Regina led the newcomer from the room just as the cell on Emma's hip rang shrilly.
"Hello?"
"Emma, Henry met us with us. Something about the Snow Queen?" It was Snow's voice on the line.
How does everyone know who she is but me? Emma thought irritably. "Yes, it seems she's Elsa from Arendelle."
"Wasn't your friend supposed to be arriving tonight? The one you met in Oz?"
"Yes, well actually, she's here already. When Leroy mentioned a woman on a horse, we thought it was her."
"Will this complicate things?" Snows voice sounded worried.
"I don't see how." Emma half-lied.
"Two new witches in town, Emma. People were just getting used to Regina and they've known her for years. How will they react to these two new women? Especially considering the story of the Snow Queen."
"Elsa has her own story-"
"They all do." Snow cut her off. Emma took a deep breath to calm herself as Regina stepped back into the room unbeknownst to the blonde.
"Look, I know everyone is freaked out. I get it; truly I do. But we can handle this. Regina is getting the Snow Queen settled and Alice will just blend right in with everyone else."
"But what if there's an emergency-?"
"I'm pretty sure Regina and I can handle it whatever comes up. We have proven ourselves to be quite the team, after all."
"I'm not saying you're not capable, Emma. But you of all people should understand that we can't just trust any stranger that shows up here."
"And that is why Elsa is coming to the meeting tonight and explaining her past and events. We will discuss any concerns and cares and then move on." The blonde said with forced patience. "Look, I've gotta prepare for the meeting. If you could just keep an eye on Henry-"
"Of course." Snow said and then paused. "Emma, I do trust you."
"Good to know." She smiled into the phone and hung up.
"Your mother?" Regina asked quietly and Emma jumped in surprise.
"Yes." She recovered and replied tersely. "She's concerned that this is too much too fast for everyone. She's worried that there will be some sort of showdown or something I think."
"She has a point." The brunette said thoughtfully and leaned on the counter.
"You're agreeing with my mother?" Emma asked with her mouth ajar.
Regina gave her a smirk as if to say When pigs fly and continued. "No, I'm merely expressing that I understand where she is coming from: that four witches is a bit much, even for Storybrook."
"Four witches and the Dark One."
"Well, if we're going to be that specific, I suppose we would have to tally in the fairies and Maleficent."
"But she's dead, right?"
"Sort of."
Emma narrowed her eyes. "Incapacitated?"
"Definitely."
The blonde sighed a breath of relief as a creak from upstairs reminded them of their current pickle. "So tonight-" Emma began.
"-Tonight, we introduce Alice and then Elsa."
"I think we should do it the other way around."
Regina frowned slightly. "Why?"
"Because Elsa will come off abrasive, whereas Alice will charm them. We want everyone leaving in a good mood, don't we?"
The brunette hated to admit the woman had a point. "So Elsa and then Alice." There was a moment of companionable silence in which each woman contemplated her thoughts. "We should let them know they will be sharing the stage, don't you think?"
"Yeah…" Emma looked cautiously upward when another creaking floorboard sang above them.
"I'll speak with the Snow Queen, if you will find Alice." Regina offered.
"Fantastic." Emma leapt up, kissed her briefly and sprang out of the door.
Regina brought crimson nails to her lips and smiled to herself. The blonde was not prone to eloquent words or even greatly romantic gestures, but small things like washing dishes and leaving flowers on the table alerted the brunette to how her lover felt about their relationship. Her penchant for kissing the woman goodbye and goodnight was one other such action. It gave her a slight buzz if the truth was told; but Emma must never know this.
Still slightly smiling, Regina pushed away from the counter and trailed a hand up the banister as she made her way up the stairs. Feeling that she got the better end of the bargain with Emma, she knocked on the guest room door and cleared her throat.
"Your Majesty? It's Regina. I would like to discuss tonight's meeting with you if you are up to it."
"You may come in." Came the cool, quiet voice through the door.
The brunette turned the nob and entered slowly as though afraid she would spook the pale woman. She stopped when she caught sight of the blonde's wardrobe. She had changed out of the velvety blue gown and thick cloak she was wearing into a pale pink number in silk; complete with silk slippers and a cape embroidered with gold lace. Elsa noticed her staring.
"Do you like my gown?"
"It's lovely, you're breathtaking." Regina conceded. "However, people here do not dress in this fashion."
"And why should I care how people here dress?" The woman was not (believe it or not) being snarky. Regina found it to be an honest question. The brunette fought to find the most delicate way possible to explain it.
"Well, because tonight, at the meeting, we are trying to convince the townspeople that you are not a threat to them."
"And dressing like a commoner will do this?"
"Not necessarily like a commoner." The brunette smiled, reminiscing on some of Mayor Mills' power suits. "But perhaps not quite so formal as your magnificent pink silk."
Elsa searched her face and the brunette felt a sense of anxiety under the woman's cool façade. "What do you suggest? Should I wear satin?"
The brunette fought hard to keep a straight face; honestly, the woman's snobbish naiveté was endearing. "May I?" She held up her hands to demonstrate that she wanted to perform magic.
The platinum blonde surveyed her with crystal blue eyes; up and down her body went the narrowed gaze and Regina forced a confident smile to her face. After some deliberation, Elsa seemed to decide that Regina was not poorly dressed and nodded her head. "You may."
The brunette wasted no time. She tossed her hands and twitched her wrists as the woman was enveloped in purple smoke. Elsa stood perfectly still throughout the process and when the smoke cleared, she patted down her body, touching the fabric that rested there. Regina gestured to the full-length mirror in the room and stepped behind her to watch her face as she took in the outfit.
Quick, long fingers tripped over the flowing, royal blue blouse, passing over where it tucked into the high-waisted and, very snug, black skirt. Her eyes slipped past the conservative hemline and down to study the knee-high black boots that enclosed her stocking-ed legs. The bright hair was twisted into an elegant knot at the base of her long neck. She turned back to Regina and smiled for the first time. "I look no less regal, I think."
"No less." Regina smiled back.