Till Kingdom Come

A/N: I wanted to thank everyone who has followed, reviewed and read this fic. This year has been wonderful because of all of you. So finally our ladies meet again! As a gift to whoever makes the 114th review will be contacted by me to submit a prompt for this story or anything of your choosing, it could be added to the story or submitted as a one-shot. So I hope you guys enjoy! Happy New Year!


Part XI

"Mother must this be laced so tight?" Emma cringes as her maid pulls the strings to her corset; she takes in a short breath as the fabric tightens on her chest.

"Beauty is pain my darling daughter." The queen chimes "you would be accustomed to such tasks if your father hadn't gifted you that sword many moons ago… that day I lost my little girl." Snow says dramatically.

Emma rolls her eyes at her mother's words. It is true she was not use to getting all dressed up but honestly she never enjoyed it. Emma was a free spirit that roamed wild. She loved riding her horse as fast as she could, the wind blowing through her flowing long hair that glowed under the sun. Adventure is what she seeks and the many dresses she ruined in her youth could attest to that. On her twelfth birthday her father presented her with her first sword and bow; she squealed with sounds unimaginable to Snow and ran into her father's arms; he knew her, he saw her for what she was and never asked for more or less.

After that little princess Emma went for her true heart's desire, to be part of her father's guard. She trained and practiced honing in her skills. Instead of etiquette classes her mother insisted on, she learned how to disarm a man with her bare hands. Instead of dancing lessons she perfected how to hunt and track down game like the other men. Emma could shoot an arrow while her horse was galloping at top speeds and land on her target every time. By the age of 20, Emma was the youngest knight on her father's court.

Emma was not the typical princess to say the least; her hands were rough to the touch as callus grew over the palms of her hands, her skin was fair like her mother's but riddled with little scars that glinted in the sun from her many times a blade would graze her skin. Instead of crying over love, the blonde knight leaked tears of pain when she dislocated her shoulder. Emma was strong and courageous; she carried the grace of a princess with all the finesse of a Knight. She is the product of her parents, Snow's beauty and James' brave heart.

"I still don't understand." Emma says the last word an octave higher as the last strings are tied tight. Giving her maid a stern look she releases a breath as she turns around to the full length mirror. Greens eyes look up and down inspecting herself in unfamiliar dressings. "Why I must wear this when everyone knows I am a captain on your guard?" Emma sighs as her hands bunch the fabric and raises it so she could move off the step.

"Emma, you are a princess before you are a knight. We are not going into battle; we are going to a ball…" Snow sighs "Oh Emma…you look absolutely beautiful…" Snow says in awe as Emma comes out from behind the screen divider. The blonde's mother moves closer to her daughter and encircles the girl as she dusts off imaginary lint from her shoulder "You were gifted with true beauty my sweet child. Sometimes it's nice to see the girl I gave birth to." Snow cups her daughter's cheek and smiles lovingly.

Emma sympathetically returns the smile and places her hand over Snow's "I will always be a woman mother but I am more than my gender surely I have proven that?" her brow raises earnestly .

"Of course Emma. You have proven yourself worthy of your title…you are more than I have ever dreamed of for you. I beg you to forgive me daughter on my behavior through the years. I am so proud of you and you honor your father and I with your strength and bravery. I could never think less of you… this is just nice. You can be both a princess and a knight. You have proven that. Let's just enjoy this evening?"

Emma nods as she turns back around to the mirror. The pale blue dress that looked like the moonlit kissed snow that falls on her lands flowed down to the tips of her boots. It was very beautiful and brought out the color in her eyes. She could do this for one night. There is no need for her long sword tonight. She releases a breath and looks at her mother through the mirror "Thank you mother."


Henry places the golden crown on top of Regina's head "In the name of all that is righteous and true to the land I crown thee Queen of the Summerlands."

Regina releases a shaky breath and looks up to her father. His eyes glistened with tears as his lips move up and break open for a smile baring his teeth. Regina allows herself to smile as her hand slips in his "Now rise my Queen and face your kingdom." Henry pulls his daughter up from her knees.

"Thank you my King." She bows in respect but her father places his fingers underneath her chin and makes her look at him. Henry shakes his head saying you no longer have to bow to me.

Henry turns and grabs the golden scepter matching the elaborate patterns and jewels of his cane. "Take this scepter to represent that you are the rightful ruler of this land. May your heart remain true as you lead with righteousness and may your mind always remain open to change. May your wisdom and virtue listen to the voices of your nation for you and I are nothing without them." The golden scepter lays on top of his open palms as he moves it closer to Regina.

The brunette's sun kissed hand trembles as she reaches out, placing her fingers around it and pulling it upright. "I swear with my life my King to lead our people whom I love with all my heart. I will protect them from those set to do us harm. I look upon them as my children, my equals. They will be safe and loved. This I solemnly swear."

Henry smiles and nods as he places his hand on the hilt of his sword and unsheathes it from the scabbard tied to his waist. "With this may you lead and protect this nation and only use it in times of great peril, May you cut the ties of injustice and rule with equanimity. This is an extension of your strength and courage. Remember that by taking this sword you are acknowledging your commitment and unity to your people. This sword was created by uniting all the elements; Air, Fire, Water and Earth. They all come together in perfect harmony. Treasure it." Henry moves the sword so that the hilt is being presented to his daughter the metal blade rests on his forearm. The King bows before his daughter acknowledging her title as his sovereign, his Queen.

Regina grips the hilt of her father's sword, the sword that has been passed down from the many Kings before her, this was a great honor and she would treasure it. She pulls the sword towards her and feels the weight it bears. To her it symbolizes the burden she was about to carry and felt oddly grateful for taking it off her father's shoulders. Regina raises the sword above her head and the kingdom erupts in cheer.

A beautiful smile paints the brunette's face as her eyes dance to look upon her kingdom. Her people loved her and she loved them. They watched her grow from a beautiful babe to a graceful woman. Their love for the woman was unconditional because they knew she was pure of heart. She would never leave them astray. Regina was not just their Queen but also their Mother. Henry moves closer and kisses her temple smiling as his eyes watch his people cheer.

"This is a blessed day. May the sun forever shine down upon us. May the fates forever be in our favor. Today you make me not only a proud King but a proud father."


Regina sighed in relief as she pulls out the pins in her hair, releasing her hair to fall down in waves passed her shoulders. Her thin fingers thread and comb out the curls. The soft warm breeze kisses her skin as she stands on the balcony. The moonlight glows and bounces off the calm waters of the ocean near her castle. The closed doors muffle out the sounds of music and laughter coming from the celebration inside. She's a Queen and all the land the moon touches is hers. That reality was a bit daunting but her father and the court believes in her, it's about time she starts believing in herself.

"You remind me so much of your mother when your mind is lost in thought." The voice says from behind her.

Regina looks over her shoulder to see her father standing against the stone wall. His hands rested on the handle of his cane in front of him.

"It is a pity I never had the chance to see her beauty before she passed."

Henry sighs as he looks at the moon, "It was a great loss for the both of us child. I lost my wife and you lost a mother."

"Was she as wicked as they all say she was?" Regina turns to look at her father. She watches has his eyes harden and he swallows thickly.

"I could not see beyond the love I had for her. She was a beautiful creature, she was intelligent and callous. Our marriage was not born from love. She was the means of a deal by her kingdom to mine. I grew to love her and see her as my wife and not just dowry to our kingdoms uniting. She didn't see me that way and resented me greatly. I did not know that she loved another; they plotted a coup to overtake my kingdom. I would have given her up if she asked but she sought out other means. When their army was storming our castle, if the maid hadn't stopped her she would have killed you when you were still a babe. It was an act of treason. It was out of my hands." He lets out in a tired breath.

The brunette's eyes widen in realization "You watched her execution?"

Her father nods slowly and wipes the tear escaping his eye "As a King it was my duty and to this day it still breaks my heart."

Regina moves closer to the older man "I'm sorry father. Is this why you never remarried?"

Henry reaches for her hand and pats it with his "She had my heart and her betrayal broke it. I couldn't go through that again. I had to focus and protect you. After what she took I only had enough love left for you." He cups Regina's face with his hands. "You are the greatest gift in my life and it hurts me so when I look upon your face and not remember how my heart weighs heavily for you."

Regina smiles sadly "It's alright father. I know that I am loved by you. No matter where your mind wanders to that you will always be by my side."

Henry's eyes glaze over as he is lost in thought. After a moment his brown eyes focus on hers "That is precise my child. Through heaven or through purgatory I will always be by your side." He pulls her face closer and kisses her cheek. "Come. There is a celebration in your honor that we must be present for."

Regina sighs heavily as she loops her arm in his "Father, you know that I am not fond of these types of festivities. I crave silence and solace. "

Henry hums in acknowledgement "Oh but my dear this one I do not think you would want to miss."

"And why is that?" she looks over to stare at him.

Because you will see her is what he thinks as he smiles at her "this is your day child… allow for once in your life to just live a little." Henry says with an amused tone he watches his daughter scowl as he escorts them back inside.


Snows rolls her eyes as her husband snickers beside her. "Emma must you chew with your mouth open like a barbarian?" she turns over to her daughter who bites the loaf of breath rather aggressively and chews loudly as she looks at the man staring at her across the room.

"I do not like to be stared at mother. Do you see that man! He's older than air and he watches me like a piece of meat. I would love to cut that smirk off his face!" she growls as a piece of bread hangs from her lips.

"Emma, my merciless daughter." James places his hand on her shoulder. "Relax. Do you not see he is inebriated? He is no threat to you. We are here for peaceful matters; there is no need for you to put your guard up." He smiles lovingly at her and places his hand on her shoulder giving it a soft squeeze. Snow scuffs at how easily her husband tames their daughter.

Emma relaxes and swallows thickly. "I'm sorry. I was not raised to act in such a manner." She looks at her father and tries to smile through the embarrassment reddening her cheeks.

James shrugs and shakes his head "It is alright. So older isn't your type."

"Try ancient." Emma grunts.

James lets out a bark of laughter as he shakes his head. "Right, you need someone of strong will. You need someone who isn't afraid of your mood swings." He grins as Emma shoots him a look "They need to look at you as I see you…precious."

The blonde smiles softly at him; she truly was a daddy's girl through and through. He understood her and accepted her. He never underestimated her and that was something she truly appreciated. Their bound seem to always dig deeper than the normal father/ daughter dynamic; they were friends and fighting partners. They trained and rode together. They joked around and spoke about deep meaningful things on their hunting trips. "Thank you father but I do not think there is such a person. I know how mother wishes I was more like her so a prince wouldn't find me so intimidating." Emma looks over to her mother who was nodding at her comment and she rolls her eyes.

James bumps his shoulder into Emma's "You can't chose who you love. It will find you and you just have to hope you are ready for the ride."

"Excuse me your Majesty" the young man bows in front of him "My name is Baelfire, I am prince of the Easternlands May I ask your daughter for this dance?"

"You may ask but her response is hers and hers alone." James replies as he looks the man from top to bottom. The prince wore a silver and ivory tunic with gold trimmings. He was handsome and carried an air of arrogance that the King did not like.

"She'll accept!" Snow shouts instantly as the prince bows in her direction and kisses her hand "Thank you your majesty."

Emma's eyes widen in horror as her mother beats her to the punch. She was just about to decline but she smiles as her father gives Snow an annoyed disappointed look.

"If it pleases my Queen, I'll accept for just one dance." Emma grits through her teeth as she places her hand in his. Prince Baelfire smiles warmly at her. "This way Princess." He escorts her to the dance floor.

"I would prefer if you would call me by my name, Emma and not by my title."

The prince chuckles, "I heard rumors about you princess." He says as he ignores her simple request.

Emma releases an irritated breath "What have you heard? I wouldn't find you as a man interested in idle gossip. "

"On the contrary, I heard that you are the youngest Knight in your father's court."

Emma's face breaks out in to a smile "Yes this is true."

"I find it endearing that the King lets you indulge in your little fantasies but a woman as a knight? That burden should be left to the men. Women should be at home with the children and protected by us." He says as he places his hand on her lower back and pulls her closer to him.

"Excuse me?" the blonde shakes her head completely thrown off by his haughtiness.

"I mean no offense your highness but I think that your place belongs beside your future King." the young man's voice lowers as his eyes stare at her breasts. He presses his hand a little lower near Emma's bottom.

Emma leans in and whispers in his ear "If you touch me any lower I promise to cut your fingers off." She pulls back with an innocent smile as she places her hands on his shoulder. She watches in delight as his Adams apple bounces as he swallows her threat.

They dance in silence as they move around the dance floor effortlessly. Emma rolls her eyes as the band plays the longest song known in her existence. Just as the prince moves her to spin that's when she sees her; the most beautiful sight that has ever graced her eyes. The room fades away and all she sees is her. The brunette hair that bounced at the end of her curls as the woman walked beside the older man. She watches the lips move responding to the man. Her skin glowed of caramel and it left Emma wanting to know if it tasted as sweet. Emma spins but as her foot touches the ground she steps on her dress. The loud ripping of the fabric erupts and bounces off the walls. All movement and chatter cease as eyes gaze on the blonde whose dress is ripped from her hips.

Brown eyes meet green and Emma's heart skips a beat. The color, the movement… everything else just faded away. Those eyes… as if she has seen them before. Those chocolate orbs that glowed with such familiarity. She watches in slow motion as the brunette's lips twitch up into a smile and it melts the blonde's insides. Emma takes a step to move closer to the woman but her feet tangle in the fabric, sending her crashing to the hardwood floor.

"Are you alright?"

Emma's head snaps up to look at the woman whose face graced her with the most beautiful smile and whose eyes sparkled with amusement and wonder. Emma nods dumbly as the words seem to escape her mind.

After a moment the brunette's brow raises in questioning and Emma gaping mouth closes and shake her head, trying to focus. "I am alright thank you. I just bruised my ego is all." Emma lifts herself up from the ground.

The woman lets out a soft chuckle from the back of her throat and extends her hand to help. Emma stares at the beautiful tan fingers for a moment then places her hand in the brunettes. The moment their hands meet a current of electricity sparks and radiate throughout every inch of their bodies. Emma watches as the brunette's breath hitches. The sensations that attack her body are new. Her knees quiver her hands shake and she couldn't stop staring at this woman's beautiful face.

Regina helps the blonde to her feet. All the worries she felt for the woman who fell vanished and were replaced with an explosion of fluttering butterfly wings as the golden green eyes stare at her. She swallows thickly and takes in a deep calming breath. Emma's chest rises and falls rapidly to compensate to the pounding of her heart. The blonde licks her lips before she speaks "pardon me but have we met before?"

The brunette pauses for a moment because for the life of her she could have sworn to have looked into those memorizing eyes before. Maybe this creature entered her dreams? Maybe she was an angel? But the feeling in the back of her mind knew that those eyes and those lips that are being currently moisten… She has seen it all before. "If we had…I would have remembered" Regina's voice drops and she smiles as she watches the blonde's eyes slip close. Those words stir within both women; a feeling of deja vu.

"Princess, are you alright?" Baelfire asks as he approaches the blonde. Regina eyes snap out of her haze and looks at the man staring at her blonde. Wait what? "Princess?" she asks looking at the beautiful woman who was wearing breeches under her dress. She smirks as she notices she was wearing riding boots and a small dagger strapped to her thigh.

Emma looks down and back up at the brunette, a faint brush of red paints her cheeks and the tips of her ears. "My name is Emma, Princess and Knight of the Northernlands." Emma crosses her arm over her waist and bows to the brunette.

"Welcome your highness. I am Regina, now Queen of the Summerlands."

Emma and the man beside her both widen their eyes as they bow again "Your Majesty."

"Please don't" Regina waves her hand begging for them to stop. She really didn't like all that attention. The Queen looks directly at the blonde she lifts her hand, Emma quickly scrambles to grab it and they start to move away from the prince. Baelfire's chest puffs up in annoyance and he storms off in the opposite direction.

"Please call me Regina." the brunette whispers in a small voice

Emma's heart pounds rapidly, the softness in the woman's voice sounds of a siren's song. It was a sweet melody to her ears. "Alright Regina…" Emma says and smiles shyly. Honestly what was happening to her? They start to move away but Emma stops and looks at the young woman and then to the band, she swallows the lump in her throat. "Would you allow me this dance?"

Regina smiles and nods eagerly. Something inside her snaps and the feelings that appeared out of nowhere drive Regina forward. Emma only needed to ask and Regina would willingly agree to anything.


Regina's arm rests on the inside of the blonde's elbow as they walk through the garden. The warm breeze kisses their skin and dance through their long hair. Regina was surprised that the woman asked her to dance, she was surprised as their bodies molded into one another and moved without a bit of hesitance, liked they have done this before. Emma watched her, those green eyes stared in wonder and when Regina would look back they would smile and turn quickly. After seeing the woman stumble she thought that Emma would be uncoordinated but the young woman was graceful and lead her in spins and turns that left her heart fluttering, after the music stopped Regina couldn't stand the thought of that moment being over and just as the woman moves to turn she asks if the blonde wanted to take a walk. Emma releases a breath and nods eagerly.

"I've heard stories about you Princess." Regina says as she breaks the comfortable silence.

"And what stories have you heard?"

"They spoke of your bravery and skill. They spoke of your cunningness and valor. You have never been defeated in battle? It is most impressive but no one has ever spoken of your beauty."

Emma's cheeks redden and glow as the moonlight illuminates her features "Thank you your majesty."

"Are you not afraid of getting hurt?"

"Sometimes." Emma replies with a shrug "but I know myself and trust my instincts. I've wanted to be a knight ever since I was a little girl."

"I wanted to breed horses."

Emma smiles and stops in front of the pond "How does it feel to be Queen?"

Regina lets out a sigh "Ask me again when I've dealt with my first crisis."

Emma chuckles and stares at the brunette. She pulls a strand of brunette hair behind Regina's ear and the tip of her finger slowly grazes the olive skin "You must be proud of yourself. Your father gave you his kingdom. He must trust you."

Regina's cheeks redden at the blonde's intense gaze and she slowly shakes her head "He believes I am the right choice but I am not certain." She turns and sits at the bench in front of the rippling water as a dragonfly buzzes near a lily pad.

"Why not?" Emma sits right beside her.

"I lack something that my father possesses."

"And what is that?"

"I am not sure but I do not think I have it."

Emma stays silent for a moment then reaches out and threads her fingers with the brunettes "You know my father says it's not what you can do that makes you a great leader but how deeply can you love?"

Regina's brow scrunches "What does love have to do with making sure my people are safe?"

Emma smiles as she turns to face the queen completely "Being loved gives you strength, while loving gives you courage. These people love you and because you worry, because you care your love for them will give you the strength and confidence to lead them…to do the unimaginable."

Regina pauses as she stares at the woman's lips. The ache inside her urges her on to touch them. "And what if I do not know what love feels like?" she licks her lips as her voice drops an octave.

"Well then my queen" the back of Emma's hand caresses Regina's cheek. The brown orbs that stared intensely at the blonde's mouth snap up to look into the golden green irises that burst with radiating color "I volunteer myself to be your guide." Emma moves closer until she is a breath away.

"Please…" Regina moans and her eyes slip shut as her lips press against Emma's. Their lips meet softly at first and Regina feels her skin tingle all over but when Emma's mouth parts open and her tongue traces her bottom lip for entrance. Something inside her explodes. As if this is the answer to something she never thought to ask. A moan slips from the back of Emma's throat as the kiss deepens.

It all made sense for some reason these lips that were taking her breath away felt like home.


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