"You can't fight it." Lily explains as she reads the story. It's not like she doesn't know it so why read it again? "So just let it happen. Wait until you see Regina when she wakes up."
"I don't get what that's supposed to mean," Emma mumbles. Her cheeks burn with embarrassment from the uber driver glancing at them through the rear view mirror. Please end this nightmare!
"Alright, have a nice night girls." The driver says as he makes a stop in front of the mansion.
"Thank you!" Emma quickly races out of the car and into the house. "Regina!" She panics.
"What?! What happened?!" Regina feeds into the panic as she races down the stairs instantly.
"Whatever Lily tells you don't believe it."
"Okay?" Regina frowns at her lover and hugs her chest. "Babe, I think we've already got that part covered."
"Just don't feed into it. I think whatever this is, is like some brainwashing thing or something." Emma explains. Although Regina is concerned, you can see it all over her face, she nods to reassure Emma.
In that moment, Lily walks in with a creepy smile and the book hugging her chest, "Are you done Emma?"
"Shut up," Emma growls.
Lily laughs and frowns at the saddened look on the woman she once called her mother. She has to admit, Regina was a great mother in this world and her love for the Queen will always remain but the truth must come out; Cora's orders.
"Lily, seriously are you okay?" Regina question. Lily only nods her head and motions for them to sit with her in the living room.
"I am! I'm just excited to tell the story that will wake you up!"
"Okay..." Regina awkwardly mutters as she follows Lily. "And what story is that?"
"The day you met Emma of course. The happiest and worst day of your entire life." Regina frowns at Emma who shrugs. She then sighs and sits on the sofa.
"Okay fine. Lay it on me," She orders as she takes a seat. "The quicker you tell it, the quicker it'll be over."
"Okay!" Lily happily sits on the floor in front of the Queen and opens the book. "Her Majesty's 16th birthday came quicker than she wanted it to be..."
"Regina..." Prince Henry softly whispers. "Today is the day!"
"Ughhh," Regina grumbles and turns away from her father. The determined man rounds the bed and gives his daughter another tap.
"You can't ignore your destiny my dear. The realms depend on you."
"Daddy," Regina whines and sits up. She ignores the two guards and the handmaidens waiting patiently for her to rise out of bed and continues to whine like a 5 year old.
"You are supposed to be next in line to heir the throne. Why do you have to skip to me? Mother wants it so why not give it to her?"
That question brings panic to everyone in the room. A few people clear their throats as if they choked on something. Regina knows exactly why; the woman is a vile and wicked thing. If she were to be queen, everyone would be miserable but either way Regina would be miserable. Her mother hasn't given her a break since birth.
"I will not stand for it and neither will your grandparents, definitely not your aunt and uncles. Now, up sweet heart. The preparations are almost finished. The whole kingdom is expecting you."
Regina always takes her father's soft tone to heart. It makes her feel loved in ways that she would never get from her mother. Her grandfather...well...he's kinder but holds high expectations. He has trained Regina since she were 5 despite him knowing she's the perfect choice for his kingdom. He wants to make sure she will be the greatest thing on their family's name. Never has a woman taken the crown without marriage. King Xavier believes in the prophecy but he wants to ensure the Regina creates an empire, not only across the kingdoms, but all of the realms.
After Regina bathes and dresses, she's escorted through the castle. Of course she's greeted by the workers and nobles. They always relish in her natural beauty, admire her bright eyes, perfect lips, and long raven colored hair. To them, latin she is a goddess and they treat her as such. Everyone seems to worship her, everyone except–
"Oh Regina! My most best creation!" Cora feigns through the corridor. Out of fear, everyone takes a step back to let her pass so that she may encounter her daughter with fake love on display. "I'm so proud of you!"
Sure you are! Regina thinks to herself yet she fakes a smile and politely replies, "Thank you mother."
"Of course dear." Cora locks her arm with Regina and walks with girl; her head kept high for everyone in the castle to notice how important she is. Truly she isn't, but one day she will be and she promises it.
Cora's presence makes Regina's blood go cold. One reason she is loved is because she doesn't treat anyone like they're beneath her, unlike her mother, so she doesn't raise her chin in the air. She thinks that the day she does that, she will no longer treat people like human beings. That's unbefitting for a respected queen. But she's failing to look like the queen she wants to be because her mother makes her nervous and Cora always relishes in that known fact.
"What really do you want," Regina asks without fault. A evil smile curls upon Cora's lips; she leans in to whisper,
"Enjoy this luxury while you can Regina. I will end it soon, and then I will end you."
She knew her mother despised her existence but never knew the woman would go as far as to kill her. She can't help the tears welling in her eyes; she desperately tries to hold them at bay as her cheeks and nose burn red. Finally, after a moment she clears her throat and says,
"Thank you mother. I simply love our talks but I have errands to run...as your Queen." She taunts. Cora didn't expect a come back from her daughter so she's taken by surprise. That allows Regina to slip away from the evil woman's clutches to relish in her hate.
"You won't have that crown for long Regina Maria!" Cora calls after her.
Regina rolls her eyes at her mother's ignorance and forces the doors to the throne room open with her magic. Everyone bows at the sight of her as she crosses the threshold.
"Oh! My dear sweet granddaughter!" King Xavier beams and stands from his throne along with his wife who is just as happy to see their beloved golden child. Regina gives a curtsy of respect as she stands before the throne,
"Buenos Dias."
"Yes, a good morning indeed!" The kind steps forward and cups Regina's cheeks delicately. "I have high hopes for you. You have proven yourself worthy."
"I know," Regina chuckles. "You say that all the time!"
"Yes, and many other kingdoms agree Regina. The choices you have helped me make has already made this kingdom rich and so many others are going to announce their declaration of forming alliances!"
"Really? I'm so surprised!" Regina teases earning a laugh from her grandfather. He releases her and sits back on his throne next to his wife.
"You are too wise for your own good. But you must know, my dear, the greatest alliance of them all would be choosing a suitor."
"Excuse me?" Regina almost snaps.
Nobody ever told her about arranged marriages. She knows it happens all the time with royalty but she thought it would be different for herself. She wants to marry someone she loves not some random she hardly knows.
"Yes, you are 16, you will be crowned today, and you are a woman now. It is time to choose your king. So after the coronation ceremony we will hold a ball and–"
"With all due respect, your majesty, but you said–"
"I know Regina," Xavier sighs. "But the surrounding kingdoms will not agree to the alliances unless you choose your king."
"Oh...so there was catch." Regina frowns. Be it that she's left no choice she frowns, "Fine."
Everyone in the room cheers happily except Regina's father who is disappointed. He knew his daughter would put up a fight for what she believes in. He didn't expect Regina to give in so easily. Little does he know that Regina always has a plan. She's smart, strong, wise, and above all else she's the Queen and this is her destiny.
"Great, go and get dressed in your finest! You have a big day ahead!"
That's just as Regina does. She lets the royal tailor dress her in her coronation gown and then she has lunch with the noble families in the kingdom to ensure their support. Next, she rides through the villages in the royal carriage simply to show love to the peasants who can't attend the ceremony or the ball. She always vowed she would change that rule. The peasants in all villages are so nice and many gave her birthday gifts.
Next was showing off her strength to the entire royal army without using her magic. Since she's smaller and more swift she won battles against generals and commanders. Finally...
"I can't wait for the ball!" The girl enthuses as she paces the bathroom. Regina groans at the way her handmaiden massages her feet and glances at her cousin Ivy. They're the same age and Ivy does not believe in privacy at all. It's almost like she enjoys watching Regina bathe in hot spring water.
"Yes it's soooo exciting," Regina scoffs.
"Oh stop it Reg, you might just find the love of your life." Ivy beams with sparkles in her eyes.
"As exciting as that may sound. I was always taught that love is weakness and you have to draw a line somewhere. Now falling in love? That's a whole different story."
"Oh stop being such a dork. Abuela and Papa are definitely in love." Ivy points out. "So I doubt they taught you that notion."
"But Abuela and Papa weren't born with magic like us were they?"
"Ohhhh so Cora told you this. Or she beat it into you, of course." Ivy scoffs. Regina blinks twice before she orders the handmaiden to leave she and Ivy alone. "You know, she wasn't born with it either. She learned dark magic that's different."
"Yes, I'm not stupid. Nobody is ever born with dark magic. Magic is supposed to be pure and love is one of the things that can make it go dark." Regina explains.
"How so?" Ivy sits on the edge of tub and flicks her raven locks. She's quite curious on Regina's knowledge.
"Heartbreak can lead to despair and revenge, envy...the list goes on."
"But what are the chances of that? Regina, you can't live your life alone! You never dreamt of marrying the sexiest man in the kingdom and having his babies and–"
"I do not desire a man Ivy alright?" Regina finally blurts. Her heart stops beating after realizing she just came out like that. Nobody knows about this but her father.
Ivy's reaction isn't one Regina expected. First she laughs for a moment. "That's a good one Reg, you almost had me there–wait...you're serious?!"
"As serious as this coronation day," Regina grumbles and sinks further into the water in attempts to hide.
"Oh my god! Regina!"
"I know..."
"If Grandfather finds out–"
"I know..."
"No if Cora finds out–"
"I KNOW IVY! That's why you will keep it to yourself or so help me!" Regina snaps. As always Ivy never flinches at Regina's secret temper that she successfully keeps at bay when others are around. Ivy always says that Regina gets it from her mother so Regina always does what she can to hide it because she wants nothing of her mother.
"Of course I will Reg. Dont worry, I support you always."
"Thank you," Regina sighs with relief. Ivy conjures a warm towel in her lap and holds it up.
"Now get out, you don't want your skin all wrinkly."
"I'm in no rush..." Regina groans as she stands.
"I'll come up with a plan. Just trust in your favorite cousin and you won't have to choose a man tonight."
Regina's heart swells with joy. Despite her arms and hair still wet from her bath She hugs Ivy tight.
"Except you're the most annoying cousin," she teases. Ivy chuckles and rolls her eyes.
"You still love me though."
~
"We are gathered from far and wide to celebrate a new reign and a new era. This kingdom is proud to entrust a great future in the hands of Princess Regina; daughter of Prince Henry and Princess Cora Mills."
The crowd cheers with joy at the priests truthful words and smiles at his gesture towards Regina. "Regina, will you step forward? King Xavier shall crown you."
Regina had not been nervous at all today. She went through the day with ease but now the ball is just one crown away and it may change her life forever. She planned on ruling alone for the rest of her life; truth be told, the kingdom would never except her if she married a woman. To them its shameful and a huge sign if weakness.
As she drops to her knees and bows before the king, her mind blanks. She can't stop thinking about what she should do next. For starters, she should keep her guard up with her mother. The woman maybe older but she is much stronger and Regina wouldn't be able to get rid of her so easily. Not to mention her unconditional love for the woman. All she's ever wanted was her mother's love and one day she always hoped that she would get it. It always holds her back from standing up to Cora: Love is weakness...
"All hail Queen Regina! May she forever Reign!" The king announces. The room erupts in loud cheers from Regina's family, friends, and others from the kingdom. Once she stands tall, forcing a smile along the way, everyone drops to their knees as she faces them.
She can practically feel the jealousy oozing from her mother in the crowd. This is the power she's always wanted. There's a deep joy in having people in the palm of your hand to the point where you can change lives for better or worse. She will have that power and she swears it on her daughter.
Everyone disperses to converse and make their way to the ball room for a great fiesta. This kingdom is known for having the best balls and everyone enjoys the Latin music from the most famous musicians in the kingdom. Regina has to go a different direction thankfully. She has to change clothes again for the fourth time today.
"Splendid!" Her grandmother praises as she and her aunts help her undress.
"Thanks Abuela."
"We're so proud of you Regina." One Aunt compliments.
"Remember to not overwhelm yourself. Ruling a kingdom can get stressful!" Says another.
"Well thankfully she won't be doing it alone. Right Regina?" Her mother boldly speaks as she tightens the corset way too tight. With that act and the malice behind her mother's words, she nods her head to avoid any consequences later. If she fears anything, it is her mother.
"And I will gladly help you choose the perfect man." Cora vows.
"That would be very nice. It gives you time to bond." The grandmother gushes.
"Can't wait," Regina utters through gritted teeth in her native language. With her magic she loosens the corset and glares at her mother.
"Could you all give us a moment please?" Cora kindly asks after Regina is dressed in the most beautiful silk dress. Once gone, Cora glares at Regina and slaps her firmly, "And that is for what you said earlier!"
Regina holds her cheek still not surprised at all since Cora hits her often.
"Really? Or is it because I have a crown on my head and you never did."
"Regina Maria..." Cora growls in warning.
"What mama? This is my destiny! I don't know what to tell you. You think I actually want any of this?" Regina motions towards all the dresses and crowns on display around them. "No matter how much we hate it, we can't change the past, you can't control fate! It's just how it is so for once can you be a mother for just one night?!"
Cora simply wants to literally spit at Regina but refrains because she knows what her daughter says is true. She swallows her anger and holds up her head, "Fine. Let's meet your father so we can escort you to the ball."
With a sigh Regina uses her magic to heal the bruise on her cheek and lets her mother lead the way. All while Cora thinks to herself: There has to be a way to change fate and I shall do it on my own. Thank you for the idea Regina, finally you've done something helpful for once in your life.
Regina is immediately surrounded once escorted by her parents. The ball is full of royalty. Everyone wants to congratulate her or compliment her beauty. Others express their support and continue to converse about laws and a better change they wish to see in their own kingdoms. Its just a way to test her, to see if she's worthy in having her as an ally. Truth be told, she had a long day and wants to have fun; politics are not on the agenda.
"Well I think there has to be a point where you lower taxes. You have to give your kingdom time to flourish and grow then riches are surely to follow. Patience is always key," She boldly states.
"Wow, how odd..."One King states. "But it does make sense and I never thought of taking that route before."
"Neither have I. Very well said Queen Regina." Says another who holds out his hand.
"Thank you King Leopold. It's a pleasure to see you again." Regina expresses to the kind man.
"Yes of course! And my daughter is excited to meet you as well."
"Oh?" Regina questions with confusion. "I do believe I just met Queen Eva and Princess Hope a few moments ago."
"No no, my eldest daughter. She just returned from her journey. Being The Savior keeps her quite busy. Please excuse her for being fashionably late."
"No worries. I've heard stories of The Savior but I had no idea she was your daughter."
"Absolutely, the product of the truest form of love. You know, there's not that many, but my kingdom accepts all forms of love." The old man winks. Regina's heart slams against her chest, forcing her to awkwardly yank her hand away.
"I don't know what you mean," she fumbles before sipping her wine. King Leopold leans in and whispers,
"I've noticed you avoiding every man with intentions of impressing you to gain the spot next to you as ruler. Be it as it may, you have my relying support." King Leopold vows. He steps away leaving Regina alone finally. She takes the opportunity to harshly slam back the rest of her drink and she quickly motions for a butler to bring another.
"Oh no, she's had enough." The annoying cousin interrupts. "You need to relax!"
"I need to breathe," Regina whines. "I already feel like I'm suffocating."
"Don't giving me those baby eyes," Ivy scolds with a grin. "You're such a child."
"Yes well that's the only source of innocence I have left to hold onto; my inner child sets me free."
"Oh stop," Ivy laughs. "Just go and take a walk to clear your mind. I'll go tell papa that you're excusing yourself."
"Thanks, I appreciate it."
"You better not wander off far!" Ivy frowns.
"I won't." Regina lies. She quickly slips out of the ballroom to allow her lungs to breathe. She travels throughout the castle, taking out hair pins along to way, setting her hair free next. Finally she changes her clothes with her magic so that she can breathe better leaving only her crown to originally remain on her head.
"Life won't get any easier than this I suppose..." she says aloud. She's truly starting to feel hollow inside. Depression often takes a toll on her. The only way to ease it is to go for a walk through the woods. Since it's nightfall, she won't be easily spotted.
The night breeze is far comforting than she expected. It tickles along her cheeks and forces her hair to float behind her. It's relieving as well along with the beautiful sounds of nature. She's not a fan of frogs but hearing them croak from the pond nearby keeps her heart beat steadier than it has been since the coronation. For the first time today, she is completely at peace...
"Woah!" The sound of hooves thundering against the forest floor startles Regina into tripping and falling. She looks up to find an enormous horse standing tall above her. "I'm so sorry, I didn't see you there." The rider apologizes.
Regina frowns and is in her right mind to scold until a hand is held out in front if her. She reluctantly takes it and allows the careless rider to help her up. The strength of said hand makes her feel lightweight; she underestimated it. Consequently she finds her chest crashing against another.
"Hi," says a blonde Regina doesn't recognize. The Queen takes a quick step back and brushes away the dirt on her cloak.
"Hello..." she says awkwardly.
"What are you doing out here in the dark? It's very dangerous." The blonde questions curiously. Regina finally looks this woman in her sparkly green eyes and declares,
"You will find that I am more than capable of handling myself thank you."
"Yea but..." the blonde trails. Something shiny catches her eye upon the ground. A diamond crown reflects the moonlight and leaves her speechless.
"You shouldn't ride your horse so recklessly anyways." Regina continues to scold. "First of all, you'll tire it and second, you could've killed me–"
"I'm so sorry," the blonde drops to one knee, throwing Regina by surprise. "Please forgive me your majesty."
Finally, through her shock, Regina takes in the detail of this woman. For starters, she's rich given by her attire. Whats more odd is that this woman is wearing trousers. Although it's common while horse riding but this blonde is dressed like a man would to attend a...ball.
"Please stand up," Regina begs as she averts her eyes towards her crown. Quickly she picks it up before it gets dirtier. "Who are you?"
"Princess Emma Swan or...you probably know me as the savior."
"Yes, the person who brings happiness everywhere she goes and saves many realms from dangerous villains..."
"Hmm," Emma frowns with an adorable scrunched nose. "I have to say, you sound miserable. I hear despair dripping in your voice."
"You do?" Regina gasps. "Sorry–"
"Don't apologize. Anyways, I'm running late to this ball so I should probably get going." Emma gestures towards her steed and prepares to take her leave.
"I'm fairly certain the Queen wouldn't mind." Regina reassures. Its quite odd, She's really interested and curious about this savior and feels comfortable. She'd prefer Emma Swan to take a walk with her for a little while.
"How do you know? I've heard that she's a perfectionist and looks down on unprofessional people." Regina cringes at the rumor and rolls her eyes.
"She can be strict at times but she's sweet at heart." Regina quickly defends. Emma furrows her eyebrows and asks.
"Again, with all due respect, but you know this how? I do have a reputation."
"You're trying really hard to impress the Queen..." Regina changes the subject again earning a groan of annoyance from Emma. "Why?"
"Because I like to make good first impressions okay? My parents raised me that way and people already give me a hard time since I don't exactly act like a princess. So, I have to work harder for people to take me seriously when they first meet me."
"That must be very tiring," Regina pouts. Emma gives an adoring smile at Regina's pout.
"It is, don't feel bad for me princess." What Emma does next has Regina's heart thumping against her chest. The blonde lifts her chin and advises, "Don't pout. I know the life of royalty isn't always what it seems but it is what you make it. Just like life and just like magic. Knowing that, you should always keep your chin up so that your crown doesn't fall."
"Thanks," Regina adorably blushes. "Would you care to give me a ride back to the castle?"
"Absolutely."
The two ride quietly back to the castle. Emma charmingly helps Regina down before handing off her horse to a valet. When she turns back towards her new friend, she's shocked by her quick change of attire. Firstly, she looks absolutely stunning and Emma didn't realize she possess magic either.
"Wow!"
"Regina!" Someone calls from the castle entrance. When the brunette skips downbthe stairs towards them, Emma's eyes grow wide with shock at hearing the name and her heart stills. She had no idea that she had been with the Queen this entire time. And she is, in fact, as beautiful as the rumors say. "Oh my gosh! I told you not to wander far!"
"Ivy relax," Regina says calmly. "Anyone who has a problem I shall have their heads."
"You really want that to be your first act as queen?" Ivy chuckles. She then glances at the peculiar girl beside Regina and a smile curls on her face. "Oooohhh! I see! You snuck off to meet your secret lover."
"Pardon?" Emma frowns with confusion.
"No! Ivy! This is Princess Emma, the savior!"
"Oh! Oh my goodness I am so sorry! Me and my big mouth, I was just joking Emma. You know it's what big cousins do." Ivy fumbles in attempts to save herself but Regina is already completely embarrassed.
"Just go," she orders with fuming cheeks and points back to the castle.
"Okay fine! It was nice meeting you Emma."
"I'm so sorry about her," Regina mumbles. Emma only laughs and shrugs her shoulders.
"I'm more shocked about who you are over what you desire." Emma gives Regina a gentle pat on the shoulder and says. "Don't worry your secret is safe with me."
Regina isnt sure if she should trust Emma, but in time she will realize that she can trust Emma with more than just a secret, but her heart.