Emma slowly counted down the days until she would be free to leave the castle. After Regina had disappeared on the balcony, Snow had ushered Emma back inside to dance with almost all of the suitors who had attended, insisting that she must get to know, or get a refreshed view, of each and every one of these people who had traveled so very far just for her. It would only be polite for her to spend time with each of them making them feel appreciated for their efforts. Sighing Emma considered committing treason and strangling her mother in front of everyone, but then her father had swiftly lead her mother away giving Emma a look to behave, that it couldn't last forever. Charming had always understood his daughter much better than his wife, and tried to run interference whenever he knew Emma was reaching a breaking point. And so Emma danced the night away. Then in the days following the ball she attended luncheons, tea parties, private dinners, and strolls through the gardens.

After a fortnight of these intolerable events the Queen finally woke Emma with the most wonderful news, everyone would be leaving that day. Snow looked at her daughter in disappointment as she selected her dress for the day.

"Are you sure that you don't have the slightest interest in any of them?" Emma looked over at her giving her most obvious duh expression.

"It's all people I've know my entire life, if they haven't been my true love up until now, what makes you think they suddenly will be? And I can't believe you invited Goldilocks and Cindy! I've hated both of them my entire life!"

"Don't say hate! That is such a strong word! I know they aren't the most pleasant of girls, but plenty of marriages have started out as childhood rivals look at Derek and Odette! They hated each other as children, but they fell in love. She fell in love despite turning into a swan every time you turned around, and you don't even have any obstacles in your way, yet you still haven't found anyone!"

"Well maybe it's because I don't like the types of girls that come to these things, and you've been shoving men at me left, right, and middle! I hate balls and parties! How do you ever get to know anyone at these things?"

"If that's how you feel then how would you propose you find your true love! Trip over them while you're off playing knight! Or run into them in the woods on one of your hunting trips! If I let you have your way you'll never get married and never be able to rule! If I let you you'd just run around with a sword, gallivanting all over the realm! You are a princess Emma! Not some common born man to be allowed to run wild!"

Emma's eyes went wide and her jaw dropped feeling like her mother had just punched her in the gut. How was it that her own mother understood so little about her own child? Turning away Emma blindly grabbed some riding clothes before disappearing behind a changing screen. She quickly pulled on the clothes and walked to her door.

"I'm going riding, Give our guests my best as they leave." Not giving snow a chance to say a word she darted out the door, running down the servants stairs and out and into the stables. She saw her father standing with her horse already saddled and loaded down with supplies. Quickly she looks at him questioningly, and he gives her a gentle smile.

"I didn't think that conversation would go well. I've packed enough food and supplies for a few days and the lodge is fully stocked, so you should be good for as long as you need to stay out there. Just maybe send us a letter every couple days. You know how she worries. She'll probably be sending those damned bluebirds anyways." With a soft smile he leads the horse out into the courtyard and helps his daughter mount. Emma returns the smile, then looking out the gates replies.

"It might be a while this time. I know mom won't believe this, but I think given the chance I can find her. I only need the time to search." Looking down at the king they share a look of understanding, before he steps back and she gallops away at full speed setting out to find Regina once more. Hoping that her childhood memories would help her find the castle she had once slipped into so easily with a tiny wooden sword as her only protection.

Okay so with finals and holiday get togethers life has gone a bit crazy, so I think the earliest I'll be able to get back to this is in the new year. I'm so sorry for the wait, but real life must come before fantasizing about our lovely Swan Queen. ~sighs~