Chapter 11

Storming back into the castle, fists clenched tight, ready to confront her parents, Emma pushes her way through the large double doors to the main hall before a guard has the chance to help. "You need to tell me everything you know! Now!"

Looking across from her seat beside her husband in shock at their daughters outburst, Snow scolds her. "Emma! Do not speak to your father and I in such a temper. We are doing what is best for you, to protect you-"

"Protect me from what? Regina being my downfall? What does that even mean?!"

Rising to his feet, David shakes his head. "Emma that's enough! You know all you need to right now so leave it be"

"Dad no! Please just tell me what you mean...is Regina suppose to hurt me in some way? Or will something happen because she's in my life?" lowering her voice, the princess sighs in desperation and with a look of anguish upon her face. "I just want to understand"

Watching her closely, the Queen stands and walks up to her, placing an arm around her daughter's shoulder hesitantly in case she draws back. "Okay, but first you need to calm down"

"Snow.."

Taking a breath, Snow looks to her prince. "David..Emma's right. She's not a child anymore, she's a young woman and she can handle it. We cannot keep secrets anymore"

"Fine.." Rubbing his neck, David begins to pace along the fireplace.

"Come honey, we should sit.."

Allowing her mother to guide her towards the set of chairs in front of the fire, Emma lowers herself into one then looks up at both her parents patiently.

Sharing a look to figure out how to explain it best, the White's come to stand together, the Queen clasping her hands together nervously.

"From what we have seen, what Regina can do, we have come to figure out that a prophecy that is supposed to be fulfilled will carry out if you continue to have any kind of relationship or contact with her. We cannot let this happen Emma. Regina is apparently destined to follow in the footsteps of her mother which has shocked us all. Cora hid it well. I always thought she was just a high class, stubborn Queen by marriage, not a dark witch of some kind. If you continue the way you have, you won't have a kingdom to run when we are gone because..because you won't be here" approaching the chair, Snow kneels down and takes hold of her daughter's hand while blinking back any tears.

Staring down at her mother, the blonde frowns as her eyes begin to gloss over. "I..won't be here?..I won't..because..I...I'd be dead wouldn't I?"

Slowly nodding, the queen tilts her head towards David. Stepping towards his girls, the prince places a hand on both their shoulders for comfort. "Emma, this is serious. You will die if you have any more involvement with Regina, so please just-"

"Just answer me one thing?" Lifting her gaze to the one man she has truly adored her whole life, Emma lets out a shaky breath. "Would I die at the hands of Regina?"

"We don't know..we can ask Blue if she knows..she's been keeping up to date on the prophecy over the years, since you were born"

"Right..then I'll go see her. Just so we are clear, no matter what the outcome is, promise me that we will still at least help Regina get out of that tower and free from her mother"

Hiding her uncertainty, Snow squeezes her hand tightly. "Of course we will honey.."

Leaning down to hug her mother, the princess rests her head against the woman's shoulder.

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Pacing up and down beside the window, Regina bites her lip as she ponders over where her mother has gone. Since the woman's dreadful revelation, the brunette has been trying to figure out what to do. How to get herself out of this mess. Jumping at hearing the lock on the door go, she stops in her tracks and looks across as the door opens.

"Regina.."

Gripping her hands tightly together, the young woman nods towards the man. "Your majesty. What are you doing here? You shouldn't be here.."

Stepping inside the small space, the King holds up a hamper. "We are not going to let you starve. I have a few more in my carriage to last you the week"

"Oh.." Not even realising how she was supposed to live, Regina walks up to Henry hesitantly and takes the basket from him before placing it onto the table. "Thank you.."

"I'll get my guard to fetch the rest while we talk"

Raising an eyebrow slightly, the brunette runs a hand through her shortened hair as she looks around warily. "I don't think that's a good idea. You should leave"

"I will when I'm done. Zelena will never forgive me if I do not check on you" signalling to the guard at the door to retrieve the rest of the food, the grey haired man makes a move towards the table and sits down. "Regina, we need you to know that-"

Flinching at a sudden puff of smoke, Regina gulps as her mother appears.

Smiling across to the silent pair, Cora then faces her husband. "Henry, what a surprise...a stupid one but a surprise no less"

Rising quickly in anger, the King glares in disbelief. "How did you get in here?! I had this tower protected!"

Sniggering, the older brunette crosses her arms with an eye roll. "Oh dear Henry you really are an idiot sometimes. Do you really think some pathetic fairy would stop me from seeing my daughter?"

"You do not deserve to have her as a daughter!"

Moving to her mother's side, the young woman shakes her head in fear. "Mother leave him be. He was just leaving and was concerned for my wellbeing but.." Glancing towards the man to meet his eye, Regina attempts a smile. "As you can see I'm fine. Please go"

Stepping towards the two women, Henry holds his hand out towards the youngest. "Regina, I am not going to leave you in the hands of this monster! I would never forgive myself if something happens to you. We all care for you"

Staring at him, the brunette looks conflicted as she begins to raise her hand slowly to meet his. Feeling a cold hand grab at her wrist and twist slightly in the wrong direction, Regina whimpers and looks towards the woman who has hold of her. "Mother please...I don't care what you do with your life just..just leave me alone. I'll never be a burden again"

Giving an angry breath, Cora squeezes on her wrist more. "And I've warned you before Regina, you will do as I say if you want your precious Emma to stay safe"

"She's lying to you!"

"Henry shut that mouth of yours or you'll be paying next!"

Shaking his head, the King continues to explain. "Regina either way, Emma is in trouble..and so are you but we can fight this.."

Scoffing, Cora tugs her daughter to look at her. "If you leave with this man, Emma won't have a fighting chance. At least with me, you'll learn your magic and can at least try to help her"

"By using dark magic? I don't want to do that!" Looking desperate, the young brunette grows teary. "What is going to happen to Emma? If you're intending to ruin my life please just tell me what happens?"

"You. You're what happens to her!"

Inhaling sharply at her mother's words, Regina glances across to the King, praying that he will tell her that her mother is lying once again. Witnessing his sad and apologetic gaze, the young woman bites back a sob. "It's not true...it can't be true...I wouldn't-"

Stepping forward in the hopes of comforting the girl, Henry goes to explain. "Regina it's not by your own-"

"Henry, you've said quite enough now leave!"

"I just told you Cora, I am not leaving without her" the king glares defiantly.

Breathing heavily in frustration at being disobeyed, the older brunette fists her hands together. "More fool you!"

Understanding full well what her mother is capable of and what she is about to do, Regina's eyes widen in a panic as she sets her hands out towards the king to prevent the blow. "No!" Watching in horror as flames ignite from her own hands and strike the man down, the brunette quickly clutches them to her chest. Dropping to her knees, she swallows a sob as she looks across to the injured man. "..H..Henry?"

Smirking with pride, Cora chuckles at the scene. "You're getting stronger by the minute dear"

Ignoring the woman towering above them, Regina keeps her focus on Henry, taking a few, deep, calming breaths as she reaches hesitantly for the King's hand.

Letting out a hoarse cough, Henry manages to push himself up with his elbows and lift his head to meet the worried brunette beside him. "..I am..fine..."

Watching with glistering eyes, the young woman pouts while preventing any tears. "I'm sorry..I was trying to protect you..I'm so sorry.." Shaking her head in disbelief, Regina gives a shuddery breath. "This is why I can't leave with you...ill hurt people..ill hurt people I care about.."

Squeezing her hand, the King rises to his feet. "Either way child, Emma's fate is sealed. If you come with me we will protect you and guide you"

Also standing, the brunette sniffles. "With all due respect, your protection didn't work on the tower, what makes you so sure it would work elsewhere?"

Sighing at being defeated as it is true. It didn't work so why would it anywhere else, Henry remains silent as he wipes his brow with a cloth from his pocket.

Coming to stand behind her daughter, Cora places a hand upon her shoulder as the two brunette's face the king. "If she stays and does as she is told, it may all change. The prophecy may not even happen"

Raising an eyebrow confused, Henry then watches concerned as Regina puts the pieces together and frowns. "It's you..." Peering over her shoulder with a glare, the brunette repeats with more anger. "It's you. You're the one who hurts Emma"

Simply shrugging, Cora scoffs. "It's for your own good dear"

Keeping her glare, Regina tenses up and breaks contact from her mother's hand remaining on her shoulder. "If you do.." The young woman takes a deep breath as she finishes her threat. "I will kill you. Screw the consequences"

A/N: next up a conversation with Blue that leads to our leading ladies reuniting with terrible results!