Weeks passed and I felt myself falling in love with this woman. I would bring her flowers every time we met at the stables. When I was in town I went to a jeweler and looked around. "Hello there dear, what are you looking for today." I continued to scan the handmade jewelry.

"Something with a heart or a red apple on it. Necklace or bracelet it doesn't matter." The woman thought a moment.

"For you Emma I may have something in the back. Hold on." I always bought things from Eleanor so she always kept an eye out for things she thought I'd enjoy. Eleanor was always nice so to help her out; I'd throw in an extra piece of silver or gold. She treated me like a person not royalty. "Here we are." She handed me a silver bracelet with a red apple charm. Engraved into the silver band was 'Love is strength.'

"That's perfect. Thank you Eleanor. How much do I owe you?" The woman shook her head.

"Since you've always been so kind to me, this one is free. I picked it up especially for you since you've always said that." I smiled at the elderly woman. "Now go, have fun my dear." I'm sure Eleanor knew I was gay. And I'm also sure she's picked up the fact that I've met someone.

I ran up the hill towards the stable and was happy to see Regina. "I was starting to get worried you wouldn't show." There's something different about her. What was it?

"Sorry. I had to pick something up in town and it took longer than I thought." I pulled her close and kissed her tenderly. "I have something for you." I pulled the small box out of my jacket and gave it to her.

"Emma, you shouldn't have." She opened the box and her eyes lit up. "Emma, I love it." Regina gave me the box and put the bracelet on. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Anything for you." I pulled Regina into a hug. "What's wrong?" She pulled back from the embrace and I could see tears glistening in her eyes. "What is it?"

"I'm to be wed; in five days time. My mother found a king who wants me to bare his children and continue his family." No. No. This couldn't be happening. Not when I was about to tell her that I love her. "I'm sorry Emma. I just found out today." Tears started to roll down Regina's cheeks. "I have to say goodbye to the thing I love most. And that's you."

"This can't be. There has to be something we can do. I love you Regina. I don't want to let you go." Regina bowed her head and I pulled her into my arms. She started to weep against my shoulder. It took everything I had to not start myself. I had to be strong for her. "Ssshh. Regina, you're too beautiful to cry."

"She's getting married and there's nothing you can do about it Princess." Regina pulled back and I turned around. It was her mother. Cora. "Be happy I let her say goodbye to you. But if you interfere in this wedding I will take care of you myself."

"She's not marrying some king just to give him a child. I won't let you ruin her life like that. She won't be happy with him." My blood started to boil. I stood in front of Regina. I was the one who was going to protect her.

"Silly girl, power is the only thing you need in this world. It can get you everything you want or need. Mother knows best and you will not get in the way of my daughter's happiness."

"She's happy with me!" My voice rose with each word.

"Enough of this! I'm giving you one chance to leave Regina or…"

"Or what? What are you going to do? Kill me?"

"Emma," Regina placed a hand on my shoulder. "Don't provoke her. You don't know what she's capable of." Regina's voice steadied me. "It would be best if we went our separate ways now. And you just let me go." I spun on my heels.

"Regina," I placed my hands on her shoulders. "I can't do that. I love you."

"Then let me go. I don't want you hurt. I love you." She planted a gentle kiss on my lips before walking around me to join her mother. I couldn't move. "Goodbye my love." Those were the last words I heard as I fell to my knees.

"No! No!" Tears rolled down my face. For once in my life I was happy and now she was taken from me. I'm not sure how much time passed before I heard Jacob calling me.

"Emma! Where are you? Emma!" He ran towards me. "Emma what's wrong?" He knelt beside me and I still couldn't speak. "Cora?" All I could do was nod.

"She's getting married in five days. To a king who just wants her to give him a child." He pulled me into his arms as I started to cry again.

"I'm sorry." Jacob rocked us slightly as he rubbed my back. "I'm so sorry."

"Regina left with Cora so she wouldn't kill me. I love her Jacob! More than anything!"

"I know you do." We stayed there until dusk and then I finally had to pull myself together. I was numb. Nothing could faze me now. I felt like I was dead inside. When we got back to the palace, I went straight to my room. I didn't feel like doing anything but lying in my bed. Days passed and I never left besides to use the bathroom. Jacob brought me food and drink.

The night before the wedding my father entered my room. "Emma, what's wrong sweetheart?" When I didn't answer, he came and sat on my bed. He rubbed my side trying to coax me to say something. "There's a royal wedding tomorrow. Regina and…"

"I'm not going." I refused to go to that sham of a wedding. Sadly I couldn't curl into any smaller of a ball.

"That's who you've been going to see these past few weeks at the stable isn't it?" I nodded and held back the tears. A lump had formed in my throat making it impossible to speak. "And you've fallen for her haven't you?" Once again, I gave him a nod. He sighed and rubbed my side. "You weren't sick on your birthday were you? I'm guessing the two of you snuck off to the stables." I was quiet. "I know that's where your spot is. It was mine too when I was your age."

"I love her." I rolled to my back to look at him. "I was happy with her and she was happy with me." My father gave me a sympathetic look.

"I know you do. And I'm sorry you're hurting. I recognized that look in your eyes; the one of love and devotion. Your mother and I have talked many nights about who your love interest could be. I knew it was Regina from the way you looked at her at the ball that night. And then when the two of you disappeared suddenly. The pieces fit together."

"So you do pay attention." I chuckled through the tears.

"Of course I do. You're my daughter and I love you." He fell silent a moment. "Your mother will kill me for this but…here's what we can do to get your girl back."