I do not own Once Upon a Time.

So sorry this chapter is super late. I have reasons.

Enjoy.

It was a week before I cold get an audience with the queen and king. I do imagine they had their plates full, both with the war and then family. How did one find balance?

I was dressed in something I thought looked professional, it was obviously wasn't the same dress I wore to the wedding. This outfit I could move and breathe in.

Was I nervous? Maybe slightly. This was a big deal, it was me finally showing people what I knew and that I could help and make a difference. I was much more than a pretty face.

Of course my help came at a price. I wanted to be involved with the magical communication aspect, be in the war room. I wasn't just giving the information away. The fairies might not fully understand it, but I did.

"Belle?" A footman stood by the door. "They are ready to see you now."

I nodded and smiled. It was now or never.

And never didn't apply to me anymore.

I entered the throne room. To my surprise, it wasn't just Queen Snow White and King David there. Princess Emma, the Blue Fairy and another blonde woman were sitting at a large round table.

"Belle, it is so nice to see you." Queen Snow White greeted me warmly with a hug. "Your father was one of our most decorated Riders. I'm curious to hear what you discovered that could help us win this war."

"You already know Emma and the Blue Fairy. Also joining us is Elsa, my niece from Arendell. She possesses ice powers and, combined with Emma's magic, make the connection stronger for the Riders."

"Any help to keep the Riders safe is our top priority." Emma said and I knew she was thinking about her husband.

"Yes, Your Majesties. I found an interesting story and spell in an ancient book while going about my studies. It told of the sun goddess who fell in love with the moon god and he returned her feelings. But they were never together, one was always rising while the other was setting. The sun goddess was wise and created the stars as a communication link to the moon, companions that shone with the love she had for him." That was a true legend, one I heard from one of the past Magic Ones during a dream. In the past few months, they had become quite helpful.

"The spell only requires a bit of star light fused into piece of metal. The metal is then inserted into the helmet of the Rider and they are able to communicate with each other anywhere on the battlefield."

The Blue Fairy looked thoughtful. "Where did you happen to find such knowledge?"

"In a cave, there were a few large volumes of lore." I meant the Cave of the Magic Ones but she didn't need to know that. Not that she was allowed in.

She only nodded, somehow accepting my story. Did she have any idea who I was and the change that was coming?

"That's a beautiful story and the spell does sound doable." Elsa said.

"Can the same spell be used in the war room? I have been working on a way to keep track of the Riders, something like a magical chess board. A large map with moving pieces to see both the Riders and the ogres." Emma asked.

"That could be possible." I agreed. This was getting bigger than I had thought. But it was a good thing.

"It will be a clear night tonight, I'll make sure we have some metal and test this spell." King David said.

"It all does sound promising. Belle, thank you so much for binging this to our attention. If it is successful, how can we repay you?" Queen Snow White asked.

"I want to be in the war room, watching this spell work."

"Done. Will you stay for dinner then we can test the spell tonight?"

"I would be honored."

Much later that night, I stood with Emma at the far end of the castle. The Blue Fairy was with Elsa in the throne room. The spell was complete, now to see if we could hear anything from inside.

The night was silent, as if also holding its breath to see if it worked.

A small piece of metal, shaped like a snow flake, sat in Emma's hand, obviously the queen had picked the shape.

Did I start some small talk while we waited? What could we even talk about? She was the Crown Princess, destined to rule. I was the next Magic One, destined to used magic protect the realm. We were going to have to be a team at some point against some magical foe. Better get a good relationship started now.

"How are you doing, married life and all?" I asked, feeling lame.

She smiled. "Married life is good. I still live at home, but a completely different wing. Far enough away but the commute to work is short for the both of us. Maybe someday, we'll move out to our own castle. Then move back in here when I'm crowned." She chuckled. "But that's a very long time in the future."

That I couldn't confirm or deny, but I did nod.

"What about you? What are your plans for the future? Being in the war room isn't going to last forever, the war will end."

"I'm content being the friendly neighbor bookworm. I have a circle of friends and a small embroidery class. Who knows what my future holds."

Emma looked at me oddly. I tried not to squirm under her gaze. Her superpower was telling her I was keeping something from her.

"Hello? Emma? Can you hear me?" A voice was coming faintly from Emma's hand.

"Elsa? Yes, I can hear you! It worked, it really worked!" Emma sounded excited and relived.

"Did you have any doubt it wouldn't?" I asked not meaning to sound offended. Honestly I had a little bit of doubt myself.

"No, of course not. I would always trust you." And she hugged me.

I hugged her back. Over her shoulder, I saw a cloud of purple smoke appear. The Dark One stood there, smiled at me then disappeared.

I had done well.

Readers, I am sadly taking a break from this story. My daughter came four weeks early and I'm settling into being a mom for the first time. I don't know when I can get to the remaining four chapters but they will be posted eventually. Thank you for reading the story so far.