From day one, being Queen wasn't easy. Regina's mother was always by her side in her studies to chastise her or make demands which Regina completely ignored. Thankfully her grandparents still lived in the west wing of the castle so she often sought out advice from them. She enjoys sharing lunch with them in the garden everyday. Other days she took walks with all 8 of her cousins big and small. She even trains with her four Uncles who are soldiers in the royal guard. Most of all, her favorite days were the letters she received from Emma.
After the ball, Emma decided to steal Regina away for a moment. They had a simple conversation in a more comfortable circumstance than previous. Emma got to know Regina a little more just by the way she talked about a certain subject all while relishing in her beauty. And Regina loved the way Emma listened and didn't laugh when she pouted or dramatically told a story with the happiness of child. Of course, it made Emma curious but she found it adorable as well. It was like a secret characteristic that Regina never let anyone get to know. It made Emma feel special.
Since that day, Emma often sent letters. She told stories about her journeys to different realms. Some took days or weeks since time is always different in other realms. Emma could be in one realm for two whole years and it would only be two days later in their realm and the best part is that Emma never aged at all...ever.
Regina enjoyed reading the handful of stories that came once every other day. Then by the time Emma took a break from her journeys, it was fall and Regina had never been more nervous in her life! Now that Emma's back, she's surely planning to visit.
"Seriously? How do I look?" She questions as she fixes every small detail in the full length mirror; from strands loose from her pinned hair to the smallest wrinkle in her dress.
"You asked me this already. You look great! Emma won't even care," Ivy groans and pops a grape into her mouth.
"You don't know that, it's been months!" Regina whimpers. She's feeling completely overwhelmed; her palms are getting sweaty. Honestly she's embarrassed because she's a Queen freaking out over a woman she started crushing on over letters and the worst part is that she wants to throw a tantrum over it!
"Regina relax."
"No you relax!" Regina glares over her shoulder and straightens out the sky blue dress with her palms for the fifth time over.
"I'm definitely relaxed." Ivy grins. "Emma will love you, seriously. I really want what you're having. How in the hell are you crushing this hard over letters?"
"I dont know," Regina pouts and smacks her palms against her flushed cheeks. "Just the thought of her drives me crazy!"
"Reg you are definitely falling in love! What about the whole love is weakness thing? And what are you going to do about marriage? People have been whispering about it."
"Pfft, let them think what they want," Regina scoffs with a flick to her wrist. "I don't need a man nor do I want one."
"Nope, you just want Emma Swan," Ivy teases with wiggling brows. Regina rolls her eyes at her cousin thanking the heavens for the handmaiden saving the day. The woman bows as she walks into the huge dress room and informs,
"Your company has arrived your majesty."
"Thank you, I'll be there in a moment..." The maiden nods and takes her leave. Regina's heart rate suddenly picks up again as she whips back to Ivy with panic.
"How do I look?!"
"Uuugh! Like a crazy person!" Ivy growls. "Just go, get out–you shouldn't keep her waiting."
Regina finally forces herself out; following her guards' lead. Along the way she can't help but wonder: Is she different? Does she look different because she did just turn 18 last month. Is her hair longer? Is it more golden?! Will she like what I'm wearing?! Do I smell weird?! Does she even feel the same way I do? How the hell am I going to get through this?!
"Well hello," Emma shyly waves as Regina descends the stairs into the foyer earning Regina's attention from her negative thoughts. First of all Emma is as gorgeous as she remembers but something is different. Her smile is brighter along with those green pools called eyes. She's simply radiant especially in her red dress and tiara. "You look nice."
"So d-do you." Regina fumbles, inwardly scolding herself. She then clears her throat to ease her worries; sometimes straightening her posture helps gain control inside. "It's been a long time."
"Yes," Emma chuckles. "I have to say that helping Hercules in his battle against Hades and Medusa wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. Did you know she turned every god in Olympus to stone?"
"Really?!" Regina gasps. She's sincerely interested in the tale. Emma telling the story in person is far greater than reading it. It makes her feel things she can't express but as she always says: her inner child sets her free.
"Yes...should we go somewhere private?" Emma whispers with a wicked grin that shows she's up to no good.
"Oh! Absolutely...we're fine, thank you." Regina says to dismiss the maids and guards. She then leads Emma to the courtyard which could take them to many places. There's the trail towards the stables, the gardens, etc.
"So tell me more." Regina practically begs as they walk side beside, relishing the cool autumn breeze dancing around them.
"Hang on, before I do...I should probably tell you I'll be around longer than you think." Even though Regina is super happy she refrains from cheering and simply asks,
"Why?"
"Because," Emma laughs from knowing Regina is holding her excitement at bay. "Not only is there something here that means the world to me..."
"Go on..." Regina urges with a knowing look.
"But I also sense something arising here..." she trails. Regina purses her lips at the way Emma plays with the perfect braid hanging over her shoulder and trailing down to end with a curl at her rib cage. Her hair did grow more. "I'm not sure when it's coming but a strong darkness is coming here."
"That's–awful...is it the dark one?" Regina questions because if something is threatening her kingdom she wants to be prepared for it.
"Listen Gina, I cant predict the future–" aww she called me Gina! I feel cute inside! "I just feel wrongs that I have to make right so..."
"So then," Regina mocks and locks her hands in front of her, allowing her body to sway adorably. "About that thing that means the world to you?"
"Yea?" Emma urges Regina to continue, sensing how shy the Queen is getting over it.
"What is it?"
"Do I really have to say it out loud?"
"Of course you do!" Regina demands with a stomp to her foot. Emma laughs again at Regina's bratty side and shrugs.
"Well I'm not gonna," she teases.
"Well–well you are in my kingdom and I am your Queen so I command that you tell me right now Emma Swan!" Emma, although it may not show, is falling head over heals because of Regina's tantrum. There's something about that glare and the sparkle in her brown eyes; something about knowing she can very well control this situation, the way she wants to, has her heart exploding with joy and adoration.
"You really want to hear it?" Emma asks.
"Yes!" Regina whines. Emma lifts a brow to express her taunts once more before she looks around the courtyard to make sure there's nobody is around. She whispers,
"How about I show you?" And before Regina can answer, Emma is already dragging her to secluded area. She pins her against a tree along the trail and completely shows her dominance by gazing into her eyes. "You mean the world to me Regina. I know it's soon and I wasn't around much, but you do and I'm here now."
A sappy grin digs into Regina's cheek as she finds nothing but truth in Emma's words. She relishes in the moment for a short time before finally deciding to close the gap between them to share a heartfelt kiss. As it grows with more passion, the magic tingles across their lips, explodes from their being, and spreads from them in a force the shape of a ring.
Regina pulls away first, not only to catch her breath but to nibble away the tingling on her lips. Emma only smirks down at her in return and leans in until her nose tickles Regina's. That earns adorable giggles from the brunette Queen. Emma immediately takes a mental note to do that to her often just to hear the beautiful sound of Regina's giggle.
"You know what that was right?" Emma questions happily with a broad smile.
"Uh huh," Regina nods. It was True Love's Kiss of course.
"Well it looks like you're stuck with me forever Gina."
"Promise?" Regina asks. Emma nods and takes a moment to think. She then holds up her hand between them with only her pinky sticking out. Regina frowns at the gesture,
"What's this?"
"I don't know, I just came up with it and thought you'd think it's cute. We can call it pinky promise, a promise you can absolutely never break. Just lock your pinky with mine."
"Aww, that is so cute." Regina gushes and happily locks her pinky with Emma's.
"See? Now it's official, you're definitely stuck with me." Emma smiles. Regina cheers before leaning in and pecking Emma's lips for closure.
"You know that means you have to marry me right?"
"Ohhhh yeah. I absolutely can't wait for that shining moment."
"Really? What would your ideal wedding look like then?"
"First of all, I'm not wearing a dress. That is for certain. I hate these things and I want to feel comfortable on that special day." Regina nods because she wants Emma to feel comfortable too.
"I think I can definitely live with that."
"Great," Emma holds out her arm for Regina to take and she leads the way along the trail. They continue to talk about the best wedding day they could dream of until their conversation went to other things to get to know one another. By the time they got to the stables, they were lost in the heat of the moment and made love right there with no regrets whatsoever.
~
More months went by. Regina's kingdom had successfully conquered a few more–expanding their territory. Soon she would move on to conquer realms and bring peace, flourishing, and riches like she's destined to. Thanks to Emma being around, it wouldn't be hard to gain the trust from other realms since the savior has traveled to many already.
Emma visits at least three times a week. Subjects around the palace are quite curious as to why the princess is so suddenly always around or why Regina often takes trips to the Enchanted forest, but neither of them care. However, they should because one person in particular has plans to ruin Regina's reign...
Cora Mills casually storms towards the stables, ready to rain terror. She gags at the smell and the sight of hay; a horse is not the reason she's there. One person in particular is what she needs to begin with her plans.
"You, stable boy. What is your name?" She demands. The boy, only a few years older than Regina, bows his head.
"Daniel Colter your grace."
"Daniel...how nice." Cora smirks while gazing at the horses around the stable. "I need you to help me with something."
"Abso–" Before Daniel could submit, Cora used her magic to sink her hand into his chest. She rips out his red beating heart and relishes in the brightness of his beating organ.
"Now Daniel. You are going to help me. Everyone sees my daughter as this innocent, charming God. So, I decided I won't kill her... instead I am going to slowly torture her until she caves and her heart begins to rot with darkness. Then she'll surely lose everything on her own. How does that sound dear?"
"It sounds splendid your grace." Daniel bows.
"Good. So this Princess, Emma Swan, how often would you say they visit the stables?"
"Every few days..." Daniel honestly answers with no will. "I wouldn't be surprised if they came to ride today."
"Wonderful!" Cora beams and begins to pace out her joy. "Would you say they are...lovers?"
Inwardly Cora gags at the thought. If Regina is in love with a woman it will makes things all too easy, still, she finds it revolting. The best part is that she can use that excuse to extinguish her anger into Regina. The Queen hasn't received a swift beating from her mother in quite some time.
"Yes, I often keep watch for them," Daniel reveals.
"Oh yes...that's wonderful news Daniel! You are my right hand from now on. I need you to do something for me..."
After Cora reveals her plan to Daniel she leaves to her chambers to watch from the mirror. She also keeps Daniel's heart in her palm to make sure he does all the right things for the plan to work accordingly. She plans on exposing her daughter so that the kingdoms with riot against her and she has no choice but to hand over the crown to someone. Of course, she will make sure she gets that crown.
"Daniel!" Regina beams to make her presence known as she enters the stables. Daniel pauses his hay organizing and smiles at the Queen.
"Oh, your majesty...how are you today?."
"Great!" Regina shrugs as she looks around. "I'm just going to take Rocinante for a bit today." Regina informs.
"What?!" Cora shrieks from her room, nearly crushing Daniel's heart. "No no no! Ask her where is the princess!"
"Why? Is Emma not joining you?" Daniel questions. "Where is she?"
"She's...busy. I know it sucks right?" Regina sighs as she grabs the reigns next to Rocinante's stable. "Her family is on vacation at another kingdom for a few days...I think it was Corona. Rapunzel is best friends with Hope, so they're staying for her birthday."
"That must be nice."
"Yeah, I'll be back soon," Regina promises as she mounts her horse. "Don't miss me!"
"I'll try not to!" Daniel waves after her. Once Regina is gone, a very angry Cora teleports before Daniel with her magic. She put his heart in a case before then. She will forever keep him on a leash until the job is done.
"Time for plan B." She says.
"What is plan B exactly?"
"I shall break Regina's heart. That'll surely corrupt her. We're going to Corona."
~
Emma chooses her sword, admiring its craftsmanship as it glistens against the rays of the sun. She smirks as she turns to face her foe, August, who is on the other end of the dirt training field. He's still deciding on what he wants to use.
"I don't have all day!" She calls out to him. August finally chooses a heavy looking sword and points it at Emma.
"You ready to get your ass kicked?" Her friend taunts.
August is like a big brother to Emma. King Leopold and Queen Eva Swan took him under their wing at a young age. From there he accompanied the King around the castle until he was old enough to join the Royal Army in their Kingdom. Emma was born shortly after and they have had a strong bond since then.
"I wouldn't count on it." Emma grins. She allows the buff man to make his first move. He barrels towards her with all her strength, slashing the sword down along the way. Emma quickly blocks the attack with her own weapon, successfully holding the force mere inches from her face.
"I see you've gotten stronger...let's see if you've gotten faster."
Again, he attacks, and again, he misses. They go at this for a long time, probably hours, before they decide to take a break. August takes a seat beside the sweaty Princess and hands over her canteen while drinking his own.
"Drink up kiddo."
"Didn't I tell you to stop calling me that?" Emma frowns. August shrugs and rolls his eyes.
"Stop being a baby and drink."
"Whatever," Emma takes a huge gulp of her water and drops it just as quick. "Alright I'm ready let's–OW!"
A sharp pain bursts in Emma's abdomen. It stings; she feels like she's on fire and it takes her breath away. Never has she felt an internal pain like this; the Savior hardly gets hurt. This causes panic. August quickly stands as Emma hunches over, holding her stomach for dear life.
"Emma! What the hell is happening?!"
"I don't know!" She heaves through her teeth.
"Use your magic! Heal yourself!" August panics. The buff man mindlessly searches around the area as if anything can help while Emma pants through the pain. She tries, with all her might, to use her magic but she feels too numb. "The water!"
"The water?" August nods with a quizzical look and grabs the canteen,
"It has to be."
"Well what the hell did you put in it asshole?!"
"I swear I'm not pranking you!" August throws his hands up in surrender. The pain is slowly easing away from Emma now so she has enough strength to snatch away the canteen from August with her free hand.
While still hugging her gut, Emma attempts to use her numbed senses to determine the cause of her misery. For starters, her heart rate picks up which isn't a good sign. If her gut weren't in so much pain she would have a feeling. It is, in fact, magic.
"Dark magic," She spits in disgust, throwing the canteen as far away as possible. "Someone cursed me!"
"Cursed you how? What kind of curse? And above all else why?!" August questions; he receives an answer right after.
Emma can finally stand up straight. When she does, she feels a little dizzy. There's this tingling feeling in her crotch that's annoying yet tolerable. Right now she can't help but curiously stare at August's blown away expression.
"What?" She asks. "I think it's over."
"Y-you're bulging!" August gasps in horror with a finger pointing to her lower parts.
"I'm what?" With dread and anxiety Emma looks down to find a huge bulge in her trousers. She takes in a sharp breath to prevent herself from screaming. This can't be happening!
"Oh my god how the hell am I going to get rid of this thing?!" She finally shrieks. August literally claws at his hair, hoping he's not living in some sick nightmare.
"Aren't curses reversible?"
"Yes but dark magic sucks. Some curses make it nearly impossible to reverse. Shit!" Emma whines and grabs her jacket with means to cover herself.
"Y-you're huge Emma and its disgusting!"
"I know...oh my god Regina. She can't see me like this!"
"Wait!" August holds up his hand to stop the Princess from freaking out. "You have to tell her."
"No! Hell no! She isn't even attracted to men what makes you think she'd even accept this?" Emma groans, motioning down to the huge bulge desperately trying to break free.
"You can't just avoid her or lie for that matter. It's only going to hurt her in the end. She's your true love Em, she'll understand."
Emma sighs because she knows August is right. She has to do the right thing and lying to Regina just isn't it. She may not seem it, but the Queen is very sensitive deep down inside. Emma doesn't want to be the reason to ever hurt her soulmate's feelings but she just can't stomach the thought of confronting Regina. Her reaction could be nothing but rejection and then what? She'd lose her mind if she ever lost Regina. Still...
"Fine, you're right. I'll tell her after we at least try to find a way to break the curse while we're here. There has to be a way."
"Sounds like a plan," August agrees. "Let's get you into a dress and head to as many libraries as we can find."
Emma doesn't hesitate to race back to the castle with August right behind her. They have only a few days to attempt to make this right before they return back to the Enchanted forest. If they don't find any answers before they get back, Emma is left no choice but to tell Regina. It will be the hardest thing she would ever have to do simply because she already feels highly insecure and disgusted with the new member on her body. If Regina can't accept it, how could she ever learn to live with this–worse case scenario.
She and August spent the rest of the day in the castle's library, digging through so many books until they gave up. The very next day, they traveled throughout the nearby villages, searching through every single book they could find–still nothing. It had already been a week of searching through dozens of books about magic when Emma thought she was about to lose her mind. It was time to go back to her home kingdom by then and many decisions were to be heavily thought about...
Meanwhile, Regina is counting the days where she could see Emma. In fact, during that week, Emma coming back has distracted her from her duties. When her Uncle gave her reports about security measures and crimes occurring in the territories she hardly listened. When subjects were allowed to enter the throne room to express their complaints or receive council Regina hardly listened either.
She was concerned. Emma never sent a letter–there wasn't a mirror summoning in days–nothing. Of course, as a former Princess and a girl with a great destiny, Regina is spoiled. She can't help but worry all while feeling neglected by her lover at the same time. She's new to this and has no idea what move she should make. This led to her pouting most days; Cora noticed.
"Regina," she starts as she bursts into the Regina's study. The young Queen sighs and pauses her reading.
"Yes?" She sighs; a pout inevitably follows which Cora scoffs at.
"Chin up! And do stop pouting this instant!" She scolds.
"Mother," Regina groans in frustration. She proceeds to dip her feather pen in ink so she can sign her approval on another request from a Kingdom in her territory. "Please just tell me what it is now so I can tell you no and you can leave."
Cora grits her teeth wanting to snap at Regina or strike her. She very well could because she knows Regina would never have the heart harm a hair on her head: love is weakness. Yes, Regina loves her mother and always hopes that she would love her back someday. A girl can dream.
"There's alot to talk about dear. For starters, why aren't you married yet? People are growing suspicious and concerned. They're going to start to believe you're changing tradition and it will scare them resulting in attempts to overthrow you." Cora expresses calmly. Regina glances with a lifted brow and asks,
"And all of a sudden you care? Wouldn't that make you happy?" Yes.
"No Regina, I'm just trying to be a good mother–advisor–and look out for you. Seriously, you should have a meeting with your Uncles tomorrow as well, along with your father."
"About?" Regina sets down her feather pen after signing two scrolls and stands from her seat. She keeps her posture nearly perfect in her mother's presence to remind her who has the higher status.
"I suggest you make a big move soon to distract everyone. If you don't plan on marrying and bringing an heir to the throne you need a power move."
"I've made plenty of power moves." Regina scoffs at the audacity. "I just made one of the poorest kingdoms nearly as rich as ours. I've expanded trades. What other move could I make at this very moment mother?"
"Realms." Cora states. Regina rolls her eyes and shakes her head.
"No."
"What do you mean no? Do you know what valuable things are in these realms?!"
"Yes, I do but that isn't what's important." Regina explains for the millionth time. "If I just barge in to take a realm that's declaring war mother and I'm trying to avoid war."
"War is inevitable Regina. Sometimes a war is what it takes to gain respect."
"I will not lose my army in territories I have no knowledge of!" Regina snaps. "I have to at least expand my army and security here first. If I just send them all traveling to god knows where, we're doomed."
"That's why you have magic dear is it not? Did you forget that you have the strength of 1,000 men alone?" Cora challenges.
Regina doesn't like using her magic to hurt or kill. Cora knows, trying everything she can to stir her daughter in the wrong direction. For some reason, her manipulative ways aren't working on Regina any longer. Years ago she tried taking Regina's heart but there's a force preventing that, that's when she discovered her daughter had magic at 5 years old and the news spread around the castle. Everyone; however, has hardly thought of it because Regina refuses to use it unless absolutely necessary.
"And what about the Savior?" Cora continues. Regina goes stiff at hearing this, bringing delight to Cora. "She's always here, put her to use Regina. She could be a great asset. Your greatest weapon."
"Weap–are you hearing yourself?" Regina nearly shrieks. She then pauses at the wicked smile on her mother's face, causing her to ball her fist. Her temper, which she inherited from her mother, is threatening to surface. Her magic wants to come out and play in the worse possible way.
"Did you do something?"
"Whatever do you mean?" Cora shrugs and steps around Regina towards her desk. "You didn't think I wouldn't notice her being here often? You two disappearing? Everyone notices Regina. There's whispers in these walls."
"You tell me to conquer realms and then you bring up Emma, I know you did something."
"I didn't do anything!" Cora lies. "Where is this coming from? You seem awfully paranoid dear."
Regina pauses because she is paranoid. Maybe she is in over her head. For Cora, the fact that Regina is so on edge, means that her plan is working. Daniel found a way to dose Emma with the curse and Emma is avoiding Regina at all costs. Soon the heartbreak shall come and she can move on to phase two of her plan to darken Regina's heart. The next phase will hurt people along the way, but she'll do whatever it takes to be the mastermind behind the royal crown.
"I'm sorry," Regina sighs. "I'm just exhausted mother. We can finish this conversation tomorrow."
"I can't wait!" Cora beams.
~
That all happened the same week. Regina never even came close to talking to her mother again or making an attempt to. She knew that her mother is just trying to manipulate her into being one of her puppets; she already has plenty of those around the castle. However, she made a big mistake of ignoring Cora. It was mostly to keep herself from losing her mind over heartache; she was starting to think that Emma just changed her mind so a distraction was needed.
Cora took that time, and her fueled anger, to take drastic measures. Since she saw no sign of Regina hurting, since Regina decided to be strong by blocking her feelings, Cora took drastic measures. The evil woman decided to hit Regina where it hurt; by hurting Emma more. It will all explode in Regina's face and soon she will realize the threat, that she shouldn't take them lightly, then she will have her daughter in her palm along with the most powerful crown in all the realms.
Emma is beyond exhausted. She still isn't used to her new body yet. Along with her stupid curse, which she still has yet to find a reverse for, there has been an emergency at the castle. In the midst of her searching high and low, finally telling her family of her predicament, a sickness struck both of her parents. The panic levels are high and has been for a month now–a month since they left Corona. It all occupied her to the point where she completely forgot about Regina altogether. The guilt she felt was indescribable so she decided to come clean about the curse no matter how insecure she feels; she owes her angel that much.
She nervously sits at her vanity, wondering what her exact words she should say. While pondering she hopes Regina isn't in her room at the moment. She's probably livid, heartbroken, or worst of all, she probably doesn't even care about Emma's absence. Regina is a Queen with dozens of responsibilities so it wouldn't surprise Emma if she hadn't noticed anyway. Alright, here it goes.
With her magic, she summons a visual window to Regina's room with her mirror. The huge space is completely empty with no one in sight. Emma sighs to herself and was just about to reverse her magic when the doors to the bedroom opened on cue.
"That reminds me. Your dad is coming back from his patrols tomorrow. You should join us in a sparring match." Regina offers. Her cousin Ivy smiles brightly and makes herself comfortable on Regina's bed.
"Papa always loves a good fight! Oh! What about we team up? Me and Papa against you and Uncle Henry! All of our cousins and Uncles can be our audience!" Regina claps at the great idea and proceeds to step towards the vanity.
"Fun! I can't remember the last time I had fun..." she pouts like a kid.
"Almost a year ago, 8 months to be exact." Ivy teases.
Emma smirks at Regina's silly older cousin. Even though she's completely nervous, she finds their conversation very entertaining. She would give to see this action take place but she has too much going on. For starters she needs to tell her love about her new disaster she's been struggling with.
When Regina finally faces the vanity, she's startled by Emma's face instead of her own reflection. "Dammit Emma!"
"Ha! I was waiting for you to notice her sitting there." Ivy laughs hysterically.
"Shut up!" Regina whines. Emma wants to scold that whine and man does she has strong urges to kiss away that pout. The thought makes her new member tingle down below so she quickly clears her throat to shake the thought and earn Regina's attention.
"We need to talk," she says way too serious than she intended. Surely it scares Regina deep inside so she quickly saves herself by adding, "I'm so sorry I just disappeared. I-I wanted to explain while I have the chance."
Regina nods despite her furrowed brows of uncertainty. "Ivy leave please."
"Alright, but if you have mirror sex or whatever, I want details," the annoying cousin sings on her way out the door. Regina rolls her adorable eyes and proceeds to set her hair free while focusing on Emma.
"I was worried." Is all she says as she removes hair pin after hair pin. Emma relishes in the way her perfect hair falls deliciously over her shoulders. "Are you having second thoughts?"
"No! Absolutely not!"
"Alright..." Regina trails as she removes her earrings next, then her makeup. "Then what was it?"
"Remember how I told you I felt a darkness arising?"
"Yes..." Regina frowns. "You figured it out?"
"No...but um..."
"Did something happen to you?" Regina questions, leaning closer with fear in her eyes. She feared this all along and has every reason to worry with how nervous Emma is.
"Someone cursed me back in Corona, I don't know who. I have so many enemies as the savior it could've been anybody." Emma shrugs like it's nothing despite her hating her body. Regina's reaction is what she expected. The secretly sensitive Queen already has tears in her eyes.
"Curse...cursed you how?" She chokes. Emma hates her sadness and wanted to avoid this. Her anxiety is paining her, causing silence leading to Regina begging, "please tell me."
Emma decides to do this face to face. She teleports to Regina's room. She carefully guides the emotionally shaken Queen to the edge of the bed. They sit and gaze in each other's eyes as Emma reveals how she has been cursed. Emma is completely shocked when Regina sighs with relief.
"And there's more." Emma continues before Regina can express how she truly feels about the matter.
"Oh god," Regina groans.
"My parents are sick. They have been all month...the doctors can't figure out what it is and they're only getting worse."
"That's horrible," Regina gasps. "Emma I'm so sorry. You tried healing them right?"
"Yes," Emma gulps. "And that's where it gets crazy. Whatever did this to them was definitely dark magic. It's too powerful for me to heal."
Then it dawns on Regina. The moment Emma uttered 'dark magic' all she could think about was her mother and how that woman had her on edge in her study a few weeks ago. Her panic quickly injected into her soul; those overwhelming feelings caused her to burst into tears. Angry tears.
"Regina?"
"I'm so sorry." She cries. "This is all my fault! I shouldn't have let us get this far."
"Regina, what are you talking about?" Emma urges with panic. She hopes to the heavens that Regina isn't leaving her.
"My mother had something to do with this I know she did. She does this to me Emma, she takes the things I love and torments me with them so that she gets her way."
"I had no idea it was that bad," Emma mumbles sadly. Regina explained once before that her mother is horrible but never in grave detail. She could never imagine what Regina has gone through so she only vows she can someday save her from it.
"Yes, and the worse part is she has dark magic." Now that revelation blows Emma away.
"Regina! Why didn't you tell me that before?!"
"Because! I wasn't thinking!" Regina states honestly. Her anger grows causing her to stand and pace the room. She can feel her temper winning the battle. "God I hate her!"
"Regina relax," Emma attempts gently as she notices the purple glowing in Regina's eyes.
"I should kill her!" Then her hands are fueled with fire. That's when Emma finally steps in and scolds,
"Hey! Regina relax!"
With Emma in her face, the sight is the only thing that stops Regina from completely exploding. She takes in a deep breath and focuses on the feel of Emma's grip on her wrists. Emma's touch, no matter how rough or soft, does unexplainable things to her heart.
"I'm sorry," She whispers.
"Stop being sorry baby. None of this is your fault."
"It is Emma," Regina sighs, falling back down. "I should've handled her a long time ago. Now she's ruining your life to get to me. What if your parents –"
"Let's not think the worse." Although Emma is calm she knows it will be true. If Cora is as relentless as Regina says, the woman did ensure her parent's death. She'll just have to deal with that heartache at another time.
Right now Regina needs her. She felt that magic. That magic is powerful and with Regina's caged temper, her magic has a potential for great darkness. Putting this new information together, Emma realizes what her mission is. It's to protect Regina at all costs. Cora is trying to corrupt Regina with the darkness and that will turn Regina's destiny into destruction. Emma vows to do whatever it takes to keep Regina pure; her innocence must stay in tact. Above all else, she has to be happy and full of hope.
"She's trying to corrupt you Regina," Emma informs after a period of silence. "That's all that is."
"I don't doubt it," the Queen sulks. Maybe her mother will never love her. "She hates my existence."
"Still, you have to keep that temper at bay. Don't ever use your magic without a clear conscience, promise me you won't let her win." Emma holds up her pinky between them earning a smile from Regina. Of course the brunette can't reject and locks her own for the pinky promise: strongest of all promises.
"I promise," Regina cows with all her heart.
"Good. Now about the...my curse. I'm still trying to find a reverse spell if you're uncomfortable with it but if it doesn't bother you, I can learn to live with it..." Emma trails nervously. Regina chuckles, gently cupping Emma's freckled cheek to gaze into her eyes better.
"I need you to know that my mother can turn you into the ugliest creature ever and I will still love you. Nothing will ever stop me from loving you Emma Swan." A big dimply smile grows on Emma's face. She can't believe her ears so for closure she has to ask,
"So you're okay with it?"
"Yes." Regina chuckles. Emma purses her lips and shrugs,
"That doesn't seem sincere to me." Regina giggles more and firmly states,
"Uh huh."
"That's my girl," Emma praises, pecking the blushing Queen's lips. "I love my little gina so much."
"I love you too!" Regina squeals as Emma pulls her over top of her lap.