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Chapter 10 – Coronation

Emma paced as her nerves got the better of her. The palace was full as people had come from every kingdom – even some from the White Kingdom were there, though her parents would not be allowed in if they even showed up. She and Regina had been inseparable ever since they'd finally given themselves to each other, but right now, she was waiting alone as Regina played host.

"Emma, you look great." Ruby said as she brought Henry in. "He wanted to see you quick before things started."

Emma wasn't in a traditional ball gown, but instead had opted for specially tailored pants and a nice dress shirt that was fitted in all the right places. Henry smiled up at her. "You look beautiful, Mommy. You're going to do just fine."

Emma smiled at him and kissed his nose. "Thank you. Are there a lot of people in there?" She asked, knowing he'd tell her the truth.

"Millions! I even saw Uncle Thomas and Aunt Ella!"

Emma swallowed, trying hard not to get sick. Ruby sighed. "It's not millions, Emma, more like…a couple hundred including the people who live in the kingdom. Other than them, it's basically just Thomas, Ella, Callum, Freya, and some of their staff. Maybe a few people here and there that live within the other kingdoms, but Emma, it's nothing to worry about. You'll go out there, agree to the vows, be announced, and then we party."

"What if I mess it all up?"

"You won't. I mean, even if you like fell on your face, you wouldn't mess it up. You'll be great." Before Emma could say anything, the guard motioned to Ruby. "I have to go; you'll be just fine." She and Henry left, and Emma took a deep breath.

"Presenting, Emma, originally from the White Kingdom, here to vow to rule the Dark Kingdom with our Queen Regina."

Emma came out and walked up the aisle as everyone watched. She could hear whispers but kept her eyes on the man in front who would be doing her coronation. The whole thing happened so fast; Emma hadn't even realized it was over at first. She had taken the vows and the man was smiling at her, trying to get her to turn. When she jumped and then did so, she saw Ruby gesturing for her to join Regina. As she did, the announcement was made. "All hail Queen Emma who will rule beside Queen Regina in the Dark Kingdom. She is to be honored, respected, protected, followed, and cherished just as Queen Regina is."

Regina smiled and took Emma's trembling hand. "You did great." She whispered before stepping forward. "That is correct. Queen Emma is just as much your ruler as I am and as Henry will be one day. To answer any questions, no we are not married, but we do not need to be for this to work. Until we have heard and have understanding with the White Kingdom, we still are not doing any deals with them. The Kingdom of Frell and the Kingdom of Cinder have both proclaimed their partnerships with us and we will be meeting periodically to do some trading. We will also be discussing opening of boarders."

Regina looked to Emma who stepped up next to her. "Yes, we understand that friends and families have been separated and we want to find ways to end that."

"What about your family?" Someone called out though neither Emma nor Regina could tell who.

"My family is here." Emma said resolutely. "Regina, Maleficent, Henry, Ruby, and Granny are my family." There were murmurs and Emma looked to Regina.

"We may discuss this further later, but right now, we wish to celebrate. Join us for food and conversation."

It took a couple hours, but eventually, Thomas and Ella made their way to Emma. Ella could tell Emma wasn't too comfortable with this and she lightly touched Emma's arm. "Emma, we're not here for your parents. We're here to support you and Regina. I know it's hard to believe or trust us, but I promise you, there is no other reason." She let out a breath. "Other than being nervous, you look happier than I've ever seen you."

Emma couldn't help but smile at that. "I am, Aunt Ella. I've never felt happier or even safer before."

Thomas looked around and lowered his voice. "What did they do to you, Emma?"

The concern in both is eyes and voice made Emma instantly know she could trust him. "I have no proof, but they poisoned Henry." She explained everything to them and was surprised that she did feel better after doing so.

Thomas hugged Emma tightly. "I'm so sorry, my Goddaughter. I should have seen…I did see these things and I should have stopped them."

Emma tried to shrug it off, though she had tears in her eyes. "I just…I don't know what was so wrong with me. Henry was and is innocent in all this so if they wanted to punish me, they should have come after me and not him. I mean I get I wasn't the perfect daughter, but I don't feel I deserved this."

"Not at all." Ella said, also hugging Emma. "Nor did Henry. Does he know?"

Emma shook her head. "No one has told him who it was, but he knows he was poisoned. He'd also heard them say it would be better for everyone if he was dead." She shook her head. "Do you know how terrible that makes me feel? My son heard his grandparents say they'd be better off if he was dead. It's not his fault I decided to whore around to make a point." She said, tears now falling down her cheeks.

"Oh Emma, it wasn't your fault either. They pushed you to do that." Ella said, holding Emma close. She wiped Emma's tears and looked at her. "You swear you're happy here?"

"Happier than I've ever been." She answered honestly. "Aunt Ella I…" She looked at Thomas. "Can I talk to Aunt Ella alone? Girl talk?"

"Of course. I want to talk with Regina anyway. I love you, Emma and if you or Henry need anything, please trust that I'm here for you."

"I do trust you. Thank you so much." When he left, Emma took Ella's hand and lead her to a sitting room next to the ball room. She was nervous now but needed to talk to someone. "Aunt Ella…how do you know when you're in love?"

Ella smiled softly, watching this young woman whom she'd watched grow up. "I'll tell you what I told Alexandra. You know when the person you think you're in love with means more to you than anything else – though in your case, probably not more than Henry. If the person makes you smile – if just thinking of them makes you smile. If they make you feel safe, cared for, respected. Emma, I don't mean this in a mean way, but you've…well had a few…partners."

Emma chuckled. "Ella, you can say it; I've been around."

"Okay yes, and that's okay, but do you feel differently about Regina than all those others?"

"How did you know it was Regina?"

It was Ella's turn to chuckle. "Everyone saw it, Ems. Between how she looks at you and how you look at her, everyone can tell." She put her hand on Emma's. "I hate that you don't have your mother to talk to, but Emma, if you're happy, that's all that matters." She smiled at her Goddaughter. "You've been here about six months, right? Look at everything that's changed in that time. Regina has made you an equal ruler, she's presented Henry as her heir, she's talking trades and opening boarders. I think you're just as good for her as she is for you. Let's be honest, when you went to her for help, she could have turned you away point-blank right? But she never did."

"She never even suggested it." Emma admitted. "The only thing she said, after she figured out what it was, was that she wasn't going to help if we were just going to go back to the people who did that to him…though, I really think she was going to help him no matter what. People say terrible things about her, but none of them are true. Mom and dad…they really are liars."

Ella sighed. "They are and I'm so sorry we didn't see this before."

"It's not your fault. I do appreciate you being here though and supporting me. It means a lot to me."

"You mean a lot to us, Emma. Let's go enjoy the party."

Meanwhile, Thomas went to Regina who was talking to Callum. He could tell Regina was a bit guarded, but he greeted Callum with a friendly handshake. "I wanted to talk to the both of you about something…unfortunate that I've found out lately." He told them of he and David's chat and what he had said about Daniel. "I can't prove it, but I believe he killed him and I'm so sorry."

Regina wasn't exactly surprised by the news but was by who was telling her. "It means a lot that you'd tell me, Thomas. I'm going to leave what gets done up to his brother though." She looked at Callum. "I buried Daniel a long time ago and I know what the Charmings are capable of. Please be careful."

"Thank you for telling us this, Thomas." Callum stated. "I've heard rumors but again, there's no proof." He looked at Regina. "I think one of our meetings should be discussing them. They won't be happy to be left out and most likely will not be quiet about it."

Regina nodded along with Thomas. "You're right. He already said if I'm not with him, I'm against him and I want to be sure Emma and Henry stay safe. Regina, I trust you with that, but don't let your guard down. I fear we don't know what they are capable of."

"I have heightened my security, though the intel I'm getting makes it sound more like it's David we have to watch, not necessarily Snow. However, I'll be overly cautious to make sure neither Emma nor Henry get hurt."

Callum smiled softly and knowingly, and Thomas nodded. "Then we're all on the same page. That's good."

The rest of the night went off swimmingly and Emma had a blast. The people seemed to accept her and Henry and that made her happy. She took a break to tuck Henry into bed and came back down to see Regina waiting for her. "May I dance with my Queen?"

Emma smiled and blushed. "Yes you may." The two danced and every eye was on them, though to them, they were the only two in the room.

"You're beautiful, my Queen." Regina stated.

"Thank you. You know, I think I like you calling me princess instead."

"Oh, you'll always be my princess, even if you're also my Queen."

Meanwhile, Snow sighed as she watched through the mirror. "I wish I was there." She said to Blue who was standing next to her. "I love her, Blue. I messed things up, but I didn't…I didn't know David went that extreme. I am happy for her, Blue. I'm happy she's with Regina and I know she'll do great. I just wish I could talk to her."

"Snow right now is not a good idea. Give them time, work with them when you can, but don't force yourself on her right now."

Snow nodded and ran her finger over Emma's reflection in the mirror. "I do love you, Emma."