Curious Hearts

(Flashback)

In the vivid world of Wonderland a magic portal opened and allowed the Dark One to set foot in the timeless dimension. He had found a way to make a round trip that would allow him to return once he got what he had come for.

He started walking the road that lead him into a labyrinth he was not very excited to walk through. He set the hedge maze on fire and let the small castle hidden in the center show for him. A group of knights quickly ran to meet him and tried to imprison him but he just giggled at their failed attempts. He would appear and disappear in a crimson tinted smoke just when one of them thought he had him in his grip.

Rumplestiltskin finally got bored of his own game and asked the knights to bring him to Cora, but they didn't know whom he meant and escorted him to the palace and presented the intruder to their Queen.

- "What are you doing here?" The Queen was perplexed.
- "The black widow! Have you missed me?" He asked with aversion.
- "Show the Queen of Hearts some respect!" One of the knights yelled at him.
- "It's alright, please leave us." Cora signaled her knights and dismissed them.
- "Queen of Hearts? Ironic, considering you lack one." The bitter imp said with amusement.
- "Have you just come to insult me, dear Rumple?" She walked down the dais to confront him.
- "After what you made Regina do to me." Cora questioned with resentment.
- "It isn't like you to feel hurt, dearie, because we both know you can't." The Dark One pointed.
- "Enough with the drama. Tell me the reason of your visit." Cora sounded dangerous.
- "I have come to charge you for our deal." He said with a wicked grin.
- "I don't owe you anything." Cora answered sharply.
- "Has your brain gone missing like your heart did?" He spit out.
- "Isn't it a little late to come ask for me to bear your child?" Cora laughed.

Rumplestiltskin giggled and came even closer to her. He ran a finger over the embroidery on Cora's gown bust and smirked.

- "Your first-born is no longer what I need." He answered slowly.
- "And what is it then?" She asked emotionless.
- "I need you to interrupt a wedding." He said with glee.
- "Whose wedding?" She asked with curiosity.
- "Your daughter's." He told her between tight lips.
- "In that case, it will be my pleasure." Cora said with contentment.

Time in Wonderland advanced slowly. What seemed like a few hours were in fact weeks in the Fairytale world. Rumplestiltskin took his time to tell Cora about everything that had happened since her absence. If the Queen of Hearts had had one in her chest, she wouldn't just be sitting there with a cup of tea listening to the man who manipulated Regina against her, but Cora didn't care for her daughter's love anymore.

Regina betrayed her trust when she sent her through the Looking Glass and that kind of behavior wouldn't go unpunished. Her naughty child had proven not to fear her any longer but Cora knew now how to bend her daughter to her will. The Dark One had just provided her with the necessary tools to make her submit once again.

- "Emma… I'm curious about the woman who tamed that naughty child of mine." She said as she stood next to him.
- "You will meet her soon enough." The dark imp told her with amusement.
- "Just when this place was starting to grow in me." Cora said with sarcasm.
- "If you desire to come back I can always help with that, dearie!" Rumplestiltskin quickly offered.
- "Don't you dare." Cora's tone was final.

The Dark One summoned a big hat in his hands and put it on the ground. He made it spin rapidly and a magical twister began pulling them into its eye. They both jumped inside the wormhole and traveled back to their homeland.

(Present time)

In the Enchanted Forest

Regina and Emma teleported to Snow White's palace with the use of magic. This time it was Emma's gold sparkling smoke what engulfed and transported them into her castle's great room. It was a trick that made her feel slightly dizzy afterwards but she was growing fonder of how handy this newfound magic was.

Snow and Charming were having difficulty getting used to Emma's use of magic but they trusted her and knew it was for the better. David was the best swordsman in the land but his skill wouldn't suffice when it came to dueling the Dark One. Only Emma and Regina combined could stand a chance against Rumplestiltskin.

- "Emma, Regina. You're late!" Snow reprimanded.
- "Late for what, mom?" Emma frowned.
- "Rehearsal!" Snow said desperately.
- "I don't see how that's necessary, Snow." Regina said with boredom.
- "She didn't… just… say that. Did she?" Charming looked in disbelief at Emma.

Father and daughter turned to look at Snow White with fear and saw just how furious she was. If eyes could throw fireballs they knew Regina would be toast by now. But Regina was ignoring the look and instead asked the Queen for some water to drink, as if she were one of her maids. Yes, carrying the little prince inside her had its perks.

Snow sighed deeply and looked at Emma annoyed.

- "Why don't you summon your woman a glass." The Queen told her princess.
- "Uh… sure." Emma said nervously. She waved her hand and a glass of wine appeared in Regina's hand.
- "Really, dear?" Regina raised her eyebrow and then smiled.
- "UGH! Let me try again." Emma whined and her father took the glass and drank it.
- "Mmm... Not bad." He commented with humor.

Emma tried again and a new glass with fresh water was summoned. Regina gave it a doubtful taste and then drank it with patience, enjoying the exasperated look in Snow White's face.

- "Can we go know?" The Queen glared and asked with a tired voice.
- "Relax. You look old when you glare like that, little princess." Regina pushed her buttons.
- "Some of us actually age." Snow protested.

Emma and David again looked at each other and then back at their women. They knew better than to step into a catfight but curiosity got the best of Emma and finally asked what she wanted to ask for some time now.

- "How old would you be now, Gina?" She asked innocently but Regina turned to look at her with offense.
- "I'm twenty-six." The brown-eyed answered sternly.
- "She's fifty-four!" Snow finally had the chance to get back at the caramel beauty.
- "I'm not. And that is something I will forever be grateful for with your parents." She bit back.
- "Me too! Although, I would still have ban… never mind." Emma almost said it but stopped when she realized her mother could hear her and was disgusted with her improper comment. Regina just smiled and mentally high-fived Emma for her bad habit of thinking loudly.

The King was the first to go into the chapel because the women had to check through Snow's choices of garments, adornments and other things. They finally got to Emma's old bedchambers and were surprised to find it stacked with chests and presents from the neighbor kingdoms.

- "There are already gifts here?" Emma asked in surprise.
- "Of course, the wedding is in a couple of days." Snow answered normally.
- "I'm surprised we're getting any at all." Regina said in low volume.
- "I guess they would rather send you a present than a war declaration." Snow blurted.
- "Mom!" Emma glared.
- "I'm sorry! I didn't mean that." Snow apologized sincerely.
- "But it is true and that's fine. I just find it difficult to believe all of this." Regina sounded sad.
- "Are you feeling bad again, love?" Emma asked with concern.
- "No. I just… I need to check everything for poison and whatnot." Regina answered.
- "When will you learn to trust? Not everyone is up to do evil, Regina." Snow lectured her.
- "You don't know that until you do. Now let me do my search." She ignored the Queen.

Regina walked around the chambers with her hands extended and she went through every single thing there was in the place. Her hands were glowing with a purple light that sometimes flickered blue as she hovered them over the items.

She continued moving around while Emma and Snow stared with curiosity at her, until she suddenly stopped in front of a wooden box when her glow became red. She kneeled slowly and passed her hand once again and a purple light covered the chest. She waved her hand over the lock at the front and carefully opened the box. The contents revealed a three-headed snake that was moving with difficulty because of Regina's incantation.

- "What did you find?" Snow asked as she and Emma came to her side.
- "A memorable gift from King Charles." Regina answered.
- "Woah! Careful, Gina!" Emma kicked the lid closed.
- "Don't worry. I made them confused with my spell." She appeased them.
- "I never thought someone would send something like that." Snow said with shock.
- "It's a good thing I'm here to check." Regina told them calmly.
- "I'm going to have a serious talk with that man." Snow crossed her arms over her chest.
- "Leave it as it is. No one's hurt and I don't wish to answer to his war invitation." Regina remained unflustered.
- "You really have changed." Snow said with warmth in her voice and a sparkle of light in her eyes.
- "So they say." Regina returned an honest smile.
- "What do we do with this box?" Emma asked while she lifted it in her hands.
- "Leave that to me." Regina grinned with a hint of malice.

Regina waved her hand in front of the box and the viper's chest disappeared from Emma's hands. It appeared under King Charles's bed in his castle, without the lid closing the deathly trap. It was now in the hands of fate if those snakes would climb to his bed when the night became cold and a warm body invited them to join him in his last sleep.

- "So… back to the wedding." Snow called their attention.
- "Regina, what are you wearing for the big day? A dress I assume?" She asked nervously.
- "Your assumption is accurate, Snow." Regina answered politely.
- "Mine?" Snow asked with hope. She just wanted someone, anyone, to pass it onto.
- "WHAT? No. I would rather wear my mother's." Regina blurted.
- "What's wrong with my dress? Neither Emma nor you want it." The Queen complained.
- "It is just… a bit small for me to wear." Regina said against her pride because she didn't want to hurt her future mother-in-law for the first time.
- "Oh God! Let me see!" Snow had forgotten for a moment about Regina's condition.
- "It is starting to show nicely!" Emma said with a bright smile feeling pride in her doing.
- "You're right. The swell is evident now, not much but it is there." Snow said gently.
- "We won't hide our son." Emma said firmly.
- "Maybe nobody will even notice." Regina tried to soften after Emma's harsh tone.
- "I just want everything to be perfect." Snow said sheepishly.
- "And it will be." Emma moved to place a kiss on her mother's forehead.

They left to rehearse with some of their friends. There was Red, Granny and Tink. After a couple of hours, Snow considered it perfect and they went to have a feast in honor of the soon to be wedded couple. Everything was delicious and Emma ate until she had difficulty with her breathing. She just loved whenever Granny appeared to cook her traditional dishes for the royal family and missed that in the Dark Palace.

Their food at the Dark Palace was mostly summoned with magic because Emma didn't like cooking and she was horrible at it. She would burn water if you asked her for tea and Regina couldn't bring herself into the kitchen because of the mixed scents of ingredients. They made her feel sick and turned her stomach with her pregnancy. Magic food was tasty but it lacked that extra spice some called "love". It somehow fed not only your body but your soul too.

Regina enjoyed it as well, but she didn't eat like there would be no tomorrow. She didn't feel hungrier than before getting pregnant and her aesthetics were still a priority in her list, so she looked after her figure with strict caution. But she was tempted to accept David's invitation to have them everyday for dinner at the palace. Now that Emma had magic too, it should be no problem with transportation.

In the Dark Palace

- "I can't believe how quickly time has passed." Emma said to Regina.

Regina was wrapping her robe when Emma came close and untied the knot to reveal her naked belly again.

- "Eight weeks and this is still so small." The blonde continued.

She kneeled before Regina to kiss her tummy. It had become a nightly routine before sleeping.

- "I hope you still find it as attractive once it's bigger than a dragon's egg." Regina teased.
- "Even more then." Emma assured her.

Regina leaned down and cupped Emma's face in her soft hands. She looked lovingly into sparkling green eyes and brushed her red lips gently over Emma's. Pale lips trapped tinted in their loving grip and deepened the smooch. Emma slowly stood up and picked Regina in her arms to carry her to their bed.

They never broke the kiss on their way until it was too much for Emma to control her urge for going after Regina's sweet scented neck. The smell of lavender and honey had grown into her and she swore she could almost taste it.

Regina let out a soft moan when Emma's tongue slid down her neck savoring the sweet hint of honey she could feel in her buds but not quite fully taste. Her lover continued searching for the source of this new addicting treat. She would kiss and then let the tip of her tongue touch the surface of Regina's perfectly smooth skin. She moved past her collarbone and lift up her head to look into brown eyes with desire.

Regina tapped a finger over her lips and Emma obeyed kissing them hungrily. She nipped and pulled at her lower lip enjoying the sound Regina made with every movement. Her hands had by now memorized every inch of Regina's body and knew just when, where and how to touch her mistress for the desired reaction.

The Princess cupped her muse's breasts in her hands and caressed them gently; her fingers teasing the perked up pebbles turning the brunette's breathing heavier and her moaning louder. Their tongues met to play in a sultry kiss that lasted longer than their usual. It was pure bliss being together like this. There was no fear, no worries. They were letting love rule that night and got lost in each other's bodies.

Regina glided her long nails gently up Emma's nude back making her groan in delight. It encouraged her to remain face to face and on top. She slowly positioned her center in between Regina's welcoming legs to grind against her luscious core, maintaining a sultry kiss that complemented their passion.

They moved together in rhythm; their bodies already tuned to each other. They felt the air thicken with magic as tiny gold and purple sparkles shimmered all over the chamber. Their bodies glistened with beads of perspiration that reflected the light scintillating around them, making them look like little diamonds adorning their physique.

A strong wave traveled their bodies at the same time giving them a mind-blowing experience. But Emma could still push a little further and she knew madness was just around the corner, and she would make both of them reach that peak.

Green eyes glowed brighter, just like Regina's seemed to be shimmering as well. Emma arched her back lightly and Regina used that opportunity to catch one of her hard nipples in her mouth to torture it. Emma felt she was drifting into a blissful state without conscience but was brought back with a nibble from Regina's teeth that made her moan loudly.

That peak she knew they could reach quickly came and they quivered with the quake traveling their bodies. Emma collapsed over Regina's torso and looked for her mouth to kiss her one more time. They shared a subtler kiss with heavy breathing and turned to a side to lay to rest after getting completely drained with each other.

Emma had Regina inside her protective arms and kissed her on the back of her head.

"I adore you." She whispered in her ear.
Regina turned around to look into her eyes. "And I love you."

They both smiled with happiness and closed their eyes to get some sleep. They would have a long day ahead of them tomorrow.

The big day had come and Regina and Emma were feeling the pressure of living up to Snow White's expectations. It was a familiar feeling for Regina because she had always had to please her mother, but this was slightly different since it was Snow the new matriarch to satisfy. At least it was one without black magic to force her into submission, she thought.

Regina summoned the dress that had been her mother's. It wasn't because of Cora's wish for her to wear it when she was to be married with a King, but because it was the memory of how the dark sorceress married a kind man like her father and she saw that same resemblance in her own wedding. Traditions were meant to be repeated, only this time she would make sure her marriage didn't have the same end as her parents'.

Emma had transported to her father's chambers to get the monarchical uniform she was to wear for the wedding. A silver tunic with gold thread embroidered in elegant patterns adorned the emblematic suit of a rich King. Her father put the medals on the left side of her chest. One with the royal emblem of the lion and a flower and another of the enchanted tree; her heritage. Her majestic look was accentuated by a dark purple band going from left to right across her torso and a velvet cape in the same hue honoring her bride's favorite color.

Emma was waiting at the altar for her bride to come. Her father and her mother were beside her. Tinker Bell was on the opposite side waiting for Regina, who was walking down the aisle on her own.

Emma turned to look at her bride and lost her breath. She thought she was in a dream when her eyes took in the image of her gorgeous wife-to-be dressed in the elegant champagne dress with crystal beading on her bust. Her long black curls swung with grace behind her and she looked like a Queen in her own right. Even those who weren't fond of their union couldn't avoid letting their jaws drop when they watched the regal lady move with confidence across the room.

There was certain shyness in her brown eyes but she wouldn't let people notice it. Only Emma could see it and it gave her a warm feeling. She felt the urge to run to her and kiss her but she had to stay in her place to have the ceremony her mother had dreamed of.

Regina had almost made it to the altar when a crimson smoke appeared beside her. Rumplestiltskin materialized grabbing onto her arm to walk her the last steps closer to her Princess bride, making everyone whimper in fear.

- "Come, dearie! Don't leave your grrrroom waiting." He said as he dragged her along.
- "What are you doing here?" Regina asked in shock, breaking free from his grip.
- "I couldn't leave my pupil alone in her big day." He answered with a pained demeanor.
- "You never come with good intentions." The brunette told him.
- "You hurt my feelings, little monster! And I had even brought you a present." He put a hand on his chest in offense.

A mature voice came from behind them. The gates opened with a gust and a woman Regina and Snow knew very well became visible for them.

- "Sorry I'm late." Cora said as she moved with grace toward the unwed couple.

Emma drew out her sword and positioned herself in front of Regina. She looked at Cora with threatening eyes and kept a constant stare.

- "Emma, I assume." Cora said gently.
- "What have you come for, Cora?" Emma didn't feel an ounce of fear, unlike everyone else.
- "Is that any way to address your future mother-in-law, princess?" Cora said with disgust.
- "I see why you chose her, sweetheart." She looked at her daughter with disapproval.
- "Please let them have their wedding in peace, Cora." Snow pleaded.
- "Little Snow, my, you look really… grown up." The former duchess commented with ill will.
- "Mother! Please… let me be happy for once." Regina begged with tears, her voice breaking.

Everyone in court felt sympathy for Regina after hearing her younger voice come out and seeing her body trembling with as much fear as the one they all felt.

- "After everything I did for you, child, you pay me like this." Cora said bitterly.
- "When I said you would be Queen I didn't expect it to be like this." She continued.
- "I'm Queen of nothing and I don't care about what you expect anymore." Regina found her voice again and felt she could face her mother.
- "Do you not?" Cora came closer to Emma making Regina freeze on her spot.
- "How did this Savior achieve saving your wretched heart?" Her mother narrowed her eyes on the blonde curled princess with curiosity.

Regina felt scared but relieved at the same time because she knew Emma's heart couldn't be ripped out. At least she couldn't do it before, but could Cora achieve claiming the Savior's heart? It was something she didn't want to find out.

- "I think the blue wench over there might have an answer for that!" Rumplestiltskin shouted pointing at the Blue Fairy.
- "What? Don't bring me into your family mess." The fairy felt angered and had her wand ready.
- "Only one way to find out." Cora looked at Regina with a dangerous gleam.
- "Go ahead and try." Emma challenged and put back her sword.
- "No! Emma!" Regina hated Emma's reckless nature for the first time.
- "Stop it Cora! Guards!" Snow yelled and sent her guards against her but Rumplestiltskin whipped his fingers and red smoke turned knights into helpless mice.

Cora was amused by Emma's recklessness and she was going to enjoy ripping out this heart in particular more than any other she had ever claimed. She stretched her hand and smiled broadly before violently pushing her hand into the blonde's chest. It took her a brief moment to grab hold of the curious heart in her hand and it was becoming difficult to draw it out.

- "What in the world are you?" Cora said in barely audible voice.

Emma smiled proudly when the dark sorceress strained trying to rip out her heart.

- "Whatever it is, I will find out and take it next time." Cora menaced before drawing out an empty hand and vanishing in a purple smoke together with the Dark One.

The Blue Fairy quickly turned mice back into their human form and everyone attending to the wedding started to relax after the terrifying visit, but became worried again when Emma fell on her knees after the two evil beings left the sacred chamber.

Her parents, Regina and their fairies quickly made it to her side to help her stand up.

- "Are you okay, baby?" Snow asked her child with worry.
- "Yes, but it hurts a lot. It wasn't like last time." Emma told her.
- "Last time?" The blue fairy asked bewildered.
- "Yes. I tried it before with the same outcome." Regina answered making them frown.
- "How was this different, Emma?" Tinker Bell asked with confusion.
- "I felt she was close to taking it. The other time I didn't feel anything, like there was nothing there to be taken but I could feel it now." The Princess breathed heavily.

Tinker Bell's eyes widened in realization and tried to look away from the party gathered around Emma. Her somber demeanor was obvious to the Blue Fairy and she wouldn't let it slip.

- "What do you know?" She asked Green with a stern voice.
- "What? Me? Nothing!" The novice tried to get away with it.
- "No, you do know something." Snow White looked closely.
- "I… may have done something forbidden. But it was with good intention!" Tink confessed.
- "Does this have something to do with that stolen Pixie Dust?" Blue asked remembering.
- "Yes…" Tinker Bell looked guilty and started to speak.

She told them about the special mix she had prepared with the ashes she harvested in Regina's stable. The Pixie Dust had helped her fix it into Snow White's baby, whom she had been treating ever since early in her conception. Her excuse was to bring back Regina's True Love and save her, and everyone for that matter, but it didn't justify her crime.

"When True Love's kiss broke Cora's curse on Regina, the shield made from Daniel's heart ash shattered and went back into Emma's chest completing her own heart. That gold glow you witnessed was both your hearts setting free from Cora's curse and going back home."

The fairy explained carefully trying not to confuse them any further. It was even hard for her to fully understand what she had done there.

- "Do you have any idea of what you've done?" Blue was furious.
- "Yes. I saved them from losing each other." Green defended her actions.
- "Snow could have not made it through her pregnancy!" Blue scolded.
- "But she did. They both did..." Tinker Bell looked at the floor realizing what could have been the price of her magic.
- "Oh God, this is too much." Snow felt she was going to faint and David caught her.
- "A match made in heaven, huh?" Charming teased attempting to lighten the mood.
- "More like in hell." Snow blurted.
- "I don't care. I love her and we will marry." Emma recovered her strength and slid her arm under Regina's to walk her to the altar.
- "Are you still doing this?" The Blue Fairy asked in surprise.
- "Of course. That's the reason why we came here." Emma answered.
- "The wedding will resume!" The King announced their guests, who were just as confused as them.

They made their vows and True Love's kiss sealed their promises. Everyone clapped showing their support to the couple and they left to ballroom, so the married couple could share their first waltz in celebration of the sacred bond.

Cinderella was the first to come greet them. She was very happy for the newly weds and gave each of them a hug before leaving. She apologized because she had to go early since her little Alexandra was very clingy and they knew she would give hell to her nana until she had mommy and daddy come to read her a story.

Jasmine and Aladdin had also been invited to the wedding. They attended gladly because Snow White had been one of the few princesses who felt happy about their union. Not many royals supported Jasmine's marriage to a thief but Snow wasn't judgmental and just like she was happy for Cinderella for overcoming the obstacles, she was for Aladdin for proving himself worthy of Agrabah's sweetheart.

Seeing Jasmine made Emma a little nervous. The now Empress of Agrabah had been her first girl crush and she still remembered the night she asked the cinnamon skinned beauty to give her a chance. That was before knowing Aladdin was already winning her over with the help of a witty genie.

Regina noticed the struggle in Emma and felt a little jealous because of the way her now wife was looking at Jasmine. But how could she avoid it? The dark skinned lady was wearing a revealing turquoise sari open at the belly that let her alluring curves show nicely. Regina slid her arm behind the blonde and pinched her in the butt to snap her out of trance. They thanked Jasmine for her company and the amazing presents she brought from her land with all kind of oriental rugs, lamps and décor for their new home.

Princess Aurora had been one of those who didn't come to the wedding. The same had happened in Jasmine's union. She was strict when it came to tradition and was slightly bitter for a reason only a couple knew. Emma being one of them, since she had learned about it from no other than Mulan. The "only" woman in Robin's merry group of men, because Emma was a man named Henry in their eyes.

When Mulan confronted her because she suspected she was hiding something, Emma revealed her secret. The female warrior understood the hardships of being a rebellious woman and respected her decision to appear a man before her comrades. On exchange she trusted her own secret: her love for Aurora, and how the princess rejected her because it wouldn't be "normal", but not because she didn't return her feelings.

Overall, it was a fabulous party once they digested the bitter experience from earlier. Snow had overdone it with the spectacle she got for entertainment of their invitees. The best artists were performing acrobatics with mastery; food was abundant and delicious to please even the pickiest; thousands of flowers embellished the palace and there wasn't a corner that hadn't been carefully thought out by a professional decorator.

It was her dream after all, to give her child only the best she could offer. She didn't do it to show off how wealthy her realm was. It was to show her daughter just how much she loved her and how she welcomed the partner she had chosen with the same affection.