Disclaimer: I don't own OUAT.
Emma and her mother stroll in the gardens, enjoying the clear, sky blue day.
"So," her mother begins as they pass the fountain. "Am I to expect wedding bells in the near future?"
Emma blanches, staring at the water flowing down each tier of the beautiful stone fountain.
"No, not yet," she says. "I want to travel the world first, help out the kingdom." Her mother doesn't say anything, just continues walking alongside her. "There's no rush, I know Killian is it for me. An exchange of rings and a royal decree won't make it any different."
The queen sighs, turning to face her daughter. "I know that. Emma. I felt the same way with your father. In fact, we were already married before we came home. However, the people need to know that kingdom's future is secure."
The princess's lips turn down. "But you and Father are still plenty young enough to rule."
"Yes, we are, but the people become antsy when they see there's no one next in line."
The blonde scowls as they turn a corner. Emma stops to admire the pink and yellow tulips that grow along the path.
"I will sit on the throne one day, but I wish to do more than sit in the castle all day. I want to be like you and Father. You two saw so much before taking your place on the throne. I want that experience."
"I know, Emma, I know." Her mother pats her arm lovingly. "I'm a better ruler for seeing outside the castle walls and knowing what's going on with the villagers and those who depend upon us."
Emma nods, taking a seat on a nearby stone bench. She's quiet for a moment, her fingers playing with a daffodil next to her.
"What's on your mind, sweetheart?" the queen asks as she sits next to her daughter, gazing at the young woman.
"Is it possible that I have magic in me?" the princess inquires. "I mean, with what happened with Gold, it just seems too much of a coincidence that I wanted him to stop hurting me and Killian and my wish was granted."
Her mother sighs, hands folded in her lap "When you were born, we were told of the possibility that you could have some magic in you since you're the product of True Love, but it was never confirmed. And well, with your royal duties and other responsibilities, we didn't want to burden you with something we weren't even certain of at the time."
"Did you ever inquire further?"
The queen nods. "We did. We looked for signs that your magic developed, consulted with fairies to see if there was a certain age where your magic might come to fruition. However, nothing ever came of it."
Emma purses her lips, wanting to be annoyed at her parents for not at least informing her of the even the slightest chance of having magic. However, she sees their side of things. Why alarm her over something that showed no signs of ever happening?
"Maybe it came when I needed it the most?" the blonde suggests.
The queen cocks her head in thought. "It's possible. And you are over eighteen, so maybe when you reached full maturity, your magic would begin to display itself."
"Is there anyone we can talk to about this?"
"Your grandmother might be of some help."
The princess resists the urge to groan. "Regina?" Her grandmother isn't the friendliest of people and Emma's not very close with her.
"Yes, after all, she knows more about magic than any of us."
"Dark magic," the princess grumbles.
"Magic is only light or dark if the user chooses to make it so," her mother reminds her gently. "Regina turned herself around and repented for her transgressions against us and the kingdom."
"I know, I know," the princess grumbles. Still, she wasn't looking forward to speaking with her ever sarcastic relative.
Her mother rises, beaming. "Come, let us visit her now. I'm sure she'd love the company."
Emma just rolls her eyes as they make their way to her grandmother's wing of the castle.
This was so not going to be fun.
The princess and queen enter the chambers of Regina, who is currently lounging on chaise, book in hand. Looking up, the former Evil Queen raises an eyebrow.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of a visit from my daughter and granddaughter?"
Sarcastic as ever, Emma notes. But, the light in woman's eyes indicates that she does appear at least somewhat happy to see them.
Her mother gestures to Emma to explain everything. The princess goes onto to tell her story yet again. As she spins her tale, her grandmother's eyebrows raise a fraction, seemingly interested. When Emma's done, her grandmother rises from the chaise and goes to a fruit bowl on the table.
"I wonder," she murmurs, eyeing her granddaughter as she picks an orange from the pile of fruit. She holds it up before placing it on the table. "I want you to focus on that orange, try to communicate your desire for it to float. If my assumptions are correct, you should be able to levitate it with no issue. You know, given the fact that you were able to launch a man in the air."
Emma shoots Regina a doubtful glance before shifting her gaze to the fruit. She focuses on the object, wishing it would move. After a few moments, the orange slowly begins to lift off the table and into the air. It takes a minute, but soon, the fruit levitates a few inches above the table's surface.
"Oh, Emma," her mother gasps.
"Congratulations, dear niece," her grandmother says sardonically, "you have magic."
"I have magic," Emma murmurs in awe. She's not quite sure how to feel about it, but she knows she'll have to deal with it.
"I suggest you practice in order to gain control of your powers. Uncontrolled magic can wreak havoc, as we all know too well." There's a note of bitterness in Regina's voice.
"Will you train me?" Emma asks. "I mean, it seems logical, since you've dealt with magic the most out of all of us."
Regina's lips twitch. "If that is what you wish, Princess."
"Thank you!"
"Training starts tomorrow then. Better to start sooner than later."
"Of course," Emma agrees.
"Thank you, Regina," her mother says with a grateful smile. Regina waves a dismissive hand.
The queen and princess go to leave, but Regina stops them.
"Oh, and Emma?"
The blonde furrows her eyebrows. "Yes?"
"I'm glad you're home safe."
Emma nods and gives Regina a small smile before following her mother out the door.
Maybe spending time with her grandmother won't be as bad as the princess originally thought.
The duo makes their way back to the throne room, having received news that Killian and her father are on their way back. On their route, the two royals hear what appears to be shouting from the kitchen.
"What in the heavens?" her mother mutters, making her way to the kitchen. Sure enough, as they get closer, shouting can be clearly heard from the other side of the door. The queen throws the door open, hands on hips. At her appearance, the rooms goes deadly silent. "What is all this shouting? Emma and I can hear you from two floors up!"
"It was nothing, Your Majesty, just a minor disagreement," August says in reassurance. A snort from the other side of the room contradicts his statement. The queen raises an eyebrow at the source of the sound, which is one of the cooks.
"We were having a 'discussion' about the newest guest," the cook admits.
"Wait, this is about Killian?" Emma interjects, scanning the room. It's then that she notices it. The staff members that were on the ship are on one side of the kitchen and the rest of the staff on the other.
"Aye, Your Highness," one of the maids mutters.
"Need I remind you that his is a guest by invitation?" her mother admonishes.
"But, Your Majesty, the things he's done! He could steal from you and you would never know it!" It's one of the butlers this time.
"And he's got that hook. He could easily kill all of you while you sleep in your beds," someone else adds.
"No, he won't!" one of the servants from the ship objects.
"Enough!" Emma snaps. "Killian is a guest and you will treat him with respect. You don't have to like it, but you will do it."
"Forgive me, Princess, but you're not exactly an impartial party here," one of the maids says. "Your and the rests of the crew from the ship's judgment is clearly clouded."
"And what of mine?" the queen pushes, glaring. "I have met the man myself and I can safely say that he is trying his best." Everyone is silent at that. "That's what I thought." Casting her eyes over everyone, the queen says, "Captain Jones will be treated with respect as any other guest would visiting the castle. If I hear that any of you go against my orders, I will ensure that you will not work here any longer. Is that clear?" A chorus of "Yes, Your Majesty" echoes through the room. Her mother beams. "Good!"
With that, the queen turns and departs, Emma following after her.
"I hadn't realized the staff would be so divided," the princess says.
Her mother shrugs. "It's to be expected. You'll have to invite a controversial guest or two during your time as queen. It's best to learn how to handle it now." The matriarch continues. "Obviously, Killian is different since he'll most likely be a permanent fixture in the castle. I was harder than I normally would be when it comes to...interesting guests."
"Huh." A small smile graces Emma's face as she realizes just how much her mother supports her relationship with Killian.
"Now, let's go greet our significant others. Though, I do suggest your keep your affections to a minimum. Your father doesn't need to collapse at such a young age."
The princess throws her head back and laughs as the two venture into the throne room.
When they enter, Emma spots her father and Killian deep in conversation, her father letting out a laugh at whatever Emma's beloved says. As if sensing her arrival, Killian turns his head and beams, an easy smile on his face.
"Hello, love," he greets, wrapping his arms around her as soon as she's within reach. She swears a small whine emits from her father's mouth, but she ignores it, placing her arms around Killian's neck.
"Thank you for the tour, Ho-Killian," her father says. Her lover turns toward the kings. "Hopefully, we can do it again sometime."
"Aye, as well as fix your tolerance of rum," the pirate teases.
The king rolls his eyes. "Uh huh. Anyway, the queen and I have things we must attend to. We will see you two at dinner."
"See you later, Papa, Mama," Emma says, nodding before turning her attention back to her lover.
Once they're out of ear shot, Killian murmurs, "I think they're going to visit the prince."
"He's here?" She hadn't Neal being brought in.
"Aye, in the dungeons, I assume."
Emma shrugs, having no desire to see Neal after everything. Her mother and father can deal with him as they see fit.
"So, how was your day?" she asks as they walk, Killian's arm around her waist.
He tells her everything from his trip with her father, Emma becoming highly amused at the slow friendship her pirate and her father are establishing.
"I'm glad to see you two getting along," she says.
"As long as he doesn't throw me in the dungeon, I'm happy," her lover jokes as they reach the parlor. "So, what were you up to today?"
She tells him about everything. Well, except for the kitchen staff fight. Emma knows Killian already doubts himself, he doesn't need the extra burden put on him.
"So, you're going to be learning magic?" he states in wonderment as they lounge on the sofa.
"Yeah," she replies. She frowns as something occurs to her. "Would that bother you? My magic, I mean?"
Killian shakes his head. "Of course not, love. Your magic is part of you." Pulling her into his lap, he rests his chin on her shoulder. "And I love every part of you."
"Every part?" she goads.
"Every part. Even your stubbornness." He touches her nose before pulling her in for a kiss. "And who knows? Maybe your magic is the reason our kisses feel so...enchanting." He smirks.
She snorts and playfully shoves him in response. "Har har."
"Sorry, love, couldn't resist."
"Silly pirate,' she mumbles, turning her face into his chest.
They stay like that until the dinner bell rings, neither of them speaking, just enjoying each other's company.
"Maybe I can just make the food appear," the princess mutters, not wanting to move.
Killian chuckles. "I think you should practice a bit more before trying that. Then, perhaps, you can get us breakfast in bed." He waggles his eyebrows, causing her to roll her eyes in exasperation.
"It's always about sex with you."
"Pirate, love," he reminds her.
"Yeah, yeah."
She shoves him affectionately before they make their way toward the dining room, feeling content.
Hopefully, tomorrow is as lovely.
