I do NOT own the characters or OUAT.
Surprise! Here's my new story, more uploads coming soon! This is just to show my appreciation and love for all of my readers. I decided to switch it up and give you guys something I've never given you...introducing The Oath...
Chapter 1
"The Queen is coming!"
"Straighten up!"
The room darkened, the lights flickered, and everyone held their breath. Regina Mills, also known as The Evil Queen stormed into the corridor with a frown on her face, "Does anyone want to tell me what happened?"
"There was an attack in the east wing, your majesty," her father Henry stated, "Your huntsman...is no longer with us."
Regina placed her hand over her chest, "What?! Who did this?! They will pay," she said with darkened eyes.
"We believe it was Maleficent, your majesty. Perhaps she is claiming her attack on the kingdom," Henry stated.
"My queen," Sidney, Regina's most trusted advisor stepped in, "The commons were left soaking wet, I believe it was Ursula with a sneak attack. She has been jealous of your beauty for some time."
"I do not want assumptions. I want answers!"
"My Queen, I will find answers for you," Sidney said quickly.
Regina took in everything that was being said before walking towards her guards, "You could not help Graham protect the palace, he is gone. How can I be sure that you will protect me?"
"Your majesty, we are terribly sorry—"
The Evil Queen snapped his neck, killing him instantly, "I need a new first knight. I need new protection!"
"It can be arranged, my queen," Sidney replied.
"Search all of the realm! I do not care if they are female or male, I just need proper protection. I want all of the former knight's first borns! Build me an army! DO WHATEVER NEEDS TO BE DONE!" Everyone jumped. Regina took a deep breath before speaking softly, "If I have to watch my own back then nothing is stopping me from killing everyone in this room," she glared before storming out.
Henry looked at Sidney, "She will not take Graham's death lightly, do not fail."
"If my queen wants an army, an army is what she shall have," Sidney stated clearly before turning towards the guards, "We move out at dawn."
"Again!"
Emma Swan charged at her father only for him to flip her over his shoulder. She landed on the hard ground with a thud, the wind was knocked out her chest and her back throbbed in pain causing the young blonde to groan.
Her father, David, chuckled as he walked over, "You have to expect that," he said while helping her up.
"Ah, I know but it is only a few minutes past dawn, papa. I am awake but my body is still asleep," she said as she rubbed her back.
"What did I tell you? The most praised warriors—"
"Wake before dawn. I know, I know," she sighed.
"Emma, you are quick and flexible, use it and you will beat me one day," he nudged her.
"Alright old man, enough of this," she grabbed his sword and tossed it to him before grabbing her own sword, she pointed it at him, "Let's go."
David gripped his sword tight, "Are you sure? I don't want to hurt you."
"I have been practicing, come on papa," she huffed.
"Alright alright," he chuckled at his eager 18-year-old, "Let's begin," he smirked before swinging his sword at her.
Emma quickly blocked him then spun to the left before taking a big step and slicing at him. Her father moved fast enough to not get cut but Emma spun to the right to slice him again. When their swords clashed, it started a war of dominance. David was stronger but Emma was faster, it was a true sword fight. Both of them just missing each other. Both of them focused. Both of them proud of Emma's improvement.
Snow White walked outside and watched them with her arms crossed, "David, it's time for Emma to let the chickens out. Why don't you give her a break?"
"No," he grunted, "She does not want a break, do you?"
"No," Emma swung, "I am having fun, mother."
"Sweetheart, I understand that but you can not enter the Queen's guard until you're 21...that's 3 years from now. A break to do your chores will do you some good," she replied.
"She will be ready by then, right now she is training. I trained from sunrise to sunset with my father, she will do the same—"
"But she is not you, David—"
He stopped fighting with Emma and turned to his wife, "She will be better than I ever was! I will not have it any other way, we discussed this—"
"And you said she would still get to be a teenager. She wants to adventure and explore, she is not a knight yet, David," Snow argued back.
Emma winced as she watched her parents argue, she hated when they argued, especially over her. They wanted her to be two different people so badly that they never acknowledged or even asked Emma who she wanted to be. Her mother was right, she did want to go on adventures and explore but she also would like to serve the queen and sit at her table, making discussions on what would come to the children of the realm. Emma loved children, she wanted to help them see that there was more to life than hiding from The Dark One and trying to survive an Orge's War. She often wondered how she could show that to the youth if she never even experienced it herself…
After a while her parents stopped arguing and decided to let give Emma a break to complete her chores. Emma didn't mind doing chores, she loved making her mother's job easier. They had a small palace and farm, thanks to David's 20 year service to the Queen. He was a knight for Regina's mother, Queen Cora, and served his last few years as a knight for Regina, The Evil Queen. David didn't do much now, he ran their farm, serviced their village and gave food to the poor families around the kingdom. Snow stayed at home with the youngest member of their family, Neal. Emma's 8-year-old little brother looked up to her. Everyone looked up her; her friends in the village, their siblings, and a bunch of people that she didn't even know. All they knew was that she was the daughter of The Charming Knight. Emma was so much more.
"David," Snow warned softly as she looked out the window.
David looked out of the window and stood in front of his wife, "Stay inside. Tell Emma to take her brother to her room and stay there."
"What do you think they want?"
"I am not sure. Everything will be okay," he stated before walking outside meeting Sidney and two black knights as they approached, "Hello, gentlemen. What can I do for you? I can assure you that we've paid our taxes."
"We are not here for that," Sidney assured, "May we come in?"
"Yes, of course," David smiled before leading them inside. He sat down, "Is something wrong?"
"The royal palace was attacked yesterday. The Queen's first knight was killed," he replied.
David gasped, "Graham's dead. I'm so sorry to hear that. I don't understand why you are here, though."
Sidney gave a signal causing one of the knights to hand David a scroll, "Royal decree," he started, "The Queen has requested all of the first borns of former knights in the realm. She is building an army. When training is done, she will select a new first knight."
"I—well, Emma is only 18. Plus, she's different, she'll need—"
"The Queen is aware of your daughter's deformality," he nodded, "I can not guarantee special treatment but she will be well protected. She must arrive at training camp tomorrow at dawn or I shall be back to collect...your last born."
David stood, "What? Has Regina lost her mind?"
"No but to prevent her going mad, she demands an army. Your daughter shall report at dawn on the palace grounds with that entry scroll. I know your concern, she's young but if I may be honest with you...The Queen is desperate for safety, she doesn't know who she can trust so she is unpredictable at the moment. If you do not want to lose your youngest, send your eldest," Sidney stated before standing, "We will meet again," he nodded before leaving with the black knights.
David huffed and ran his fingers through his hair before reading over the decree, "Snow...could you come here, please?"
Snow entered shortly, "Well what did they want?"
He handed her the scroll before sighing, "She could be—"
"KILLED! Oh David, no. We can't let her go," she stood in front of him, "I won't allow it."
"Either she goes or Regina takes Neal instead," he replied, causing his wife to gasp, "She is strong, Snow. She can do this."
Snow teared up, "She's just a baby David, there could be a war at any moment. I do not know when I will see her again," she said before sobbing into his chest, "Do not make her go, David."
David held his wife before kissing her head, "I served the Queen, Emma shall do the same," he said before walking out of the kitchen and going to Emma's bedroom, "Emma?"
"Yes papa? I was just taking a break, reading a tale, I can get back to my chores," she said sitting up quickly.
"No, it's quite alright. Relax. Um, The Queen sent out a Royal Decree...you have been chosen to join her new army. She's also looking for a new first knight. Now with your speed, I think you'll excel—"
Emma's eyes widened, "Wait, hold on. Just slow down. She wants me to fight for her? I'm honored but I'm not sure I'm ready. What if there are ogres?"
"Emma, you have no choice but to be ready. I'll be taking you to the palace before dawn. You will be just fine. I believe in you. You'll become first knight and—"
"No. It's soon. I need more training and what about my friends?!"
"They will understand, Emma. You are going, we don't have a choice," he argued.
"You say we but it will only be me out there risking my life. I'm scared papa—"
"YOU ARE NO COWARD! YOU WILL FIGHT FOR YOUR HONOR AND YOUR FAMILY! THIS IS YOUR TICKET TO FREEDOM!"
Emma jumped back and looked at her father in a way that she never had before, with fear. She knew that she couldn't let him down, "I will fight."
"And you will not stop until you are first knight and have things your way, do you understand? Emma, I need you to understand. I don't want you to lose and die, I want you to get close to Regina so you can shape the future that you want. She trusts the first knight over all knights, you can do this," he said to her with a nod before tossing the scroll on her bed, "This is everything that you will need, start packing."
The blonde gulped, "Yes papa."
•••
"I shall miss you, dear friend," Regina said before leaning down and kissing Graham's cold body while it laid in a casket.
"Maybe, you will. I'm sure you will miss rolling around in the sack with him more though, right?"
The Evil Queen stood and turned slowly, "Maleficent, how did you get into my palace?"
"Thin walls, I guess," she stepped closer, "I came to insure you that I did not place an attack on your kingdom. If I did, it'd be much more tortuous," she smirked.
"Well I knew it was not you, I didn't see anything dragon scales sheddings," Regina glared, "What else did you come for, dear? I sure hope it's not to fight," she replied while making a fireball in her hands.
"Oh no Regina, I simply came to warn you. You see, my daughter, Lilith, has just turned 18. She began training today, she wants to be a knight like her father and protect well...me," she chuckled, "Ever since she turned 13, I have thought her nothing more than to hate you. So when she grows stronger, when she learns to use her dark magic...I shall be back with my daughter leading my army and your kingdom will fall."
"Over my dead body," she replied quickly before chuckling, "This was amusing Maleficent, really. Your daughter has not even been training a full day yet, by definition, she's not even strong enough to beat my black knights, let alone my army. So please grow your daughter, the stronger she gets, the more desperate she becomes," she explained as she walked back over to Graham's body, "And when you're desperate, you're weak," she sniffled, placed a kiss on his forehead, and waved her hand, using her magic to send Maleficent back to her own kingdom.
•••
"So how did you two get away with it?"
"Her father wasn't home, she invited me over," he shrugged.
Emma's eyes widened, "So what does it feel like?"
"Like sex," August chuckled, "It was warm. She made beautiful noises."
"I'm so jealous. I will never get to have sex now, serving this stupid army," Emma kicked the ground.
"Listen, you know I would be right next to you if the Queen didn't spare my papa and I because my mom just died," he explained.
"I know and I'm sorry but I go to training camp in the morning and it's happening so fast," she sighed.
"Wow, so this is really happening," August said knowingly.
"Yeah, I will be serving the Queen," Emma nodded, "I am scared, August."
"Fear is natural. The moment you let it consume you is when you become weak. You're a good fighter Emma, you'll only grow stronger and hungrier. You want it now but when you step through those gates, see our beautiful leader, and feel important, you will want it more and you will fight for it. I know you will," he smiled.
"Yeah…I have been training for this for three years now, I know a lot of techniques," she replied, "Our Queen is beautiful but she's murderous, what if she doesn't like me and kills me? She's killed children before, August, she will not hesitate to kill me."
"She will not kill you. She will see what I see," he shrugged.
"What's that?"
"Light," he simply replied.
Emma smiled and blushed, "Thanks Auggie, you're the best."
He smiled, "Don't find a new best friend at camp, alright?"
The blonde hugged him tight, "Never. Will you check on my family while I'm gone? Please?"
He hugged back, "Of course, I will help out. Will I be able to visit you?"
"I'm not sure yet but I will write to you, like everyday," Emma nodded.
"You better. I will miss you. The palace is only a few roads away, I can—"
"No. Don't risk anything, please. I don't want you to get hurt, I will write to you and let you know what I know, deal?"
He smiled, "Deal. I love you, Emma."
"I love you too, August," she replied.
Regina barely slept through the night. It was minutes before dawn, she stood in her bedroom window and watched all of her potential Knights enter through the palace gates. She began to pace as she thought about what Maleficent said.
"Your majesty?"
She stopped, "What do you want Sidney?"
"Breakfast is served…"
"Keep it warm, I'm going somewhere," she said before poofing away.
Despite Sidney's confusion, Regina poofed herself to the palace of an old friend. She cleared her throat, "Rumplestiltskin!"
"Well you don't have to shout, dearie," he giggled as he appeared sitting in a chair, "The Evil Queen has traveled to my home, I'd like to know the reason before I...kick you out."
"I'm building an army, that will take months to perfect. Maleficent has threatened me and the whole kingdom," she explained.
"Why don't you use your magic to handle her and everyone else? Hmm? I think I know why," he smirked before appearing in front of her, placing his hands on her stomach, "Is the queen drained from the baby she lost with the huntsman?"
She stepped away from him, "How do you know about that?"
Rumple giggled, "When will you realize that I know everything, dearie? What do you want, Regina?"
"I've lost a child and a first knight, I need you to lead me to my new first knight and possibly whip me up a potion for a child unless you want me to steal one from your village," she smirked.
He tapped his chin, "I'm all out of favors...but if it's a deal you want, I assume I can offer you one."
She glared at him, "Name your price."
He smiled wickedly, "This army that you speak of...I want half," he shrugged.
"Absolutely not, did you not hear what I just said? Maleficent is planning to attack my kingdom!"
Rumple held up his hand, "Your kingdom will be fine. I will point you to your child and first knight, a very powerful first knight might I add," he walked over to his large table and placed a crystal ball in front of him, when Regina appeared next to him he waved his hand over the ball, "The one you seek, is entering your kingdom gates as we speak."
"What? He's already entering my army, how convenient–"
"Well you are mighty impatient, aren't you? I didn't say it was he," he giggled, "Look closer…"
Regina leaned closer to the crystal ball and let her eyebrows furrow when she saw Emma hugging her father goodbye before tossing her napsack over her shoulder and walking onto the campgrounds where her fellow trainees waited, "What games are you playing, imp? David's child is merely 18."
"That child is the product of true love. She possesses very powerful light magic and the best part is, she doesn't even know it yet," he smiled.
"So you expect me to let a child be my first knight?"
"Lilith is only a child and she's leading Maleficent's entire army. Don't be foolish, you asked for all of the first born, you didn't acquire their age. Emma, is very strong," Rumple explained.
"So that takes care of my first knight problem but what of my child?"
"Did you not hear anything that I said? Emma possesses powerful light magic. She's powerful enough to break any spell, especially the one your mother placed on you to prevent you from having the huntsman's baby," he smirked, "Didn't think that I knew that, either?"
"Oh that's right, Sidney did mention that David's child was different. So I'll force her to give me a child, thank you Rumple, half of the army is yours," she waved him off.
"Not so fast, your majesty. Emma's magic won't work unless it's given willingly, you can't just force her to give you a child. All things magic, come with a price," he nodded, "Even if she does dark things, her magic is still powerful but it has to be used willingly."
Regina glared, "There are always tricks with you! First, you show me a child who barely is old enough to carry a sword, let alone protect my kingdom. Then, you say she has great magic and can give me my baby and now, you speak in riddles!"
"There's no mystery, I've given you all of your answers, you should be forever grateful—"
"This better be worth half of my army, what do you even need an army for?!"
"That is for me to know and for you to find out," Rumple stated before waving his hand and sending her back to her bedroom.
The Evil Queen looked around her room before looking at herself in her mirror, "You can have happiness," she told herself, "But you must take it," she nodded before looking over her shoulder, "Sidney!"
The man rushed into the room, "Yes, your majesty, so glad to see you've returned."
She held up her hand to silence him, "Take me to the grounds, I want to meet my potential army. Bring me Jacque, I need to talk to her."
•••
Emma was setting up her side of the tent when a voice spoke to her from the other side, "You got a name?"
"Emma," she mumbled.
"Mulan," the voice replied, "Where are you from?"
"East Mist Haven," she stated, "H-How about you?"
"North, by the snowy mountains," she replied, "You're that...special girl, aren't ya?"
Emma gulped, "Is that what everyone says?"
"For the most part. Listen, your junk is your junk. Just keep it away from me and we're good," Mulan replied.
"Sounds good," she nodded before laying down on her cot, "Think we'll be outside forever?"
"It's too early to tell but winter will be here before we notice. I suspect our last warm days are upon us," Mulan modded.
"The cold doesn't bother me much but I've never had to sleep in it," Emma stated.
"I have but I plan to find a handmaiden to keep me warm, I suggest to do the same," she replied before leaving.
Emma chuckled before sitting down on her cot and began to start writing to August. That was until she heard loud Royal horns causing her to step out of her tent, she found Mulan and stood next to her, "What's going on?"
"It's the Queen," she replied.
Emma looked up to the platform where The Evil Queen and three others stood. A dark haired woman stepped up and spoke, "Today your lives change forever. Today you look royalty in the face and devote yourself to it. To prepare you for the oath, The Queen has decided to test you all, there will be no special treatment, men will fight women, teens will fight adults. It's the survival of the fittest," Jacque stated clearly, "Who is prepared to fight before their Queen and show her some skills?"
A lot of men roared, a few women too, Mulan cheered and raised her sword but Emma's eyes remained glued to the Queen. She hadn't seen her in years, she had forgotten how beautiful she was. She was knocked out of her thoughts when Mulan slapped her shoulder before walking over to the pit that was in front of the platform that held the Queen and her advisors.
A warrior named Knottingham walked up to face Mulan. The crowd chanted for him but Mulan didn't look scared. They had nothing protecting them but their swords, this wasn't ideal for Emma. People will die here and she decided to focus so that she could make her father proud.
"You got this Mulan," she called out as the battle began. Mulan was fast, Knottingham couldn't strike her. It was long before Mulan used her speed to get behind him and stab him in the back. Emma's eyes widened as the tall man's body fell to the ground.
Mulan looked eyes with Regina, she gave her Queen a proud smile. This caused the Queen to smile back before standing up, she held her hands in front of her as she spoke, "You all have traveled from the deepest parts of my kingdom but do not think that I'm easily amused," she glanced at Mulan, "You were excellent my child but not good enough to have dinner with us tonight," she smirked, "The winner of the next battle will have dinner with me in the castle while the rest of you...fight over dirt and whatever my cooks make you."
Jacque stood once Regina sat back down, she glanced over a scroll, "Where is Hercules?"
All of the men moved out way and let the young male step forward, he looked at Jacque, "I'm only 18."
"We're aware of that," she nodded before looking over at Emma, "You, you're 18 right? Come here." The blonde nodded and she stepped forward, Jacque smirked, "Nervous?"
"No ma'am," Emma replied, "I'm ready."
"Good," she nodded, "You may begin."
Hercules held his sword tight before swinging it at Emma. The blonde jumped back before rolling on the ground and slicing his leg causing him to groan out in pain, she hopped up and swung at him again but he blocked it with his sword. Hercules smirked at Emma, using his strength to push his sword against hers, the blonde kicked his knee causing him to fall on the ground, she stood over him with her sword pointed at his neck.
Mulan and others cheered when Hercules dropped his sword, surrendering to Emma. Jacqueline was impressed, Regina was impressed. The Queen stood before walking next to Jacque, "Finish him," she said.
Hercules looked at Emma with worried eyes, "No. Please."
"Finish him," Regina repeated carelessly.
"My father says that a good knight, knows when they have won," Emma said before helping Hercules off of the ground.
Regina raised her brow, Jacque spoke, "You have just disobeyed your Queen."
"I was sent here to protect my Queen, she was in no danger," Emma turned to Regina and bowed, "My apologies, your majesty but a knight without honor is not a knight at all," she said before walking back to her tent allowing everyone's eyes to follow her.
Regina whispered to Jacque before leaving with her guard and Sidney. Jacque looked at the crowd, "The battles are over."
•••
"She may be pure of heart but she will not do whatever it takes to protect you! Forget what the imp said and find a suitable Knight," Sidney argued, "We are wasting time!"
Tinker Bell flew in on her fairy wings, "The ultimate goal is a child here, right? Your spell can only be broken with light magic, turning Emma dark will only backfire."
"She can fight," Jacque nodded as she ate an apple, "But can she protect you?"
Regina held her hands up, "Enough! Bring me the cricket and prepare the girl for dinner."
"Yes, your majesty," Sidney nodded.
Regina made her way to her bedroom, her mind swimming with questions about Emma. She then began to question herself, she had let Emma's disrespect go without consequence. What would the people think of her? Had she gone soft? Her thoughts were cut short when she heard tiny wings flap.
Jiminy Cricket sighed, "You wanted to see me, my queen?"
"I need your help, cricket, your parents have already been released," she waved her hand and the cricket turned back into a curly haired ginger man, "You are back to your normal state."
He smiled, "You must really need my help."
"Hush your mouth, cricket. I'm sure Sidney has filled you in," she nodded.
"Yes, he has. There is someone who can break the spell that your mother placed on you, that's good. I hear you are displeased though?"
"She's so...Good. Pure of heart like the imp said but I need some...something else. If she is good, she'll make me weak. The imp sent me on a goose chase!"
"Perhaps, she is what you need," Jiminy spoke, "She will not weaken you my Queen. You have a lot of minds surrounding you, they will linger and agree to your every word. Maybe someone with their own mind will do you some good."
"But how will I know that she will protect me? A strong mind can not stop a dagger that I can not see," Regina began to pace.
Jiminy watched his Queen, he swallowed, "This child is very important to you, I can tell."
The Queen froze, "I do not have Graham and I do not have the child that we planned for. I feel…"
"Empty," he nodded, "Test her if you must but along the way, get to know her, let her know you. I believe that she is strong enough to do all that she is destined to do."
"Good because you are having dinner with us to judge her character," Regina nodded.
"Yes, your majesty," he nodded.
"You may go, tell Jacque to come see me," she demanded before going to her bath that her maids ran for her. She undressed and sat in the bath, "Ah," she sighed with relaxation.
"You requested me," Jacque smirked softly as she entered her Queen's chambers. She had never seen her naked before but she was anxious. Graham was gone, it was only a matter of time before Regina would assign someone new to take care of his duties.
"Plan a mock attack for tomorrow. We will test the child, if she passes, she will train personally with you," Regina stated.
Jacque nodded silently before sitting on the edge of the tub, "Your majesty, I've been thinking. Perhaps, I could be your first Knight and you can stop this search," she slipped her hand in the water and placed her hand on the Queen's thigh, "I can please you, my Queen."
"Jacqueline, unhand me before I cut your hand off," she snapped before smirking as she sat up, her upper body now revealed. Jacque licked her lips, "You want to know what it feels like to be with a real woman?"
"No. Only a Queen," she replied.
Regina grabbed her neck, choking her, "Well then you better go find one," she choked her warrior tighter, "Plan a mock robbery for the girl, make sure it is fail proof, and keep your hands to yourself. If you fail to do so, I will personally take your sword and slide it down your throat until the pointy end comes out…," she snaked her hand and cupped the woman's vagina, "Right here."
"Yes, your majesty," she squeaked out.
The Queen let her go before settling back into her bath, "Ahhh."
•••
"How did you know that would work?"
"I did not," Mulan chuckled, "But once I saw the snow tumbling down, I knew that I did the right thing. Come on, Swan. Tell us about your most victorious battle."
Tamara scoffed, "As if she has any, she is only 18 full spins."
"But she is an excellent fighter, go ahead, Emma. Tell us," Mulan encouraged.
"Um well," the blonde rubbed the back of her neck, "There was a break in at my family's farm—"
"Swan," A black knight entered their tent, "The Queen has requested you, come with me."
"Ooh," Tamara smirked as Emma stood, "The Queen will behead you for your actions earlier."
Mulan scoffed, "Do not listen to her, Emma. I will see you when you return."
Emma nodded, "I will return," she assured before leaving with the black knight. He led her pass the stables, through the garden, and through the back gates of the palace, "This place is...huge."
"Yes it is and her majesty will notice if anything is missing so do not touch anything," the knight stated sternly before turning to her, "Once you enter this room, the handmaid's will make sure you are presentable for her majesty. You will be having dinner with us tonight. Whilst inside of this room, the maids are yours," he smirked, "If you wish to have your way with them, you may. If they upset you in any way, call for me. My name is Hyde," he said before opening the door.
Emma nodded and walked inside the room. Two maids walked over to her and began undressing her, the blonde gulped. Their hands roamed over her now naked body with sponges. When one of them began to stroke her member, she whimpered, "Um ladies, that feels very good but I do not want to keep the Queen waiting."
"Oh, of course not," one of them replied before dressing Emma. They took a step back and looked over her before clapping at their work.
The blonde walked over to the mirror and smiled, she looked like royalty. After thanking them she found Hyde and he led her to the great dining hall where Jiminy, Jacque, Sidney, and Henry, the Queen's father, sat waiting. She sat next to Jacque, across from Henry. She swallowed, "Hello."
Henry smiled, "Hello, child. I heard you put on a good fight earlier."
"It was pretty mediocre," Jacque responded.
Emma sank in her chair. When Regina entered in a beautiful dress, the blonde sat up, staring at her Queen. She always thought she was beautiful but she had never realized how truly stunning she was. Everyone stood, including Emma, she was the only one who smiled.
Regina noticed, "You may all sit," she stated, when they sat back down, she sat down before speaking, "We have a guest. The brave girl who disobeyed me."
"Your majesty, I am terribly sorry—"
"Number one, never speak unless spoken to," she snapped before taking a deep breath, "Are you going to be a problem for me, Swan?"
"No, your majesty," Emma replied.
"Let us eat," Sidney snapped his fingers and dinner was served.
The Evil Queen never touched her food, she simply watched Emma devour hers, "Georgina, my young knight has run out of apple cider."
The servant quickly refilled Emma's drink, the blonde smiled at her, "Thank you very much."
"If you stare any harder, your eyes will burn," Tink said as she floated next to the Queen's ear.
Regina was surprised by her small fairy friend, she whispered, "What are you doing here?"
"I came to check out your soulmate," she giggled, "She is beautiful, the handmaids were giggling and swooning in the corridors, now I see why."
"She has not looked at me once, some soulmate. I am making a fool of myself," Regina scoffed.
"Relax, Regina. You are simply nervous. Perhaps she does not know that she can look at you. You need to get to know her," Tink stated.
The Queen cleared her throat, "Swan, are you enjoying dinner?"
"Yes, your majesty," Emma nodded.
"We can tell, you have eaten 3 plates full of food," Jacque roll her eyes causing Emma to drop her fork and lean back in her seat.
"Jacqueline, you can go to guard the door now," Regina snapped, "One more remark like that and you'll be sent to your chambers or maybe sent to a tent outside," she glanced at Emma, "You can eat until your stomach is upset, you are my guest."
Emma smiled, "Thank you, your majesty. Your palace is grand..."
"I am glad that you like it. You know, the first knight gets their very own wing," she replied.
"Wow," Emma looked around, "That would be an honor."
"Swan, I know it only your first day but you may be first knight one day, do you know what comes with that? A seat at the round table, your own private guard, and leader of my army. There is an oath that you must take. The first knight is a decision maker in the kingdom. Have you thought about that? Is there anything that you would like to change?"
The blonde swallowed and wiped her mouth, "I...well I like children. My family has a farm and when I deliver vegetables to the village, I notice that a lot of children are malnourished and neglected, I would like nothing more than to change that."
"A visionary," Henry smiled, "Excellent."
"Well said, Emma," Jiminy smiled.
"Thank you," she blushed before looking at Regina, "I hope I did not overstep, your majesty."
Regina sipped her wine, "No, you did no such thing. I asked, you answered. Well Swan, you do understand that being First Knight is a very time consuming job? You would have very little time to see your family. I am sure that you have a special someone back home, are you prepared to leave them?"
"My family will understand and I do not have a significant other...I have never been with anyone," she said quietly.
"Being pure is nothing to be ashamed of," Jiminy reminded her.
"I was born different, no woman or man would want me, sir. For that...I am ashamed," Emma replied.
"I do not understand your pain, child but I assure you, this kingdom, this palace, is a place of acceptance," Henry stated.
"Indeed it is, well said Father," Regina chimed in, "Swan, you are pure, there's no shame in that. I'd like to invite you somewhere with me tomorrow."
"R-Really?"
"Yes, anyone who is brave enough to stand up to me deserves a chance. If you continue to do well with your training, you will notice that your time spent here in the palace will extend," The Queen stated.
Emma smiled, "That sounds rewarding. Thank you, your majesty."
"Hyde," Regina called, when he quickly appeared, she spoke again, "Take Emma back to her tent."
•••
"Well...what did she say?"
"Yeah, tell us."
"You don't look tortured."
"You are dressed like a Duke."
Emma chuckled, "Guys, one at a time. I will tell you all about it," she said as she began to undress, "Tonight was quite the night," she laid down, "Alright, so when I first arrived, three maids bathed me."
Mulan smirked, "Oh that sounds like a dream."
"It was very nice. Then, they dressed me in the softest fabrics I have ever worn in my life. After that, I had dinner with the Queen and her advisors. She liked my bravery," Emma smiled.
A young Dorothy Gale asked, "What is the Queen like?"
"She is…," the blonde blushed, "She is very beautiful. She sat under the candlelight like an angel—"
"Of death," Tamara chuckled, "She is too evil to be beautiful."
"That is not true," Emma argued, "You know nothing of the Queen."
"You had one dinner with her! You let her charm fool you. If she likes bravery, let us see how I am rewarded when I rip your head off," Tamara took out her sword and poked the front Emma's neck, "If anyone should be getting special treatment, it is I! I am stronger, braver, and older than you. You have never even fought in battle."
Emma gulped at the blade but Mulan pulled out her sword and pointed it to Tamara's back, "Do not let your envy get you killed. Back away from my friend, do not be a fool."
"What is going on here?" Hyde peaked in with two other black knights. Tamara and Mulan froze as he walked inside the tent, "Here I am doing my final round of walkthroughs and look at what I find, you ladies are much more rowdy than the men," he chuckled causing his knights to chuckle, "What is the meaning of this? You," he pointed to Mulan, "Answer me."
She lowered her sword, "Sir, Tamara is envious of Emma's time spent in the palace, she attacked her."
Tamara turned towards Mulan, "I did not!"
Emma sat up as the knights checked to make sure she was okay. Hyde stood between Mulan and Tamara, "Enough! Tamara, is it? I would sure hate to wake the Queen up and have her deal with this so I will spare you tonight. A Knight in the Queen's Guard is loyal and does not believe in being envious."
"I am not envious, I simply know what a phony looks like and she is just that. Given the proper chance, I can prove to the Queen that I am worthy of being her first knight," Tamara assured.
"That settles it then. Tomorrow, you and Swan will battle. The winner will join us on our quest tomorrow. Goodnight, return to your assigned tents," Hyde said before leaving with his knights.
•••
"Was she wounded?!"
"No, your majesty. She does not have one scratch. The other trainee was furious so I told her that she and Swan will battle tomorrow before we leave for our quest—"
Regina fumed, "You did what?! Are you a fool? I have already set for Swan to attend the quest not some other girl!"
"I know what I am doing, your majesty. You put me in charge of your army and I am taking charge. Trust me–"
The Queen tightened her night robe, "Trust you? You want me to trust you? The last time I trusted any of you, Graham was murdered!"
Hyde bowed, "My Queen, I assure you, you will have your first knight and you will go on your quest as planned."
"Everything better go as I planned or it will be your head on a stake. I will be entertained before a quest, that does not sound terrible. Swan best not lose. The loser dies at my hand. Now, get out of my chambers, I need my beauty rest," Regina used her magic to throw him out and slam the door before beginning to pace. Tinkerbell flew in through the window, "I knew I should have had Swan staying inside of the palace."
"Would you calm down? You need to learn patience," she replied.
"How can I be patient? Ugh, I should just have Jykell whip up a love potion and go from there," Regina scoffed looking out of her window.
"No, Rumplestiltskin said—"
"I know what the imp said! Time is winding down. Maleficent's army will be here soon and I am not prepared. I have no army, no first knight and no child. I can not have a child in the middle of a war," she turned to the fairy.
"You can not have a child forcefully either," Tink said softly, "Your happiness will come Regina, if you allow it. From what I can tell, Emma is young but she is wise. She enjoys children, isn't that a sign of good faith. She has never been with a woman, she is yours to mold. You have full control, Regina. There is no need to be frightened, let her come to you. You are an amazing person."
She sighed, "You are right. I need to calm down. Tomorrow is a new day, Swan will be spending time with me. I need to rest, leave me Tink. I am forever grateful for you."
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