Chapter One – A Surprise at Court.
The Queen and her consort were holding a celebration at court to mark the thirtieth anniversary of the re founding of their kingdom. They were in the Great Hall of the restored Summer Palace. It was a special petitioning. Their Majesties were entertaining as many petitioners as would come forward. Most had simple requests, easily granted without discussion. Theirs was a peaceful and prosperous land.
The man and women entered the hall some time after the event had begun. They entered the queue and waited patiently.
"She is so beautiful still," said the young woman. She had the darkest black hair and a very fair complexion, much like the Queen's. "But so much sadness."
"Perhaps we can take that away, today. Or at least start to." replied the young man whose familiar attitude toward the woman hinted that they were either spouses or siblings. His hair was of a striking blond shade, and he had an athletic build. Both appeared to be in their mid twenties.
The guardians scattered around the room noticed them, of course. None recognized them, which was puzzling. Strangers were still rare. Only thirty years had passed since everyone had returned from the Storybrooke. These two were young enough to have been born afterward, but, still, those entrusted with the safety of the royal family knew almost everyone in the kingdom.
One protector, in particular, took special notice of the pair. She was a raven haired tall woman with only a few streaks of gray. Her attire was leather and fur, but with a red tint to everything. She occupied her regular position on the throne dais, but slightly off to one side. She had only one weapon, a dagger holstered at her waist. The unknown petitioners grabbed her attention. Her exquisite danger sense was quiet; they seemed to present no threat. But they seemed so familiar to her. She couldn't take her eyes off them. She strained to overhear their conversation, but couldn't make it out. They were speaking very softly, as if they knew how well she could hear.
As she concentrated on the pair of newcomers, this protector, whom everyone called Red, became convinced that she should know them or of them. They are so familiar; I must know their parents. Red could not take her eyes off the man. She knew someone who looked just like him, or at least she had known a woman who could have been his mother, once upon a time. But that was impossible. Thirty years impossible.
Movement from the other side of the dais broke Red's focus on the petitioners. Prince Henry, who normally held himself like a statue during court, had given a little start. He was also concentrating on the newcomers. Then it clicked. Red knew who the young man had to be, who was his mother. She now could see the necklace that the woman wore. Yes, yes there it is. And the valise that the man carried was embossed with a symbol, the same as the pendant on his sister's necklace. A wave of dread, astonishment, wonder, and who knew what other emotions passed over her. She put her hand on the dagger and almost spoke. But went no further. What would I say?
Red's reactions did not go unnoticed. The other guardians watched her. They poised for action. But none moved. Red always knew danger before anyone else. And she was the primary protector. The seven simply waited, poised for action.
The young people came at last to the front of the line and together stepped forward. The hall had gone completely silent, as more and more people fixed on the pair. They knelt, which very few people did. Their Majesties were famous for the familiarity they permitted from their subjects. Yet kneeling was still a sign of great respect.
"On what matter do you petition Us," said Snow White as She rose. Although She said the same to all petitioners, Her voice showed no boredom or fatigue.
"Your Majesty, we do not petition, rather we bring dispatches from a far off land," replied the young man with a clear and strong voice.
When the Queen seemed taken aback by this unusual response, Her consort intervened. "Who the hell are you, and what land do you speak of?" The prince was renown for his direct manner.
The young woman answered him. This was by design.
"Sir, I will answer the first question, and then, you will know, yourself, the answer to the second." She paused briefly, and, then began again. "My name is Eva, and this is my brother Leopold. We have the great honor to be your grandchildren."
There was a moment of complete silence. Then it seemed that everyone in the hall spoke at once. Snow White swayed and looked as if to faint. But the woman protector rushed to Her side with inhuman speed and held Her upright. Snow White turned Her face to Her friend with a look of inquiry on it. Her friend gave a slight nod, and helped the Queen retake Her seat. Then Red stepped forward and commanded, "Clear the hall." To a short man standing just below the dais she said, "Only the council. No one else."