CHAPTER 13

The Saviour

Swan had lost track of how long she had stood in the doorway to her Queen's bedchambers. The second her eyes had fell upon the brunette who was sat at her dressing table touching up her makeup all words had left her throat and the sound of her own heartbeat was like thunder in her ears.

Regina was dressed in a deep purple gown that showed of a mouthwatering amount of cleavage and her dark hair was piled on top of her head and peppered with sparkling jewels, she was simply breathtaking.

"Diamonds or sapphires?"

She blinked a few times then cleared her throat when realising she was being spoken to, her eyes met with amused dark orbs that had been watching her for the past ten minutes through the looking glass that she was sat in front of.

Smirking the Queen held up the two necklaces that hung from her painted fingers and waited patiently for an answer.

"Are you feeling unwell dear? You look a little dazed"

Closing the gap between them Swan placed her hands gently on her loves bare shoulders then met her gaze in the mirror.

"I think you're more than aware of what is wrong with me your Majesty. Did you choose this dress just to drive me insane all night?"

Placing a hand over her heart Regina feigned innocence.

"It is hardly my fault if you fail to control yourself Swan now is it? Now which one?"

Swan chuckled then reached out and took the diamond necklace from her Queen's fingers and proceeded to hang it around her neck and fasten it.

"Diamonds of course, After all they are said to be a girl's best friend"

"Who says?"

Regina shot back raising an intrigued eyebrow as she replaced the abandoned sapphire necklace back in its box.

Holding back the smirk that threatened to take over her face the Saviour leant down and kissed a bare shoulder blade whilst inhaling her loves unique scent.

"Just something I once heard"

She murmured as she continued kissing her way to Regina's neck.

Moaning deep in her throat the Queen's eyes closed and her head dipped to the side to allow her Knight further access.

"As much as I am enjoying those talented lips of yours I know what you're doing Swan and it won't work!"

Emma grinned against fragrant flesh and upped the ante by running her fingertips gently up and down her neck, knowing how much it inflamed her passion.

"I am simply worshipping my Queen"

She breathed the words into Regina's ear and felt the tremble that rushed the brunettes body and heard the gasp that escaped her parted lips.

"Y..you play a dirty game Saviour, but two can play at that"

With a wicked grin on her lips Regina turned in her chair and grasped the blonde's face between her hands before claiming her lips in a desperately hungry kiss that was full of so much tantalising promise that it curled Emma's toes.

It was so good that it took a few seconds for her to realise that the Queen's lips were no longer plundering her own and instead the woman was now getting to her feet feeling rather pleased with herself.

"Come Swan we have just this night to get through. I trust you will keep your temper in check?"

Sighing deeply Swan rose to her full height knowing she had been defeated and shrugged.

"That depends on him my Queen but I won't go out of my way to cause you any trouble, you have my word"

Regina smiled, she knew her Knight better and knew that the hostility between the two would begin the very second they stepped into the same room.

"It's endearing that you believe that dear"

She straightened Swans cloak as she spoke and caste her ravenous gaze over her leather clad body, she almost gave in and let her take her that minute.

"You look most dashing my Knight. It pleases me greatly to have your company tonight"

Swan smiled and was flattered by the words. As much as she didn't want to go and play nice with the douche she was proud to be able to accompany her Queen.

"It pleases me greatly to be the one at your side"

Neither was sure who initiated the kiss but it was half a candlemark later before Regina reluctantly removed her Knights hands from her breasts and scolded her playfully before using magic to straighten out their appearance.

"You are a bad influence on me Swan! I shall be forced to punish you later"

Regina teased pressing her lips once again to the blondes who smirked back at her suggestively.

"Then I can't wait until later your Majesty"

Emma returned the kiss wholeheartedly but pulled away before things once again got out of hand. It seemed keeping their hands and lips to themselves was a proving difficult for them both.

"You look ravishing my Queen"

Swan glared at her nemesis as he took Regina's hand and brought it to his lips, she could have sworn she saw a smirk on his face directed at her.

The Queen wore her fake smile well as she always did on these occasions and cringed as his mouth touched her skin. It would be a miracle if the evening ended without her Knight killing him.

"I am most relieved to see that you have fully recovered from your fever"

Swan couldn't take her eyes off him or remove the stone cold expression etched on her face. It was a terrible reminder of Robin Hood, the thought of him with her wife still to this day made her feel physically sick. There was no way she was going to make the same mistake twice.

"I am quite well thank you Ruel, now please go eat and drink with your men"

'And leave me alone!'

She thought not needing to so much as glance at her Saviour to know how she was feeling she could taste the tension rolling off of her in waves.

"Thank you for your hospitality your Majesty, I do hope you will save me a dance later"

Swan bit her cheek so hard that she broke the skin and could taste the metallic tang of blood on her tongue. She watched him swagger back towards his table the whole time wondering what would be the quickest way to take him down.

Regina forced back the smirk that threatened to spill across her face and shook her head when she was able to turn and look at her knight to see her glaring at the retreating lord.

"You can be somewhat menacing my dear...I like it"

That snapped the blonde out of it and she was soon flashing her Queen a wicked grin and her bad mood was quickly forgotten.

"Kathryn it is good to see you"

Regina smiled genuinely for what felt like the first time that night as her childhood friend curtsied in front of her before ignoring the traditional formalities and hugging the brunette tightly.

Lady Kathryn smiled brightly as she pulled away from the Queen then grabbed two flutes of champagne and handed one to Regina.

"It's been an age since we last met my friend I have to say you are looking radiant Regina"

Blushing the Queen sipped her drink and smiled.

"Thankyou dear, I take it married life is agreeing with you? Lord Peli certainly appears satisfied"

"Lord Peli is a boring old man Regina, I am merely a trinket for his arm but still the lifestyle is most satisfactory, if I am lucky I only have to warm his bed once a month"

The tall elegant blonde chuckled as Regina's nose wrinkled in disgust at the thought, then followed her gaze as she seemed to be drawn to something or someone across the room.

"Now who is that glorious creature?"

Kathryn's sparking blue eyes followed a tall blonde clad in dark leather that seemed to stick to her shapely legs as she tried to make her way through the other guests but was being stopped more often than not for brief introductions for those who were curious.

Regina"s eyes were fixed to her lover and she was helpless to stop the affectionate smile that grew on her lips. She indeed looked glorious, her smile itself was enough to lighten a darkened room.

"Emma Swan"

The younger blonde glanced at her friend hearing the wistful tone of her voice and her eyebrow instantly disappeared under her fringe.

"She is my personal guard, my Knight"

The Queen's cheeks grew intensely heated at the curious gaze that was watching her every move and a sigh left her lips.

"And lover?"

Kathryn smirked at the glare that was flashed her way and giggled into her drink.

"Well at least now I know who has been keeping you occupied, I was beginning to take it personally"

Blue eyes once again found Swan who was now being accosted by yet another guest.

"Oh you're poor Knight, she needs to watch ole take it up the harris Aris. A dreadful slut so I'm told"

Regina threw her head back and laughed. There was never a dull moment with Kathryn around.

"I assure you Emma is more than capable of taking care of herself"

"And of you I hope my dear friend? It has been quite some time since i've seen you look so relaxed and happy. Now tell me is your Swan as tantalising between the sheets as she is to gaze upon?"

Regina eyes was still on her Knight as she politely tried to escape Lady Aris and her wandering hands, her heart swelled in her chest and she was overcome with what could only be described as…. love.

"She is everything"

Her out of character words were whispered but nevertheless heard.

"I once was seduced by a former tutor. Miss Raven she was called."

Kathryn sighed as her mind drifted back to her younger and more adventurous days.

"I never knew what an orgasm was until I let her get under my corset"

Regina smirked and nodded her agreement, sex with men had been less than mediocre and with her former deceased husband it had been damn right repulsive.

"Come now dear friend don't be coy. Tell me all about your gorgeous Knight"

Swan groaned as she finally escaped the clutches of Lady Aris, she was certain the older woman had grabbed her ass at one point whilst not so subtly propositioning her.

She shuddered at the thought and had finally made her way out of the thick crowd then frowned with disappointment to find her Queen locked in conversation with at least half a dozen of her Lords.

"If I were you I would ask her to dance before that awful Lord Baines gets there first"

Swan frowned as she turned to the sound of the voice and was surprised to be confronted by a pretty blonde woman with a mischievous smile and sparkling kind blue eyes.

"Lady Kathryn of Peli"

Emma bowed her head and took the hand held out to her and as expected brushed her lips across her knuckles.

"It's a pleasure Lady Kathryn"

The blonde flashed a bright smile and failed to stop herself giving the Knight the once over, even though she knew that if Regina caught her she would indeed know about it.

"Regina has been telling me all about you Knight Swan. It is refreshing to see her so full of life"

Swan raised an eyebrow a little surprised to discover her Queen may have discussed their budding relationship, but she wasn't stupid and wasn't going to give anything away.

"She does appear to need rescuing, so if you would excuse me?"

Kathryn grinned sensing the urgency in the Knight's voice it was obvious her feelings matched the Queen"s.

"But of course go, I insist"

She answered laughing as she watched Swan head straight towards her love.

"Would you excuse me gentleman"

Regina said letting out a sigh of relief as she moved away from her current audience to meet with her Knight who she had seen heading in her direction.

"Thank the gods! I was about to die of boredom"

Swan chuckled and resisted the urge to wrap her arms around the brunette, she could see Baines was watching them closely and remembered what Lady Katherine had suggested.

"Would you care to dance with me my Queen?"

Sculpted cheekbones tinged with colour and dark gleaming eyes widened at the unexpected request and Regina found she had to clear her throat to reply.

"I would love to dance with you my Knight"

Emma's face lit up as she held out her arm for her Queen to take before escorting her to where the dancing was taking place.

"I should confess my talents do not fare well when it comes to dancing, I hope your feet are prepared my Queen?"

Regina chuckled as she found herself suddenly in her lover's strong arms where they joined in with the slow waltz effortlessly. Everyone around them quickly melted away as they danced, both content and happy to be in each other's arms.

"I see you have proven rather popular with the ladies tonight dear, it's a wonder you had the time to come and rescue me"

Swan bit down on her lip as Regina's warm breath tickled her ear as she spoke, as always her body responded immediately.

"What ladies?"

She breathed as their eyes locked and held, the silence between them spoke volumes.

"Do you know how much I want to kiss you right now?"

The brightest smile formed on her Queen's lips, a smile that was only ever reserved for Henry and in later years herself.

"Hopefully as much as I want you to kiss me right now"

Regina whispered back more than aware that many eyes were watching them as they danced, she didn't care. All she cared about was holding her close in her arms.

"May I cut in?"

Neither of them had noticed Lord Baines arrival too wrapped up in each other.

"You may NOT!"

Swan snapped glaring at him as she moved her love away from his filthy grasp and proceeded to continue as if he had never been there.

Regina swallowed hard as her stomach twisted in excitement and her heart skipped a beat, her Knight was beyond seductive and it took all she had not too ravish her right there and then.

"What? I didn't kill him"

The Saviour said innocently, causing a smirk to cover her lover's face.

"Yet!"

"Bitch!"

Baines hissed under his breath as he pushed his way back to the table he had been sitting at.

'How dare she!'

He raged in his head whilst grabbing his glass and downing its contents.

'That whore will regret the day she decided to cross me'

He sat watching the Queen and her Knight dance as were most of the other guests, it was a rare sight indeed to see The Evil Queen enjoying herself.

"Enjoy her whilst you can still walk Swan"

He sneered before getting to his feet. There was someone he needed to speak with.

"You have once again failed me Nephew. It seems all your boasting of conquering the Queen is mere fantasy, and to make matters worse a woman of all things has bested you"

Chambers shook his head in disgust as his narrowed eyes glared at the squirming Lord.

"What would your father think?"

Ruel's face darkened as his temper grew.

"I have not been bested yet Uncle, the Swan woman was unexpected as was Regina's obvious affection for her. I can barely get anywhere near the Queen, besides that if she prefers the company of woman then I am truly powerless"

He spat in hushed tones so not to be overheard.

"What will you have me do? Kill her?"

Chambers pressed his fingers together and raised a sinister eyebrow.

"Well as The Queen has next to no interest in you whilst Swan lives then I see no other way. You have to marry her if we are to get our hands on the Mill's family fortune. I haven't been under their rule all these years for nothing!"

Baines nodded then scratched his chin as he thought.

"I think I have an idea Uncle, it seems I am good at getting under Swans skin I just need to use that to my advantage"

Chambers rolled her eyes unconvinced.

"Then get on with it boy, you are to leave at first light so your window of opportunity is short, go and make me proud for once in your life!"

Baines bowed his head before turning sharply on his heels. He was fucked and he knew it! But it wasn't over yet, he may not be able to win Regina's hand but if he crushed her Swan undetected then he would be there for her to help pick up the pieces of her darkened heart.

It wasn't the best of plans but it was the only one he had that sounded plausible, at least in his head.

As Swan made her way through the racheous ballroom she noticed Clara was struggling to get away from one of Ruel's guards who had pulled her onto his lap and was proceeding to try and kiss the poor girl.

Without a second thought she made a beeline for them and made it just in time to clamp a hand down on his wrist as he was about to push his hand up beneath her skirts.

"Ah Clara there you are"

Emma said pulling the relieved handmaiden off of the drunk guard who immediately tried to grab her back.

"The Queen wishes to speak with you. I will take you to her"

"That cunts mine. She won't forget me in a hurry once I'm finished with her"

He laughed loudly, showing a row of rotting teeth as he rubbed his growing erection.

"Return to me after wench I have something hard waiting for that pretty mouth"

The surrounding guards all roared with laughter and as much as Swan wanted to rip out his vile tongue she knew now wasn't the time or place so instead she leant down and dug her nails deep into his wrist causing him to wince.

"You may treat your woman like meat where you are from but here we treat them with respect no matter their status, you pull a stunt like that again and you will lose both your hands. Is that clear?"

The guard ripped his wrist free of the Saviours tight grasp and spun around unsteadily in his seat, his ready tirade dried in his throat as his eyes recognised the Queen's royal insignia woven in the tall blonde's cloak.

"If it's whores you are looking for there is a brother in the village, if you can find a woman willing to take your coin"

He grunted something under his breath and turned his back on her before saying or doing something he would regret.

The surrounding men all erupted into raucous laughter as Swan walked away with her head held high, she was proud of herself for not hitting him, which meant she was still in her Queen's good books.

"Are you ok?"

The flustered handmaid nodded quickly and rubbed at her forehead.

"Thank you so much Swan, the things that pig was saying to me…."

Emma watched as she visibly shuddered and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Stay away from him Clara and keep your wits about you. Maybe you should tell the other girls the same"

The brunette smiled and thanked her again.

"I should go, you said The Queen wished to see me"

Swan shook her head and smiled.

"No it's ok Clara I just said that to get you away from him"

Relieved the handmaiden nodded her thanks.

"I am so glad you are here Swan, the palace is a better place for it. Thank you again"

And with that she quickly disappeared into the crowds glad to be away from the vile guard.

Baines waited until Swan was out of sight before approaching the table of guards, particularly the one that had angered her. He took a seat next to him and from under the table retrieved a bag of gold coins from his pocket.

"I have a job that is perfect for you"

He whispered shoving the bag into his larger hand and grinning.