A/N: I do not own OUAT. Though... it would be rather cool

sorry for any spelling mistakes.

Just breathe.

In and out.

The air around me was thick. It was chilled causing small shivers. The smell of dampness filled my nostrils, overwhelming my senses. The slight creaking of pipes and dripping of water echo in my ears. I shifted from heel to toe, rocking back and forth. Trying to will myself to walk. My arms are covered in goose bumps as my white button up shirt barely covered them. I was clad in leather riding pants, which kept my legs warm in this environment. My hair was slightly curled, falling down between my shoulder blades.

I breathe in and out.

"..Emma dear?"

Regina.

Her voice soothed me out of my thoughts, calming me instantly.

I feel her hand touch my back gently, it resting at where my shoulder blades meet. I lean softly into her embrace, as she moves to my side. Sighing when I feel her touch.

"I just… I have a lot to say but then again, nothing at all." I confess, my nerves cracking through my voice. I fold my arms roughly together, placing my hand on my upper arms. My nails dig a little bit into the skin, calming me slightly.

Regina pulled my hands away, and placed a small kiss on each of my knuckles.

"You do not have to do this… You do not owe her anything dear." Regina's voice is like a soft whisper against the shell of my ear.

"I know, but I have to do this… "I start rocking on my feet again, closing my eyes shut tight.

"Why Emma?" She asks softly, pulling me slightly tighter against her.

"Closure."

"Well Well… It is my darling daughter. Did you miss me?" My Mother smirked, sending a shiver of fear run down my spine.

My whole body stiffens, as my mother locks her gaze on my eyes. I am unable to look away from her burning eyes. My voice lodges itself in my throat.

She is locked up.

She looks small behind bars, kneeling on the dusty floor. Smudges plastered all over her face and clothing.

Regina moves closer towards me, her hands falling on my hips. She stood in front of my view of My Mother. I snap out of the trance, noticing my hands were trembling.

"Emma… She cannot hurt you anymore.. I am here if you need me." Regina whispered softly.

I nod softly, placing my forehead against hers.

Needing her comfort.

A laugh erupts throughout the dungeons.

Regina and I turn our gaze towards the laughing prisoner.
Regina's hands sparkle with a hint of Magic, sending small bolts of it up my arm.

Never hurting .

"Do you really think Regina will be with you forever?!" She laughs. "She will leave Emma… just like your father.. Just like Adalyn and-"

"Mother Do not speak her name!" I pleaded, clenching my jaw in anger.

The whole atmosphere shifted.

"I TOLD YOU DO NOT CALL ME THAT!" She growled, pulling herself up to the bars.

"Fine" I seethed. "Giselle Do not speak her name. Do not speak of her! Do not even mention her to me!"

In the corner of my eyes I can see confusion etching Regina's features. I grab her hand tighter in mine, running my thumb over the top of it.

"Oh you do not want me to speak of that girl you could not save Emma..? That girl that stood in my way. That girl who died because of how selfish you were!"

I was seething, my teeth clenched tightly. My jaw ached from the pressure and tears swarmed my eyes.

The guilt of my Mothers words falling on top of me like a ton of bricks.

"You killed that poor girl Emma… like how you killed Adalyn." Giselle smirked.

It is like the ground under my feet was collapsing.

It was all too much.

I feel Regina shaking me, trying to get me to respond. I could not will myself to even blink.. or breathe properly.

I ran.

"So Emma.. and Regina" Snow hesitated, gaining both of our attentions. ".. James and I were thinking of having a ball in your honor… to apologize."

We sat around the dining table. Snow and James were still scolding their daughter, but Talia did not mind. She kept glancing up at us, grinning. Regina sat beside me, closer than were she was intended to sit. She pulled her chair over to me, along with her place mat. Regina has refused to leave my side. I could tell in her eyes she was afraid to lose me again, as I her.

"A… a ball?" I stutter, confused.

Did they not just lock me up a few days ago?

"Yes a ball! I would really would love to throw you one; we could have it tomorrow night!" Snow exclaimed, clapping her hands excitedly.

I glance over at Regina, she was expressionless. Though her eyes had tiny flecks of amusement… and hatred.

Clearly the hatred towards Queen Snow.

"I do not have a dress though… or actually any clothing since you did kidnap me." I tease, a hint of venom laced through my voice.

I do not understand why Regina cannot take me back to her palace.

I am growing very tired of Snow and James trying to make everything up to me.

"I apologized for tha- "Snow grumbled, ready to argue.

"Sometimes an apology is not enough to cover up the bruises." I interrupted her.

I fell Regina stiffen next to me, her expressionless face bursting with anger. She grabs my hand, pulling it onto her lap.

"Actually I think a ball would be a wonderful Idea Snow" She growled. " … You can tell all your guests how you took my love, but were mistaken."

Snow open her mouth to argue, when Talia stood up..

"That is an excellent Idea Queen Regina.. right Mom?" Talia glared at Snow. Her tone was filled with authority.

King James looked guiltily down at his plate, staying silent.

Snow took a deep breath, glancing over at Regina and I.

"Alright Regina.. we will do so." She huffed, going back to her dinner.

I glance over at my Regina.

A smirk plastered on blood red lips.

I have a feeling there is going to be more to this ball than Snow thinks..

please review :)

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