A/N: You guys never fail to amaze me! With every story I write, all of my same readers, including new ones are always there, letting me know just how much you are enjoying my work. From the bottom of my heart, thank you and here is the next chapter as part of my thanks. Things get a little crazy lol as you never know which direction I am going to head with this one. ;) Happy reading!
Graham and Emma talked for a while longer, until they both hugged each other goodbye, ending on a kiss on the cheek given to her by the man himself. It was strange to him, seeing Emma completely out of her element, yet so in it. It was almost mind blowing. Because by the end of the day, whether she passed herself up to be an ordinary, struggling artist here in New York… the truth was… she wasn't just that. She would never be just that simple. She was royalty and heir to a mansion back home.
Soft music played out throughout the photography building. The sounds of cameras clicking behind a focused brunette, who was overlooking some of her shots that she had taken the day before of a couple expecting their first child. Deciding which one to pick for their gender reveal party. The single rose Emma had gifted her placed aside, inside a thin and delicate crystal vase.
It had been the envy of the entire building that morning.
The brunette's head turned to the sound of a loud enough whistle, her eyes falling on a slim brunette with a red streak on her hair. Charming smile. Her dark gray dress pants fitting perfectly well with her red colored, short sleeve shirt. Both brunette's had been best friends for so long, Regina couldn't possibly imagine anyone else working for her.
The girl was quick and a very fast learner.
"Things are still going really well with…?" Ruby squinted her eyes, trying so hard to remember the blonde's name.
"Emma." Regina chuckled, her eyes moving towards the rose she had been gifted with, just as the younger brunette picked it from its rightful place within the vase. Finding it a new home within the tips of her fingers.
"Right!" Ruby shook the rose, bringing it up to her nose, taking in a good sniff, "Do you think she might be the one?"
Regina snatched the rose from the girl's grip, glaring her way for almost ruining her gift. "I'll let you know."
Ruby leaned back against the table, following the brunette's hand as she placed the rose back in its rightful home. "So… tell me…" She smirked, "How are things in paradise with her?" Her eyebrows wiggled up and down rapidly.
Regina rolled her eyes, "Get to work, Ruby. I have a lot to get done before I have to leave for my vacation."
Ruby's grin only grew, seeing a hint of pink displaying over the brunette's cheeks. And it wasn't because of her make up.
"That good, huh? Ugh!" Ruby threw her head back, lifting it up rapidly after, "Maybe I should become a lesbian. What do you think?" She asked.
"Truth?" Regina smirked, leaning in against the table.
"Always." Ruby smirked, leaning in even further.
Regina licked her lips, almost as if she was about to say something juicy. Her smirk growing more, "I think you should get back to work." She whispered.
This time it was Ruby who rolled her eyes, "Come on, Regina!" She pushed herself off of the table, following the brunette across the room, "I'm your best friend, I'm entitled to a little dirty detail on Ms. Emma Swan." She reached for the brunette's arm, eager to get a scoop of detail on their sex life, "Tell me, when you two are making love quietly within those late nights, after Henry is in sleepy land." Her smirk growing once again, "Does she make you chant her name like the most heavenly prayer, where you are just staring up at the ceiling for hours on end that you can almost see God?"
Regina's head tilted, not sure if to raise a brow or furrowed both of them at the other brunette's eagerness. "Ruby…" She took her by the hands, "Listen to me carefully. I love you, you are my dearest friend- the best I've ever had- but under no circumstances are you joining us in the bedroom."
Ruby laughed, almost blushing, actually she was blushing at the older woman's comment. "No, silly! Whatever gave you that crazy idea that I would- God, no!" She followed the brunette, watching her as she began to set up her camera, "Even though you do have a very attractive body. There's no denying that." She shrugged, "And don't think I haven't noticed those abs Emma hides under her-" Her eyes locked into brown orbs glaring back at her. "Never mind." She brushed her hand in the air.
"Regina." A man approached the brunette, "Your next appointment just arrived."
The brunette nodded, "Thank you. I'll be right there." She turned towards Ruby, "You buy me lunch after this and we'll talk." She whispered over to her.
Ruby smirked, "You got a deal."
"Now, please move. I really want to get this done before I have to leave."
Ruby moved faster than Regina had ever seen her work before for that whole hour.
As promised, Ruby bought the older woman lunch, resulting in Regina spilling enough details to keep the brunette content on just how fantastic their relationship just continued to grow with each passing day. Including faint, little details on their sexual chemistry- which they had an excellent one. And still one, Regina preferred to keep locked behind a steel door with chains, and locks just for them to enjoy.
But she said enough to keep her friend grinning from ear to ear.
"I've never told you this, but I envy you, Regina." Said Ruby, gently playing with her salad with her fork, "I mean, you went from being a single mother, to very successful at your job, to meeting, possibly the most beautiful woman on this planet, to being sexually satisfied in more ways than one." She fanned herself with a brush of her hand, leaning back in her seat, "God… I feel so lonely."
Regina chuckled, "Emma has been pretty terrific."
"Terrific? She's perfect!" Ruby beamed, "Not to mention she's taking you and Henry on a summer vacation- which she paid for- to meet her family." A smirk appeared on her lips then, "I think she's going to pop the question."
Clattering of the brunette's plate along with the butt of her tea cup were heard, followed by a coughing fit from Regina herself. "Pop-? No." She shook her head, clearing her throat and coughing once more before continuing, "No, I, I, I don't think so."
"Oh, come on. You never got this far in life for being stupid, Regina." Ruby glared, "Emma is definitely thinking about taking that next step with you. She's taking you to meet her family- sweetie, it's a given."
Regina chuckled a low chuckle. Her mind swimming with endless thoughts as to how Emma would propose, if she did. An unknown smile appearing on the corners of her lips.
"Oh, my…" Regina turned to look over her shoulder at the man sitting a few tables behind them, looking right back at Ruby, who was taken aback by him. "Will you look at that magnificent creature?"
"God, Ruby, he's a man, not an animal." The older brunette's brows furrowed.
She chuckled, more to herself, "Maybe to you, but I see a stallion just ready to be mounted."
Regina laughed, shaking her head as Ruby bit down on her lip, "And this is why you can never be gay." Her eyes looked up as the younger woman stood from her seat, "Where on earth are you going?"
"To break him in. You know the saying, you gotta rope them fast." Ruby hurried over to the table, leaving the man to gawk at her all wide-eyed.
Regina turned her attention back to her tea, shaking her head. Her eyes looking up at no other than Daniel as he stood before her now.
"Daniel? What on earth are you doing here?" Her brows furrowed, her hands placing down her tea cup.
"I always have lunch here. But, I'm actually glad I ran into you here." He stretched out his hand, motioning towards the now vacant chair, "May I sit?"
Regina nodded with a shrug of her shoulder.
"I'm actually glad I ran into you here, because I have a serious question for you." He unbuttoned his suit jacket to feel more comfortable sitting down. "Regina…" He sighed, "Just how would you say you know Emma? I mean, really know her?"
Regina's brow raised, "Why are you asking me this, Daniel? What do you want? You know, I'm not going back with you-"
"No, this isn't that. I mean, yes, I won't lie that I was stupid and made a mistake when I divorced you, but…" He cleared his throat, "Regina, I don't think Emma has been completely honest with you."
The brunette's eyes were dead on him, "And just what makes you think that?"
"Well… that may be because I saw her with a man earlier today. And they seemed pretty friendly."
Regina's eyes squinted, "Oh, God, Daniel-"
Daniel stood up just as fast as the brunette did, "Regina, wait a minute."
"Are you that desperate to get back with me that you actually followed her?" Her voice raised an octave.
"No, listen." He insisted, digging through his suit pocket, "I have proof, alright. Here, look for yourself."
Regina snatched the man's cell phone from his hand once he handed it over to her, her eyes drinking in the sight of a zoomed in picture of no other than Emma with Graham, although all Regina could see was a well put together, attractive young man. Kissing her. On the cheek. But, kissing her. Rather friendly, as if they knew each other.
Emma would have told her, if she had a visitor from back home. And she wouldn't have any, because they were soon to leave for their trip today. So that wouldn't make sense.
That's when Regina recognized the man in the picture. Her head turned towards that same man as he now seemed to be having a nice conversation with Ruby, just a few feet away from her.
"Regina, you know that I wouldn't want to get involved in this relationship you have going on, but… you've let her into your life enough for Henry to become attached to her, and I honestly don't want to see my son getting hurt in any of this." He looked down at his phone, which was pressed against his chest with force by the brunette as she stormed off towards the other table. "Regina!"
"Regina, let me introduce you to-" Ruby's eyes grew wide at the angry sight of her best friend.
"Do you know Emma Swan?" She flat out asked Graham, who stared at her in awe. Almost shrinking in his seat at the sight of her anger.
The younger brunette chuckled, "Regina, don't be ridiculous, how could he-"
"Shut up, Ruby. Do you?" Her hand was placed on her hip.
Graham stood calmly, clearing his throat, "Did you talk to her?" He asked.
"About what, exactly?" Regina asked, waiting to hear what she didn't want to hear.
Because Emma couldn't be cheating on her. There was no way. But, she had to protect what was hers. And Emma was hers by any means. She still didn't like the idea of a total stranger (to her knowledge) to be hugging and kissing her.
"So, you haven't talked to her?" Graham asked, calmly pushing the seat back in its place. "Ms. Mills, I'm not sure what you might be thinking, but-"
"You know me?" Regina asked, her eyes wide.
"You know her?" Ruby stood from her seat, her eyes just as wide as her friend's.
"Yes, I do, but I can assure you-"
Ruby scoffed, staring at her best friend, "You can't even let me have one, can you?"
"Shut up, Ruby. I don't even know who this is." Her jaw clenching with annoyance, eyes on a very terrified Graham, feeling cowered and cornered like a captured prey. "And you- you will explain to me right now, how is it that you know who I am."
Graham chuckled lightly at the brunette's demanding behavior, "She said you would make a terrific queen someday. My God, she was right."
The brunette's brows furrowed with confusion, "What on earth are you talking about? She who?"
This time, Ruby stepped before Graham, literally invading his personal space, "You answer her, pretty boy. Don't think that just because you are irresistibly charming, I won't punch your face in."
Graham smiled over at Ruby, his eyes shining, "You think I'm charming?" His eyes shut tight as soon as he felt Ruby's hand wrap around his clothes, in a tight fist. "Alright! Alright! Just… please." He motioned towards his wrinkled suit, straightening his tie as soon as he was released. "Emma is going to kill me." He sighed, "We're just friends. Long time friends. I came into the city, because I wanted to see what her life was like away from home. We're practically family. Except I work for her- well, her family."
Brows furrowed from both women as they exchanged quick looks.
"So… what, Emma is… rich?" Asked Ruby, trying to get more information out of him.
Graham nodded, shrugging, "More or less." His eyes moved from side to side, looking at the two women.
Heads turned at the sound of a chuckle coming from Daniel, who found all this humorous, "Wait a second. Let me see if I heard this right. You're telling me that who I thought to be a mediocre nobody-"
"Hey!" Ruby smacked him across the arm, while Regina glared at him along with Graham, who's posture suddenly became as straight as an arrow, while he looked down at him. Being surprisingly taller than him.
"I don't know who you are, frankly nor do I care. I have served for Emma and her family for many years. I grew up with her. My father served the Swan's and his father before him." He glared down at Daniel, his face only inches away from his, "Now, I never give into violence, but if you so much as refer to her as anything low again, there won't be a place on this earth where you will be able to hide from me."
Both women gawked as Daniel turned white as a sheet of paper, crumbling before the man. Graham was a gentle giant, as Emma liked to call him at times, but when it came to her, he could get pretty intimidating.
"Marry me." Ruby blurted out.
"I can assure you, Ms. Mills," Graham continued, his eyes completely focused on the older brunette, "Emma worships the ground you walk on. I've honestly never seen her so happy and so determined to make things work like she has with you." Graham's green eyes were so hypnotizing, both women looked up at him in awe once again. Or it could have been his stance, his scruffy handsome features. Maybe everything. "And that boy of yours, she loves Henry to death. Only a fool would dare cheat on you, Ms." His eyes turned to a puny looking Daniel, "Which, he is among us now."
"Who are you?" Asked Regina.
"Never mind that question, Gina," Ruby spoke, "The real question is here, is who is Emma? Or better yet… just how rich is she?"
Graham puffed up his chest, "Enough to buy this city, if she desired it." His eyes focused on the older brunette again, "Emma shouldn't be struggling for money, no princess should."
Mouths opened wider, eyes grew wider at the word.
"Whoa, whoa…" Ruby held out her hands, almost as if she had been asked to hold a live grenade. "A- a- a-" She felt the sting of Regina's knuckle impact her bicep, fixing her voice like a broken record, "A princess?"
His chest puffed up again, "Daughter of King David Swan the third and Queen Mary Margaret Blanchard Swan. Heir of the Swan's estate in London."
"What?" Asked Regina.
"Holy shit." Said Ruby.
"Heir?" Asked Daniel.
All three in shock, sounding like a row of dominoes. Regina being the last domino as the only thing she could do after such news was to plop to the floor in a faint.
"Regina!" Ruby exclaimed, immediately bending down towards the unconscious brunette, softly padding her cheeks to get her to wake up.
"Emma is going to kill me." Graham mumbled under his breath.
A blank time period later, Regina was at home, sitting on the couch with a pack of ice resting against her head, with Ruby sitting by her side. Daniel had gone to pick up Henry for her, while Emma ran in through the front door, panting for breath after getting an emergency call from Graham.
"Where's-?" Emma panted, wide eyed staring at Regina, "What happened?" Her eyes looked towards Ruby as she stood before the blonde.
"Your hunk of a Henchmen spilled the beans." Replied the younger brunette.
"What?" The blonde's lips parted open.
"We know you're a princess. And that you practically own an estate in London!" She exclaimed excitedly, "What a secret!"
"Ruby." Regina called her out.
"Oh, right!" Ruby kneeled, bowing before the blonde, who simply rolled her eyes.
Regina groaned, placing the ice pack back on her forehead, while Emma stood in the middle of the room, a few feet from her girlfriend, "Alright, can I please have some privacy to speak with Regina alone? Ruby, get up." Her brows furrowed as the younger brunette still remained kneeled before her.
Ruby soon headed out the door as she was led out the door by Graham, who leaned into Emma, quietly whispering, "I'm sorry, Your majesty. They were very determined."
Emma nodded a curt nod his way, "Just wait outside. Five minutes."
"As you wish." Graham bowed his head, nodding and heading out the door, shutting it behind him. Finally giving both women much needed privacy.
Once alone, Emma's heart was racing inside her chest, faster than it had ever been before. Especially after the brunette opened her eyes back up to throw a glare her way.
"A princess?" Asked Regina, clearly upset. "Were you even ever going to tell me, Emma?"
"Yes."
"And how could you hide something that… that… massive from me?"
Emma's head tilted slightly down. If there was one thing she hated, was seeing her beloved angry, especially when she caused it.
"I mean, instead I have to find out from Daniel that…" She swung her hands around in the air, trying to word out her shock, "Whatever his name is was hugging and kissing you. I mean it made it look like-"
"Like what?" Emma's head tilted, her eyes locking into brown orbs before her. It was then she calmly moved over to the couch, sitting beside the brunette, taking the ice pack from her head and setting it aside, "Regina."
Regina's heart melted just with the sound of her name coming out of the woman's lips. Emma always had a way of wording her name that made her weak at the damn knees.
"Whatever it is you're about to say. Word it wisely." Regina's head tilted slightly. Emma always had a way with words, but right now, her tone of voice, her chosen words were regal. "I would never dream of doing anything that would cause me to lose you. You know that. You and Henry, you're the love of my life."
Stupid heart! Stupid, stupid, stupid! Why do you have to have such a damn way with words? She thought. Her head nodding, "I do know that." Her tone softened, but becoming angry once again, "But if that's true, then you should have been honest with me, Emma. I mean, damn it, we've been dating for a year. A wonderful year. The best I've had in years." She scoffed, "I mean, I thought I knew you."
"You do." Emma jumped in, holding her hands into her own.
"Really?" Her brows hit her hairline.
Emma placed a delicate kiss on the top of each of her hands, "I'm the same Emma I've always been. Nothing's changed, except maybe, my status. Now, regarding that status, I was planning on telling you on the plane ride to London. Part of me wanted to surprise you."
Regina chuckled, "Well, guess what? I'm surprised." She threw her head back against the couch, tilting it back up immediately, "Why, if it's been you, then why not just tell me?"
Emma sighed, her eyes looking down at their joined hands. Her fingers softly caressing long olive toned ones, "We'll have plenty of time to talk about this on the plane and I give you my word that I will answer every single question that is going through your mind right now. But, for now… I can tell you that, my life over there goes by rules, rules that were becoming suffocating and I needed to be free of that. I wanted to have my own life, make my own decisions. But most importantly- I wanted you to love me for me, not because of my status or upbringing."
"Oh, Emma…" It was Regina's turn to sigh, her hand cupping the blonde's cheek, "I do love you for you. I don't care about some status or what type of upbringing you had. You could have told me you were… royalty," The word royalty still sounding freshly new to her, "And it wouldn't have made a difference. I would have fallen in love with you anyway, and I don't think I would have fainted."
Emma chuckled, jerking back after receiving a hard slap across her arm, "Ow!"
"Are you laughing at me?" Regina exclaimed, a grin displaying on her lips.
"No, no, I'm sorry." The blonde sighed, with relief this time.
Regina smirked, shaking her head, "No more secrets?" Her eyes locked into her favorite pair of green ones.
A pale hand cradled over the brunette's cheek, a thumb caressing at its favorite scar in the world.
"No more secrets."
Heads tilted, coming closer and closer together, until both pairs of lips locked in a much needed, soft and passionate kiss. A kiss that was soon broken up as a small boy burst into the apartment.
"Are we still going on our family trip?" Henry exclaimed, jumping in between both women.
Emma's smile matched the brunette's, "Absolutely, kid!"
"Yeah!" Henry pumped his fist in the air, "I'll go wait in the car!" He rushed out, pushing past Daniel and Graham, along with Ruby who entered the apartment. Their heads following the small boy who ran faster than Flash himself.
Emma stood to her feet, her eyes on Graham, "Well, now that the secret is out. Graham."
"Your majesty?" Graham stood to attention, heads turning on the change and sudden charge the blonde took over her friend.
Emma's voice wasn't demanding, it was still kind and very polite towards him, but even then she had all the control in that room.
The blonde motioned towards the bags that were already packed and placed in the living room, "Would you be so kind as to take the luggage's to the car, please?"
"It'd be an honor." He smiled proudly, walking towards the luggage's and carrying a few out the door.
"I'm gonna…" Ruby's words trailed off as she picked up the other set of luggage's, rushing out the door, "Help him."
Regina's smile matched the blonde's, their bodies cradling together where they stood as they exchanged known looks.
"It seems like Ruby's taken quite a shine to him." Said Regina.
And that's when Emma came up with an idea.
"We should take her with us."
Regina's eyes grew wide as she looked back at her girlfriend, "Emma…"
"It's perfectly fine, Gina- I want her to come. She's your best friend." Emma smiled.
A smile that left Daniel rolling his eyes and walking out the door, yet again defeated. I mean, how could he compete, really? Especially now.
