A.N: This took a bit longer. Family stuff... and also lack of motivation. Thank my friend who threatened to kill me if I didn't update.
Thank you to everyone who read, reviewed, alerted, and favorited. Keep 'em coming!
Sidebar: I know next to nothing about Jousting, so I don't not intend to go into any sort of epic detail, and I really hope that doesn't bother anyone.
Enchanted
Chapter 10
Emma shifted in the saddle as the point of the lance came at her. She settled her lance in the cradle and just as they began their cross she jabbed forward and struck the Urel solidly in the chest, causing him to tumble from the saddle and into the dirt as Emma made her way to her father's squires and handed over the broken lance. She lifted the visor on her helmet and let the cheers of the delighted crowd wash over her as she turned to the Royal box where her parents and her beloved sat. She dipped her head in acknowledgment and then wheeled her horse around to quit the field.
She couldn't believe she'd unhorsed her first opponent on the first pass. True love was a remarkable motivator.
James clapped his hands as Philip patted his back, "She did well James!"
He turned to grin at his friend before turning his jubilant smile on his wife and his future daughter-in-law.
Both women were sheet white and gripping each others' hands tightly.
He leaned over and placed a gentle hand over theirs and spoke, "She won the match."
Under his hand he felt Regina's grip loosen and then the younger Queen was pulling away and offering him a terse nod as she muttered under her breath, "This is madness; I'll call it off and marry her regardless."
Next to her Snow nodded, "Yes, let's do that instead."
James shook his head, "You gave your word Regina and the prize is known, the nobles would reject the match out of hand simply to spite you if you tried to change it now."
Regina glared at him for a long moment before she turned to watch the felled Urel as he was helped to his feet by his squires, "And when her opponents are more skilled?"
James shrugged, "The Urel is one of the best with a lance in Alberan, she should be fine, fates willing."
As he settled back and chanced a glance at Philip he realized their mistake as he took in his friend's eyebrows, which had nearly vanished into his hair.
Philip cut his eyes away, clearly indicating that he and James needed to talk, soon.
Emma sighed as she sank into the hot bath that had been prepared for her. She wasn't sure it was really fair that she was given such luxuries at the end of a long day of jousting while other Knights and lords were forced to soothe their aches and pains with expensive salves that often did little good. She couldn't say that her sense of honor was so great that she couldn't ignore it as the heat seeped into her and helped to loosen the knots in her shoulders and lower back.
She knew the mountains in the north of the Summerlands provide the white gold flecked marble that her bath was made of but she couldn't quite believe that Regina had seen to it that her apartments had a large sunken bath, made up entirely of the marble that caused the buildings in the city to gleam in the sun.
The Queen seemed to give her comfort even more thought than Emma did.
As she lowered herself deeper into the hot water as two serving women pulled the rope cord and released more water, keeping the temperature hot rather than letting it cool, she let a private smile cross her lips.
"Leave us..."
She glanced back and offered her mother a smile before she closed her eyes, "Hello mother."
She felt a hand smooth over her wet golden hair as her mother breathed, "You've bruised..."
Emma nodded without opening her eyes, "I took several hits today, but I was not unhorsed." She knew she sounded overly pleased with herself, but she couldn't contain her pride at having survived the first wave of opponents. It meant she was one step closer to marrying Regina.
She felt rather than saw her mother stand from where she'd knelt by her head, "Regina was beside herself with worry every time you took the field."
Emma's eyes popped open as she turned in the bath to stare at her mother, "Is she alright?"
Snow nodded and gave her daughter an almost begrudging smirk, "Now that you've won the day she's pleased as a peacock."
Emma beamed as she turned back around, "I look forward to the feast tonight..."
She didn't have to see her mother to know she was rolling her eyes at her love struck tone, "You must be careful Emma, if our hand is tipped to early…"
Emma let out a heavy sigh, "I know mother, Regina is as cautious as you are."
Snow let out a snort, "Well at least one of you is."
Emma rolled her shoulders and sank further into the tub, content to ignore her mother for the time being as she soaked in the bath.
"You might consider recalling Annis to court your Majesty." Addly spoke far less hesitantly than any of her other courtiers would have with such a suggestion.
She turned her suddenly poisonous eyes on him and hissed, "Recall him? He named my son a bastard in my own hearing! Why would I ever recall him to my court, unless it was to make a gift of his treasonous tongue to my wolf?" She knew Graham had loathed letting Annis leave her court unscathed, and a part of her had wanted to let her Captain do as he pleased with the man who had dared to voice such thoughts about her boy.
Addly blinked and spoke gently, "He was your friend once my Queen."
Regina stood and reveled in the sudden tenseness of her nobles as she growled, "He was my friend, just as his father was my father's friend. He was my friend until he turned on me, in the last months of the rebellion, until he stood with his father and my cursed cousin. He was my friend… and so I cannot forgive him. I cannot forgive his disloyalty, the words spoken about my entirely beloved son, about the man who was my husband, the man who gave his life to protect my boy. I will not forgive such… disloyalty."
Addly dipped his head in defeat, "He was disloyal your Majesty, no one disputes that, but Annis is a powerful ally, and he may prove a dangerous enemy."
Regina turned to glare at the men who all sat watching her as if she were a dangerous animal, "If he proves himself a traitor again, I will do as I should have done the first time, and grant his father's wish. I will take the heads of his entire family and wash my hands of his entire fucking bloodline!"
Addly paled, "Majesty…"
She quashed the tears that wanted to pool and replied harshly, "My love for him saved his damned life once before. Once, we were friends, and I loved him, but I cannot love those who would betray me, I cannot allow for such weakness…" She wasn't acting, or putting on airs, but the men at the table softened just the same, moved by her suddenly soft voice and hurt tone, "I have had my heart broken too many times my lords, my trust betrayed, my world shattered, and though I once loved Annis as a friend, as a brother, I cannot forgive treason, not again, not at the expense of my own heart."
One of her lords, a young buck whose place on the council was recent with the passing of his father, announced, "I will cut his heart out myself your Majesty, should he betray your mercy and love again!"
The men around the table murmured in agreement, seeing their Queen hurt and vulnerable doing more to soften them then a thousand tirades ever could.
She eyed them, surprised before allowing a soft, gentle smile to cross her face, "I am well served by all of you, my loyal lords, who love me, and love this kingdom. Why should I have need of Annis, when I am surrounded by loyal men instead?" She watched the lords as their chests puffed out, pride and a surprising softness gleaming in their eyes.
She settled herself back into her chair and listened as the men began to discuss the tournament and Emma's surprising skill with a lance. It had only been a two days of jousting and sword play, but Emma was doing very well, better indeed than most of the men who were competing. Indeed some of the men on the council, those whose sons had not 'lost' to Edware had been bested by Emma instead, and fairly as well.
Regina mentally patted herself on the back as the lords of her council discussed her Princess with grudging respect and curiosity, bemoaning the fact that Emma was not a man, for if she were, she would be perfect for their Queen indeed.
Emma adjusted her seat as she stared at her opponent. The large Knight, called the Bear by most of the other competitors, was the best of the all of the Knights and lords in the competition and if ever there was a moment where she might lose, this was it.
His dark armor, almost brown in color blended with the brown of his heavy mount, and she could understand where he'd gotten his name, with his size he resembled a large bear more than a man. He also was one of the only Knights who treated her with respect and deference in the tented area behind the field. He bowed deeply, smiled happily at her, and if the rumors were true, had even smashed a tankard of ale over the head of another man who'd seen fit to insult her. He was one of the only men in the competition that didn't seem to resent that she, a woman, was doing so well.
She regretted that she had to defeat him to wed Regina, for any other tournament, he was the sort of man she'd have gladly cheered on to victory. As fates would have it, she needed to beat him.
As she watched him heft his lance and dip his head in her direction she let herself swallow nervously. His size should have made him a bigger target, and it did, but it came with the added fact that he'd never been unhorsed in any joust. His arm strength had resulted in many a Knight being ploughed from the saddle and on to the flat of their backs. Emma's chest hurt just thinking about his lance bashing into her chest plate.
She nodded to him in return and chanced a glance at Regina, who sat in the stands, looking paler than Emma had ever seen her, before she snapped her visor closed and commanded, "Lance!"
Her squire handed her the lance and she gripped it tight before tensing as the flag bearer brought the flag down, "Yah!" She spurred her horse; the same one Henry had scolded, and charged towards the Bear who came at her. She cradled the lance perfectly and even though she knew the Bear's lance would also strike true she smiled. With a strength drawn from some deep, secret place she thrust the lance and struck the Bear as his lance struck her and to the astonishment of the crowd, both of them were flung from their horses.
As she stared up at the sky she heard the roar of the crowd and the yells from the royal box. Above her mother's voice she could hear Regina screaming for a healer and so with a wince she forced herself to sit up and wave to the crowd, who let out a deafening cheer. She heard a grunt from the other side of the railing and turned to watch as the Bear lumbered to his feet and ducked under the wooden barrier.
The crowd grew silent as he towered over her and asked in a quiet voice, "Are you well Princess?"
Emma flipped open her visor and nodded, "Yes Sir Knight."
He opened his own visor and grinned down at her as he offered his hand, "I have never been unhorsed before…" She took his hand and let out a gasp as he drew her to her feet quickly, "I rather enjoyed the novelty."
Emma cocked an eyebrow, "You aren't angry?"
The Bear growled happily, "Why would I be angry? I am pleased that it was you and not one of the bastard Knights who run their mouths but say little of value."
Emma couldn't help herself, "You… are a different sort of man aren't you Sir?"
He shrugged, "Perhaps, but I like me better than them." He nodded towards some of the Knights watching them with angry frowns and scowls.
Emma couldn't help but agree, "So do I." She was quiet for a moment before asking, "What happens now that we've unhorsed each other?"
The Bear cocked his head, "It is a draw. We will face each other again another day, unless one of us is defeated by another… which I sincerely doubt."
Emma smiled at him and then paled as something caught his eye and he bent in front of her. He scooped something from the dirt and examined it. The crimson fabric was vibrant and appeared unsoiled despite its trip to the dirt.
He read aloud, "True Love's Champion…" Before glancing at her and then ever so swiftly flicking his gaze to where Regina sat before handing her the favor, "This is yours, is it not Princess?"
Emma held his gaze defiantly as she accepted the favor, "It is…"
The Bear offered her a gentle smile, "Good luck Princess…" He held out his hand and clasped her elbow in a warrior's grasp before murmuring, "I shall say nothing. You've my word of honor." Emma nodded faintly as she let go of his elbow and tucked the favor into her breast plate.
She was going to turn away but hesitated, "What is your name Sir Knight?"
He replied quietly, "Derek your highness…"
She nodded, "And I am Emma."
His eyes widened just for a moment before an unspeakably tender look came over him and then shifted into quiet determination, "She has chosen well Emma…"
Emma swallowed, "Thank you for saying so."
He cocked his head, "You do not know who I am do you?"
She shook her head, "Who are you?"
He smiled sadly, "I had a little brother once, named Daniel, who married a Queen."
Emma gaped at him, "You… you're Henry's uncle? Regina's husband was your brother?"
He nodded, "He was." He glanced over at Regina again, who was watching them with a concerned look, "He was a good man Princess… and he would have liked you."
Emma's eyes watered at the words, "He… I'm honored that you think that."
He bent into a low bow, "I speak my thoughts Princess."
As they finally parted Emma felt a wash of shame flood her, so much so that she was suddenly dizzy as she considered Sir Derek and his brother, as she considered the risk Regina was taking, all for a lie, all because Regina believed her to be a pure maiden.
She had never been more shamed in her life as she realized that Regina had offered her marriage because she believed she deserved nothing less, when Emma herself had not believed that. Regina deserved to know the truth, deserved to know that she would not be robbing Emma of anything she hadn't already given freely… and stupidly. She deserved to know that Emma would go to her bed without the security of marriage, because she loved her Queen… and because she could not trap her into a marriage based on a lie, based on a false assumption of innocence and honor.
Regina deserved a man like Sir Derek, whose brother must have been as kind and as gentle, as honorable, or a man like Sir Edware, whose gaze was always so tender and gentle when it settled on Regina, more than anything though, she deserved the truth.
Regina watched Emma as her Princess paced in front of her.
After a long silence Regina decided to speak, "I was very impressed today Emma, unhorsing Derek is no small feat."
Emma nodded with no small amount of distraction as she spun on her heel and paced in the opposite direction.
Regina stood after another half a candle mark, "Emma… please dear, what's the matter?"
Emma turned to look at her and Regina was taken aback by the tears shinning in her love's eyes, "My love…?"
Emma's eyes slipped shut as tears leaked from the side, "Regina I… I have something I must confess."
Regina cocked her head and forced the knot that wanted to form in her chest away, "Tell me sweetheart, whatever it is, and we'll fix it."
Emma opened her eyes and stared at her for a long moment before asking quietly, "Why do you want to marry me?"
Regina's mouth opened as she considered the question before answering truthfully, "Because I love you."
Emma shook her head, "You said I deserved a marriage bed, that I deserved something sure and true."
Regina nodded firmly, "You do."
Emma turned away suddenly, hiding her face and alarming Regina further, "I deserve no such thing. I…"
Regina stepped closer, "Who told you that? You deserve everything in my power to give you Emma; I would give you the sun and stars if you asked for them."
Emma choked out, "I only want your heart."
Regina caught her hands and brought her knuckled to her lips, "You have it Emma."
Emma tore her hands away, "I don't deserve it!"
Regina shook her head stubbornly, "Who are you to say what you deserve from me? It's my heart to give, my hand in marriage to offer, and I offer it to you, free of all expectations, because I love you."
Emma turned slowly, "And if I told you that I was not some pure maiden, if I said that you could bed me now without fear of robbing me of my maidenhead?"
Regina's eyes widened before she scowled, "I… you…"
Emma ducked her head as her cheeks colored, "I am not a virgin Regina. I have no honor to protect."
Regina's teeth clenched and for just a moment she allowed herself to picture the variety of ways she could remove Edware's head before she replied firmly, "You've told me this Emma, you've confessed something that obviously shames you, though it should not. The fact that you've told me this proves you have far more honor than most."
Emma glanced up at her, "Regina…"
Regina shook her head, "I know you feel shame, but Emma you should not. I love you Emma, and I thank my stars that you love me enough to honor me with this truth."
Emma could seem to believe her as she shook her head, "I… Regina I had a child, I had a son and I let his father take him from me, to protect my inheritance, to protect my future crown. How can you love me?"
Regina grew still as she considered her next words carefully before replying quietly, "I call my brother Ned."
Emma's brow furrowed in confusion for just a moment before her eyes widened, "Ned…?"
Regina nodded and grasped Emma's hands in hers as she stepped as close as she dared, "I love you Emma, because you have such honor, because my son… he is our son, because four years ago you made a choice and gave me a gift I can never repay."
Emma blinked at her, "Henry… He's…"
Regina nodded, "My son and yours. Don't you see Emma, you and I are fated, destined. I raised the son of my true love. No tale of love will ever surpass ours."
Emma breathed as she squeezed Regina's hand, "We have a son."
Regina smiled as she rested her forehead against Emma's, "We have a son."
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