Thanks so much for all the comments, lots to address in the coming chapters so not everything will be resolved immediately. Sorry to keep you waiting but gong chronologically.
Previously in The Collar
I will beat you if you derive pleasure from it, as you often do, but not that. Not again. Not you."
Emma standing, still held by the queen, staring into magic filled eyes and lost in them for a long moment.
"Why?" She had to ask although she felt she knew the answer.
"Because I care for you," Regina releasing her grip and turning away, staring unseeingly over the grounds.
"I care for you," Emma admitting, stepping closer as she studied the queen's profile, allowing a darker shadow slip unseen along the palace wall.
"I know this," Regina huffing. "The way you tended to my welfare in your world proved this to me. The way you ensured my comfort and respected me when you bedded me -. Not since Elizabeth -." The words cut off by an abrupt exhale.
Emma herself inhaling sharply at the admittance before starting an internal panic as she realised what she was being told. Care, yes -.
"You love me?"
"I do."
The words hung, weighted with truth and utmost vulnerability.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Emma was at a loss, how to respond to such a confession?
Regina seeing the hesitation and pulling back, physically and emotionally, features hardening, emotions locking down.
"I see." Was all that was spoken before Emma was left alone with only the frisson in the air and the taste of magic in her mouth.
"Fuck!" Emma snarling as she kicked out at the chair, the force splintering its frame as it collapsed in a heap of twisted timber. "Fuck," the cry softer, pained as Emma slumped down against the wall. "Fuck!" A sob as she tried to process what had jut happened and how she felt. Nothing made sense any more!
A few deep breaths and she forced herself to focus on getting through the day. The queen, Regina -, Regina couldn't avoid her forever, could she? Would she be banished now, forced out of her life like Alexis had been? The thought so foreign now she had returned willingly, committed herself to remaining here. With Regina.
"Fuck!"
After sitting in shock until the sun came up Emma still had no idea how to proceed. She had no experience with love, she knew she cared for Regina and had confessed as much. But love? How would she even know what that felt like? Maggie was her closest friend and she cared about her but their relationship was based on friendship, nothing more and they could go long periods without seeing each other due to their jobs. She also cared about her old martial arts instructor but he'd retired to be near his family and their relationship had been chaste, he was akin to a father figure to her, or what she knew one should be having no personal experience to go on.
She had very few ties in her life which why the move here had been so easy, no family, no 'loved' ones to leave behind.
What the fuck was she supposed to do now? Back of her her head banging against the wall behind her in a frustrated rhythm.
She was too sore to work out so she knew that would not be smart despite how much she wanted to punch something so she just sat, staring out as the palace wakened and sprung to life, dawn passing and the sun rising on what looked to be a fair day, weather wise at least. Who knew how it may turn out now the queen had been rejected?
When the hour was decent she went to wash and dress, nudging the sleeping slave with her toe as she passed to wake her.
"Where is the Queen?" Red questioning Emma, finding her in the outer chamber the moment the wolf was awake, bathed and dressed.
"I don't know," Emma shaking her head, she looked exhausted Red noting concernedly. But, the queen had barely slept either so it was not a surprise.
"Has she broken her fast?"
"I don't know, I haven't seen her since before dawn," Emma pinching the bridge of her nose and the way her shoulders were hunched gave Red a bad feeling. "I can't say what we spoke about but she left and I've not seen her since." The two exchanging a concerned look, broken when Red nodded and looked to the new slave kneeling on the floor by the fireplace.
"Thank you, I will find her," Red huffing. "Come," a crooking of her finger had Emma following her out onto the balcony and Red closing the doors behind them to ensure their privacy from the yet untrusted slave.
"She was physically unharmed?"
"Yes, it had more to do with our conversation, I believe," Emma felt a headache coming on from the stress and lack of sleep and rubbed the heel of her hand in hard circles against her forehead in an attempt to alleviate the burgeoning pain.
"I appreciate your discretion but I believe I have a good idea what troubles her," Red sighing and noting Emma's reaction to her confession. Emma looked guilty and Red felt her protective instincts flare but withheld any comment. "I shall not interfere, it is between you and the Queen." Emma just nodding, not really having anything to say at this point, emotions still in turmoil and head throbbing.
"I would also like to apologise to you for losing my temper," Red continuing. That caught Emma's attention, head snapping up to look Red in the eye.
"Why? I deserved it," Emma snorting and stepping back so she was leaning against the door and directly facing the wolf, arms crossed over her chest.
"I am not a fool, Emma. I know why you did it and you yourself will agree the punishment was necessary for such a breach of conduct. I lost my temper and because of that I forced the Queen to be harsher than she wished to be, to both your detriments. That is what I wish to apologise for. You are my friend and I care for you, I am also prideful and untested in such situations. I will learn, the Queen will teach me," Red finishing her speech and waiting, eyes still on her friend, she didn't look well.
"Thank you but I know I deserved it, you know I wanted it but I think you cracked a rib," Emma wincing as she tested the movement of her left arm again.
"You're in pain, your head too?" Red suddenly a lot more concerned.
"I'm just tired," Emma shrugging off the ailments. She'd had much worse.
"Come, I have medicine that will help you," Red not believing her friend was only suffering physically.
"Thanks," Emma offering the wolf a smile. "I missed you while we were gone. It was nice spending time alone together with her but you'd have enjoyed it too."
"Yes, the Queen was sharing her experiences with me last night. It sounds intriguing. And you were missed too, my friend," Red clasping Emma on the shoulder, gently so as not to aggravate any injury before opening the doors and re-entering the chamber.
"Slave." 116 rising to her feet at Mistress Red's command and following her and Mistress Swan from the room out into the hallway only to find herself told to wait outside another door, (almost opposite the queen's suite but a little further down the hallway) the two older women disappearing inside. They were only a few moments then the small party was travelling again, further down the hallway and past three pairs of guards (Mistress Red pausing at each to identify her as the queens new slave) then a grand staircase that led down to the right. A few moments later Mistress Red was knocking on a door and waiting, 116 did not hear any call to enter but Mistress Red must have done as she turned the ornate handle and opened the door.
"Miss Eva," Red offering a half bow on the threshold before entering. 116 looking to Mistress Swan who gave a nod of permission so she followed them inside. The room was large with impressive windows at the far end, the top panels stained in vivid colours and depicting a battle scene buttressed between stone columns that formed the windows' frames. After sizing up the room she switched to assessing its occupants. Mistress Eva was there as were the other slaves, Mistress Eva sitting behind a large table that lay scattered with heavy leather bound books, actual scrolls and other random sheets of paper. The other slaves were kneeling to her left side, against the wall, posture good and now looking their way curiously.
"You look like you've been keeping busy?" Red remarking as she picked up the nearest sheaf and flicked though the pages. "Trade agreements? Emma has a good eye for those."
"Yes, I thought I would familiarise myself with the basics," Eva replying with a sigh, "they are very boring though."
"They can be," Emma snorting and rolling her eyes, hands resting on her hips. Eva thinking that she looked worn and tired but not surprising given her punishment and probably uncomfortable nights' sleep.
"Well, I've come to discuss some business before the council meeting," Red revealing the reason for their visit. "Emma, I have no need for you now. Maybe now would be a good time to ensure the slave knows her place?" The wolf glaring at 116, she still did not trust her.
"If you're sure you don't need me?" Emma looking between the two, the herbal infusion Red had given her in her rooms working wonders on her aches, head now clear and ribs barely noticeable, especially since she'd wrapped them when dressing for the day.
"No, council business, nothing you can assist with but thank you. Can you take these two as well?" Red sighing as she waved in the vague direction of Belle and Greta, "I need a break."
"Sure," Emma eyeing her friend. "You look exhausted." Even after a night in the queen's bed Red had bags under her eyes.
"I am, it was rather stressful and I could have done with some time to prepare but, as everyone has pointed out to me, it was a test!"
"I know the feeling," Emma agreeing with a shake of her head, their departure had been extremely abrupt. "Come on you two, fall in," ordering the slaves to accompany her. "Send for me if you need me. Miss Eva," Emma acknowledging the faye.
"It's nice to see you back, cousin," Eva smiling at the brief flash of surprise that crossed Emma's face at the familial term but she only received a nod in return.
"Later," Red clasping her friend's shoulder once again and this time Emma's hand falling to cover it briefly before she left (but avoiding eye contact), the slaves gathered behind her.
"We're free for a bit, let me give you a tour," Emma suggesting as soon as they had exited the building, down the staircase and out through one of the main doors, 116 nodded after being addressed directly .
"Yes, please."
"We missed you, Emma," Greta announced, having watched the older women's exchange.
"I missed you too," Emma acknowledging, ruffling her hair, Greta feigning annoyance as she rifled her fingers through her thick curls to resettle them, but touched by her words.
"It's good to be home." Despite the crippling emotional stress she had buried deep, Emma reminding herself.
"It is?" Greta asking, ever curious.
"It is, have you both been good?" Emma's tone stern.
"Yes, Emma!" The pair chorused dutifully.
"Of course we have, but it's been hard," Greta sighing.
"Tell me?" Emma asking now they were outside on the pathway encircling the palace and afforded them a little more privacy, all relaxing as the sun hit them. 116 was still trying to work out the dynamics of the slaves; Greta was very familiar with Emma, in a literal sense, Belle was less so, she seemed amenable to her presence but said little.
"Red was always busy," Greta shooting Belle a look. "And Miss Eva didn't want to overstep and help me when I needed it. It was really difficult to manage when they were fucking right next door, I could hear everything," Belle blushing beet red and Greta smirking at the girl's discomfort. "Don't worry, I left before Red really got started but I know you were begging for it!" She teased.
"Yes, well -," Belle clearing her throat. "Mistress Red is very beautiful and experienced," Belle proclaiming boldly.
"Yes, she is," Emma agreeing, tamping back a smirk as she saw how affected Belle was. "I will speak to her and see if she requires anything specific adding to your training now she's given you her collar."
"Thank you, Emma," Belle was still flushed but appreciated Emma's interest.
"How does that feel? The collar?" Emma asking, concerned and curious from a professional perspective.
"Uh, -," Belle pausing as she struggled to find words to describe her current state of mind. "Um, it's amazing, she's amazing," feeling her blush spread and seeing Greta's curiosity.
"Are you alright? I know Mistress Red will take care of you in some ways but I'm sure it's been hectic here in the Queen's absence so some things may have slipped her attention."
"Would you ask her if I can talk to you about how things feel, how she makes me feel? I don't want to disobey her but it was rather overwhelming. She took good care of me but I don't want to bother her with such things, she's been very busy and tired. I've been worried about her," her words softening and 116 sensing genuine concern, she could see why the slave would be emotionally attached to her mistress, Mistress Red was extremely beautiful and the fact she was a wolf gave her a dangerous yet enticing edge that the slave had obviously fallen for. At least any fucking that went on would be consensual for the girl, 116 still unsure what to expect from the rest of her environment in that regard.
"Hmm," Emma pausing their walk and taking a moment to study her student. "I think she would prefer it if you spoke to her first, then she can refer you to me if needed. She's very possessive of you."
"Alright, I will. l thank you," Belle grateful for the advice but now fretting over how to broach the topic and secretly thrilled to hear her mistresses claim on her was so strong.
"I'll tell her you want to talk, that way she can bring it up when she wants, Ok?"
"Yes! Thank you, Emma!" Belle nodding frantically.
"You obviously pleased her, greatly," Emma reaching out to clasp Belle's bicep and giving it a firm squeeze to demonstrate her approval. "And I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, you're very lucky."
"I am, Emma. I know I am," Belle able to hold Emma's eye long enough to impart her gratitude for Emma's role in her training before looking down.
"Tell me what happened next?" Emma turning the conversation back to Greta as she released her hold on Belle and continued their walk, the young slaves falling in around her but she noted 116 staying at the rear, mindful of her status.
"I went to ask Mistress Eva if I could stay with her and she said yes, but I behaved. I promise!"
"I believe, you. What did she do?" Emma genuinely curious
"Mmm, the first time she made me sit and wear a hood, everything was too loud," Greta sniffing and hunching her shoulders, eyeing the ground. "The hood really helped but I can always feel her magic so sometimes it's hard to be around her," she confessed guiltily. "It's also been a long time since -, and you know I'm not allowed to take care of it myself and the Queen has been too busy. I know it's my place it just makes everything harder. But I was good for her, not like before." A heavy sigh.
"I see, that was sensible but we shall speak with the Queen to make sure contingency plans are in place for the future. Only the Queen can help you with your other problem. I know you're finding it hard but the punishment for betraying your oath would be extremely severe," Emma warning as they approached the school buildings. "I won't be able to help you, in fact I will possibly be asked to punish you and you know I won't go easy on you." 116 was listening intently as they talked, noting the authority with which Mistress Swan spoke despite her position but, having seen her with the queen in her own world, understood how equal their relationship could be (given the correct circumstance) so it did not surprise her as much as it may have without that context.
"I know! I'm better now, I really am!" Greta protesting sadly.
"What did you do?" Bella asking, unsure she knew the history there.
"She forced herself on Mistress Eva," Emma growling. "She lost control of her wolf and if it hadn't have been for Mistress Red -."
"She could have stopped me, she's very strong," Greta interrupting smugly, proud of Miss Eva's strength, only to find herself shoved against the wall of the store shed they were passing, Emma's hand tight around her throat.
"That is not the fucking point!" Emma snarling in her face, fingers tightening. "If you take such a thing so lightly - ."
"No Emma, no!" Great whimpering and lifting her head as best she could to show her throat and her submission.
"Think before you speak! You have been spoiled!" Emma incensed at the wolf's casual disregard for -. Releasing her hold, Greta falling to her knee and gasping for breath as she looked up into green eyes flashing with silver as Emma's magic awoke and all the young women fascinated, fascinated and a little terrified of her power as Belle and Greta knowing her control over it was limited at best.
"Emma, I -. I didn't mean it like that, really I didn't!" Greta pleading. "Just that she has great strength and should not be underestimated. I would never -. Emma, please?" She was distraught that Emma would think that she -. Not after what had happened to Red.
"Alright, but watch your words, pup! Get up," Emma stepping back to give her space to stand, inhaling deeply and realising she had probably overreacted and blaming the morning's revelation.
"I'm so sorry, Emma. I really am!" Greta mortified now she'd had time to review her words in their context. Stupid, stupid wolf, she cursed herself.
"You're not stupid," Emma cutting off Greta's internal beration with a sigh, shaking her head at the young wolf's open mouthed stare. "That's what you were telling yourself, wasn't it?"
"Yes, Emma."
"You need to learn to take a moment before you speak, pup," Emma looking away, towards the stables, wondering when the queen would return but allowing Greta to point out points of interest as they went. She would see the queen when she was called, after what had transpired that morning she was unsure of her reception should she seek her mistress out herself and had no clue where to start looking, neither her collar nor magic giving her any inkling.
116 had observed everything and it had raised more questions for her, and raised her arousal to see Mistress Swan so dominant and -, rough. Looking away as Greta caught her eye and smirked, no doubt smelling the wetness between her legs.
"Emma!" Braxas greeting her as they happened on him on the path from the barracks back to the palace. "Thank you for bringing her back safe," he clasped her forearm firmly between both his giant hands, expression warm and Emma returned his smile. "I couldn't help but worry even though you're very capable."
"I took good care of her," Emma reassuring him. "I've much more control there than I have here. Things are more predictable for me and I have influence."
"Even so, knowing she was otherwise unprotected left us all nervous," Braxas shrugging off his worry.
"I understand. Is there anything I need to know that will affect her now she's returned?" Emma wanting to be a step ahead of any potential trouble.
"Nothing of common knowledge, if she chooses to confide in you then so be it," Braxas eyeing 116 suspiciously but making no comment on her presence, the slave was attractive, he could see why she would appeal to the queen and Emma seemed to have everything in hand, as usual.
"Alright, thank you," Emma knowing she was not to be privy to all the queen's secrets which was fine by her, she was not in charge of running the kingdom. "That is the head of the Queen's armies," Emma informing 116 as Braxas left them. "We didn't get off on the right foot but he's a good man." All eyes on the Captain's hulking form as he walked towards the barracks.
"They were all worried about you," Greta informing her. "And Cook especially." Emma absorbing the information and vowing to swing by the kitchens as soon as she could. They were soon stood in the inner courtyard by the main entrance, attracting surreptitious looks from all passing by.
"That's the punishment yard, you never ever want to be in there," Emma warned, "people don't usually come out alive, or at least not for long."
"You did," Great reminding her.
"Only because the wished it so," Emma retorting.
"You should have seen it!" Great launching into a retelling of Emma's near death experience that 116 had reeling and her admiration of Mistress Swan raising ten-fold. She couldn't quite work out where the others fit in though, Greta was very familiar with Emma, in a literal sense. Belle was less so, seeming amenable to her presence but said little.
They were walking as Greta was talking, the young wolf bounding along as she animated her story with exaggerated actions and 116 noting Emma's fondly exasperated look, Belle was also enthralled even though she had witnessed it first hand.
"Ok! Enough, go make yourselves busy. It's nearing luncheon, Mistress Red, Miss Eva and the Queen will be eating with the Council so you don't need to worry about that. Have you been given any chores to occupy you while the Queen was away?"
"No, we were helping Mistress Red and Miss Eva," Belle volunteering. "They were both very busy."
"I can imagine, the Queen makes everything look easy but I know how much effort she puts in to running the kingdom," Emma sighing as she studied the young slaves. "Everyone will be in the meeting so won't be needing your help. I'd say go practice your weaponry or fighting skills but not without supervision, you'd probably chop off a limb!"
"We're not that bad, Emma," Greta protesting.
"Yes you are, you're too strong to spar with Belle alone and she's not to be trusted with weapons with wolves around," Emma growling, glaring at them both and her ego appeased as they cowered visibly.
"It was actually a very good shot," Belle going pale before defending herself in a whisper that earned her a pair of eye rolls from Emma and Greta.
"Go to the school room, they always need help, it's either that or the library," smirking as the two baulked at that suggestion.
"Can't we go train?" Greta pouting a little. "We can be still and quiet, can't we?" Looking to Belle for assistance.
"We can, please?" Belle pleading. "Like Greta said it's been very hard without you and the Queen here. It would actually be nice to be still." Emma surveying them both, they did look tired and stressed.
"Alright, 116 and I need to talk but you two can go to the training room and wait for me there. Sit quietly and do not move. Belle, I can't offer you anything else I'm afraid, not unless Mistress Red sanctions any specific training."
"I understand."
"Good. Go,"
116 and Emma watching them leave and jog back towards the palace.
Xxxxx
"Sit," Emma pointing to the other side of the bench they had encountered in the small area directly outside the door (which Mistress Emma had closed behind them) and taking a seat of her own, legs either side of the bench so she was at an angle that allowed her to keep an eye on the glass paned doors that led to the queen's study and the door back to the kitchen with the gardens in-between. "Do you have any questions?" Emma asking now they were alone. "You may speak freely," hands gesturing and coming to rest palm down on the weathered table top.
"Thank you, Mistress. I do, lots."