A/N: This really isn't a cross-fiction, I honestly did research on "the best swordsmen in fiction", and after recently re-watching The Mask of Zorro, I figured what the heck? (If you've never seen it, no worries, it doesn't play into the story.) Zorro- or Antonio Banderas-is about 20 years older than in that movie. Just so you have someone to imagine when he's mentioned... His son is all grown up, too. But that's a different chapter.
~A New Tutor~
They walked toward the castle in a comfortable silence, which he knew was not what she was expecting. He needed to show her his softer side. He, himself, needed to know they could enjoy silence together. It was something he had grown to understand as a major advantage to any couple, particularly if they were to spend their lives together.
He'd offered her his elbow with his free hooked hand, and she silently took it. They took in the beauty of the afternoon, the heat drying off the remaining water from her hair. She absolutely looked rugged, and never more beautiful. He felt that for her, being a princess was more of a pretense to her. It was a title she was born into, not one she wanted.
She didn't know what she was expecting, but a silent walk toward the stables was not it. She did enjoy it, despite herself. She was grateful for the company, just having him walk beside her, their arms linked. She was grateful for the silence. She knew she looked a mess, though she really didn't care. She felt at ease with him.
She mildly wondered what was going through his head, remembered their sword play, not realizing she was smiling at the memory of it. It was a carefree moment. Swords, the logic, the quick contemplation… It dawned on her that she was missing her sword practice. Zorro would be livid.
"Can you take Gypsy back to the stables?" He looked taken aback.
It took him a moment to find his voice, having to clear it before he spoke. "Of course-"
She was off in a sprint, hollering back her thanks. She was pleased that the pirate looked as bewildered as he did.
She was out of breath when she made it, stopping to catch it. Zorro was, indeed, upset. Though he was one to hide it well, you could see the flash of anger in his eyes. He wasn't one to outright take his vengeance. He calmly, almost kindly, made you take it out on yourself. In the name of training.
During her little outing, he had created an obstacle course out of ropes. The longer she had been away, the more intricate it became. She was absolutely never going to miss another session with him. He had her up, down, and in between every rope. Muscles she had never known existed were strained. And she thought mounted archery was bad.
Emma was sore everywhere. It definitely was not just swords like she'd thought. If Zorro said it was the most important thing in the world, more so than breathing, she would agree at this point. She didn't even care about lunch, which she was also late for, so she skipped it entirely in favor of her tub filled with hot water, oils, and rose petals. She was grateful for the maid who brought her a plate with meat, cheese, and bread. She could have lived in that tub, she never wanted to leave.
Regina, however, had a surprise for her. A tutor, who she had never met before. Regina implied it was someone who could catch her up on what she missed over the last few days, as well as teach her a few tricks involving the study of books.
Emma met Regina and the tutor, Belle, who wasn't much older than Emma, in the library. She had gorgeous brown curls, and a beautiful, genuine, smile. She looked as if she'd been living in the forest, though she held herself like Emma did. This young woman came from entitlement. After introductions, Regina left, and the two got to work.
"I'm really proud of your progress, Emma. Your normal tutors should be thrilled, despite your recent absences. Would you care to move on to mathematics now?"
"Actually, I'd like to hear more about you. How do you know Regina?"
"Oh, she only ruined my life." Belle went on to tell her how she'd been displaced, how Regina ruined what little she was able to salvage with Rumpel before throwing her in a tower, and how hard Regina had tried to make it up to her over the last two decades.
"But, you can't be much older than me."
"Regina. She, ehm. She took the only man I've ever loved, and since she couldn't make exact amends, she vowed to keep me young and healthy until she could match me with someone or I meet someone…" She shrugged. "It's not all that bad, really. We have been living in the woods with a group of outlaws who know what they're doing, and it's beautiful there and I love the peace and quiet..." She trailed off, looking down to the mathematics book.
Emma urged her to continue with a quiet, "But…"
"There's no adventure. Not for me, anyway. Robin and his merry band of outlaws have plenty of it, but it's like it's a different world. One in which I don't belong."
"There isn't any adventure here, either." Emma sighed, thinking of some way to help this woman. "You should come to the ball in two days time. In fact, you should come out with me. It's my birthday, but I definitely don't mind sharing the spotlight. I'd much rather share it than to take it on all by myself."
"Oh, no, I couldn't. I'd hate to ruin your birthday."
"I've been trying to get out of this blasted ball ever since my mother announced it. If I can't do that, having you there to take some of the attention away would be a blessing. I'm actually being selfish here." She smiled encouragingly. "Besides, you might find someone to have an adventure with, and you can finally be rid of Regina and have a happy ending of your own."
"I just might take you up on that. Now, no more stalling, Emma. Mathematics awaits."
