Wonderstruck
Book 2: What Makes the Desert Beautiful? It Hides an Oasis
Chapter 21
Regina took a deep breath and released it slowly as the handmaidens lifted her crown from her head. Her earrings were removed along with her dress and slippers. Much simpler white ones replaced the elaborate gold ones; white for virginity she assumed. Or perhaps as a union with Wintersend; she couldn't be certain. With her undergarments removed and replaced with a simple long sleeved white dressing gown she felt completely exposed. The traditional North would see nothing but there were still customs that must be followed. One of which she had longed to be vocal about but hadn't been able to thanks to her Mother's hold. She and Emma were to sit side by side in their wedding bed while their parents and other notable nobles watched. Thankfully, the practice ended there unlike a few years ago when they would've stayed to listen to their wedding night. The only saving grace back then being that thick heavy curtains were drawn around the bed, giving the couple an illusion of privacy. She had found the entire thing barbaric but she would endure it. She didn't have a choice at this point. She climbed onto the silk draped bed as soon as her hair was released from its elaborate updo. It fell down her back in thick dark waves. She bit her lip as the heavy oak door on the other side of the room opened and Emma joined her in much the same state of undress.
"Are you ready for this?"
"No," She answered honestly.
"Neither am I…thankfully we're not doing this alone."
"No, we have each other."
Emma's cheeks were ruddy with embarrassment. "Stoke the fire, it's cold. I won't have my bride freezing while we endure this." The fireplace was large, stone and heavy looking as all the decorations and added pieces seemed to be in the North. Dreary would've been a word she'd select if forced to choose only one word to describe her new home.
"Yes your Highness." One of the handmaidens moved to do as the older blonde asked, lifting a heavy steel fireplace poker and using it to stoke the burning, glowing embers and thick logs that rested on the steel grate. Sparks flew up with the woman's movements, giving the rather empty room a strange eerie glow.
Emma climbed onto her side of the bed, sitting pressed up against her new wife. Her wedding bracelet shifted as she moved her hand between their brushing outer thighs and took Regina's hand in hers. The calloused flesh still surprised the Spring Princess but she found herself strangely comforted by the little gesture. Emma was doing her best to ensure her comfort and she gave a small squeeze instead of verbally expressing her gratitude. The blonde smiled softly at her.
"It's not forever and once it's done, we never have to do it again."
"I've never heard of a practice like this."
"It's common amongst the Northern Kingdoms. Starsflow and Moonshollow have similar practices though I believe in Moonshollow they still endure the um…more rigid practices."
"You mean observing?"
"Through gauzy fabric yes. Barbaric even by Wintersend standards. Our Kingdom tends to be the most rigid but also the most progressive."
"Yes, a woman fighting on the battlefield is rather progressive."
"My Mother can shoot an ogre in the eye from a hundred yards."
"That's impressive. If it's real."
"I've not seen it but Grumpy swears it's true."
"I don't know that your godfather is the most reliable of sources."
"No, I don't think he is." They smiled at one another both realizing the other had been trying to distract the other from their discomfort.
When the two doors creaked open, Emma looked at her new wife. "Deep breath and it'll be over with soon."
Regina nodded, lips parting and then falling shut as the doors pushed open. Her parents still dressed in their wedding finery stepped into the room. Her Mother's lips were pulled into a harsh frown as her cold eyes darted over the bodies before her. She paused on their joined hands, her demeanor shifting to a harsher stance but she remained silent. Despite her blatant disapproval, her Father offered a wan smile behind her Mother's back and the younger girl instantly felt comfort. Her Father approved of the unconventional match that was enough for her. Snow White entered a few moments later accompanied by a strange woman in a blue dress. From her Mother's annoyed scowl she was able to determine this must be the Blue Fairy.
A few other people she didn't recognize entered the room a few moments later but she was more curious about the cold-eyed Fairy standing with her new mother-in-law. It was a look mirrored on her Mother's face; a look she'd endured almost her entire life. She tightened her grip ever so slightly on her new wife's hand feeling the return squeeze that seemingly made the stone room just a tiny bit warmer. She wasn't alone anymore. She had Emma.
"The North has long since been a beacon of long standing traditions that have come to fruition. Fierce and Proud the Kingdoms of the North have stood the test of time and it's enemies with a strength and honor that few have seen." The Blue Fairy as the Patron of Wintersend began her speech to those gathered to witness the new union of the two Kingdoms. Regina longed to shove her out of a window though she doubted it would help. She didn't trust the fairies anymore than she trusted her own Mother. Maleficent not included in that category for she was more of a shape-shifter than a fairy but there was a history there she wasn't entirely unfamiliar with…just not all the facts. But there was no denying Maleficent hated the fairies and the fairies hated her…almost as much as they hated her Mother's teacher.
She glanced at her new wife, noting the look of boredom that she barely concealed as the fairy continued to drone on about the virtues of the North and it's long standing traditions. The only two people that appeared to be listening were her new mother-in-law and her Father. Even Emma's godfather, the surly old dwarf looked like he was falling asleep where he stood…or maybe that was the ale she could smell on him from here. She wrinkled her nose and caught a small smile from Emma. They shared a brief look before going back to the stoic, somewhat solemn looks that were expected of them. If anyone noticed the way they squeezed each other's fingers that were still intertwined and hidden by their nightclothes and close proximity, no one ever remarked and the Princess counted it as a small blessing. Finally, the speech was over and the people began to file out of the room, the last, her Mother giving her a stern look that she dropped her eyes to avoid before the doors closed and they were alone for the first time in what seemed like eternity.
"Well that was a bit awkward," Emma stated, obviously trying to cut the tension that was slowly building between them.
"A bit?" The darker girl looked up at her new wife.
"Okay a lot awkward."
"Better."
"So um…"
"We're expected to consummate our marriage now." Regina fiddled with the thick fur blanket they were sitting on top of, trying to find something to keep her occupied from the growing nerves that were beginning to take root in her small frame.
"I know…I um…"
"I only vaguely know what to do." Regina murmured.
"I've had some experience but not all the way." Emma offered, sounding as nervous as her new wife felt.
"So…what do we do?"
"Nothing."
"Excuse me?" Regina's wide eye shot to her wife's face.
"We don't do anything. We hardly know one another and it's really my fault we're here…I'd rather you be comfortable than for us to attempt something tonight…and it not turn out right."
"They'll expect to see our sheets in the morning."
"We'll fix it…but right now…how about we just talk and see what happens?"
"Emma, I'm your wife…"
"Yes but can't we be friends first and see where that takes us?"
"I thought we all ready were friends."
"You did?" Emma's thin pink lips tilted up in to a small smile.
Regina shrugged her slender shoulders. "We've done things together…you've shown me things that are special to you…you gave me this." She pulled the magicite from beneath her white shift.
"It's still flaring with color." The older girl pointed out.
"It seems to like us being together."
"Maybe that should tell us something?"
"I think it all ready has."
"You kissed me…at our wedding feast."
"Yes, and you let me kiss you."
It was the blonde's turn to shrug, "Seemed like a great idea at the time."
"Does it still?"
She felt more than heard the other woman suck in air between her lips before she gave a breathy reply, "Yes."
"Kiss me Emma."
The blonde leaned forward, pressing her thin lips to her new wife's. They both gasped as the magicite that was now tucked close flared and began to warm against their bodies.
"Extraordinary." Regina murmured, her fuller lips pressed tightly to the other woman's.
"That tickles." Emma giggled, pressing another kiss to her lips. The kisses were sweet and light, nothing passionate or deep. Just like butterfly's wings.
"It responds even more when we're kissing then we were close together." Regina breathed, eyes alight with wonder.
"What do you think that means?"
"I think we have time to figure it out. Later?"
"Yes, later, yes that's good."
"On the farthest shores of the ocean of time shrouded deep in rolling mists the holy land sleeps. Who knows the paths? The way to it's doors?"
Regina jerked awake with a gasp. Beside her, Emma continued to sleep clutching tightly to her waist. They had kissed for hours before finally settling in to sleep. It surprised the younger girl how much she'd enjoyed being held by her new wife but the feeling of safety and warmth was a seduction of it's own and she went to sleep peacefully.
"What are you doing here?" She asked softly, barely able to make out the outline of a body standing at the foot of their marriage bed. The strange little man with the glittering skin played with the thicker curtains, tracing the fabric and listening to it whisper against his skin.
"On farthest shores…shrouded deep in the rolling mists." The man began again and paused. "You know the rhyme? The rhyme children are told at bed time by parents afraid of the old Gods?"
"I was never told such as a child Rumplestilskin."
"So you do recognize me?" The man gave a joyous little smirk that made him appear more crocodile like and she found herself shivering slightly not from the cold outside but the cold that swept over her body. Slowly she pushed herself into a sitting position, drawing the thick fur blankets up around her body.
"My Mother told you to stay away from me."
"We were always destined for one another Regina…despite your Mother's meddling."
"I think my wife would have choice words for you on that."
The little man grinned again, looking over the sleeping princess beside her. She longed to shield Emma from his golden gaze and glared at him waiting for him to continue.
"You've been very busy little Regina. Since I saw you last."
"I don't understand what you mean by that. You've only seen me in passing at best."
"On the farthest shores of the ocean of time...the holy land sleeps."
"Why do you keep saying that?"
"Aren't you curious?"
"About what?"
"Tsenoble."
Regina's brow furrowed, "What is that?"
"You've not heard of it? In all your time researching at Maleficent's?"
"No, I would've remembered that word."
"Will you permit me to visit you my dear Regina?"
"Why would I need to? You've all ready proven you'll show up without being called forth."
The little man's head wobbled as his grin became more Cheshire like.
"I will teach you everything you need to know, everything you want to know. Everything you'll need to know."
"And if I choose not to permit you to teach me?"
"I'm afraid you'd come to regret that. You see…you'll need all your knowledge and skills to protect…her."
Regina frowned, looking at her wife and then back. "Emma is more than capable of protecting herself."
"You care for her."
"I'm her wife, it's my duty to care for her."
"She's important. She'll help shape the history of this world and the next. It would be a shame if something happened to her."
"Are you threatening us?"
"Nothing of the sort Princess. But a threat will appear and with it, you'll need me and the knowledge I can give you."
"Tsenoble you said? The rhyme. Repeat it."
"You are willing to learn?"
"I am willing to learn what Tsenoble is. I don't know that I will agree to anything else."
"On the farthest shores of the ocean of time shrouded deep in the rolling mists the holy land sleeps. Who knows the paths? The way to it's doors?"
"Thank you. I will call for you in a few days time if I decide I wish to learn more."
"Until then Princess." The man dipped into a little bow before he disappeared.
"Regina?" Emma's sleepy voice spoke up beside her. "You okay?"
"I'm fine darling. I just had a bad dream."
Emma smacked her lips; her eyes squinted as she forced them open. "''m sorry. Is there anything I can do to help?"
Regina shook her head with a small smile. "Just hold me. The way you've been holding me all night."
"Can do that." Emma muttered as the smaller girl laid back down and she pulled her tighter to her.