Author's Note: I'm sorry sorry it's taken this long for an update, I was recently was promoted at work and free time seems few and far in between. Luckily my obsession with game of thrones has fueled my imagination once more. I hope you guys enjoy this, I know it's slow going but it all works together. ps for those of you waiting on a Turning Page update it should be up by the middle of next week. Please review and let me know your thoughts.

The steady clink of china seemed to ricochet around them as they dined in silence. Though currently at peace, it was difficult to shake the sense of distrust that had been fostered between their houses for the past century. She placed her silver down and cast her focus on Cora. The older woman bore a striking resemblance to the young princess her daughter had risked her life to save.

"Well, I suppose you know why I asked you here?" Snow questioned, setting her steely gaze.

"You mean aside from breaking our fast in the most awkward fashion, Your Grace?" Queen Cora raised her brow while taking a small sip of her tea. She couldn't withhold her chuckle, the Queen certainly did not lack nerve. "It appears our children have become rather close since your daughter entered my husband's service last year," Cora continued. "Last we spoke I made mention of an arrangement. How do King David and yourself feel about it now?"

When news first arrived of Emma's injuries she and David had saddled up and rode through a three day journey in two. By the time they had arrived Emma had awoken from what had been described to her as a horrific fall. She had burst into Emma's quarters in a fit of tears and hardly noticed a young woman scurry from the room (a fact that had not been missed by her husband).

She had spent the day hovering over her frustrated daughter who, despite a large bandage wrapped around her head, insisted she was fine. When Emma's condition finally got the best of her and she succumbed to sleep, she and David had been summoned to the throne room. Upon entering she was immediately struck by how beautifully the light reflected off the polished black marble walls. Though menacing at first glance, there were subtle signs of beauty in its exemplary architecture. Holding her head high, she gazed toward the enormous throne. It was wrought of iron and the backing rose at least seven feet in the air. Curving and melding it rose into a swirl of stampeding stallions seeming to race into existence.

Though they were guests, they were still royalty and therefore offered only a customary bow of the head in respect. David offered her a small smile before beginning pleasantries which segued into their sincere thanks for caring for their daughter's injuries.

"You have no need to thank me, it was after all your daughter who saved mine," King Henry's voice boomed down on them. "House Mills owes your kingdom a great debt, without your daughter's courage my family would be broken and on the verge of extinction. To show my gratitude I would like to offer a further chance at binding of our houses."

"And what would that be, Your Grace?" She wrung her hands together as David questioned the king.

"Should you be willing to consent your approval I would gladly knight Emma for her service to my family." The king's gravely voice seemed soothing, but all it did was plunge her into the icy shock of worry.

"Emma is a princess. She will one day rule our kingdom. The service to another house would interfere with that duty," Snow interjected. Emma was so young, too young to be plunged into a world where she couldn't protect her. At least in the home guard she could place those most loyal around her to ensure her safety.

"Perhaps, but should you accept I would gladly release her from her service when the time comes. Though I would be lying if I said I did not hope to accomplish an ulterior motive with this title," he smiled mischievously. Even Queen Cora's eyes softened at the statement. She was beyond a doubt, utterly confused.

"What such motive would you confess this to be?" David rested one hand on the pommel of his sword and ran the other through his hair as he spoke. glancing at her husband she noted the strain seemed to be extracting its tole. "Not often do those seeking motives to benefit themselves offer them willingly .

"My daughter, Regina, was saved by Princess Emma and has since scarcely left her side. I know her well enough to see that she has developed feeling in this short time. It is my greatest hope that you would consent to strengthen our newly formed alliance by joining our two kingdoms," he smiled again.

"Surely you do no propose matrimony?" Snow questioned, aghast they would offer this arrangement so soon. "My daughter has barely been conscious! I cannot give my blessing on feelings I don't know that she yet possesses."

"I agree," Cora replied simply, "which is why I suggested Henry make Emma Regina's personal guard. Let the two of them get to know one another, create a bond. On the anniversary of our treaty we will join you at Castle White and bring the arrangement to our children."

She paused for a moment and stared deeply at the queen, who's dark eyes never left her own. She could feel the penetrating stares of the two kings both of which waited in a stoic silence. She had long since known Emma preferred women but could she be sure she could love the other princess in that time?

"What of an heir? With your line ending with Regina, you would offer her to Emma? How can your house continue?" David once more ruffled his hair. She could tell he was attempting to figure out what they were getting from this union.

"My daughter care for Emma greatly, I believe that she could even love her one day. Her happiness is my greatest wish." The queen leaned forward in her chair, "Your daughter has shown the willingness to lay down her life for her. I dare say there are many out there that would do the same. As for an heir..." she paused," well, the Mills family has long since been practitioners of magic. There are ways around anatomy."

Snow was stunned. She had known there was magical alternatives to that particular problem. She had, after all, sought them out long ago when Emma had confessed that she preferred the fairer sex. They had Neal, their youngest child, to rely on should Emma not produce and heir but this they found for the sole purpose of giving their daughter her best chance at a happy and fulfilled life. Such knowledge was not commonly known, she and David had shared that secret with no one, not even Emma. Perhaps, this could work.

"We have discussed it at a great length and observed the two of them together over the past few days. I believe you were correct in your assumption. Princess Regina seems completely smitten with Emma and I would say that without a doubt she feels the same. What do you propose we do from here?" Snow asked as she set down her saucer.

Cora offered her a genuine smile, one she happily returned heartily. She had scarcely seen Emma so happy. More than once she and David had caught the two of them sneaking off together.

"Perhaps when they return from their 'secret' ride we could discuss this with the two of them. Though their feelings are plain I do not wish to force it on them, they are both too stubborn for their own wellbeing." Cora sipped her tea before continuing. "Though they may not wish to hear the term arrangement or engagement. Princess Emma does give the impression of being quite independent." Snow laughed at the obvious understatement.

"Your majesty, I do not believe truer words have ever been spoken. This does pose a difficult question. How about a betrothal? It would allow them to set the pace of their nuptials."

She knew the two girls would be agreeable to the matter. Not only that but a marriage between the two kingdoms would cement their truce permanently.

"Maybe we could speak with them separately- ensure that they are agreeable and then let Emma make the offer to Regina. It would allow them at least to romanticize the arrangement." For a woman she had loathed most of her life, Snow had to admit Cora had the grasp on the situation well placed.

"Agreed," she smiled.

"What do you suppose it is?" Emma glanced at the princess.

"I knew you are thick but surely even you, Sir Swan, can tell that it is a door." She rolled her eyes in emphasis. Despite the sarcasm she couldn't help but wonder what it could be doing cased in a rock wall.

"Obviously, Regina. But where could it lead? I mean not five minutes ago it was a boulder. It looks like something's written on the frame. I can't read it, I thing it's in another tongue."

She had been so preoccupied with it's sudden appearance, she had scarcely even observed the gilded frame. Looking closely she recognized the runes. She had seen them every week in the private lessons she shared with her mother.

"It's an ancient tongue that predates Misthaven entirely. The name itself is lost but it supposedly came from the land across the great sea." She stared into Emma's questioning eyes as she visibly paled.

"Can you read it?" Emma asked incredulously. She knew she flustered when the blonde placed her hand reassuringly on the small of her back.

"Yes, a bit. Give me a moment." On a normal day she could have translated it in seconds but with the object of her affections standing so near, not to mention their previous activities only moments leading to this event she wanted to leave no room for error. When she had read it through and was completely sure she had it correct, she read aloud: "When White is Black and Black is White the secret shall be revealed to brave the fight. When true love's kiss returns our call, the might return and the ogres fall. But beware should the imp arise, for he shall reclaim that which the great warrior will prize." Goosebumps prickled their way along her arms.

"Well that's vague..." Emma paused. "I'm gong to open it."

"But Emma we haven't the slightest clue where it leads. It could be dangerous. We should leave-NOW!" Regina insisted, clasping her knight tightly around her arm. Emma looked back, expecting to meet anger or at the least fierce resolve but instead saw terror.

"Listen, I want you to stay here and wait-"

"But-" the princess interrupted.

"But nothing Regina. We cannot leave this here, especially after than inscription. You heard what it read, 'the ogres will fall'. I am sworn to protect you. Our armies have defeated one clan, there are more and eventually they will arrive here." She sought understanding in those dark, pleading eyes. " I cannot risk your safety. You were almost lost once, I couldn't bare it then, and I certainly will not now!"

She expected many reactions: fear, anger, stubborn rejection. The shock of a tender embrace and plump, full lips pressed against her own was not among them. Pulling away, Regina straightened herself before replying.

"Then do not be stupid, Saviour. I shall accompany you. Where you go, so too shall I."

She knew there was nothing to be gained from arguing with the princess once she set her mind to something, their year together had certainly taught her that. Drawing her blade she urged Regina to stay behind her. She readied her weapon and gently turned the knob, nearly surprised it opened. Emma leapt through the threshold bracing herself for whatever lay on the other side. Once she passed through the blinding light surrounded her and held her in place. Panic raced through her as she cursed herself for allowing Regina to follow her.

Almost as soon as she thought of her, the princess appeared frozen at her side. So desperately she wanted to call out to her but could no sooner speak than she could escape. Emma, for the first time in her life felt truly afraid.

"Well, well, well...What have we here, Dearies? It has been quite some time since someone was bold enough to enter my realm." A high pitched, male voice giggled wildly behind them. Emma felt the bond release and did not miss a step turning to swing her sword. Where the door once stood there was nothing, not even the owner of the voice. it appeared they were deep in a forest. "That's rather impolite, don't you agree?"

Once more she swung around ready to pounce but froze when she saw a small man with golden skin caressing a very much still frozen Regina's cheek. Rage rippled through her very being sending each nerve ending into a wildfire of fury.

"Unhand the lady and step away. I warn only once."

Unphased, the man disappeared in a puff of purple smoke and a fit of laughter. When it cleared she saw he had taken Regina with him. "FACE ME!" she bellowed." Or do you wish to hide behind tricks?"

Laughter called her attention again. Turning toward it she was relieved to see her princess. Though startled she seemed unharmed. She ran without thinking and pulled the other woman against her left side, guarding her with the right. Again the man's voice called, this time from above. Glaring up she saw the golden man perched precariously from a tree limb.

"Relax, Emma of House White. I bring you no harm. I merely wished to see what caliber of person you are, and may I say, I am not disappointed." She could feel a tremor run through the woman on her side. "It must be a powerful love between the two of you if the door lead you here." Emma could hold her tongue no longer.

"What is the meaning of this? Why have you brought us here?" The sickening chortle once again called down. "And how do you know my name?"

"I have not brought you here. You came through that door, not I. As for your name, you can say I have been expecting the two of you for quite some time." He appeared before them with a grandiose wave of his arms. This close, she noted that his skin seemed to be made of thousands of small scales.

"Who are you?" Regina whispered at her side.

"I-" he paused for an overly dramatic bow, "am Rumplestiltskin. At your service, dear ladies."