This is a part of the Swanfire Secret Santa Exchange 2021. My giftee was swanthief on Tumblr. They said they enjoyed EF AUs and through a little digging, found out they liked the Sound of Music as well. This isn't a direct AU (Emma is not a nun), but does borrow from the overall theme of the movie.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone 3 I hope you enjoy.
Perhaps I had a wicked childhood
Perhaps I had a miserable youth
But somewhere in my wicked, miserable past
There must have been a moment of truth
For here you are, standing there, loving me
Whether or not you should
So somewhere in my youth or childhood
I must have done something good-The Sound Of Music
Emma folds her hands over her smock as she ushered down long, winding halls by the guard who greeted her at the gate. If someone had ever told her this is where she'd end up as an adult, she would've laughed in their face. Emma had dreams of being a knight for her own kingdom, fighting for the good of everyone. She had attended all of the trainings. Regina was ready to knight her.
And then her godmother had passed away. Having no children herself, the throne was passed down to Regina's estranged sister, Zelena. She exiled Emma's family, taking everything from them. Her father still had his mother's farm but he was getting on in age. Maintaining it at his age was out of the question. Neither he nor Emma's mother were in the position to take on manual labor. They had spent their entire lives assisting as advisers to the queen. No one trusted them given their affiliation with the former villain. It fell onto Emma to take care of her parents, but she similarly had few skills outside fighting.
Just as they hit their last bit of gold, Emma got word of a governess job. A young king had only taken on the duties after the passing of his father and step-mother. Outside of the throne, he had inherited a 10-year-old brother. The old governess had passed not long after the former king, leaving a gap in care. King Baelfire was desperate and didn't seem to care that Emma had no formal training. Education from Queen Regina's tutors and a glowing recommendation from Johanna was enough for him. It's the last job Emma wants, but if it'll provide for her family, she'll accept it.
"These are your quarters," the guard, Ronan, says, pushing open the door. A small room awaits her with nothing but a bed for one and a wardrobe. "The maids will drop off your things later. His Majesty has instructed you meet with Prince Gideon at once."
"He doesn't want to meet me first?" Emma asks. "The king, I mean."
"His Majesty is a very busy man and you came highly recommended. The young prince should be in the library. Allow me to show you the way."
The castle already varied so much from the one Emma had grown up in. Even though Regina had a flair for the dramatics, it was still warm and inviting with rich reds, deep purples. Here, practically everything is a steel grey, devoid of any real personality. Emma's stomach aches for the comforts of her grandmother's farm. Even if it's a bit cutesy, it still has the persona touches of the other half of her family's legacy. Here, there's not much to show that a family ever lived here, outside the rare family portrait. She tries to stop long enough to look at the ones that line the walls, but the guard is too quick for that and the last thing she needs is to get lost. After three flights of stairs, Ronan pushes open a heavy oak door.
The walls are covered in floor to ceiling bookcases, overflowing with more titles than even Regina's libraries contained. A long oak table sits in the middle of the room, looking quite uncomfortable. She longs to sit in one of the overstuffed arm chairs, but finds a little boy sitting on the bench at the table. Dark waves droop in front of his matching eyes, as he stares down at a huge book. A quill sits near a leather journal. From afar, Emma can see meticulous notes. Her own were never that neat.
"Your Royal Highness," Ronan's gruff voice is enough to pull the boy from his reading. "This is your new governess, Emma. Miss Emma, this is Prince Gideon."
Emma manages a small smile as she curtseys. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
Gideon nods at her before turning to Ronan. "Have you seen my brother?"
"His Majesty is busy today, but you've been told that already, haven't you?"
Gideon ducks his head. A stab of anger fills Emma's stomach. As a young girl, her parents made sure she knew she came first. She sat in on many meetings between them and Regina. When she lost her first tooth, she barged in on them. Her parents were so excited, promising the Tooth Fairy would visit that night. Sure enough, some silver was left under her pillow the next morning.
"I'll leave you two to get acquainted," Ronan continues. "His Royal Highness has finished his studies for the day. Dinner is at half six, it'll be your responsibility to make sure he's ready."
"Of course."
"We're fine, Ronan," Gideon says with a sigh. "You're dismissed."
The guard exits the room, leaving only silence in his wake. Emma stands awkwardly, unsure of what to do. Her carriage had been delayed and she had expected to help Gideon with his studies. With it being so late in the afternoon, she's unsure of how to proceed.
"I'm Emma," she says, lamely.
"I know. Ronan told me."
"Right."
"You can sit down, if you want."
Emma obliges and walks over to the table, sliding across from him. Immediately, she shifts uncomfortably in her spot. The bench offers little to no comfort. How can this boy get any work done without a little padding?
"What are you reading? Something for your studies?"
"It's a fantasy book that my mother gave me."
"And you're taking notes on it?"
"I guess I'm just in the habit." He shrugs, a bit of blush taking over his cheeks. "I like school. Is that weird?"
Emma grins, shaking her head. "No. I can't say I relate, but it's refreshing to see a prince that likes his studies."
"If you don't like school, why are you a governess?"
Emma pauses. "Well, just because I didn't enjoy it, doesn't mean I didn't do well."
Gideon chuckles. "You sound like my brother. Have you met him yet?"
"I'm afraid not. He's busy." Gideon scoffs, causing Emma to tilt her head. "I take it he's busy a lot?"
"He didn't use to be. We used to read books and feed the ducks at the pond…then Mother and Father died and well…" He trails off, biting his lip. "It doesn't matter, I guess. He's a king now, that comes with a lot of responsibility."
Emma frowns. "I'm sorry about your parents." Gideon's eyes widen a bit. "What? Did I say something wrong?"
"No, it's just…no one talks about them anymore. I don't get it. They were the king and queen, so important. But ever since the funeral…no one's said their names."
Emma so badly wants to reach over and hug this boy, but Johanna warned her against any physical contact.
"Well," she says, instead. "You can talk to me anytime you like, about anything."
Emma's only been in the castle for four hours when she decides that she despises the king. She's spent so much time with his little brother. After he finished reading his book, Gideon gives her a tour. He shows her all of his favorite spots, including the gorgeous garden. In the midst of this dark castle, it brings out its only light. Surrounded by lush, green hedges is a fountain with a concrete angel planted in the center. Not far off are glass doors that show off a beautiful parlor that Gideon announces mostly gathers dust these days. No matter how many rooms Gideon shows off, the king never emerges. A maid rushes them away from one wing and she suspects that's where he is, but does he not want to say hello? Regina never had children of her own, but she made it a priority to know every person that worked in the castle. This was the king's brother, his only family. How can he not care?
At six, Emma takes Gideon to his chamber to change for dinner. She stands awkwardly with her face towards the wall as a valet helps him get dressed. This is an aspect she's not used to. As the daughter of advisers to the queen, no one outside of her mother ever helped her dress. And even that stopped by the time she was Gideon's age. She knows Regina had ladies in waiting but even that always seemed foreign to her. How can a 10-year-old not dress himself independently?
Once he's changed into a suit that doesn't seem to be anymore fancy than the one he had on previously, Emma leads Gideon down to the dining hall. As the doors open, she hopes to get a peek at the king. Instead, she finds an empty table.
"Is His Majesty on his way?" Emma asks one of the maids, only to get a firm head shake in return.
"His Majesty normally works through dinner. Come along Gideon."
Emma stares at the large oak table in front of her. It seats 10 and this little boy is expected to dine alone. Johanna explained that governesses are in an awkward position. They are not at a lower level of the maids and other servants, but she is still not a member of the family.
"Be prepared for a lot of dinners for one, dear."
"Your dinner will be in a special dining hall," the maid interrupts Emma's thoughts. "I can show you the way."
"Actually, I'd like to eat here." She flashes a smile at Gideon, who beams in return. "If he'll have me."
"Yes!" A stern look from the maid takes away a bit of his sunshine. "I mean…if you want to, Miss Emma."
"I do," Emma says, firmly, fixing the maid with a Look. "So, can my plate please be moved here?"
The maid quickly nods, scurrying off as she mutters something under her breath. Emma shakes her head and takes her place at the table.
Gideon's valet helps him change yet again for bed and leaves Emma to handle the rest. This room perhaps has the most personality in the whole castle. Navy blue walls and furniture made of soft oak. Two more bookcases, on either side of a large wardrobe. Gideon carries a candle to his bedside, a book tucked under his arm. Emma pauses. She's never been one to handle children. She's only 11 years older than Gideon herself. Not the motherly type or even a godmother as Regina once was to her. Still, she feels a connection already to this child. He's so alone. His parents are dead, his brother can't be assed to be around. Emma will try, for him.
"Would you like me to read to you?" Emma asks.
Gideon raises an eyebrow. "My last governess never."
"Well, I'm not your last governess, am I?"
He smiles and nods, climbing beneath the covers. Emma settles into a chair by the bed, accepting the book from him. She reads about the history of their kingdom, rich with magic and creatures Emma still isn't sure exist. These are the topics she finds most boring, but she attempts to read it with passion. Luckily, by the time she's passed over the history of the first ogre war, Gideon's eyes have closed. Emma carefully blows out his bedside candle and returns the book to the shelf, hoping she put it in the right place.
Per Johanna's instructions, she should head to her own chambers. Her things should be there by now, including her paints and canvases. Yet, she has no muse at the moment. Instead, she chooses to return to the garden that Gideon brought her to. The fountain still sprays water into the night sky, blurring the stars above. Emma thinks of her parents, wondering what they are up to. The king gave her an advance on her first payment, sending it immediately. It should help.
Gods, how Emma misses her parents. When she was little, they called themselves the Three Musketeers. They had tried to make her a big sister, but it never came to fruition. Her mom, ever the optimist, always knew exactly what Emma needed to hear. Her father spoiled her rotten, treating her like the princess she was robbed the chance of being. The older she got, the less she appreciated them. She'd roll her eyes when her mother tried to give advice, scoff at her father calling her "Princess".
In this moment, what she wouldn't give for a hope speech or a hug that cradles the back of her head. This palace is huge, but lonely.
"What are you doing out here?"
Emma jumps, turning to face the mysterious voice. A man about her age stands by the glass doors, a lantern in hand. The light is bright enough to show off his face. He has dark hair like Gideon, except his is the shade of night and curls a bit. His brown eyes dance beneath the light. There's a bit of facial hair in the form of a short beard. He's dressed in a gray robe, not unlike the ones she's seen in Midas' kingdom. This has to be the king, Baelfire. He's not a pure clone of Gideon, but they share the same nose and puppy-like curiosity.
Her mouth opens to make an apology. After all, she does belong in her quarters. Out of sight, out of mind when she's not tending to Gideon. Then she's reminded of her short time in the castle. She arrived not long after lunch and this is the first time she's gotten face time with the king. Long after his brother has gone to bed. Has he even seen him at all today?
"Where have you been?"
Baelfire's eyebrows just about arch off his head. "I beg your pardon?"
"You know your brother almost ate dinner alone."
"I think you forget yourself, Miss…" He trails off and that only makes Emma angrier.
"Emma, it's Emma. Do you not know the woman you hired to care for your own brother? The one who's supposed to teach him?"
His mouth drops open before collecting himself. "To be fair, I didn't hire you. My steward did."
"That makes it so much better."
"Again, Miss Emma, it'd be wise of you to remember your place."
"My place, right. As your brother's governess. Did you even see him at all today?"
"That's hardly your business."
"It's my job to care for him, I should know what to expect from his family."
Baelfire scoffs, taking a step forward. Emma straightens a bit, sucking back a deep breath. She's playing a dangerous game. Her family is depending on this job, the advance already spent. If she gets fired, she will never forgive herself. At the same time, she thinks of Gideon's disappointed face when he saw the empty dining room. Her parents always taught her to stick up for the "little guy". In this case, that might be a privileged prince who will have more than Emma ever will, but she's not backing down.
"I had a lot of meetings and paperwork today," Baelfire says, his voice stern. "I am sorry if that disappointed Gideon, but someone has to run this kingdom. It's my job now. I don't have time to play or tend to frivolous activities."
"It's nice to know where your priorities lie."
"Gideon is a priority."
"You have a weird way of showing it."
"What do you even know about any of this?" Baelfire throws his hands in the air. "You're a governess."
"I spent my entire life in a palace. I know my fair share about kingdom politics."
This silences him for the moment.
"I just thought you'd want to meet the woman who will be caring for your brother," she repeats. "I'm Emma."
Baelfire's brows knit together and Emma holds her breath, waiting for him to call the guards to haul her off. "King Baelfire."
It's only then she awards him with a curtsey.
"You're dismissed. Assuming you're finished?" Baelfire asks.
"Quite."
"You may return to your quarters."
Emma nods, heading towards the path that will lead her to her room. Baelfire calling her name cause her to turn around.
"About your attitude…"
Emma knows better than to interrupt, but plows forward instead. "I apologize for speaking out of turn. I just find it hard to hold my tongue."
"I was going to say," Baelfire continues. "If you have something you want to tell me, you can reach me in my office. It's in the west wing, third door on the left. Perhaps then you won't pent so much anger up."
"Oh, Your Majesty," Emma shakes her head. "Soon you'll see…I rarely keep things close to my chest."
Emma isn't sure if she sees a hint of a smile as she disappears down the path.
Baelfire is indeed at breakfast the next morning. Emma is ready to eat by herself in the quarters that the head maid keeps insisting she use, but Gideon asks her to stay. Baelfire doesn't seem to bothered by this, so Emma obliges. Gideon talks through most of the meal, leaving very little for either to chime in. Once it's been cleared, Baelfire excuses himself for a meeting. Even so, Gideon is beaming from ear to ear as they head up to the library.
"He hasn't eaten with me since Papa and Mama died," he exclaims about a dozen times. "I wonder what changed?"
"I don't know," Emma says, wondering if she could really have that much influence.
Her first few weeks in the castle all blur together. She works sort of on autopilot. Breakfast with Baelfire and Gideon, lessons with the prince afterwards. After a lunch break, Emma ushers to him other lessons, such as horseback or sword fighting. In those moments, all she's expected to do is standby and observe, jumping in as needed. They spend the rest of the afternoon either in the library or out in the garden, pouring over books, painting (she's begun to teach him like her father did her) or chatting aimlessly.
Most nights, Baelfire doesn't join them for dinner. On the rare occasion he does, Emma finds it hard to be angry at him for missing the others. He is trying, she knows it is. And whether it's just an act so she won't yell at him or true, genuine care for her brother, she's not going to argue. They occasionally bicker over what constitutes as too much jam on toast or whether fruit can count as a dessert (Emma and Gideon vote no, Baelfire argues for yes).
After Gideon has been tucked into bed, Emma head out to the garden. She'll do some more painting, write to her parents or sometimes just sit lost in thought. Baelfire hasn't joined her since that first night, and by the third week, she finds herself wishing he would.
One afternoon a month into Emma's time as a governess, she suggests a picnic for their lunchbreak. The maids are all too pleased to get them out of their hair for the time being and pack some sandwiches, fruit and crudité in a small basket. Gideon and Emma sit on a blanket by the lake that encompasses the perimeter.
"I wish we could go swimming," Gideon says.
"Maybe when the weather is warmer," Emma suggests. The trees are already changing color and she knows snow will soon come.
"Why can't we do it now?"
"Well for one, we don't have any swimming costumes. Two, like I said, it's too cold."
"Miss Emma!"
Emma looks up in time to find Gideon's riding instructor, Anthony, heading straight for her. She sighs, allowing her apple to fall onto the blanket. Pushing herself up, she walks over to him, hands on her hips. Anthony is still convinced that Gideon needs more training during the day, despite direct orders from the king stating that he'd rather the young boy focus on his academics for now. Emma may not agree with Baelfire on a lot, but she does think education comes first.
"Gideon knows how to ride a horse quite well," she says.
"He's only bound to improve. What's one more hour?"
"That cuts into his other studies."
"We could do it once they're over."
"And take away the little free time he has left?"
"Listen, Miss Emma, I know you're from a different kingdom and maybe things work differently there…"
"And maybe I need to punch you in the face." Anthony's mouth drops open. "You will not speak as if you are above me. Yes, I come from a female dominated kingdom. That doesn't make me stupid. Now, I have a feeling you want to squeeze the kingdom for a few more pennies with this extra hour. Am I wrong?"
"Not at all. I believe you misunderstand…"
"I don't think I do. Now, if you are earnest in these requests, go see the King. But I think you'll see he feels the same as…"
An ear-piercing scream overtakes the garden. Emma spins around, taking a quick dash for the lake. Gideon is halfway out, already struggling to keep his head above water. Emma kicks off her shoes and dives in without a second thought. Her dress clings to her body as the cool autumn wind sends a chill down her spine. This is why she hates dresses, even if they are deemed "professional". If she could wear pants as she preferred, she could get to him quicker.
Pushing through with adrenaline, Emma finally reaches the young boy, pulling him into her arms. The weight of Gideon's wet clothes makes him heavier than he already is. She struggles more now, attempting to move quickly with this weight pressed to her chest. Gideon's clammy arms wrap tightly around her neck. Emma's arms move slower now, her legs barely being able to kick. Her own body begins to lower and she curses herself. She can save them both. Where the hell did Anthony go? Why isn't he helping?
A pair of gruff arms wrap around her. Emma attempts to look up at her savior, but they push her forward.
"I've got you," a familiar voice instructs her. "Just keep swimming."
"I can't…"
"You can."
He keeps a firm grip on her as she kicks her legs. A part of her is tired and her brain tells her to give up, there's no use. The rough, confident voice guiding her is the only thing that is pulling her through. They're moving together, fighting against the water that's trying to pull them over. Little by little, she's closer to standing once more. Eventually, she collapses against the shore, Gideon still clinging to her. Emma gazes up, the sun plaguing her eyes. She squints and shifts her head until she finally makes out a heavily soaked Baelfire.
For the first time since she was a little girl, Emma has someone helping her change. She's exhausted and goes through the motions as a maid strips down her soaked dress. Another towel dries her hair while a third fetches some fresh clothes. Emma knows this is all Baelfire's doing, most likely out of guilt.
Much to her surprise, once she's warm and dry, the second maid begins to tuck her into bed. "Wait…Gideon…"
"The Prince is well taken care of. His Majesty insists you rest."
Emma opens her mouth to argue but for the first time since she began, her mattress feels comfortable. Sleep overtakes her and by the time she wakes up, the sun is setting outside the one window above her bed. Emma stretches as she sits up in bed. Blinking the sleep out of her eyes, she nearly tumbles out when she finds Baelfire sitting on the small stool she had requested for her painting. Baelfire stares at one of the many canvases on the floor, taking great interest in the one she did of the fountain. He's also changed, in probably the simplest clothes Emma's ever seen him. Cream linen shirt and brown trousers tied by some string. His face is kind, curious.
"Prince Gideon," is all she can make out.
Baelfire's head snaps up. "Oh good, you're awake."
"How long have I been out of it?"
"A few hours."
"You shouldn't have let me sleep this long." She shakes her head. "I have work to do…"
"Gideon's spent most of the afternoon in bed as well," Baelfire says, walking closer to her.
"Is he okay?"
"He's fine. I had one of the healers look over him. You found him in time."
"Yeah, except I couldn't carry him to shore."
"If you hadn't gone out there, if you had waited for me, odds are he wouldn't have made it."
Emma purses her lips. "Anthony distracted me. I should've been paying attention. It's my job…"
"Emma." Baelfire's warm hand cups her own. She looks down at it, before gazing up at him. "You saved my brother's life. And for that…I am forever grateful. I owe you a great debt."
Heat creeps up her cheeks. "I don't know about that…"
"Name it, it's yours."
His hand doesn't move and that's enough to distract her for a bit. His hands are rough, calloused. Clearly from years of hard labor as he trained to be king. She adjusts a bit in bed and her back cries out.
"I need a new mattress."
"Consider it done."
"And pants." He cocks his head. "I'd like to wear pants when working with Gideon. I loathe dresses."
A playful smile creeps up on his lips. "I think that could be arranged."
"You mean it?"
"Emma, you saved my brother. Like I said, I owe you the world." He shakes his head. "What you must think of me. I know I don't spend enough time with him…"
"You're a king…"
"It's no excuse. He's my brother, the only family I have left." Baelfire sighs, running his fingers over Emma's. "We used to be close, you know? I was around his age when Gideon was born. Papa married Belle not long after my own mother passed. I was so excited to be a big brother. Swore I'd always protect him."
"And that's what you're doing now," Emma assures him. "He knows you love him."
"I could show it more."
"So do. But know he loves you, Baelfire. He looks up to you, so much. You're his hero."
Baelfire's eyes sparkle but he quickly blinks so that disappears. Baelfire's mouth opens and Ronan enters the room. Just like that, the warmth leaves Emma's hand as he turns to face the guard.
"Your Majesty, Baroness Tamara has arrived.
"Thank you, Ronan." He turns to Emma and she swears she sees a bit of guilt in his eyes. "I'll put forward those requests this evening."
"Okay," she whispers.
Like that, Baelfire is gone. Emma pushes herself up more so she's leaning against her pillow.
"Baroness Tamara?" she asks Ronan.
"His Majesty's fiancé."
As promised, Emma's mattress is replaced and she's gifted five pairs of gorgeous leather pants to wear for her lessons with Gideon. Baelfire has kept to his word about spending more time with his brother. At least twice a week, he'll have lunch with Gideon or spend at least an hour of free time with him. Emma stays out of their way, attending to other tasks. Her attendance at meals with the brothers has become spotty as well, ever since the arrival of the baroness.
Tamara is what Emma expected of someone of such status. She's polite to Emma's face, but is demanding towards the staff. She'll sit in on meals with Gideon and Baelfire. On the few Emma joined them on Gideon's insistence, she noticed how dismissive she was towards the boy. A part of Emma couldn't blame her. She had to be around their age. As the only child to Baron Clyde, she's not used to younger siblings. Yet, neither is Emma and she's built a friendship with Gideon. Tamara and Baelfire are supposed to adopt Gideon once they get married. Emma isn't sure she can see her as his mother.
Like you'd do any better? she asks herself one quiet afternoon.
It's rained all day, so she and Gideon are holed up in the library. He hasn't spoken two words to her since their lessons ended and she knows the baroness' appearance has caused this change of attitude. Gideon has shown great indifference to Tamara. The only thing he'll say about her is that she and Baelfire had been engaged prior to Rumpelstiltskin and Belle's death. It wasn't arranged. Emma can't understand why Baelfire would pick her. Sure, she's pretty, but she has the personality of a prickly vine. Baelfire doesn't even smile around her.
I bet I could do better.
She's grown to care for the boys. Gideon is like the little brother she never had. And while Baelfire can be closed off, he clearly cares. He listens patiently to whoever talks, no matter what their status. While his opinions on dessert leave much to be desired, he does want the kingdom to thrive. It's why he gets little sleep, all to keep it afloat. There are times Emma can see herself here forever, in the role of Baelfire's wife. Gideon's mother.
Alas, she's the governess. Her family's financial situation is improving and she's learned so much working for Baelfire. She could easily get a job at the schoolhouse near her parents' farm. Meet a kind person, start a life. Even though the life she wants, the one she's grown attached to, is here.
Falling for Baelfire is a dangerous business. Sure, she's found him attractive from the first night they met. Attraction doesn't equal lust, which she's been doing a lot of lately. He's not hers, he never was. In a few months, he'll marry Tamara and they'll rule the kingdom side by side. Emma's never been royalty. Even when she lived in Regina's castle, she was the adviser's daughter. She was not meant to live in a castle forever.
"There's a ball to celebrate the solstice coming up," Gideon says, not looking up from his book.
Emma pretends to pay attention to the sketch she's been half-working on for an hour. "I think I heard something to that effect."
"I have to go, even though I don't want to."
"You don't like balls?"
"I can't dance."
Emma tilts her head. "That doesn't seem possible. You're a prince."
"I had lessons a few years ago, but I was so awful." He shakes his head. "My mama said since I wasn't attending balls regularly, I wouldn't have to learn."
"I'm sure no one will care if you don't dance."
"Yes, they will. I'm a prince. I have to do everything Baelfire does."
Emma frowns, setting her charcoal pencils down. She gets up from her chair and bends next to him.
"You don't have to be like Baelfire," she whispers. "All you have to worry about is being you, Prince Gideon."
He shrugs. "I wish I could be Prince Gideon who could dance."
Emma blows a bit of hair out of her face. She glances around the room and her eyes light up at the sight of a music box amidst some decorations on one shelf. She hops up and crosses the room, opening the porcelain box. Twisting the back a few times, a soft song begins to play. She crosses back to Gideon and practically forces him up, leading him to a bare spot in the center of the room.
"You bow," she instructs. He seems dubious but follows. "And I curtsey." She demonstrates, having to improvise in her pants.
"How do you know this?"
"My father taught me to dance when I was your age. Now come on, it's my job to teach you things, let's get to work."
She holds out her hand and he slips his into hers. Emma extends her leg and begins to demonstrate an exaggerated tip toe.
"We're going to count our steps. One, two, three, one two three…"
Gideon nods. "One, two, three, one, two, three…"
She takes hold of his other hand and steps, then hops, verbalizing the command aloud. Gideon watches her carefully as he follows suit, stepping on her foot a few times.
"Sorry," he mumbles.
Emma chuckles. "It's quite alright. Now, let's turn."
She pivots so their arms are extended, trying to teach him to spin her. It's awkward given their height difference, but he manages like a pro after a couple of tries.
"Now we repeat, hop, step, hop, step…very good, we'll practice some every day…"
Gideon pulls apart suddenly and she turns to see where he went. Baelfire stands there, a small smile on his face and hand extended. Emma gnaws on her lip. She should say no and go back to ignoring him outside his professional requests. And yet, he's beaming at her like he used to. Besides, she was taught you never deny a royal.
His warm hand falls into hers once more and he leads her back to the starting point. They move in sync, with him knowing each move. Emma still repeats hop, step, hop, step, in her head in an attempt to keep up the rhythm.
He holds her hand out to spin and she obliges, doing it three times in a row, before he pulls her back towards him. Using the dance as a excuse, she keeps from making eye contact as heat rises to her cheeks and her stomach flutters. They're closer than they were the day he pulled her from the lake. Their faces at times just inches apart. She can smell the coffee and ink that radiate off of him.
With every spin, she's aware of what's to come. Soon their faces will be even closer and she'll have no choice but to look at him. She prays the music box will lose its tune so she can excuse herself to fuss with it. Instead, it continues for an abnormally long amount of time. The temp heightens just as he twists her arms gently above her head. She gazes up into those beautiful brown eyes. His lips are so close, if she tripped, she'd kiss him. He stares at her with such intensity.
Their arms drop and Emma continues to gaze at him. This man, who 3 months ago was all but a stranger is staring at her as if she holds the secret to life. All she wants to do is kiss those pink lips, over and over. For him to hold her again, this time in his arms…
She carefully steps away from him. This is dangerous. She cannot have feelings for any boss, let alone the king. One who's engaged to be married rather soon.
"You're all red, Emma," Gideon reports.
Emma's hand flies to her cheek, warm to the touch. "Yes, well, I don't usually dance." She focuses solely on him. "But we'll do this again tomorrow, okay? By the time the ball comes, you'll be a pro."
"Neat! I'm gonna go get my canvases. Can we paint next?"
"Sure, Gid."
He scampers out of the room, leaving the two alone. Emma crosses the room and shuts the music box, silencing it once and for all.
"How are wedding preparations going?"
Baelfire is quiet for a moment. "They're fine. Tamara and her parents are arranging it."
"Has a date been set?"
"The weekend of St. Valentine's."
Emma does her best to not make a face at the cheesiness. "I see."
"I know what you must think," Baelfire mutters.
"I don't think much."
"That's not true and we both know it." He crosses the room to her. "I know Gideon told you that Tamara and I were not arranged."
"This is hardly any of my business…"
"Just listen!" Emma raises an eyebrow and he sighs. "Please." She gestures for him to continue. "I was 20 years old. Not exactly an old bachelor but by my age, most are married. My father arranged me to meet many women, but none stuck. I could tell he was getting worried. He was getting up there in age, I was the next to take the throne. He wanted the kingdom to be handled."
Emma nods, unsure of what to say.
"I met Tamara at a ball, asked her to dance and I could see how excited it made Papa." He shrugs. "I proposed, she said yes. We should've been married six months ago, but then Papa and Belle died. I kept putting it off, saying the kingdom needed time to grieve…"
"And now?"
"Now, I don't know a way out." He gnaws on his lip. "Even though I really want one."
"Baelfire…"
"I know you feel it too. That day at the lake. The night we first met. Those were all little moments…"
"I'm the governess," she swiftly corrects. "You're a king."
"I'm aware of our titles."
"Then why are you doing this?"
"Can you honestly say you don't feel the same way?"
A part of Emma wants to relent. Run into his arms and confess the confusing feelings that have bubbled up inside ever since she met him. The other part of her knows, this is dangerous. She isn't royalty. It took her long enough to adjust to castle life and all that consumes it. She loves Gideon, hell, she thinks she may just love Baelfire. But there is no way she'd ever be accepted by this kingdom. They expect someone like Tamara, with status and experience. Not the person tasked to teach the prince. Yes, Emma could take the title of wife and mother. She'd succeed Tamara in every sense of the word.
It still doesn't mean she'd fit in amongst everyone else.
"I think my time here is coming to an end," she says instead.
"Emma…"
"I'll stay until you find a new governess. But I think if you feel this way…it's best we end this now."
Baelfire's face falls and guilt once again eats away at Emma's stomach. He's been through so much and she's rejecting him. It's for his own good, both of theirs.
Emma wishes it wasn't part of her duties to attend the ball. She won't have to work all night, which is a plus. Gideon is expected to make an appearance, perhaps dance with a dignitary's daughter and then head to bed at half eight. Emma will return to her own quarters at that time to finish packing. When Baelfire refused to start the search for a new governess, she lead it up and came across Ella. A very nice woman who had a great education of her own and many years as a governess. She'd begin not long after the New Year and Emma would return to her family's farm. A schoolteacher job awaited her.
Gideon still has no idea that she's leaving and Emma's keeping it that way, for now. He's been excited for this ball, that it's even distracted him from Tamara. Emma won't ruin that by telling him the truth.
Much to her surprise, a seamstress makes her a gorgeous red ballgown. It's simple, no jewels in sight. Baelfire had it arranged, as a parting gift.
"His Majesty doesn't want you looking a wreck at the ball."
Emma knows it's his way of picking a fight. He wants the woman who threatened him that first night to be a better brother. Baelfire is begging her to beat down the doors of his office and scream at him for daring to talk to her like that.
And instead, she dresses for the ball. She's simple with her makeup, jut a nice red lip and some eyeliner. Her hair is put up in a bun and out of her face for once. Sliding her feet into a pair of heels her mother packed in with her things "just in case", she's ready for the ball.
Gideon looks smart in his shiny silver suit. His arm loops through hers as they head into the ballroom. Emma's never stepped foot in it before tonight. It's just as big and grand as everything else in the castle, but this is full of color. Gorgeous chandeliers hang overhead. Wallpaper that must contain real gold shines beneath the flames. Happier portraits of the royal family's life lean against each wall. There's even one with a younger Baelfire and the biological mother that he rarely speaks of. The last is one that had to be done just before the accident. The former king and queen stand side by side, a whisper of a smile on their faces. Gideon and Baelfire are in front, their shoulders touching. The portraits hide any flaws, a bit too perfect for Emma's taste. And still, it's a look into the lives they lead before she came into their lives.
Emma can see Baelfire across the room. His suit matches Gideon's, except his is in gold. Facial hair trimmed, curls under control, he practically looks like a new man. Tamara is hanging off his arm, in a shimmering black ballgown. She looks around before each laugh, sending daggers in the direction of those who don't find Baelfire's corny jokes hysterical. Emma shrugs her off and turns to Gideon.
"Let's find some food!"
Eventually, Emma loses track of Gideon. He's having fun with other children his age, dancing and sneaking chocolates. It's not even close to being Gideon's bedtime and Emma is already bored. A few men ask her to dance, but she feigns a stomach bug that seems to scare her off. She's tempted to sneak off and start her packing now, it's not as if anyone would notice…
"Get off of me, you brat!"
Emma's only ran so fast once before, when she caught Gideon drowning. Now he stands on the train of Tamara's gown, melted chocolate dripping from his hand. His eyes are as wide as saucers, mouth dropped open. Everyone has the good sense to keep dancing, but their eyes are not on their partners. Emma's eyes dart around, looking for Baelfire, but he's somehow nowhere to be found.
"My dress!" She whines, pulling away from him. In the process, the train rips in two. "It's ruined."
"I…I…"
"This is why children do not belong at such events," Tamara continues. She shakes her head, a firm line forming across her mouth. "I cannot wait to ship your ass to finishing school."
"Finishing school," Emma echoes. "That's not…"
"Was I talking to you?" Tamara glares at her. "Why don't you be of some use and go get a maid to fix my gown!"
"Maids down fix the gowns, seamstresses do."
"Excuse me?"
"And I don't think you should talk to him that way." Emma's chest puffs out a bit. "He's a kid. He made a mistake. And if your dress wasn't so cheaply made, none of this would've happened."
Tamara's jaw locks. "Who the hell do you think you're talking to? What I do with my future step-son is my business. Not yours. You're just the help."
"Don't talk to her that way."
Emma doesn't even have to move to know that voice. Tamara looks up, her eyes wide.
"Baelfire…"
"We need to talk. Now."
"We have guests…"
"No, I have guests. Now, Tamara."
She gulps, sparing one last glare at Emma before storming off after her fiancé. Emma crouches down to Gideon's height. The young boy is still shaking.
"Are you alright?"
"I…I don't know."
"Why don't we get you cleaned up and into bed, okay? It's getting late."
Gideon nods. Emma holds his hand, not caring about the sticky chocolate and leads him upstairs. Dismissing the valet, she tends to Gideon himself. His hands are cleaned and with her help, he's changed into his night clothes. Gideon is quiet as he slides under the covers and Emma scans the shelves for a story.
"Do you really think I'm going to finishing school?" he asks once Emma walks back to him.
Emma shakes her head. "If your brother and I have anything to say about it, no."
Gideon nods, his mouth opening, then closing. "Emma…I um…never mind."
"You can tell me anything, Gid. You know that by now."
He runs his fingers against the sheets. "I um…I know Tamara is marrying Baelfire. And then he'll adopt me, so he's my father. He'll never replace Papa."
"He's not trying to."
"I know, but I want him to be my father. If I had to pick…it'd be him." Emma softly smiles. "But if I had to pick a mother…it'd be you."
Tears burn in Emma's eyes. She doesn't know what to say and instead focuses on the book in her hand. Her heart swells from Gideon's admission. These past few months, she has acted as his mother. She doesn't just teach him things; she spends time with him. She loves him.
And she's about to leave him….why? Because she's scared of loving Bae? He's not the only one that matters. Gideon does. Even if Baelfire marries Tamara, Emma isn't going anywhere. Someone has to protect this little boy.
She just has to hope it's not too late.
Once Gideon has fallen asleep, Emma starts the search for Baelfire. He's not in the ballroom, nor his study. Everyone says they haven't seen Tamara either. Emma is about to give up and head to her quarters, when she thinks of one final place.
The garden is lit by lanterns this evening, in case any of the guests want to take a stroll through it. Emma grips the end of her dress, careful not to get it dirty. She finds Baelfire standing by the fountain, a piece of silver in hand.
"Do wishes in the fountain count, if it's your own fountain?"
Baelfire doesn't look up. "I have someone clean it out once a month. We donate whatever's in there."
Emma nods. "Nice thought."
"Yes, well…how's Gideon?"
"Sleeping." Emma takes another step forward. "Worried about finishing school."
Baelfire scoffs. "That'll happen over my dead body."
"What about Tamara?"
"Tamara has been asked to leave."
Heat rises in Emma's cheeks. Baelfire turns to face her. She thinks of the guests inside, her fears about being queen. They're still there and she knows it. Their acceptance would never be easy. They were expecting Baelfire and Tamara. What in the hell does she know about running a kingdom?
The people aren't who matter. She'll take the anxiety, the persecution, all of it. If she can just become a part of this family.
"Gideon told me if he had to pick, he'd want you for a father," Emma whispers.
A tear leaks down Baelfire's cheek. "He did?"
She nods. "And he said if he had to pick a mother…it'd be me."
Baelfire lets out a shaky breath. "Oh my."
"I…I never saw myself here, you know? Not just as a governess but with a family of my own. I have my parents sure, but they have this epic love. One that outlasted crazy parents, losing our wealth and so much more. I wasn't sure if that existed for me…and then I took this job. I met Gideon, you…Gods, I think I fell in love with you the moment you didn't fire me for speaking out of turn that first night." Baelfire chuckles in spite of his tears. "I want this. I want this family. I know it's not going to be easy, but I'm willing to fight for it. I just hope it's not too late."
Baelfire's hand cups her cheek and she leans into his embrace, gazing up at him.
"If I had to pick someone to raise Gideon with," he says, softly. "It'd be you, every single time."
As soon as their lips connect, Emma feels a wave of warmth take over her. Familiar, comforting, right where she belongs. Even if they have to fight to keep this family, Emma knows something good will come from all of it.