A/N: I'm sooooo sorry for the cliff hanger! My study period finished and that was as far as I got.
"Emma!" Snow cried again, standing up beside her husband who was gripping the handle of his ceremonial dagger.
Regina watched as Fredrick swung the helmet at Emma and their son in what appeared to be slow motion, but didn't give Regina time to react. Emma couldn't do anything without hurting Henry, it was too fast. Regina let out a cry of anguish as the helmet smashed into Emma's skull with a sickening crunch.
A millisecond of peace, red painting the back of Emma's head innocently.
Emma fell, her full weight landing on the boy in her arms as her body registered the impact. Henry wiggled but was unable to free himself as Fredrick roared in success, removing his helm and parading Emma's around the arena to the harsh gaze of the silent crowd.
A blood-curdling scream tore from Regina's throat. She flung herself at the railings only to be held back by a firm hand. She turned to appoint a death glare upon the person who had dared to place a hand upon her. That person was Snow White, and that didn't stop the glare.
"What are you doing?!" Regina demanded, slightly pacified when she saw the medics at Emma's side out of her peripheral.
"You are a Queen, act like it or disgrace all of us."
"That is my son and my champion, and this is my kingdom, I will do as I please. You forget who is in charge here your majesty." Regina spat the honorific causing Snow to let go in shock.
She ran to Emma's side, not caring about her image.
"Mom!" Henry cried, clutching onto her as she arrived at the edge of the circle the healers had formed. She knelt down to look Henry in the eyes.
"Go to Graham dear."
"What, what about Emma?" Henry sniffed.
"I will do my best." Regina promised before kissing his forehead and lightly pushing him in the direction of Graham.
She pushed into the circle and almost passed out as she viewed the growing pool of blood around Emma's head.
"Your majesty…" The oldest healer began; Regina could tell from his tone that it was not good news.
"Is she dead?" Regina breathed out the question, unable to force enough air into her lungs to make her voice more substantial.
"Not yet." He replied gravely.
"Oh, Emma." Regina felt tears in her eyes as she caressed the blondes' cheek, hidden from the prying crowd by the healers. Tears gathered in her eyes and began making their slow, stuttering descent down her cheeks. A salted tear fell, landing by Regina's thumb. She wiped it away gently and purple sparked from her fingers. The light got stronger and stronger, Regina was unable to control it, she could only watch as Emma's body absorbed the magic.
She bent and pressed a careful kiss to Emma's lips, purple fog drifted out of her mouth and into Emma's through her slightly parted lips.
A deep shuddery breath came from the blonde below her as the magic faded. Regina couldn't help but laugh in relief. The healer placed his hands on Emma's head to access her condition.
"Her skull is healed your majesty." He said with a genuine smile on her face. It warmed her heart how the people of her palace had come to care for her champion. Regina kissed Emma again before transporting her to their chambers and gently tucking her in.
She was about to leave when she smiled and scrawled, or at least a scrawl for Regina, a note and left it on her bedside table.
'Emma. I will be down in the throne room with the other royals. You were so brave. Regina.'
Regina then transported herself back to the arena before leading the royals to her throne room. Fredrick decided to join them.
"Knight Fredrick. Congratulations." James spoke proudly and Regina turned to glare at him.
"And what, King James, do you mean by that?" Regina almost snarled.
"Fredrick won." Snow piped up annoyingly from her seat.
"He did not! He brutally attacked my champion, mortally injuring her."
"Emma…" Snow said in a faint voice.
"Fortunately I could save her, but without magic she would be dead. And let's not forget the knight who now has no use of his arm; he has lost his livelihood and his pride because of him." Regina pointed an accusing finger at the offending knight.
"You can heal him." James said dismissively.
"I cannot." Regina ground out, fighting every instinct in her that was screaming at her to throw him across the room.
"Either way, Fredrick won."
"That knight, little does he deserve that title, was knocked out. The rules state that a knock out counts as a submission. My son was in the arena."
"The medics did not check him over." Snow contested.
"WE ALL KNOW HE WAS KNOCKED OUT! AND WHAT KNIGHT WOULD ATTACK A WOMAN WITH A CHILD IN HER ARMS!" Regina exploded. James and Snow flinched but the other royals nodded and muttered in agreement.
Regina took several long calming breaths as she thought about Emma, safe and well in their bed chambers.
"Let's put it to a vote, and keep in mind White Kingdom, I will start a war if Fredrick asks for my hand. All those in favour of Fredrick having to forfeit his title as champion of the Ogre Tournament raise your hands."
A round of ayes sounded around the chamber as all but the royals of the White Kingdom raised their hands. Regina's lips coiled into a malicious smile as her eyes flickered over Fredrick.
"Knight, no further actions will be taken over your breaking of the rules. However you are stripped of the title King James appeared to be so kind as to bestow. Now please take your leave." Fredrick bowed; a glower on his face before leaving.
"In light of recent events the title must be presented to Knight Swan." Regina stated as calmly as possible.
"But…" Snow started and looked set to continue despite Regina's glare.