Thank you for the reviews! I'm so glad you all are still into this! The rating changes in this chapter, but it's not the one where IT happens. I'm gonna torture you a little :D please review you know I love your feedback! And also those of you who follow my other story Alternate Endings, there's and update up as of last night. If you're still reading that one please review and let me know to continue! Now enjoy xxx
"Loser!" Regina called out and flashed a smug grin back at David as she pulled on Rocinante's reins to bring her from a gallop to a trot, seeing her breath in the cold winter air. Granny would have she and David's heads for going on a ride in the middle of winter, which was the reason they'd secretly agreed to slip out of the castle after breakfast.
They'd been riding for over an hour, galloping across the open fields and enjoying being outside despite the cold air. David had shown her a couple of paths on the castle grounds and ended up challenging her to a race back to the stables. It was one of the best days she'd had in a very long time.
"Cheater," David grinned as his own horse caught up with Rocinante, trotting up beside her as they neared the stables. Regina's cheeks were flushed and her hair wispy and wild, but she looked more alive than he'd ever seen her and it was beautiful.
"Bad sport," She bantered back as they came to a stop once they'd brought the horses into the stable, swinging her leg over the back of Rocinante to step down. David was watching her every movement and she felt it, relished in it. There was a flirtation and tension ever present between them since their fight the day he surprised her with the library.
He grinned as he watched her turn her back to him to begin to undo Rocinante's saddle, dismounting his own horse without taking his eyes off of her. David secured Midnight's reins around his own stable post before taking a chance and approaching his wife from behind.
"I'm not a sore loser, I know you cheated," David wrapped his arms around her waist playfully giving it a squeeze as he brought the side of his face against her own, "With magic," He added in a low, playful tone, "Sorceress."
She let out a playful gasp, turning around in his arms and enjoying the feeling of being so close to him. They were finding more and more reasons to touch each other lately and Regina felt herself becoming comfortable with the affection, "Is it really that hard to believe that the Queen may just be a better rider than the King?"
"Hm," His eyes grew a few shades darker and the way he looked at her made her stomach coil. David playfully walked her backwards to the hidden wall between the stalls, "I have no doubts you're great at riding," He grinned and she felt her cheeks flush and a smile tug at her own lips.
"Mmm, do you plan to find out for yourself?" Regina asked, looking up at him innocently as she bit down on her bottom lip. She noticed he looked at her lips a lot and the mischief in her prompted her to make the most of it.
A devilish grin tugged at the King's features as he gently pressed her back against the stable wall with his own body, reaching down to run his hands over her waist, "You look so innocent but deep down…you're a minx," He smirked as he leaned his head down to hers, brushing his lips against her own.
Regina grinned before taking initiative with the kiss, feeling bolder each time they were near each other. Her hands reached up to grip the lapels of his heavy coat, pulling him down towards her at the height difference with her just in her heel-less riding boots. His cologne and the cold air swirled her senses, sighing softly at the feeling of his stubble when he kissed the corner of her mouth and trailed kisses down her jaw to her neck slowly.
She was cold but she couldn't feel it with how warm David had her body feeling, her heartbeat increasing with each teasing kiss he pressed to her sensitive neck. Her hands snuck inside of his coat, wrapping around his waist and gripping his back to keep him close to her.
"You look so beautiful," David groaned against her skin, feeling her tilt her head to give him easier access. He cupped the other side of her neck with his free hand as he devoured the skin exposed to him, hearing her breath catch when he would occasionally nip her. Her body was practically melting into the wall as he stepped one of his legs in between her own. His member was pulsing, stirring to life in his tight riding breeches at how pliant she was in his hands.
He lifted his head up for a moment to look at her, eyes closed and head tilted back against the rough stable wall. Her skin was flushed and her chest moving faster than it had been. Pride swelled within him at the knowledge that she trusted him, and even better that she responded to him like this. He realized that unlike his previous trysts after Snow's death, he wasn't comparing Regina to his late wife. He didn't feel like he was being unfaithful. All he could think about was the woman in front of him.
David leaned down and kissed her again after staring at her in a way that made her legs weak. The kiss was hungrier now and it made a moan erupt in her throat before she even realized it, swallowing the end of it. She remembered what happened the last time they'd fooled around and how wanton she'd acted. Get it together, Regina.
"Don't do that," He groaned against her lips before kissing her harder, caressing his tongue over hers, "Let it out, I want to know what you like and what you don't," He whispered pulling his lips back to lock eyes with her for a moment.
She nodded slightly before leaning up to capture his lips with her own again and let out a soft moan when she tilted her head the other way to change the angle. Her fingers curled, fisting the back of his shirt in her hands as he pressed their bodies together firmer. The heat between them grew like wind spreading a flame and she felt her body coming alive like a forest fire.
David wanted to touch her everywhere and holding her waist no longer was enough to please him. Truth be told, he wanted to strip them both down and take her fully, but it was far too cold out here and he didn't want their first time to be a quick romp. He moved a hand up between them and slipped it into her coat, running his hand up her front slowly cupping her breast. Regina let out a whimper then that made his cock threaten to burst the seam of his pants as he fondled her perfectly sized mound, teasing her hard nipple with his thumb through the fabric of her shirt.
He groaned, breaking the kiss and pressing his forehead to hers as he watched her. As much as he wanted to lift her up and bury himself inside of her, he wanted to watch her more. She was exquisite, tugging at her bottom lip with her teeth and moaning near his ear again when he leaned in to resume kissing and sucking at her neck.
"Mmm...David," The way she said his name was a breathy, low moan and his blood rushed south to his groin. He was probably leaving a mark on her neck, sucking down on a spot that seemed to be making her whimper. God, she was starting to grind herself against his leg that rested in between her thighs. Images flooded his mind of everything he wanted to do with her, knowing she'd be adventurous and exciting to have in the bedroom.
Regina was panting, shamelessly grinding herself against his leg that was pushed in between her thighs. She was throbbing down there from his kisses and the friction seemed to be the only thing that made it better. Instinctually she wanted more, but she didn't have a clue what she wanted more of. There was a need to chase the hot coiling feeling in her stomach and find a way to reach release. She felt sure David knew exactly how to cure the primal need in her and she became impatient, rubbing herself against him harder and pulling at his shirt in her grip.
"Fuck, Regina," He groaned into her neck and the vibrations sent a sliver of pleasure through her. David knew his night would end painfully hard but he wanted to watch her come undone. It was only fair he extinguished the fire he had started. He slid the hand teasing her breast down to where her shirt was tucked into her riding pants, undoing the buttons, "Tell me if you want me to stop," He whispered and she gave a curt nod that expressed her desire for anything but.
David pressed his forehead to hers, watching her looking down between them at where his hand was headed. He let the front of her pants gape a little before slowly pressing his hand with the palm against her skin and sliding it down to the apex of her thighs.
"Oh!" Regina exclaimed at the sensation when David's large fingers found her hot and slick bundle of nerves, brushing over it softly at first, "David…oh…" She moaned and let the back of her head rest against the stable wall, her legs feeling weakened by his touch.
"You're so wet," David whispered, lips ghosting over his neck where he'd been sucking, brushing over his ear as he lifted his mouth to whisper to her, "I bet it would feel so good to be inside of you, Regina," He heard her whimper at the thought and her knees start to buckle on her, so he pressed his knee against the stable wall between her legs firmer in case they gave away on her completely.
"That feels.…" Regina's thoughts were fuzzy, her head spinning and her bottom half aching. Her hips moved in a way she hadn't been aware they could. Curling and rolling to match his movements. He teased her nub, massaging it in firm circles and slowly increasing his pace, "God…" She gasped, letting her lips part as her brows furrowed together only being able to focus on the pleasure.
"What do you want me to do?" David groaned at how wet she was getting and how she shamelessly squirmed and pushed herself against his fingers for more pressure. He smirked, biting down on her earlobe and hearing her practically mewl as he kept the same moderate pace, knowing she wanted more but wanting to here her say it. "Regina?"
"More," She moaned loudly, causing him to lift his head to look at her. He could see her nipples piercing hard through the shirt she wore, her chest heaving, lips swollen and neck flushed. His Queen was a sexual little creature and he had a feeling with time she'd be comfortable to demand exactly what she wanted from him, "Faster, David," Her tone was pleading and it made him rock hard, straining against the crotch of his pants.
Her clit was swollen and he knew she was close, teasing it firmer and massaging faster circles. She was panting now, mewling and whimpering, sucking her bottom lip into her teeth jerking her hips as she started to unravel. David nearly came in his pants just from watching her orgasm hit her. Her lips parted and mouth formed an o shape as he her eyes squeezed shut and she cried out, digging her nails into his back.
"Dear god," He groaned under his breath at how hard her own back arched and body tensed just from his fingers, watching her eyes fly open with surprise after the climax of her orgasm passed.
She reached down, quickly grabbing his wrist to stop his stroking at how sensitive she became as she gasped for breath rode the waves, "…oh…god…" She repeated, her eyes merely slits when she held his wrist still and looked up to meet his gaze.
David gave her a genuine smile though she could see the arousal in his expression and feel it against her leg. She instantly missed the contact of his hand when he pulled it from her pants, "You okay?" He asked, his voice slightly lower and huskier.
His hands came down to her hips, holding her up when he brought his leg from between hers and she gave him a breathy smile and a nod. Regina's body was buzzing and she suddenly felt stupid, not being able to even formulate a sentence in response.
"Can I dress down your horse for you, Your Majesty?" They heard a sudden voice behind them and Regina's eyes grew wide when she looked up at David. He glanced over his shoulder to see the head stable boy, Ben, standing there with an earnest look. He knew the young man well enough to know if he'd heard anything he and Regina were just doing, he would've went running the other way.
"Uh, yeah, go ahead. Thanks Ben," David nodded before turning back to glance down at Regina who had just finished buttoning her pants back up and pulling her coat closed hastily. His large frame had hid any view of her from Ben and gave her a moment to adjust her clothing, thankfully. "The Queen and I were just going back inside."
"Of course, Your Majesty," Ben nodded before turning quickly to gather the reins for their horses and take them into their stalls respectively.
"Shall we?" David asked and Regina smirked at the way he reached down and tugged at the crotch of his pants before holding his arm out for her to wrap hers around. She felt slighty guilty that they'd not had a chance to address his need, but she wasn't sure what she would have done anyways. "Not one word," He drew his brows down playfully when he caught her grinning over his situation in his riding breeches. Minx.
The rest of the day was almost as pleasant as her morning with David, for Thomas had shown up to have a royal council meeting with her husband and brought Ella along. Though Regina and Emma were getting along better, she was happy to have someone the same age as her to speak with. She'd never really had friends growing up and this was one aspect of her new life she looked forward to... Well, not the only thing.
They'd retired to the sitting room in the castle, chatting away with tea and biscuits that Granny had prepared for them. The woman was always trying to feed her. Regina didn't mind, though, for she knew food was the way Granny showed that she cared. And her life so far had taught her that she'd never take someone caring for her for granted.
"So what's this great news you couldn't wait to tell me?" Regina humored her new friend, reaching out to set her teacup down on the saucer. Ella was in an especially bubbly mood today, proving to Regina how opposite they really were. Maybe that's why she enjoyed her company; Ella was light and carefree and fun. Regina was much more controlled and guarded and her humor on the sarcastic side. They seemed to balance each other out.
"Oh!" Ella's eyes grew wide at the mention of her announcement, biting her lip hard to try to suppress the smile, "Thomas and I are having a baby."
"Really?" Regina broke into a wide smile at the sheer happiness on her friend's face, "Ella, that's wonderful. Congratulations."
"Thank you," Ella reached out and took Regina's hand into her own, "You and David should try so our children could grow up together!"
She laughed, feeling her eyes widening at the idealistic notion. While this morning had proved to her she would certainly enjoyed trying to have a baby with David, she knew that would not happen for a long time. If ever.
"What's wrong?" Her friend seemed to sense Regina's uneasiness and she looked at her for an explanation. She wasn't used to sharing her personal thoughts but she felt Ella was someone she could confide in.
"If I tell you something, would you promise to keep it to yourself?" Regina began, troubling her lip between her teeth as she read Ella's response. From what she'd seen the women of this society were brutal gossips and you had to be careful who you told things to.
"Of course," The blonde smiled genuinely, laying her own hands in her lap and waiting patiently.
"David and I…we didn't go into this marriage willingly…we're…" She struggled to try to explain it. It wasn't as if she didn't have feelings for David and she was pretty sure he reciprocated them. There was definitely sexual tension. So to say that their marriage was fake would be misinformation, "Well…we're getting to know each other but…we haven't…you know…"
"Ooooh," Ella responded with a raise of her eyebrow as the pieces of the puzzle seemed to fall into place, "Have you, ever?"
"No," She let out a wistful sigh, "I think it will happen soon, though." She admitted, memories of this morning coming to her mind and making her cheeks flush slightly.
The mother-to-be grinned at her, "You want to, don't you?"
"Maybe," Regina admitted and they both chuckled. She could've never had this conversation with Granny or Emma and she was grateful that the blonde sitting next to her was so open about things. She herself didn't have the nerve to talk about intimacy so casually.
"It's completely normal. The first few times can me a little uncomfortable in the beginning because well," Ella gave a shrug in a matter of fact way and raised a brow, "But don't be scared, it's not as painful as our mothers claim. That's just to scare us from doing it until we're married," She smirked.
"My mother always claimed that it was a wife's duty only and that you shouldn't act like you…wanted it. That it's not lady like," She found herself rolling her eyes and looking at Ella knowingly, "But it's hard, you know? David says he…" She stopped, not knowing how far she should go.
"Go on! He what?" Her friend leaned in with a mischievous grin, "Honestly Regina, don't be so uptight."
"I'm not uptight," Her lips parted to feign offense, making Ella chuckle in response and give a 'mhm', "David says he likes it when he knows I'm enjoying it. It seems to excite him."
"Of course it does!" Ella nodded wideyed, "My mother told me the same kind of thing, it's just their generation. Thomas doesn't mind at all."
"Obviously," Regina retorted with a nod towards her friend's midsection, making them both erupt in laughter.
David and Regina stood at the entrance of the castle, seeing off Thomas and Ella as they waved from their carriage when the visit had ended. She felt David wrap an arm around her waist and pull her a little closer and smiled to herself. She had worried that he may regret what they'd done but he didn't seem to.
"Did you have a good visit with Ella?" He asked, turning her to him and snaking his other arm around her as well. She smiled, leaning in to him and resting her hands on his chest between them.
"I did, it was good to see her. Did Thomas tell you the news?" She asked, watching him to gauge his reaction. They'd never talked about children, for their relationship was much too new, but she was curious as to where he stood on having another family.
"Yeah, they're so excited," He chuckled a little, "It's an exciting time, though. I remember-" He began to tell her the story of Snow's pregnancy with Emma but caught himself.
"I don't mind if you talk about it," Regina looked up at him genuinely after clocking on to why he had decided not to share his story, "It's your life, David."
"I just don't want to be insensitive to your feelings."
"You're not, I want to know more about you. It's how we get to know each other, sharing things like this. You had a life before me, I don't expect you just to forget it."
David smiled, running a hand up to cup the side of her face, "You calling me old, Queen?" He asked playfully, watching her roll her eyes.
"Will you two get in here out of the cold before you catch your deaths?!" Granny squawked when she poked her head out of the large castle doors, masking a smile when she saw them pull apart from their embrace, "I drew you a bath, Regina."
David nodded towards granny, holding his hands behind his back and giving a polite nod to his wife, "I'll come say goodnight later," He smiled warmly, "Go ahead."
Regina felt like she was floating on clouds with the gentle way he looked at her. She returned his smile and did a small curtsy before turning to follow Granny's instructions to come back inside.
"Oh so suddenly you two are the example of royal etiquette after I catch you about to canoodle," The older woman quipped, causing Regina's mouth to drop as she followed her in. She heard David chuckle from outside before the large castle door shut behind them.
"Really, Granny?" She smirked and shook her head at the bold woman charging ahead of her for the kitchen.
"I've got maids to go boss around," Granny glanced at her when they reached the grand staircase and she started to take the back hall towards the servant quarters. She had a hint of amusement in her expression before adding, "Go wash off your smudged lipstick."
Regina quickly reached up to dab around her mouth before pulling her fingers back to look at them, realizing she hadn't even put lipstick on today. The older woman let out a laugh when Regina drew her brows down in a frown, knowing she had been tricked and blown her and her husband's cover. "Goodnight, girl."
Regina smiled speechlessly at the woman's good humored prodding before making her way up the steps. It had been a long day and she was exhausted, and also a little nervous as to what David meant when he said he'd come wish her goodnight. Even if he did only come to say the words, she felt giddy that he made the effort.
Her feet seemed to pick up the pace themselves as they made her way down the corridor, a stupid smile on her face at the thought of everything that had happened that day. The idea of a hot bath did sound nice after the chill she'd exposed herself to today. In more ways than one.
She passed Emma's room, starting to turn to make the intersection that led her towards her wing. If she'd kept going in the same direction it would've led her towards Leopold's quarters and she wanted to stay far away from those. As if her mind summoned him, the slimy old man appeared before her from around the corner and startled her. She realized that he was coming from the direction of her wing and wondered if he'd went there in search for her.
"Your Majesty," Leopold nodded, eyeing her over in a way that made her skin crawl, "I haven't seen much of you lately. You and David have been spending a lot of time together."
"Yes, isn't that what you wanted?" She clenched her teeth in irritation, crossing her arms over his chest. Every conversation had a double meaning with Leopold and her patience was wearing thin with him. A dark thrill ran through her at the idea that soon she'd teach herself enough magic to scare the hell out of the old creep.
"Of course, of course," He smiled fakely, "Although I would like to see another grandchild before I am entirely satisfied with your union. The kingdom needs reassurance that their royal family will continue and the kingdom will prosper."
"Are you finished?" She looked up at him defiantly, trying to push past him but he stepped in front of her. Neither one of them noticed Emma who had started to come out of her room but saw her grandfather and a distressed looking Queen.
"Not quite," He gripped her upper arm to make her look up at him, "You and David are becoming quite close and I just wanted to remind you that if you breathe a word of what I said to you to the King or anyone else, I will make your life hell."
She glared up at him but the darkness in his expression frightened her and made it difficult to keep up a brave face, "I haven't," Regina grit out, "You afraid the King might not take kindly to you threatening to rape me?" She smiled sarcastically and enjoyed the flicker of irritation in his eyes, but instantly feared what would come next.
"Feisty," Leopold responded as his gaze devoured her body for a moment before looking at her face again, "It's a shame, I would've enjoyed breaking that spirit." She didn't realize until he walked away that she was holding her breath and pressed a hand to her uneasy stomach when she gasped in air to resume breathing. She also didn't realize her step-daughter still stood hidden behind her cracked bedroom door with the same reaction.
"What's keeping you up?" Granny asked, walking into the King's study area of his bed chambers to put away his clean laundry. She'd expected him to be in the other section, already in bed as he usually was. Perhaps he was waiting up to say goodnight to a certain someone who was soaking in a tub right now.
"Just reading," David gave her a tired smile as he put the bookmark in his book and looked up from his chair, "You can just lay those down, I'll put them away."
"I've seen how you put clothes away," Granny rolled her eyes behind her wire rim glasses, "You're about as domestic as Emma. I'm telling you, you're lucky she's royalty or the girl would never find a husband."
He laughed, shaking his head as he rose from his chair and came over to pick up a few items of clothing to help Granny, "My daughter isn't your typical princess."
"You don't say," Granny chuckled softly, "Oh and by the way, the next time you take the Queen out for a ride in the middle of winter, I'll flog you."
"What are you talking about?" He feigned innocence, hanging up a suit in his armoire before seeing the testy look Granny gave him, making him give up his attempt at denying it, "How did you know?"
"Don't think I didn't see you two flirting and whispering at breakfast," Granny couldn't help but smile, not having seen the King act as playful in years. He as starting to act his age again and she couldn't manage to give him the chewing out she'd planned for risking getting he or the Queen sick. "I knew you were cookin' up a plan."
"It was a good day," He smiled to himself, forgetting the laundry for a moment as he stared off in thought.
"I take it you're allowing yourself to develop feelings for your bride, now?"
"I.…I suppose you could say that…"
"You know she would've wanted you to be happy," Granny mentioned Snow without looking at David, giving him his privacy as she continued to put away his suits and uniforms, "And this is the closest you've been in years."
"I know, it's scary as hell," David admitted with a shaky laugh, "There's just something about Regina…"
"Aye, she's a special young woman," Granny agreed, much to David's surprise. She typically wasn't openly a fan of anyone, let alone someone who had the potential to get so close to he and his daughter, of whom she was fiercely protective of. He smiled to himself, knowing that if she approved of his blossoming feelings for his wife then he was making the right decision.
David and Granny's attention was drawn to his bedroom chamber door when Emma stepped in and interrupted their conversation. His daughter's face was pale and her expression told him she'd just witnessed something that had shaken her. He glanced at the woman beside of him who mirrored his confusion before looking back to the Princess when she finally spoke. "Dad, we need to talk."