Thank you guys for your patience! This chapter took a while to write because it starts of slow but the ending is worth it! As always, thank you to my amazing beta demisexualemmaswan!
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Chapter 6:
The next few days were busy for Emma. She had begun hatching a plan after her trip to the village, inspired by her impromptu meeting with Henry.
Every day after breakfast, she would take Icarus out for a ride. Instead of going out into the fields, she would wait on the trail for about fifteen minutes before returning to the castle.
She would bring Icarus towards the servants' entrance and wait again. Once she was sure that no one was watching, she would hurry inside.
And that's when her real work would begin.
One particular morning, when she went to the stables, Emma also brought with her one of the carts from the courtyard. It hadn't been an easy task, given its size.
She almost had two close calls with the Black Knights. Luckily, they didn't seem to notice or question her actions, so she made it to the stables without any trouble.
Icarus nickered at her when she approached.
She gently stroked his nose and smiled. "Big day today, boy," she said.
She began to load the cart, meticulously organizing the items she'd prepared. At first, she had taken small things. A blanket or two. Then some sheets. Spare firewood. Anything that she could carry and hide easily in Icarus's stable. Soon, she had a fine assortment of supplies for the village.
It wasn't enough to ease their pain, but it would certainly help them during the cold season.
Emma wasn't able, however, to take any food from the kitchens.
It would've spoiled quickly and created a rat problem, which would've definitely aroused suspicion from her mother. But the images of the villagers' starving faces had been burned into her mind. The least she could do was bring some sort of food to them.
There was a fresh bucket of apples inside the stables. It was perfect. Emma wiped her hands on her skirt as she went to get them.
"What are you doing?"
She almost jumped out of skin. Standing in the doorway, dressed in riding attire, was Regina. Emma laughed, clutching her chest. "You scared me half to death," she said, earning an eye roll from Regina.
"You're up to something, aren't you?" Regina said, slightly accusing.
Emma laughed again. "What? No, I'm not. Why would you think that?" She picked up the bucket of apples, not looking at Regina.
"Because you've been acting strange for the last few days. What is going on with you?"
"Nothing. I, uh, haven't been sleeping well for the last few days."
This was partially true. She hadn't slept well since the ball. She kept having the same dream of the empty room with the crying babe and the mysterious song. Even stranger, Emma was positive that she had heard the song before.
"No, it's not just that. You've been very distracted lately. You're only at meals and lessons. You barely speak to anyone," Regina said concernedly. "What's wrong?"
Emma bit her lip, then leaned in slightly to her sister. "Can you keep a secret?" Regina nodded. "I've been to the village."
"You did what?!" Regina sputtered. Emma shushed her, but Regina continued on, "What were you thinking? You know we're not allowed there!"
"I had to see how bad it was."
"So, all this time you've been sneaking off, unprotected I might add, just based on the word of a man you only met once?" Regina pinched the brim of her nose. "I can't believe you're still obsessing over that thief."
"I'm NOT!" said Emma, a little too loudly. "He's - I mean - I just - ugh! You wouldn't understand!"
"Then help me understand, Emma! Because I just can't fathom why you would do something so reckless and foolish."
Emma's ears felt hot, and her hands were beginning to shake. She put the bucket down on the cart, taking a few controlling breaths.
"I had to see how bad it was," she repeated steadily. "I'm not going to apologize for what I did. I know I won't be a Queen like you one day, but I will never turn my back on those who need help." She finally looked at her sister's stony face. Regina's mouth opened and closed a few times, but no sound came out.
Lifting her chin slightly, Emma went to take Icarus's reins. "I'm taking these to the village. Don't try and stop me." She gently tugged the horse forward.
"You can't take Icarus."
Emma whirled around, annoyed. "Regina I just said-"
"Look at how much you have on that cart. Do you honestly think Icarus is going to be able to pull that from here to there by himself?" Regina said, pointing. She started to saddle Rocinante.
"He'll probably tire himself out before you get there or pull a shoe. And then what? The Black Knights will have to come find you and Mother will find out what you've been doing. A complete disaster." Emma watched as Regina led Rocinante to the head of the cart and hitched him next to Icarus. "There. Now we should be able to get there without any problems," she said, satisfied.
"Wait, 'we'?"
"Of course." Regina mounted Rocinante. "I'm coming with you."
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Like before, most of the villagers stopped and stared when the sisters rode through. This time though, they were even more surprised to see the heir apparent as well. But they kept their whispers and murmurs to themselves, afraid of the repercussions of speaking against royalty.
Emma snuck a glance at Regina. This was her sister's first time seeing the village and the truth of Killian Jones's words. Her eyes widened slightly at the sight yet her expression remained impassive. Throughout the whole ride there, she had not said a word. Emma had tried to strike up a conversation but to no avail. Regina had remained stone-faced and tight lipped. Perhaps the lessons from their mother were finally sinking in.
They dismounted their steeds in the village square. Emma smiled warmly as people slowly began to gather around the cart, staring in confusion. But to her surprise, they made no movement to take the supplies and items. Instead they scratched their heads and exchanged silent conversations.
"Why are they just standing there?" whispered Regina. "What's wrong with them?"
"I don't know," said Emma. "Maybe they don't know that it's for them."
Regina clucked in annoyance and squared her shoulders. "Good people!" she said loudly, "These were brought from the palace for you. Please take what you need. And know that I, your future Queen, am here for you."
There was a beat of silence. Then cautiously the villagers began to approach the cart. Some took a few items and scurried off. Others quietly whispered their thanks and blessings to Regina, who beamed at their gratitude.
Emma was helping hand off supplies when a familiar looking building caught her eye. The place was in horrid disrepair, with a roof full of holes and a single broken window. The hanging sign read Malcolm Gold's Home for Lost Boys. It took her a few moments to realize that this was where she had seen Henry the other day.
"I'll be right back." Emma muttered to Regina. Her sister absently nodded in response.
She approached the orphanage and knocked on the rotting wood. The door slowly creaked open and a tall gaunt looking boy with straw colored hair poked his head out.
"Yes?" He said lazily. He didn't seem to recognize who she was, which felt a little refreshing. But Emma was slightly unnerved by his appearance, particularly the ragged scar on his right cheek.
"Um… Hello." She said, haltingly.
"Felix!" came a wheezy voice. Emma watched as a greasy looking man hurriedly shambled into view, shielding his eyes from the direct sunlight. He pushed his way past the boy to grab the door. " I told you to keep the bloody door shut! You're letting all the-" The man's eyes caught Emma's and he stopped mid-sentence.
"Your Highness!" And then he clumsily dropped into a bow. Felix didn't move, which earned him a hard nudge to the hip. "Show some respect boy!" the man hissed. "Can't you see it's the Princess!"
"Oh no, it's alright -" Emma started to say.
"Dense lot, this one. No surprise why he ended up here. Get back inside before I thump you good!" And with that, Felix disappeared back inside. The man then turned back to Emma and smiled a yellow smile. "Apologies, Your Majesty. Didn't know that we were expecting company today, least of all royalty." He bowed again. "Malcolm Gold, at your service."
"Pleasure." Emma said, hopefully not too dryly. "I came because I heard some alarming allegations about this establishment. Something about there not being enough beds?"
"Oh, that rumor." Malcolm Gold laughed. "Let me guess: did this come from a certain Killian Jones?"
"You know of him?" Emma asked.
"Yes, he's making himself a bit of a nuisance around here lately. Prattling on about unfairness and justice. A few soldiers came through a few nights ago looking for him, but found nothing. I suspect he finally booked passage in Longbourn, the lucky bastard."
"Why would he make such an accusation?"
"Well, you see Your Highness, he suffers from the delusion that he's a hero. Ever since his brother died, he's been goin' about, saying that 'things aren't right' and what have you. I've caught him a few times poking 'round here, speakin' to some of the boys. Nothing but trouble." He shook his head in exaggerated disgust. "I wouldn't take anything he says seriously. We're perfectly alright. Only one room but we get by."
"I see." Emma nodded, although she wasn't fully convinced. "Well, my sister and I have brought some supplies for you and your, em, boys. Would it possible if-"
"Oh how marvelous! You really shouldn't have gone to all that trouble but we are truly grateful to you, Your Majesty." Malcolm crowed. "Felix! Arthur! Gideon!" He called over his shoulder. "Come and give Her Highness a hand!"
"Actually, that won't be necessary. I was hoping if a particular boy could help me. His name is Henry."
The smile on Malcolm's face froze. "Oh, Henry… yes… well I'm terribly sorry but Henry can't help you. He, uh, isn't feeling well today."
"Oh no, how terrible." Emma frowned. She tried to crane her head to look inside. "Well I would still like to talk to him? Could I possibly-"
Before she could finish her sentence, Malcolm hurriedly pulled the door close, as if trying to block her view. He smiled again, this time nervously. "Uh, that won't be necessary, Your Highness."
"And why not?"
"Well, uh, he's quite contagious. Very awful. Wouldn't want to expose you to it."
Emma quirked an eyebrow. "And yet the other children aren't exposed? You did ask three boys just now to help me."
"I did? Oh! Yes, I mean, we've been keeping him away from the other ones."
"But you said you only have one room?"
Malcolm's face paled yet he never lost his smile. He was also beginning to perspire, much to Emma's disgust. "Yes, I mean-"
"Mr. Gold," said Emma sternly. "I really don't appreciate being lied to. Especially by someone who is terrible at it."
For the first time since he first appeared, Malcolm was silent. He started to sputter but Emma held up her hand, silencing him.
"Now, I'd like to speak to Henry. Could you ask him to come outside? Or would you prefer to speak to my sister instead."
Malcolm's face turned bright red. Embarrassed, he bowed to Emma. "Henry!" he once again called. "Would you come here please?" There was a shuffling of feet inside. Henry's head appeared at Malcolm's waist. But he didn't smile at Emma. His eyes remained downcast. "The princess here needs help with something. And you're the lucky lad she's asked for. What do you say?"
Henry bowed to Emma. "Thank you, Your Highness," he said stiffly.
Malcolm chuckled and ruffled Henry's hair but it was not an affectionate gesture. Emma could see the tension in his shoulders. He then gave a curt bow to Emma and shut the door, a bit too quickly.
Now that they were finally alone, Henry raised his eyes. Emma's breath hitched at his split lip. "What happened?" she asked, dropping down to her knees. Her hands hovered near his face, but he waved them away. "It's nothing. Please don't worry, Your Highness. I've had worse." He said nonchalantly.
But Emma wasn't convinced. She glared at the closed door. "Did he-?"
"No. It was Felix."
"Why did Felix hit you?"
"He was picking on Leo. I tried to stand up to him. Like how all the heroes did in my book. But Felix is bigger, so…" Henry trailed off, absently, biting his injured lip.
Emma nodded sympathetically. "You did the right thing, kid. I'm sure Leo appreciated it." She then raised an eyebrow playfully. "Did you get any good hits in?" Henry nodded which made her chuckle.
"Is everything alright?" Regina asked as she sauntered over. She was carrying the bucket of apples. "Yes," Emma said, straightening up. "Regina, you remember Henry?
She gestured. Henry dutifully bowed.
"Yes, I do." Regina smiled widely. "Hello again, Henry. I have something for you." She leaned over and offered him a very red apple.
Henry politely took it. "Thank you, Your Majesty." He smiled back, but Emma noticed that it didn't reach his eyes.
Regina, however, didn't. "You're welcome." She turned to Emma. "Is this wonderful? They're all so thankful to us." Emma didn't answer. She was watching Henry, who had suddenly reverted to the shy boy she had seen earlier with Malcolm.
"I wonder if we should tell Mother about this venture," Regina mused. "I think she might be pleased with us after all. A queen must see the needs of her subjects."
"Regina, why don't I bring those apples over to the orphanage?" said Emma. "I'm sure the boys there would really appreciate them." Regina handed the bucket to Emma absently. She no longer seemed to be listening, lost in her thoughts about pleasing Cora. She wandered away back to the cart.
Emma turned back to Henry. "Help me with these?" He eagerly nodded and took an armful of apples.
"So, what's the plan?" he asked conspiratorially.
"Plan?" said Emma, slightly confused. She laughed a bit."We're just taking these apples over to your friends."
"They're not my friends," Henry said quickly. "I mean your plan."
Emma laughed again. "Plan for what?"
"You know…"
"Henry, I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about. What plan?"
Henry's face fell. "The plan." He then whispered, "The one to defeat the Evil Queen."
Emma frowned. "'The Evil Queen'? I thought you said the other day that my mother was a hero."
"She is!"
"Then why did you just say she was evil?"
"The Evil Queen isn't your mother." Now it was Henry's turn to frown. "You really don't know?"
"Know what?" Emma said, starting to grow annoyed. "Henry, you're not making any sense. My mother is Queen Cora."
"No she's not. Your mother is Snow White."