AN: Hey, all. Sorry the update took forever. I think it even surprised me. I sat down to write the next chapter, reread the previous chapter and literally went "Holy shit, the story is still there?" In my head, I've gotten a lot farther. Anyway, here it is.
Grinning widely, I inclined my head until the sun shone directly on every section of my face, warming every crevice. My fingers squeezed, embracing the familiar ones curled around them. Regina strode confidently beside me as we wandered the lush, green field. A plethora of brilliantly colored wildflowers tickled my ankles. The day sparkled with sunlight and promise. Our linked hands swung loosely between us, our steps lightened by joy.
"Emma..." The sound of my name falling from her lips rippled pleasantly through me, causing me to turn toward her, leisurely pulling us both to a stop.
"Yes, Regina?"
"I adore you."
I giggled giddily, "Well, I adore you, too."
Her hands slid up my arms and nestled in my hair, "Is this real? Are we really here? Together?"
Smiling, I began to nod, but my words stuck as an arrow whizzed past our heads. We both spun to gape in horror at Cora and an army of her knights marching toward us. Even with the significant distance between us, I could detect the blazing hate and anger in Cora's eyes. On instinct, I took a step in front of Regina, shielding her from the mob quickly approaching.
"Step away from my daughter, this instant." Cora demanded in a deathly low tone.
"No." I growled back, clenching my fists. "I'm not leaving her." Deep down, I knew it was pointless, she would win. But, I refused to let go without a fight.
"You stupid girl, you are nothing. You will never be anything. And, you will never see my daughter again." Her threatening and evil laugh vibrated my bones as her guards grabbed my arms as well as Regina's and tore us from each other.
"No! Emma! Mother, please don't do this, please!" Regina's broken hearted screams sliced through the air, transforming the warmth to a frigid cold.
My heart splintered as the knights drug me farther and farther away. Though we both struggled against our human restraints and our eyes never strayed from the other, a desperate acceptance seeped from our soul. We knew this day would come, we knew the survival of our relationship always bore an inevitable moment of expiration. Despite it's expectation, the moment still managed to shred every piece of my emotional existence. My vision started to blur and distort as more and more land and air filled in the space between us.
As the blackened, frayed edges surrounding Regina grew and overtook my sight, I suddenly sat upright with a ragged gasp. My chest heaved and my brow prickled with beads of sweat. The room around me had just started to brighten with morning light. My eyes darted around, absorbing the details, assuring myself that where I had just been existed only in my mind, and in the real world I remained in the same place I fell asleep. On it's own accord, my left hand stretched out, searching for the soft curves I hoped to find. Once my fingers caressed the smooth, firm planes of Regina's back, still nude from the night before, I let out a long stream of breath. Relieved that, for the immediate moment, my dream was not a reality, I un-tangled my feet from the sheets and brought them to the floor.
Slipping out of Regina's large, plush bed, I moved slow to avoid waking the princess, then softly padded to the wash room. On my way, I pulled a robe off the back of a chair, covering my bare form. Cupping my hands in the water basin, I splashed some cooled water on my heated face, attempting to wash the dream away. I grabbed a soft towel, dabbing the droplets away as I gazed at my reflection. Eight days. That first night, the first night we spent together, we thought it might be our only one. But, we got eight. Well, eight days, and seven nights to that moment. I had no idea how many more days awaited us before disaster, before the consequences of our actions crashed around us. We weren't afforded much time during the days to spend time together, not alone. During the day, it was "yes, your highness", "No, your highness", "What can I do for you, your highness?". During the day, I stood by silently, completing demands and chores, acting as a person of my station should. But, the nights were ours. During the nights, it was "Oh, yes, Regina", "I love you, Regina", "Kiss me, Regina". During the nights, we acted as two people in love, two equals who only needed each other, two people responsible only to the other. The nights were spent in each other's arms, touching, kissing, exploring, savoring, committing to memory.
Combing my fingers through my hair, I sighed, and resigned to the start of my day. Shuffling over to the water pump, I began pumping water into a boiling basin, intending to prepare Regina's bath. After building a fire in the stove, and boiling several buckets of water, I moved back to the bedroom. Coming to the side of bed, I fondly gazed down at the sleeping princess. She lay on her back, the blanket had slipped down in sleep, exposing the tops of rosy breasts, nipples just peeking over the hem. Grinning as an idea formed, I gently gripped the edge of the soft material and gradually shifted it down, uncovering inch by inch of tanned skin.
When the entirety of her form lay un-obstructed from my view, I trailed my hands up her body. Grazing my fingertips over her breasts, I swirled my index finger around the nipple. I watched in amusement as it puckered and hardened under my touch. Pinching very lightly, I searched her face for signs of consciousness. Finding her still deep in slumber, I continued to softly stroke her nipples. When I could see her chest start labor, I moved my daring digits downward. I drew meaningless designs over her thighs, delighting in the way she began to squirm and twitch in her sleep. With great care, I pressed the insides of her thighs, encouraging her to grant me more room. Once her legs had eased open, and she remained sleeping, I traced her center. I smirked when I discovered that, despite my relatively minimal efforts, a thin coat of liquid already rested on her outer lips. I slid one finger up and down her core, not yet delving into the folds, only grazing the seam, over and over. After several moments, I paused over the bundle of nerves, brushing over it, back and forth. More wetness had formed, and I could finally see her starting to wake. Applying a little more pressure, I rubbed gradual, gentle circles over the nub. Breathy moans whispered from her lips, hips twisted, and fingers clutched.
Her dark eyes fluttered open, only a few seconds passing before she recognized what was happening. "Good morning", she hummed, her voice scratchy and breathless, as she wiggled more urgently. Choosing to say nothing, I only smiled and sped up my ministrations, pulling louder whimpers from her. Just as her body started arch and her breath started to catch, I removed my hand. Her caramel, chocolate eyes snapped open, her eyes glazed, pupils blown, "Why did you stop?" she asked around harshly panted breaths.
I swallowed roughly, attempting to ignore my growing desire. As I smiled warmly, I crouched on my knees between her legs. "I would like to try something, if you are ready." When she propped herself on her elbows and tilted her head in question, I nervously continued, "I'd like to use my mouth on you, Princess." I carefully scanned her face, deciphering each twitch of muscle, the widening of eyes. It was something we had discussed a few days earlier, however she was hesitant. The hunch that she was not inexperienced in sexual activities with another woman, had been proven correct later that night when I inquired. A friend in her teenaged years provided some limited experiences, but not that one. That one I had enjoyed a handful of times, and longed to experience with her, but I wouldn't push. I needed her to be ready, to want it.
A crimson flush colored her neck and chest as she stared at me. Several long moments passed, before she spoke, "I'd like that, too."
My heart leapt up into my throat, trying not to hope too soon, "Are you sure? Do you trust me?"
Regina nodded, "Yes, to both."
"If you want me to stop, just say so, alright?" Once she nodded in understanding and agreement, I moved to lay on my stomach between her spread legs. Glancing up a last time, I locked our eyes as I lowered my head. Our gaze didn't break until the first swipe of my tongue against her wet folds. When I licked over her nub, she grunted and threw her head back. Her hips lept up, desperately meeting my face, searching for more. My tongue trailed down, probing at her drenched entrance, reveling in the shudders coming from the muscles there. She was close. With long, broad strokes, I licked from opening to bud several times, then sucked gently on the nerves. A squeaky cry burst from the woman above me as her body went stiff,l then trembled violently. Shifting away from the over sensitive spot, I lapped at her convulsing core, welcoming the liquid and eventually pushing her to another peak. When I felt her calm and start to try to pull away, I moved up the bed, wiping my face on my arm, and nestled next to her. I waited until her breathing rate decreased, then whispered in her ear, "Was that alright? Are you alright?"
"Oh, Emma, yes. I am most certainly alright." I chuckled as her head lulled to the side, fixing me with a bliss soaked grin. Many comfortable moments passed before she spoke again, "Maybe I could try? For you?"
Smiling, I kissed her shoulder, "I would love that, but not right now. Right now, there is a sinfully warm bath awaiting your glorious body."
"You spoil me," she sighed as she nuzzled into my hair.
"I do what I can, Princess."
"Do you do it because I'm a princess?" Her voice suddenly became vulnerable and low. A smoldering ember of uncertainty momentarily flared, a simple thought providing oxygen. A worry that my affection existed as a survival mechanism, a way to improve my poor status and condition, not as a legitimate emotion.
Squeezing her tighter, I shook my head, "No. It's because I want to make you as happy as possible for as long as I'm allowed."
"That's a wonderful answer...and I feel the same." Regina grinned and kissed my forehead.
"Good. Now, come on, let's get you in the bath."
An hour later, as we walked down the hall, Regina bumped my shoulder with hers, giggling when the action caused me drift sharply to the left for a few paces. I glared playfully and nudged her back, both of us trying to stifle our smirks and snorts of laughter. We managed to compose ourselves sufficiently as we entered the large dining hall.
"Ah, Regina, you're here." Cora's harsh voice instantly dampened our spirits.
"Good morning, Mother." Regina drawled, aiming a small, private smile at me as I held out her chair for her.
"I thought you'd never arrive. Prince Jefferson will be here soon." Cora stated with exasperation.
"We have plenty of time until he arrives." Regina replied flatly, eyes lowering to her cup of tea.
I felt my stomach knot and sway at the mention of the prince. The prince's presence had been absent from our lives since the day in the market, the day we kissed for the second time. We hadn't had to deal with the reality of the prince since professing our feelings. I didn't know what to expect.
"Honestly, Regina, your attitude is simply atrocious." Cora said it with a mixture of contempt and annoyance.
"I apologize if you find my manner offensive," Regina replied, her tone hollow and obedient.
"What I find offensive, is that the my daughter continuously fails to meet my most basic standards. I held such high hopes when you were younger. Fortunately, there is still time for you to surprise me. Prince Jefferson will be here shortly, do not blunder this arrangement."
Cora's nonchalant approach to berating her daughter with such ferocity caused my fists to clench, nails digging into my palm. I felt my body tremble with tenuously restrained rage. When I glanced at Regina and saw her face flushed and her jaw twitching, the corners of her mouth turned down, I fixed my gaze on Cora and took a step forward.
"Mother!" Everyone in the room started at her inappropriate volume, which also interrupted my unformed plan to confront the Queen.
"Regina, what is the meaning of such a rude outburst?" Cora admonished.
"I'm sorry, mother. I just suddenly wondered if Prince Jefferson mentioned his intentions for the day, and perhaps was a bit overzealous." Regina explained with in-genuine remorse and interest.
While Cora settled herself again, Regina shifted her eyes to mine, subtly shaking her head and pleading with me to stay out of it. Pulling in a ragged breath, I let myself replay a few of the harsher moments of my imprisonment by Cora. The vivid and horrible images reminded me of my place enough to adhere to Regina's plea.
"Well, I should say so. Regardless of the uncouth approach of your inquiry, the Prince expressed interest in escorting you on a ride through the country and a picnic. I accepted and informed him that you and your maid would be prepared for his arrival."
My head snapped up from staring at the floor to glare at the side of her head. There was no way I could handle spending time with Regina and her suitor, not after the week we had. As I felt my insides ripple with panic, Regina spoke up, "I hardly think we require Em- my servant's attendance on such a simple outing."
"Nonsense. It's not proper for a prince and princess to serve themselves at any time, even a picnic. Your servant can make herself useful and tend to the horses, serve your food, and anything else you two should require during the day. Really, I'm appalled that I need to explain this to you." Cora flourished her hand in my direction, which meant that she needed more coffee.
As I retrieved the canter of brew, I shot Regina a pleading look. She nodded slightly at me before trying again, "I understand Mother, but-"
Cora slammed her fork down, "Enough! The matter is ridiculous to argue. Take your maid on the outing with Prince Jefferson. That is not a request. You can take her with you, or I will surmise that her services are no longer required and dispose of her immediately." I froze just before I began to pour her coffee. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Regina's posture stiffen. My heart fluttered wildly with the threat of separation from the princess, and most likely by death. "Stupid girl, will you be pouring that anytime this morning, or shall I simply wish for it to be in my cup?" I blinked back to the present and promptly served the dark liquid.
"My apologies, Your Majesty."
"Fine, she will come." Regina relented in a low tone.
A pit formed deep in my gut. I was going to be forced to watch a prince woo and court my princess. I would have no choice but to watch as a man, with monumentally better prospects, pursued the woman I was in love with, but had no realistic future with. I couldn't bring myself to look at Regina. My eyes glued to the floor as I mentally steeled myself for the morning.
After breakfast, the Prince's arrival was announced. Swallowing hard, I nervously shifted from foot to foot as Cora spoke with Prince Jefferson. Regina managed to stealthily slip backwards until she stood next to me. With a last check that her mother could not hear, Regina whispered from the corner of her mouth, "I'm sorry, Emma. I'll convince the prince that we don't need your assistance and drop you off somewhere off the grounds and pick you up before we return."
My throat hurt with the force of holding in my dread, "No, it's alright. We knew this day was coming...it was going to happen at some point, and we have to accept that this is our future." I gritted it out in a nearly silent voice, then strode outside to assure the topless carriage was prepared for our departure.
I angrily kicked at the dry dirt as I waited for Regina and Prince Jefferson to come outside. Brick by brick, I painstakingly constructed walls around my heart, preparing to separate myself completely from my princess. We couldn't continue to pretend we stood any sort of a chance at being together. I needed to accept that and figure out a way to move on. My mood soured painfully, and I struggled to pull in breaths as the door opened and the future king and queen emerged.
"Good morning, Emma." Prince Jefferson greeted politely as he helped me up into the carriage after Regina.
"Good morning, Sir." I returned the sentiment in a low tone, distracted as I attempted to sit as far away from Regina as possible. My eyes drifted off to the side and stayed as the carriage pulled away from the castle.
As the countryside passed, the jostling movement and idle conversation of the other two faded away. I blocked out everything. Retreating into myself. Desperate to protect myself from a danger I had never faced before. My life had been riddled with hardships, threats, misfortunes, pain, torture, and fear. But, never had something felt so singularly important or overbearing. I always believed that I'd survive, that I'd persevere through whatever awaited me, that something better eventually would find me. A realization somehow both slow and sudden encompassed my aching heart and mind. Something better did find me. She found me. But, that something better would also bring about the worst pain, the kind of pain that could not foster the hope I previously maintained. Meeting the princess simultaneously healed, brightened, saved, uplifted, and destroyed me.
When the prince turned to speak to the driver, I felt Regina's hand brush mine, and her eyes burn into the side of my head. Fighting every instinct telling me to turn toward her, I removed my hand from her reach and kept my gaze trained on the tree line. I could somehow feel her hurt slam into me, causing another fresh wave of pain from within me. I hated seeing her hurt.
After a few hours of traveling and pausing at various sites, we arrived in a small clearing. Jefferson asked the driver to stop and gracefully stepped to the ground before helping Regina and myself down. "I think this would be a lovely spot to eat lunch. Is this alright with you?" Jefferson asked Regina warmly.
Regina blinked rapidly, seeming to pull herself from somewhere else, "Yes, of course. This will be very nice."
Swallowing hard to maintain my composure, having accidently caught a glimpse of the agony in her eyes, I turned to the prince, "Sir, if you and her highness would like to go on ahead, I'll retrieve the supplies and your lunch."
"Thank you. Shall we?" He extended his arm toward Regina, who slowly slid hers through it. I watched them stroll toward a grassy knoll on the side of a small creek. I grit my teeth, shoving down the swell of nausea making my mouth sweat. I gathered a large, thick blanket and a large basket with a lavish lunch. My approaching steps were slightly labored under the bulky weight, but I forgot about that as I got close enough to hear the prince, "I'm not sure I've told you yet, so I'll risk repeating myself. You look simply stunning today."
I growled at the comment, fortunately only loud enough for Regina to hear. She shot me a mixed expression of warning and curiosity. With a bit more anger than should be expressed with a picnic basket, I noisily dropped the supplies. When the noble pair turned to me, I lowered my head, "My apologies, highnesses. I'll prepare you lunch."
The prince glanced around and rubbed his hands together sheepishly, "Now I fear I must offer my apologies. If you'll excuse me for a moment, ladies."
We watched in curiosity as Jefferson picked his way through the field and stepped behind a group of trees. I tensed as I began setting out the blanket and food, knowing Regina would use the moment of seclusion to confront me. She didn't disappoint. "Emma, talk to me."
My heart actually ached with the sound of dread in her voice. I jerkily pulled chicken pieces from their container and laid them on plates. I wouldn't meet her eyes, but started speaking with a subdued, terse tone, "There's nothing simple about how stunning you are. Everything about you is complex, intricate, breathtaking...he's doesn't understand you. He sees and appreciates, but only what's on the surface. He could never see everything that I-" I bit my tongue, struggling to hold in the sob breaking free.
I felt a tender hand slide onto my shoulder, and squeeze, "He could never be you."
"Wow, what a lovely spread. I must admit that I'm a bit famished. Are you ready to eat, as well?" Jefferson sliced through our moment efficiently and obliviously.
Regina withdrew her hand quickly, and turned to him, "Yes, I am."
Nodding, I finished laying out everything they would need and poured their drinks, "If there is nothing else you require for the moment, I'll take my leave. If you need anything, I'll be just there." I shakily gestured to a small cluster of rocks a respectable distance away.
"Would you care to join us, Emma? I know it's a bit unorthodox, but I feel silly having you sit so far away when you accompanied us on this outing." The invitation came from the prince, surprising us.
With a quick glance to Regina, who seemed torn about my answer, I shook my head, "Oh, no, thank you, your highness. I appreciate the invitation, but I must insist on providing you two some time to yourselves." Assuring that they needed nothing else, I spun on my heel and crossed the field.
I didn't watch them. I didn't listen to them speak to one another. I didn't even think about them. I sat in a state of complete nothing. I answered and complied when the called that they finished and it was time to return to the castle, but I didn't speak. I didn't look at the princess that held my heart.
When we arrived in the courtyard, I eagerly lept down, unloaded the picnic materials and rushed into the castle. I didn't watch them say good bye. I didn't know if he kissed her. I didn't know if she kissed him. I didn't know if they made plans for another outing. As I put away the last plate and tossed the extra food, Regina suddenly burst in and grabbed my elbow. "Follow me." She unapologetically dragged me through the foyer, then the sitting room.
"Regina! How was your picnic with the Prince? Regina? Where on Earth are you going? Stop right this minute and speak to me." Cora barked at her daughter as we moved rather ungracefully past her.
"I'm sorry, Mother. I need to speak with my servant about proper manner when accompanying me and a suitor on an outing. I'll relay the event to you after this matter is taken care of." Regina practically growled her words.
"Well, I must say that I'm impressed by your change in attitude with your slave. Carry on, then return to me." Cora called after our stumbling forms.
When Regina practically threw me into the library, I whirled on her, "So, was my manner not to your liking, Princess?" I spat the words, confused about her intentions, and the foul emotions of the day catching up with me.
"I'm not offended by your manner, I'm offended by your silence. You haven't spoken or looked at me today. I...I don't like it." Regina's voice started firm and confident, but ended with a defeated wilt.
Shaking my head, I turned around and slammed my hands against the wall. "He could never be you." My head drooped, hanging between my straightened arms braced on the wall, "What am I supposed to do with that? I am completely, foolishly, irrevocably in love with you. And, my future promises only heart ache as I watch you marry another. What else is there to say?"
Seconds passed, then comforting, warm arms encircled my waist, "Only that I love you, too. So much so, that when I think about not kissing you, not wrapping my arms around you, not talking to you for hours, not seeing you smile at me in a way that you smile at no one else...I feel as if my entire life is unraveling, and everything else ceases to matter."
I closed my eyes, soaking in the feeling of her breath rolling over my neck. In the next second, I spun around and cupped her cheeks, pulling her mouth to mine. Our lips met with a tender urgency, desperate to feel anything besides the anguish of being separated. My hands threaded through her hair, tugging, anchoring her to me. With my hands occupied with her chocolate locks, hers roamed my sides, brushing my breasts and drawing designs on my hips. She pulled every breath from me as I took every one from her. When too many escaped and not enough were recaptured, we disconnected our lips and leaned our foreheads together.
Then, the worst happened. A throat cleared from the doorway.
Time stopped.
AN: Let me know what you thought.