Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters.

Note: Sorry guys, I am new to using Fanfiction (obviously) and am struggling to get the formatting to work. Bear with me. Do you like it so far?

Chapter 3:

When Regina woke the next morning, she wondered how falling from a horse had caused her so much pain. There were bruises everywhere and muscles ached everywhere. Glancing around the sparse room, the only furniture being the bed she was laying on and a small chest with some saddlebags draped over the top, her eyes rested on the blond laying in front of the door, a hand wrapped around a simple but deadly looking sword. Regina frowned. She hadn't meant for the knight to be forced to sleep on a pallet but Regina appreciated the safety she was providing. She had never slept in a common tavern, or at least not one without extensive amounts of guards outside every room and window. Sighing, she swung her legs across the bed and went to stand. She winced as a sharp shriek from the bed echoed around the room and was surprised to see Emma spring up drawing her sword looking positively feral as her blond curls flowed around her shoulders. Regina froze and watched Emma warily.

"Are you alright?" She asked tentatively. Emma smiled and put her sword down.

"I'm sorry about that. Old habits die hard. Too many night raids to ever sleep peacefully."

"I see."

"I assume you will want to be on your way as soon as possible. I'll go get your clothes. We wouldn't want anyone to be too worried that you didn't return last night." Emma said while slipping on riding leggings and then turned and pulled open the door, disappearing into the corridor.

Regina could have slapped herself. She had been so blown away by the blond and the new experience, she had forgotten her mother. Gods. Cora was going to kill her.

Ever since Henry had passed away, Cora had become more clingy and convinced that someone was out to murder her and her daughter. While Regina just thought her mother was paranoid, she figured that the only person who would want her dead would be Leopold. It irked the new King to no end that Regina, not his beloved daughter Snow would gain the throne when Cora passed away. No doubt he would be disappointed that Regina had survived the fall, but would put on a good show for Cora. When Emma returned with their clean and dried clothes, Regina dressed speedily and silently, praying to every God she had heard of that her mother wouldn't kill Emma on sight when they returned.


Emma had to admit. She was impressed with the brunette who was sitting behind her. After a speedy breakfast, they had ridden off, with Regina barely wincing as she swung her injured leg over Brouk. There had hardly been any conversation as they grew closer and closer although the other woman had tightened her grip around Emma the farther they got. Emma wasn't complaining. You would have to be a fool to not see this woman as one of the most beautiful in all the land. She was contented to enjoy the silence and the body pressing into her back. However, as they approached the main gate to the city, the knight was surprised as Regina's hands pulled back on the reigns, stopping them close to the side of the road. Emma awkwardly turned in the saddle to look at her.

"No matter what happens when we walk through that gate, will you still be my friend?"

"Yes. Of course. Wait, what's going to happen when we go in?" Emma was confused. And were they friends? She hoped so. Friends meant they would see each other again.

"I… You'll see." Regina sighed and pressed her face into Emma's back as she kicked the horse underneath them leading them straight to the guards who were inspecting all who came through.

"Hold!" One of the guards called to Emma and Regina. "State your business."

"I am a mercenary knight looking for work and this lady needs to be returned to the castle." Emma called back, holding out her papers, hyper aware of the spears held by the two men and the fear that was radiating off of Regina. One of the guards walked over to inspect the credentials that Emma was holding but stopped dead in his tracks when he spotted Regina.

"Oh Gods, its the princess."

"Uh. What?" Emma was suddenly confused as silence swept all around them.

"Let us pass, this knight is taking me to the castle. I am injured and cannot walk." Regina said flatly, ignoring the amazed looks of the sea of people around them.

"Of course m'lady! MAKE WAY FOR PRINCESS REGINA!" The guard hastily yelled before bowing as they passed through.

"Regina…" Emma trailed off as more shouts to make way rang out along the street.

"Emma, please, just keep walking." Regina answered and kept her head down.

As they entered the courtyard of the castle, the main doors burst open and a regal but furious woman swept out and down the stairs to meet them. Behind her followed an older man who seem conscious of his importance.

"Regina! We thought you were dead! The horse returned and there has been no word!" Queen Cora shouted as she drew nearer. As Regina made to slide off the horse, Emma quickly descended to help her down. However, as soon as her feet touched the cobblestones, a circle of spears descended upon her. Tensing, she looked up and was met by the angry glare of the queen.

"Arrest this woman for the detaining and kidnapping of the princess."

"Stop!" Regina cried as she practically fell off Brouk in an attempt to stop her mother. Despite the spears at her throat, Emma turned and caught the brunette and gently set her down.

"This knight came to my rescue, stopped an attempted assassination attempt and then safely returned me. You will not harm her." Regina declared, trying to hide her desperation to save the woman whose arms were still around her, supporting her. Cora paused and considered.

Emma, sensing her chance, quickly said, "My name is Lady Emma Swan of the Mist Mountains. I came to join your army as I heard there was call for fighters."

With those words, every guard who held a spear stepped back quickly, eyes filled with fear. They had heard that name. Everyone had heard that name.

"The White Swan knight!" King Leopold cried as he rushed forwards. "Here to help guide our armies and lead us to victory." Breaking through the circle around them, he grabbed Emma's arm and raised it up. "First she has saved our beloved princess and now she will lead our battles!" A cheer went up around the courtyard.

"Regina. Come." Cora voice cut through the cheers, "Archie, please carry the princess, she is injured and needs my attention." A grizzled older man walked forwards and leaned over to pick up Regina.

"Looks like I wasn't the only one with a secret." She said to Emma before she moved away. "I will come and find you."

With that, Emma was left feeling confused, while more cheers went up from the gathered crowd, for their savior had come, the White Knight.