." The return of those stunning emerald eyes to focus upon Her with hope and curiosity blossomed a joy in the royal chest that She could not explain. A tender hand cradled an angelic cheek as the dark beauty continued in a hypnotic tone, "Though I feel it is a travesty to hide such a beautiful face, your secret is safe with me."
For a moment Emma wondered if a temporary madness had struck her or if indeed she had heard the queen correctly. 'Did she just call me beautiful?' As though drawn by some invisible force the knight's head tilted to the side slowly lowering towards oblivion and perhaps her doom. However, before the innocent queen could recognize the gesture She stepped away from Her companion. Faint lashes beat a moment as a keen mind raced, but it seemed that the gender-bending woman had not offended the unaware regent. That had simply been the moment that Regina chose to return to the horse.
"Right, I suppose we should be going now that you're settled," Emma agreed with the unspoken gesture. A few sharp strides carried her to where her helmet had landed. Placing the helm between her knees the bold knight hunched over gathering her hair into a loose bun. Warm tinkling laughter met the strange pose. "What," she inquired casting a sidelong glance at her royal audience.
"I'm sorry, but you look like you're in desperate search of a chamber pot," the queen chuckled.
Emma couldn't help but laugh along. No one had ever been in a position to critique how she prepared her male guise before. It was certainly a different viewpoint and more than a little entertaining. "I'm so glad I could amuse you, Your Majesty." The statement was punctuated with the return of the knight's helmet. The adorable pout that marred aristocratic features brought a warm smile that the queen was not privy to. "Come on, Your Highness," the once more disguised knight encouraged crouching near the horse to offer a hand up.
Within moments they were settled atop Emma's mount once more this time with Regina facing forward. Steel plated arms wound comfortably around a slim waist to loosely hold the reins. Now that things had calmed down the dutiful knight struggled against the temptation of memory. The way the dark beauty felt in her arms it was not hard to imagine the way that She had been before. A rut in the road jostled the pair causing raven locks to cascade near an impassive helmet. Beneath it, the scent of the queen's hair haunted the gender-bending knight.
Relaxing into the cant of the horse's steady pace Regina sighed peacefully. An oddly calm head rest upon cool steel bringing with it thoughts of that steel around Her body not separated by this sturdy cotton. In the innocence of one unaware of their effect on others, the queen stroked an armored arm thinking aloud, "I'm honestly not sure which way I prefer riding with you. Perhaps it is the comfort of your arms that makes even the strangest things seem so serene."
Emma's heart swelled and loins clenched with equal vigor at the unknowingly bold words. "I may have a preference, but I doubt you want to hear it," a cheeky voice confessed. A burst of unrestrained laughter erupted from the dark beauty as She slapped Her companion soundly on the arm despite the solid protection. "I think you have been around men too long," Regina fired back with a sassy grin. Through the slit in the helmet, the lady could just make out the sparkle of amusement in those stunning green eyes.
At this angle, She could even see a golden brow raise questioningly. "Oh? And how would you remedy the situation, Your Majesty," Emma queried teasingly. "I may have an idea or two," Regina replied coyly. As brown eyes drifted closed in silent contemplation enjoying the tranquility of the moment that same hand pulled a surrounding arm closer stroking it in gratitude for the comfort of its presence. Emma felt stung, singed, branded by that caress and yet not a muscle twitched in fear that it would disturb the peaceful queen. In all her life the humble knight had never witnessed anything so wondrous as the gorgeous queen taking comfort in her arms.
The path evened as they drew closer stirring Regina from Her reverie. The monarch grumbled as one waking from a pleasant dream, "I'm not sure what I'm going to miss more your lovely face or your kind voice." As they neared the edges of town a sort of desperation entered warm brown pools as they sought out the emerald jewels hidden in that helmet. "Tell me it wasn't a dream," a soft voice pleaded.
For once Emma wished her helmet did not disguise the joy that those sweet words brought her. Instead, the brave knight tried to pour as much of her smile into her voice as she could when she replied, "It was not a dream. I will always be there for you, My Lady. You never need fear again. So long as I draw breath, I am yours to command." An almost coy look gave the disguised blonde pause as her charge replied, "I'm so glad to hear you say that." Those words seemed ominous and yet Emma could not imagine a command from her queen that she would not welcome.
Shortly thereafter the odd-looking pair approached the main gate. As they passed through their presence was announced. No sooner had they entered the courtyard than the young princess came racing out shouting desperately for Her stepmother. "Regina! Regina!" At the worrisome sound, the dark beauty immediately dismounted and held Her arms open for the young girl burgeoning on womanhood to fly into. Snow held tightly as She frantically proclaimed, "I feared I would never see you again!"
Gentle hands stroked soothingly through inky black locks so like Her own as the queen soothed, "What would make you think such a thing?" Grey eyes floating with unshed tears informed Her, "I heard you were attacked. And when you did not return I feared the worst." Plump lips spread into a comforting smile as Regina assured Her young ward, "I was, but Sir Swan saved me. He rushed me to safety and loaned me some of his spare clothing for my safe return."
Two pairs of grateful royal eyes turned towards the dismounting knight. Once more Emma was grateful for the anonymity of her helmet as the scrutiny even in a praising light made her uncomfortable. "Of course," the princess crowed in adulation, "I should have known. No knight is as brave or as virtuous as Sir Swan." With a glowing smile, Regina agreed, "That is true, which is why I am naming him as my personal guard."
Emma's cheeks were already flaming beneath her helmet, but this new turn dropped her jaw. Even if she hadn't been struck speechless she was forced by circumstance not to raise voice against it. Rather than openly argue with the queen a gauntleted hand rubbed the back of a chainmail coated neck in a clear gesture of discomfort. Unphased by her struggle the delighted princess remarked in wonder, "Really?!" With a patient nod the queen replied, "Yes, I will make the announcement official just as soon as I see your father. Where is He, dear?"
The excited princess dragged the queen along by the hand clearly eager to share the joy of Her return. "He is in the Great Hall. He has been drinking away His worries since He first heard of your attack. He will be so delighted to see you well and whole. Come along!" Regina followed along with a brilliant smile allowing the eager girl to guide Her. Sir Swan was the tail of their trio musing silently, 'More likely toasting His joy at Her misfortune the miserable bloated old fart.'
The king rose to His feet upon seeing Her greeting His queen with open arms and pathetic lies, "My dear, I am so glad to see you well." Regina diplomatically received the embrace sparing a kiss on the cheek only as a nod to their union. "No thanks to some," She replied glaring at the lurking form of Sir Jones. "I was worried but not surprised to hear of your unfortunate incident. I did warn you not all people share your innocence and naivety. You realize this makes our bargain forfeit," the king explained as one would to a child.
An incensed gasp accompanied the queen's recoil from her husband. "That is wholly unfair! How is our bargain to stand when your own supposedly noble knights mean to take sport of me as well," Regina shouted pointing accusingly at Sir Jones. A gray brow furrowed as Leopold looked between knight and queen. "What is the meaning of this," He demanded to know. "The only knight that remained true to their duty and devout in their protection of me was Sir Swan which is why I am naming him as my personal guard," the dark beauty insisted clearly refusing argument.
The king stroked His chin a moment in thought. A sharp gaze leveled on the mute knight. "What say you, Sir Swan," the aggravated monarch demanded. Emma didn't even have to think about her response. A gauntleted hand pointed at herself then made a fist placed over her heart as she bent over only to point at Regina. The king nodded begrudgingly accepting the silent vow of service. Many were surprised when that expressive gauntlet rose once more to point at Killian before dragging a threatening thumb across the mute knight's throat. The king's brow furrowed in clear distaste of the gesture.
All eyes turned to Sir Jones as he leaned against a column in a cavalier fashion. "What say you to this, Sir Jones," the king inquired in a reserved calculating tone. The less than virtuous knight scoffed rolling clear blue eyes dismissively as he answered, "Oh please, I'd been staring at Her bare bits for the better part of an hour! What man wouldn't have a go? I'm not made of stone." Regina stepped forward with a snarl but Emma intercepted Her not trusting the twisted honorless knight not to try it again.
The king rose in imitation of insult shouting, "Take him to the dungeon! His fate will be decided on the morrow." Satisfied with the result, for now, Regina calmed ceasing Her struggling against Emma's restraining hands. Taking note of this the king addressed the mute knight, "Clearly you do have our queen's best interests at heart. You may even have some skill with Her much-vaunted temper." A sharp look of withering brown eyes was cast His way by one of the few capable of surviving such an act of defiance. "I will agree to the appointment though our military will be less without you," Leopold announced.
'More likely you're happy to be rid of a rogue element you can't control or corrupt, you two-faced old prick,' Emma thought. Outwardly the mute knight bowed in silent acceptance of the honor. "While I am grateful to Your Majesty for the appointment I must insist that you reconsider your position on the taxes," Regina pressed on stubbornly. The king grumbled but before He could argue She continued, "I completed half of the challenge is that not enough for at least some measure of relief?!"
Holding up a halting hand Leopold insisted, "Let nothing be decided while You are still so shaken. We will discuss it on the morrow. For now, my dear, take a respite to ease Your mind of Your recent woes." A stubborn jaw clenched at the dismissal but Regina knew Her husband well enough to know that there would be no further debate. With a huff, She stalked from the room with Sir Swan hot on Her heels. "That…" Before descriptions of how foul Her husband was in Her eyes at that moment died on plush lips at the sight of His daughter. The queen could not possibly vent Her frustrations in front of the girl.
And yet it was the purity of young Snow's heart that began to ease frazzled nerves. "Come, mother, a cup of tea will soothe the worries of the day," a kind voice insisted. With the innocent faith of a child, the princess led Her stepmother to the gardens where they took their tea. The sight of the familiar tranquility brought a genuine smile to full lips. The kindness of the young girl's heart touched Regina encouraging Her to release Her frustrations, for now. As they took their usual seats the eager young royal spoke Her mind, "This is so wonderful. Does this mean that Sir Swan will be with us always?"
"Yes it does," a kind smoky voice informed Her stepdaughter. "I am so pleased! Sir Swan is the bravest and most noble of all the knights," the princess enthused. Once more grateful for her helmet's ability to disguise the blush of her cheeks as well, Emma held up her hands palms together in a gesture of gratitude for the kind words. A soft giggle met the gesture 238nb before thoughtfully asking, "And what of You, stepmother? Are you glad of his protection?"
Warm brown eyes cast over Her shoulder towards the disguised beauty as a crooked secret grin tugged at plush lips. "Every step feels safer with his constant protection," a rich warm voice intoned. Though at a loss for how to express her feelings at such words a brave head dipped shyly at the words. Enchanting giggles leaked from the princess as She too turned towards the knight asking, "And how do you feel about the appointment, Sir Swan?" Emma smiled beneath the metal mask feeling herself slowly drawn under the spell of the princess's innocence. The disguised woman pointed at herself then placed two fisted hands together over her heart before pressing them away from each other and splaying out her fingers in a bursting gesture.
Snow laughed softly thoroughly enjoying the game as She guessed, "You.. burst. You're overcome?" Regina interrupted in an understanding tone, "You're overjoyed." Smiling beneath her helmet Emma pointed at the queen and tapped a finger against the nose bridge of her helmet. The delighted princess squealed softly at the little victory as tea was delivered. The queen thanked the servant kindly as Her young charge remarked, "You're so good at understanding him. It's almost as though you two have your own language." With a contemplative sip of Her tea, the poised beauty replied, "Perhaps. I certainly feel as though I have come to a deeper understanding of my noble champion through our shared trial."
Leaning closer with a cheeky grin Regina playfully remarked, "I know he has certainly seen a side of me that few others have." Snow's laughter at the bold statement only deepened as the bold knight hunched down trying to fight off graphic images of exactly what the queen had shared. "I think you made Sir Swan blush," the princess squealed in delight. For a panicked moment, Emma wondered if she was so transparent. A quick glance revealed that her helmet was still in place. It was merely her body language that gave her away.
"Yes," Regina purred quite enjoying Her effect on the noble 'mute' knight. "Perhaps I should be sensitive to his delicate nature. He is a gentleman after all," She mock-whispered to Her stepdaughter. With a slight chuckle Snow teased, "I don't know. He has faced a temptation that made other knights falter. Perhaps Sir Swan truly is the noblest of them all." With a beaming smile that none could see Emma bowed graciously in acceptance of the praise.
Notes: So who likes the mute's inner monologue? What do you think of the Regina/Snow relationship? Do you want to see more of it? I mean, I know what you want to see more of, but be patient. Emma hasn't been teased enough yet ;) lol Leave me thoughts, love, critiques, requests... You never know what just might make it in :)