Chapter 10
Insisting on joining her father and the King along the journey towards the tower, followed by guards and a very persistent redheaded princess, Emma keeps a firm grip around the brunette's waist keeping her close to her body as she leads the horse through the forest. Resting back against the princess, Regina drops her head to the woman's shoulder in a moments peace as they ride quietly along the dirt road while wrapping her arms over the blondes and resting her hands upon Emma's which were controlling the reins.
"It's going to be like I never left.."
"No it will be like you had left because you'll know that no matter how trapped you may feel, there are people on the outside who care and love you" tilting her head down towards the young woman's ear, the princess whispers. "Including me"
Not being able to help but smile, Regina glances around the pair to check for any guard interruption before leaning up and pecking Emma's lips causing a grin to slip from the princess' face.
Coming to a stop beside the looming dark prison, the future monarch drops her reins before taking a hold of the brunette's hands still hugging around her waist and links their fingers tightly. "We'll go in when you're ready" Emma states while giving a pointed glare to let the two leading men know not to push the matter.
Letting out a shaky sigh, Regina nods as she rests her head against the woman's back. "They better start knocking at the wall to find the door..it's over by that vine.."
Having overheard, the two guards who accompanied them jump from their horse with their pick axe and make their way around the back to begin their task. Untangling the brunette's arms, the princess slides off her horse then holds her hand out towards the young woman to help her, immediately falling into the blondes arms once down. "Emma try not to worry about me"
"I don't think that will be possible" running her hand through Regina's dark curls, Emma once again glances up at the dark tower. "I will not stop you know? You will not be in there for long. I promise. Even if I have to break you out and we run"
Chuckling at the thought, the brunette sighs. "That would never work. You are to be Queen one day Emma and if you disappeared, we would have every known guard in both lands searching for you" pulling back to look at the princess, Regina gives a reassuring smile. "I'll be okay. It will all work out eventually"
Kissing the young woman's forehead, lingering for a moment at the touch, the princess squeezes her tightly. "I'll make sure of it"
"Princess?"
Tilting her head towards the guard who called, the blonde bites her lip at seeing the king and her father watch the pair with a look of sympathy.
Following her gaze, Regina purses her lips in thought. "I guess that's my cue..." Breaking contact, the brunette trails over slowly towards the worn down door, scratched by vines to keep it hidden.
Rushing over in a panic, the princess grabs at the young woman's hand. "Wait! I'm not ready.."
Hearing the desperation to her voice, the brunette looks to her sadly. "I need to go Emma. Like they said, it's for everyone's safety..I..I don't know what I'm capable of.."
Reaching for Regina's other hand, Emma brings both up to place a kiss upon her knuckles. "You could never hurt anyone. You're the most innocent yet strong person I know"
"Emma, it's time"
Pulling a pained expression at her father's voice, the princess quickly tugs the brunette into one last hug. "I will visit you"
Hugging back, the brunette sniffles as she tries to keep it together. "No Emma. You mustn't" feeling the blondes shoulders begin to shake, Regina holds onto her tightly. "But I will see you soon...one day.."
Sensing how difficult it will be, David steps up to his daughter and gently prises her away from the young woman who deflates at the loss of contact. Glancing over towards the King with a fearful stare, the brunette makes her way over and through the tower door, not willing to look back at Emma in case she may never leave.
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Following Regina up the winding staircase, Henry places a hand on her shoulder as they reach the top for comfort. Taking in the small space which used to be the brunette's home, the King frowns in anger as he paces around the room to inspect her living quarters. "I promise you this will not last Regina. You will be protected. Mother superior have cast a shield over the tower"
Nodding slowly, taking in what has been said, Regina walks up to the window ledge and sighs as she leans against the cold stone. "This used to be my favourite spot" scoffing at the thought, she shakes her head. "How ridiculous was that? Now it's just a reminder of what I could have had out there..or what I did have for a small amount of time anyway"
Appearing behind the old monarch, Zelena watches her sister sadly. "You'll get it back again"
Trailing her eyes towards the redhead, the young woman bites her lip as she grows teary. "I hope so. There's two way I could be leaving this tower and one of them is not going to be standing"
Moving past her father, the princess engulfs the brunette into a hug. "There's two responses to that. One being that we wouldn't let it and two being that Emma would probably tear the place down herself to ensure your safety"
Hugging back tightly, Regina chuckles into red waves. "Keep an eye on her for me? She acts all strong but I can see in her eyes she's scared"
"I will. I promise"
Pulling back, the brunette grabs desperately at her sisters hands as she looks directly into her eyes. "You make sure you look after yourself too. I don't want anyone to put their lives on hold for me. You have a husband now and soon you will start a family and then one day Queen. Keep focused on all that"
Witnessing the love and care within the young woman's eyes, Zelena hugs her again as she too grows teary. "I wish we had the chance to grow up together. You're the best sister I could have hoped for. As for everything else, I promise that I will at least try but having a child without its auntie present is not an option"
Letting slip a small smile, Regina shifts her older sister off of her and nods towards Henry for him to take her away. "I will see you all soon" waiting until the large door has closed behind them, the brunette lifts herself up to sit on the ledge and peers down towards the still singed forest. Catching a glimpse of blonde in the distance, she rests her back against the wall.
"Well that was rather touching wasn't it?"
Freezing, although deep down she knew she shouldn't be surprised, Regina turns towards her mother's sarcastic tone. "Say what you like, you will not win this fight mother"
"No, maybe not" Shrugging, Cora swipes her finger along the dusty table with a look of disgust before smirking in her daughter's direction. "You will do that for me"
Rising from the ledge trying to remain strong, the young woman glares. "No mother I won't! I will never do anything for you which will harm any of those people"
"Oh dear girl, you just don't realise it do you? You will not have a choice. Whether you fight against it or not, you're destined to destroy a lot of lives" stalking up to the girl, the older brunette stares at her seriously. "You was cursed by my own doing, my infidelity, and now I've done my research and you are part of a prophecy I never even knew existed. You could end the division of the kingdoms forever and be the Queen of the entire realm"
"Stop! Just stop talking!" Holding her hands up to silence her, Regina goes wide eyed as her palms begin to flame. Balling them up into fists, the brunette's lip trembles as she backs away.
Smiling in adoration, Cora steps forward. "It's just a matter of time before you give in Regina. You are to be the downfall of your dear swan and then, then you will seek revenge like no one ever has. Everyone will learn to fear you and bow at your every want and needs"
Eyes glazing over darkly, the young woman lifts her head high. "I would never hurt Emma. The downfall will be my own before I do anything to her"
"I never said you would. Just a mere accident which you will not be able to stop"
Trying not to crumble at the information, Regina gulps down a lump. "What is to happen to her?"
"She will die. She will die and the kingdom will fail to rule without its heir" looking proud, the older brunette raises her hand to graze against her daughter's cheek. "You shall take over and be rid of anyone who stands within your way. Thinking about it now, black really is your colour" giving a beaming smile, Cora chuckles.
Frozen to the spot, the brunette breathes heavily as she processes the information while a tear rolls down her her face.
Emma Swan, her love, is to die.