Emma had convinced her parents to push the wedding back. They had sent word to Lady Cora that there had been a mistake with the flower arrangements and they had to be redone. Emma hoped this would be enough to keep her away for now.
The blond and brunette lounged lazily in the library thinking about their wedding arrangements. Regina trying to get Emma to focus.
"Emma it's not funny…" As Emma lay upside down in a chair.
"Can't we just get dressed and …."
Emma was met with Regina's hard glare. With a heavy sigh, she flipped herself off of the seat and returned to a normal sitting position.
"Ok I have been thinking about it alright? But whenever I think about us, I want to be out in the garden by moonlight or riding our horses to the waterfall.
Regina's face softened, "Really, that is all you want?" was it too much to hope for that Emma also enjoy the simple pleasures in life?
Emma nodded, scratching the back of her neck, "But I mean if you want a grand ball, I can do that…"
"No, your ideas are perfect, I love them." Regina patted Emma's hand.
"Have fun getting that by your mother and the fact that it is still me you are wedding…" Regina smirked.
Emma moved to stand, kissing Regina's cheek, she made for the door.
"That may be easier than you think." She winked and disappeared.
…
Emma wandered down the halls to her mother's chambers. Her father was out traveling for the day, no buffer this time. Just Emma and Snow White.
Emma disguarded knocking and walked straight in.
Snow lay in bed curled up, hair a mess.
Emma crawled onto the bed, reaching out for her mother.
"Mom…"
Snow turned, eyes wide at hearing her daughter's voice and launched herself at Emma, "I thought you would never speak to me again!" She wailed uncontrollably.
Emma chuckled, "Mom, I would have forgiven you eventually…"
Snow nodded wetly into Emma's hair, "I'm sorry it's just…he was my father Emma, I didn't know…"
Snow swallowed whatever excuses she wanted to give for her father and instead talked about Regina.
"How is Regina fairing?" Snow lightly pushed.
Emma grabbed her mother's hands, "She is doing better, we have decided what we would like to do for our wedding at least…" Giving her mother a knowing smile, Snow lived for events, the woman loved weddings.
Snow's eyes going wide, a smile taking over her entire face.
"You did?! Oh I imagine it will be a grand affair…the Mills have always liked to pretend they were royalty, not that they were any less important…Oh Emma will there be doves and roses and…."
Emma sighed, "No Mother, none of that, though it will be very romantic. You will love it."
Snows face lit up, bouncing on her butt, "Tell me, everything!"
….
Regina knew she couldn't see Emma before the wedding. She saw the white dress that Emma had sent for her. It was the gown Emma had worn the night they met. Regina smiled to herself at the memory. It had been a few months now and the princess was always putting her needs first. Emma had started to fall ill as of late but assured Regina that she did not want to push the wedding.
Regina pulled her robe tighter, this would be the first time she really had to be in the presence of the Charmings, usually Emma kept their interactions to a minimum per Regina's request. She knew they did not favor her, that they wished to send her away. If they knew she had magic they would have thought Regina had cast a spell on the princess. Regina snorted, she knew that there was no spell to make someone love you.
Her hands lightly traced the dress, it was so pure and untouched. She wished she could be that way for Emma, that she could leave all of her past and darkness behind. She smiled as she saw a note sticking out from under the box delivered with her dress.
She slid her finger into the opening, sliding it to the right. A moment later she felt the paper cut and moved her finger into her mouth, for a moment to stop the bleeding. Once it seemed healed she extracted the note.
No matter what, I love you. You are more beautiful than the night.
Regina held the card to her chest. Today would be a happy day.
A knock at her door alerted her to someone's presence.
"Regina? Can I come in?" Regina shut her eyes, Queen Snow was at her door, was the woman here to chase her away?
Regina didn't move a muscle. Snow knocking again.
"Regina?" Regina leaned against the table for support.
"Yes, Come in."
Snow walked in the room beaming with light, not what Regina had expected.
Snow saw Regina's stunned expression.
"Dear, are you alright?" She moved forward and grabbed Regina's elbow to offer support.
The brunette sat down on Emma's vanity and tried to offer up a smile.
"Just a bit nervous…"
Snow studied the woman, "Is it because your mother is not here? I told Emma we should wait…"
Regina caught Snow's arm, "No. I don't need her here. I just want to be with Emma, I know you don't like me…"
Snow waved it off, "Regina, I wouldn't like anyone taking my baby away. As for…other things…we shall just agree not to speak of them, I find it too hard."
Regina gave a shiver and nodded.
"Though I must say that as reigning monarch, I do deeply apologize for what happened to you. I hope Emma brings you much happiness." Snow's eyes started to water. Though she could never really see Leopold as a monster, there was no doubt that night what had befallen Regina.
Regina smiled with gratitude, "Thank you Snow. It means a lot. Your daughter is a special girl, I truly do not deserve her kindness."
Snow pulled Regina forward and hugged her.
…..
Snow helped Regina into her dress and offered to help her with her hair and makeup though Regina declined saying surely Emma would rather have her mother for her big day. Snow bouncing out of the room with excitement was replaced by Charming.
"Regina?"
Regina glanced up through the mirror, her heart rate increasing slightly, she had not been alone with a man since the night Leopold attacked, always requesting female companions in Emma's absences.
Charming noticed her discomfort.
"Sorry to startle you. I promise I am nothing like the last king, you have nothing to fear. I can leave the door open if you like?" He stepped to the side to make sure he didn't cut off the woman's escape.
Regina put her hand to her chest and took a steadying breath.
"I-I wasn't worried." She turned to regard Emma's father.
He sat on Emma's bed, hands clasped in his lap.
"You look beautiful." An easy smile, that helped Regina relax, if only a bit.
Regina blushed, "I am sure not as much as Emma…"
Charming laughed, "Emma is a wreck. Can't decide how she wants her hair, she can't remember if you would like it better up or down…."
Regina smirked, "She is ridiculous, I would love it no matter what."
Charming beamed, "That's what I told her."
The two shared a smile.
"Regina, I must ask. Does Emma make you happy? If not I am sure she would understand if, and I'm not assuming she doesn't, just know you have a choice in this."
Regina nodded, "I do love your daughter. I promise I have no ulterior motives. She does make me very happy" then almost as an afterthought, "But do I make her happy? Would she rather be with someone else?"
Charming saw the vulnerability in the brown orbs, he wished this woman saw herself as someone that should be loved.
Charming stood and walked towards Regina, taking her hand and raising it to his lips.
"My daughter is stubborn but honest. She wants you my dear, and no one else."
Regina released a few tears in relief. Charming pulled out his handkerchief and handed it to the brunette.
"No need for tears, Snow will surely provide us with enough at the ceremony." He reached out and kissed her on the cheek.
"Just be happy my dear, let yourself be happy."
A/n: I think charming was sweet with her, very considerate. Well the wedding is coming! :D any guesses what it will be life?
