so thank you for the reviews...sorry this chapter took a minute. I spent all day today working on it only to lose 8k of the words when trying to post it. so i rewrote it to the best of my memory. please review and let me know if you like how it turned out. i'm so mad over losing my original work it made me not even want to touch this story again. this is like 3 of my regular length chapters rolled into one...that is why i was so sick over losing the long ass original. i'd even taken my time and checked my grammar which NEVER happens..sigh. the more i look at this rewrite too the more i hate it. let me know what you think xxx
David woke up, feeling her stir as she laid halfway on top of him. Her left leg was tangled within his own, her head tucked into the curve of his neck and left arm wrapped around his torso. The drapes were still drawn, leaving only little slivers of light that bled through and dimly lit the room.
"Good morning," His voice was low and rumbled from his chest when she lifted her head and realized he was still there, a sleepy smile tugged at the corners of her lips. The covers billowed around them, cocooning them from the cold winter weather that permeated the stone walls of the castle.
"Morning," Regina smiled at the fact he'd stayed there all night. It felt so right waking up beside of him, well she was practically on top of him, but it felt natural. "It's chilly in here," Her brows drew closer together as she glanced over her shoulder towards the fire place that had gone out during the night.
"Looks like we're forced to stay under the covers all day," He gave her a lazy grin when she turned her head back to him, resting his head back on his left arm that was folded behind it, his right arm coming up to run over her back. She bit her lip and felt a shiver go down her spine when he slid his hand to her lower back before slipping over the round of her ass.
She grinned at his playful mood, running her forearms up under his pillow on each side of his head to lift herself just enough to look down at him to talk. Her bottom half rolled more onto him and he brought both of his hands to caress up and down her back, sometimes dipping down to grip her bottom.
"Thanks for staying with me last night," Regina looked down at him more seriously for a moment.
"Thanks for asking me to," He smiled, tracing a slowly circle pattern over her back through the fabric of her thin shift, making goosebumps break out over her skin, "I think sometimes we hesitate with each other because we don't want to overstep or be rejected…but I don't want to have boundaries with you. If we're going to do this, it's all or nothing."
David had given it thought and he knew that if he was going to let himself fall for her he could not hold anything back. Only allowing a part of himself to love her would not be fair to her, she deserved more. He already felt a deep adoration and attraction to her and if he was moving on he wanted it to mean more than lust.
"Are you always this serious in the mornings?" She asked with a mischievous grin.
"Are you always going to deflect your emotions with sarcasm?"
"Probably," Regina teased but gazed at him with a more sincere smile before biting her lip, "My mother always told me love is weakness. She berated me for showing affection or emotions so I'm…I'm just used to holding whatever I'm feeling in."
"Unless you're angry at me for ignoring you," It was his turn to tease now. His jest was brief, causing her to half smile, "Your mother is a nightmare…no offense…but I want to know what's going on in that mind of yours. Plus, you're pretty sexy when you're angry."
"Hmm," She smiled with a playful raise of her eyebrow, "You know, you kind of are too."
"Just kind of?" His mouth dropped to mock hurt as he gripped her ass, catching her by surprise as he suddenly rolled them over pinning her on her back. She yelped when he flipped them before letting out a carefree laugh that made him beam from ear to ear, "I defend your honor to the fullest and all I get is kind of sexy?"
She was grinning, attempting to pull her hands from where he had them pinned to the mattress, "Hm, is that getting you riled up?" Regina asked, teasingly bringing her legs up his sides from where he laid in between them, bending her knees and squeezing his waist with her thighs.
"I see what you're trying to do here," David growled with an intense smirk, leaning down to press his lips to her neck, "Do you enjoy antagonizing your King, Queen?"
"Very much so," She sighed and gasped when he nipped the skin at her neck, his stubble scratching her delightfully, "Mmm," She gave a small moan when his lips went back to kissing and gently sucking on the skin behind her ear. It instantly ignited a deep heat in her stomach between the kisses and feeling him pressing her into the mattress.
He delighted in the way she melted and responded to his touch, her body squirming underneath him. His member was already stirring awake, especially with the way she slowly starting to push her hips up against his for more pressure. Her hands found his hair as soon as he unpinned them from the mattress, running his own down her sides, one hand brushing her hard nipple through the fabric of her shift with his thumb.
"Such crimes against the King are punishable," David smirked into her skin before scraping his teeth over the length of her neck, lifting his head to look down at her. She noticed the way his eyes turned a few shades darker blue when he was aroused, his full lips flushed and filling her with heated thoughts.
"What would you have me do?" She asked and he grinned at how she was breathing slightly heavier, her face a little flushed as she gazed up at him with a coy smile. God, she was gorgeous without even trying. Her face was void of any makeup but complexion still flawless, her dark lashes long, brows full and perfectly arched. The scar on her top lip may be his favorite, though; an outward symbolism of what a beautiful, broken creature she was. It gave her appearance a bit of an edge to those who did not know her, but she'd allowed him to see how soft she was inside.
"I want to hear my Queen beg for mercy," His voice was husky and deep, making the heat spread throughout her body as he leaned down and pressed his lips to her upper lip right over her scar. She recognized the sweet sentiment behind the gesture, making her lips curl against his and tilt her head back an inch to capture his mouth with her own.
"Mmm," Regina let out a soft moan into his mouth when he slipped his tongue into hers, his hands coming down her sides to grip the edge of her shift. Her legs tightened around his waist, feeling her heels digging into his lower back.
"Gods," David groaned at the way she wrapped herself around him, kissing her hungrier as he started to push and tug her shift up. He knew she was bare underneath, making him instantly hard as she lifted her hips and he managed to push it up over her toned bottom, bunching around her waist.
Regina ran her hands over the expanse of his shoulders, enjoying feeling his muscles work underneath her touch as his firm body pressed her down into the bed. She was starting to understand what Ella meant about not leaving their bed for weeks. There wasn't anything she could think of that made her want to get out from under these covers.
He broke the kiss at the feeling of her bare hips grinding against him through his thin cotton shorts. Not yet, he was going to make her beg for mercy like he said. She wasn't going to get him this worked up and not get teased in return. The pouty look on her face when he broke the contact between their lips made him smirk before he gripped the covers, lifting it up as he traveled down the bed and pulled them over his head.
"What are you doing?" Regina frowned when he disappeared under the covers, feeling him spread her legs, "David?" She raised an eyebrow in confusion, lifting the covers and feeling her face turn red when she saw him press his lips to her thigh. Dangerously close to her…oh…His kisses continued up her thigh before switching to the other.
"I'm going to make you beg," He looked up at her with devious eyes as his mouth hovered over her center and her breath hitched. She was so exposed to him it made her blush deepen but she also was too curious to stop him. His hot breath ghosting over her made her throb down there, his big hands gripping the sides of her hips.
She propped herself on one elbow, holding the covers up just enough to see him smirking up at her before he ran his tongue over her clit slowly. "Ohhhh…" The word came out as a moan from deep in her throat, her elbow collapsing with her when he did it again, "David…"
"Do you want me to stop?" He asked, his lips brushing her clit as he spoke and he felt her hips squirm as she stared at the ceiling with her mouth agape.
"...No," He heard her reply and her voice sounded a hint desperate despite the fact it was muffled by the covers over him. "Ah!" She gasped when he sucked down on her clit, teasing the bundle of nerves with his tongue in a faster rhythm.
Regina's stomach coiled rapidly, her mind reeling at the feeling. It felt better than anything she'd imagined, even better than his fingers had in the barn and she'd been a panting mess then. "David, god," She moaned when he'd work his tongue over her, sucking and licking for a few moments. Her body tensed, her hips squirming though his grip of her hips held her still.
"Is my Queen begging for mercy yet?" He stopped his ministrations to ask her, throwing her concentration and making her give a frustrated sigh before she realized. He chuckled, pressing his mouth back against her and groaning into her lips, hearing her moan turn into a cry.
The coiling in her abdomen heightened quickly when his mouth returned to her and she knew she was acting wanton but she couldn't find it in herself to care. One of her hands gripped the sheets, the other coming down under the covers to find his hair and hold her against her, "Don't stop," She said with a breathy moan, her back arching from the bed.
"What was that?" David groaned at how wet she was, pushing her thighs further apart and hearing her whimper, "Did you say please?" He sucked down on her clit letting her legs fall over her shoulders. Her thighs squeezed him when he worked his tongue faster, gripping her ass and tilting her up to him.
"Please, keep going," She didn't care anymore, she just wanted the feeling to last, to keep increasing. The coiling in her stomach got tighter and he started to let her move her hips against his mouth, "David," She cried out, writhing now.
"Mmm keep chasing it baby," He coaxed her with a groan, feeling rock hard in his shorts from the way she was losing herself, "Concentrate on the feeling," He mumbled, never taking his lips from her before he went back to teasing her nub with firm sucks and licks. Her moans and cries became more desperate as both of her hands came down to clutch at him.
Regina gripped David's hair, rolling her hips in a curling movement giving herself more friction on his mouth, "Oh…I think I'm…about to…" She gasped before shuddering when her body contracted and a cry escaped her throat when her orgasm hit her violently. He let out a growl at the way her thighs clasped his head, keeping his tongue going against her as her body writhed and she curled into herself. Her hands suddenly pushed him back when she was able to gasp for breath again at the intense sensitivity she felt afterwards.
David smiled, kissing her thigh once before slowly starting to crawl up her body, dragging his lips and pressing random kisses over her stomach and chest as he came up from under the covers. He grinned when he was hovering over her once more at her sheepish smile, "Don't be embarrassed, you have me so turned on," He admitted, leaning down to kiss her again.
Regina sighed into his mouth, tasting herself on him and glad she had not listened to Cora's advice when it came to sex. David clearly liked to give her pleasure, he had twice now, and she could feel his reaction pressing against her between her legs. She wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him back deeper as he settled between her thighs once more.
"Up and at 'em, girl," Granny came through her bedroom door making them both jump and lift their heads as the older woman didn't even bother looking towards the bed. They froze, Regina's eyes widening when David looked back at her and grinned.
"Those damn chamber maids didn't come in here last night?" She fussed at the fire that had went out, half talking to herself as she was used to Regina being partially asleep and never responding. "I'm surprised you didn't freeze to death!" She said poking the fire until she'd gotten another small flame going, adding another piece of wood.
David merely smirked and rolled off of Regina slowly under the covers before clearing his throat, making Granny turn from where she stood opening the blinds, "Well now I know how you kept warm," She mused with a wag of her brows at the Queen with a flushed face and the King giving an expression that clearly told her she'd interrupted something.
"Morning, Granny," He sighed with an arch of his brow and a tense but good humored smile.
"Morning, boy," The older woman said, completely unbothered by what the two lovebirds were up to when she came in. It was about time they gave into their attraction to each other and enjoy the benefits of marriage. "I hate to ruin your morning, but may I remind you that you both are expected for a council meeting in a half hour. Time to get up and get dressed."
David groaned and fell back into the pillows in a pouty gesture, causing Regina to chuckle. He gave her a glare but his lips curled up into a smirk. Of course she wasn't bothered, he'd just made her come on his tongue while he went without release. It was worth it, though. And he knew that now that they'd started messing around that it wouldn't end anytime soon.
She gave him an apologetic smile and snuck a quick kiss on his lips when Granny went into the bathroom chamber to start running her a bath, "I'm sorry."
"It's fine," He smiled, pressing his forehead to hers, "See you in a bit," He gave her another quick peck before scooting to the edge of the bed.
"Tell the King he better lock the door next time," Granny smirked as she came out with a bath robe for the Queen, chuckling at the way she flushed red again.
Regina was at least grateful that Granny hadn't come in a few minutes earlier than what she did, as her body was still coming down from the high, "I'm sorry, Granny," She smiled embarrassedly, making the older woman chuckle again.
"Nonsense, it's about time," She clucked, going over to the armoire to pull out a gown for her than day, carrying it over to the bed and lay it out, "A castle always runs better when its King and Queen are happy."
"We're trying to make it work," Regina said with a nod, slipping out of the bed and giving a shiver, tucking her arms over her chest.
"Don't think it'll take much trying," Granny raised a brow over her glasses and smirked, "Go on, your bath is waiting."
Regina sat next to her husband at the large, round council table. It was the first meeting he'd ask her to join him in, saying that she had just as much of a say in the kingdom as he did. Now that Leopold was out of the picture, David was looking forward to reigning the way he wanted to instead of being undermined. While it felt good to be included in this, Regina couldn't say she wasn't clueless on what happened in these meetings or what her part was meant to be.
"Word is that King George is threatening us again," The dwarf named Grumpy stated with an ominous expression. Regina didn't know the history between the kingdoms but considering the way everyone at the table started glancing at one another she knew it couldn't be good.
"Why is he still trying to come after you? It's been years," The striking brunette in the red cape spoke up then with a frown. Regina had been told that the woman was a granddaughter to Granny and lived in their old homestead on the outskirts of the village.
"As long as George is alive he will come after David," Granny piped in, not bothering to look up from her knitting, "No one that's crossed him as lived besides our King. It's a pride thing."
"I'm not worried about George and his empty threats," David spoke up, addressing the entire table. There were a couple dwarves, knights, and kingdom officials Regina did not know the names of yet. "He's spent all of his money starting wars and trying to get revenge on me. Besides, he has no heir and he won't live forever."
"I'll add a few more guards to post around the kingdom and land, just to be safe," A handsome young knight around the same age as Regina spoke up, looking at her with an earnest expression, "I know the Queen enjoys riding."
Regina smiled appreciatively at the kindness, flattered that anyone there had noticed her at all. She felt David reach for her hand in her lap, threading his fingers through hers under the table, "Very well," He agreed and flashed a smile at his beautiful bride who adorably did not even realize she had an admirer in the young man.
"That's all on the agenda for today. You're all dismissed," He nodded approvingly at everyone, he and Regina staying seated as they all stood and bowed before leaving. "Red, I hope you stay with us for a while, this weather is too nasty to be out there in the cabin by yourself."
Regina watched the woman give a breathtaking smile, making her suddenly feel a little inadequate. She knew it was petty but she was also slightly irritated at the King for blatantly asking a beautiful woman to stay under their roof without consulting her.
"I suppose I could if Granny will put up with me," Red grinned, giving the old woman beside her holding her knitting supplies a gentle nudge in the side.
"I could use an extra set of hands around here," Granny retorted over her glasses, "Come on girl we'll go get you a room prepared."
Regina watched her husbands eyes follow the red coated woman out of the council room, leaving just the two of them, "So how well do you know Red?" She asked in a casual tone before hearing him chuckle and throwing a glare his way.
"Regina..." David caught the clipped voice she'd used, finding the flash of her jealous streak incredibly endearing.
"Well excuse me for wanting to know who my husband invites for a sleepover," She huffed and crossed her arms over her chest, turning red with anger when he laughed at her again.
"Regina," He said firmly but his amusement was still evident, reaching over to grab her chair arm and slide her towards him, "Red is like a sister to me, we grew up together."
She simply sat there with narrowed eyes and pouty lips, arms crossed and not believing him, "Well she's a striking woman, I find that hard to believe you look at her and feel nothing."
"You're striking, too," He grinned, reaching over and picking her up, pulling her into his lap seeing her mouth drop indignantly, "And if I'd been able to do what I'd planned to do to you this morning you'd have no doubt that you are the only woman I want," He spoke near her ear in a husky tone, making her shiver before he nipped her earlobe and tickled her with his stubble.
Regina caved, giggling and squirming to pull her neck from him, "Will you be gone all day today?" She asks when she looked at him, pouting prematurely for she knew he usually made rounds to his knight posts and army camps to create morale with the men and give them updates after council meetings. He was a good King and it made her proud the way he looked after their help and the people of the kingdom.
"Unfortunately, yes," He returned her disappointed glance, wrapping his arms around her waist, "But you'll have Granny and Emma here and maybe you'll even get to know Red. I'd love for you two to get along," He suggested, half expecting her to get testy with him again.
"We'll see," She sighed before her expression became more troubled, "What's your history with King George? Why is everyone worried?"
"It's a long story," David hesitated, seeing her brows furrow in concern before he continued, "I had a twin brother...and while struggling with keeping the farm afloat, the Dark One made a deal with my parents to give my brother James up. King George couldn't have children of his own so he needed a baby and he raised James, but he ended up dying in a fight when he was a teenager. So George came back and threatened me with my mothers life if I did not go with him and pretend to be my brother whose life he'd already planned with an arranged marriage and the throne," David shook his head and frowned, "So despite already planning to marry Snow I left, but when my mother died he had nothing to hold over my head so I escaped and came back. He's tried to get back at me countless times for it ever since."
Regina watched him in shock as she processed his story and felt instant guilt that she'd ever dealt with Rumple when her own husband had such a broken story because of him, "So you're in danger."
He watched her brows draw together in fear and knew she was thinking about her past and what she'd already lost, "Hey," He cupped her chin and made her look at him, "I'll be fine, but you're sweet for worrying," He smiled warmly at her.
"You promise?" She swallowed hard as she looked at him, her stomach swirling at the thought of losing someone else she cared so deeply for.
"Promise," He replied with a serious gaze before rubbing his thumb over her jaw gently, leaning in to kiss her for a long moment, "Hmm as much as I hate to, I should go."
"As much as I want to keep you all to myself I know I can't," She pulled away slowly and stood, straightening her dress before reaching for his hand and giving him a smile that he'd think about all day, "I'll see you out."
"Why are we cleaning these?" Red frowned and held up the candelabra Granny had she and Emma polishing, "I haven't seen these out in years."
"It's the Queens birthday on Friday," Emma smiled with a hint of excitement as she dutifully shined one, "My Dad found out and wants to throw her a party. She doesn't even know we're aware though. I think she'll be pleased."
"How did I get wrangled into this though? I don't even know her," Red pouted playfully and groaned as Granny brought over the good silverware, plopping it on the table in the servant quarters and adding to their chore.
"You should get to know her, you two would get along," Granny sat down on the bench across the table from them.
"I don't know she was giving me quite the look when David invited me to stay," Reds eyes widened glancing at Emma, "Honestly if looks would kill I would be dust."
"Yes well this one was nasty as could be to Regina when she first got here and she hasn't got the warmest reception from the kingdom," Granny defended nodding towards Emma, "So you can't blame her for being wary."
"In my defense you didn't like her either at first," Emma frowned lifting her chin.
"She doesn't like anyone," Red laughed, grabbing another candelabra to polish as Granny inspected the last one she cleaned for spots, "So if the old wolf approves of Regina I should too."
"Yes, you should. You're David's best friend so you two better make nice. She's making him happier than I've seen him in a long time," Granny raised a brow at her granddaughter, "Why don't you go find her and talk to her? Keep her away from the great room while Emma and I move all of the China and decorations in there. Go on."
Red sighed but knew her grandmother was right, glancing at Emma with a smirk before standing to go out, "You all owe me," She called out on the way before making her way to the servant steps.
She surveyed the first floor with no sight of Regina before navigating the grand staircase that led to the second . Her canine abilities allowed her to hear movement in the tower above Regina wing, so she made her way towards it. She smelled a human as she neared the tower entrance and she knew this must be where the Queen was stowing herself away for the day.
"Whoa," Her eyes surveyed the room when she reached the top of the spiral staircase, seeing book cases lining the large space. It was decorated with antiques and bottles of various colors and plants in each window. She glanced over to see the Queen in the middle of the room at a large table with wide eyes, quickly making a fist to extinguish the fireball that she was practicing in her palm.
"It's cool, I don't have a problem with magic," Red could tell the other woman was unnerved and saw her visibly ease, "I mean I can't judge, I'm a wolf."
"I'm sorry, what?" Regina's interest perked as she watched the gorgeous woman come towards the center of the room.
"Werewolf," Ruby shrugged, plopping herself down on one of the stools at the table, "Granny is, too. Well, she was. It fades over the years but she still has a killer sense of smell," The woman smiled at her in almost a flirty nature and Regina could sense from the way she was looking at her that David was telling the truth about there being nothing between them.
Regina stared at Red for a minute, her lips parted slightly in surprise, "I'm sorry, I've just never actually met a werewolf before. Can I see it?" She asked curiously.
"God no, I lose all traces of humanness," She let out a breath, picking up one of Regina's crystals on the table to look at, "That's why I live on the outskirts of town. I chain myself up at night so I know I don't hurt anyone."
"What do you do when you stay here?" Regina was fascinated by the idea, having read a little bit about werewolves in one of the books she'd ordered. Still, she saw a hint of a burden on Red's shoulders when she talked about it and Regina understood.
"Granny locks me in the dungeon cells in the basement," She shrugged, glancing up at the Queen who was staring at her with intently. If she had to guess she would say she saw the wheel's turning in Regina's mind.
"I understand how you feel, when I first started to experience my magic I couldn't control it," Regina found herself relating to David's childhood friend, hating the fact that she felt that instant bond and David would gloat to no end, "I feared what I would do to people by accident, that's why I started to teach myself."
"I don't even remember what I do, but my family's just always chained ourselves up and dealt with it," Ruby frowned before seeing the Queen bite her lip and raise a brow as she processed it all. She started to understand why David was so attracted to her.
"I think I could help you," Regina stated before turning to go over to one of her bookshelves, dragging her finger over the book spines before she found the one she was looking for, "This book has the history of your kind, I think if I do some research I can maybe figure out a way to help you control it."
"Seriously?" Red leaned her elbows on the table as Regina brought the book to it and thumbed through the pages.
Regina was feeling more and more confident in her abilities as she taught herself and honed her skills. Hearing Red's struggle and understanding how she felt made her want to help her, and based on what she'd learned so far she thought she probably could, "I'm not promising it will work out, but I'll try."
Red smiled at how willing the Queen was to help her without really knowing anything about her. David was a lucky bastard. "Lets do this."
"This looks amazing, Granny," David smiled to himself as he surveyed the great hall, seeing the table adorned with decorations and place settings. "Thank you for taking care of all of this while I've been busy."
"My pleasure," Granny smiled, propping her hands on her hips as she looked over her handiwork before pulling the doors to the great room shut.
"I ordered the cake from the bakery in the village and all of her gifts from us should be delivered at the same time," He nodded, exhaling and wishing it was already tomorrow evening. The fact Regina hadn't told him of her upcoming birthday was proof that she never really celebrated it and he wanted to do something special for her. He wanted her to know how much her presence was valued here.
"You going to keep her out of the castle tomorrow while we cook dinner?" The older woman asked with a quirk of her brow.
"Yes, how have you managed to keep her out of the main floor today?" He asked with a laugh. Regina was typically always with Emma and Granny if she wasn't in her tower practicing magic. The trio had grown quite close and it made him ridiculously happy.
"Oh, she's trying to help Ruby find some magic that may be able to help her with her shapeshifting," She nodded, reaching to undo the apron she'd been wearing while she cleaned, "They've taken to each other quickly."
"Seriously?" He raised an eyebrow in disbelief, though he supposed there were some similarities in the two women close to him. They were both sweet but had a feisty side, both a bit jealous, both funny. It was natural they'd get along but he hadn't expected it for a while due to them both being stubborn as hell, too. "Where are they now?"
"In the dungeon doing research."
"What?! At this time?!"
"Don't worry Red locked herself in the cell and I've sent Emma down a couple times to check on them. Do you take me for a fool?" Granny looked up at him testily for his tone.
"No, of course not," He put a hand on her shoulder, "Its late though I'm going to go check on them. Thanks granny," He said sincerely, seeing her give him a nod before he made his way for the back steps.
He took the staircase down to the dungeon two at a time, seeing a guard posted at the bottom that made him feel a little better about his wife being down here. There were no prisoners in his castle, there hadn't been for years, but it was chilly and dark in the dungeon and he didn't like the idea of Regina being down there with Red in this state.
When he rounded the corner he saw his wife sitting on a makeshift bed of blankets in front of the cells with a book in her lap. He smirked when she looked up quickly, seeing the excitement in her eyes when she pushed a finger to her lips to warn him to be quiet then gestured him towards her. She was passionate about her magic and it did his heart good to see her finding her purpose and using it for good. Quietly he made his way towards her, kneeling down on her blankets to sit beside her and looking across from him to see a sleeping wolf in the cell.
"I watched her transform, have you ever?" Regina whispered with awestruck eyes as she glanced at Red and back to him. He nodded 'yes' and smiled in response, wrapping an arm around her and tucking her against his side. She sighed and looked back to the sleeping wolf, "It's magnificent."
"What are you doing here?" He asked, resting his chin on her head as he looked down at the book in her lap and cuddled her to him.
"Seeing how a little bit of sleeping potion helps her," Regina nodded, "After she transformed she was growling and snapping at the bars, so I threw a piece of food with the potion in to her and it calmed her. If this potion continues to help her I can try to create a spell from the ingredients that would allow her to control her actions when she transforms," Regina explained everything in a whisper as to not to disturb the wolf, leaning her head against his shoulder.
"So I take it you two made friends today, then?" He asked quietly and saw a smirk on her face.
"Let's just say after spending some time with her I believe you."
"Oh god, she didn't flirt with you, did she?"
"Not exactly. So she...?"
"Yeah, does that weird you out?"
"No, I've just never met anyone who was...a wolf," She glanced at him and grinned at the double meaning, "She's funny. I like her."
"She's all right," David laughed and pulled his fur lined shawl over her at the damp air, "It's chilly down here. Why don't we go to bed?"
"I want to observe her all night. I want to make sure she doesn't wake up or turn violent again."
"Regina, you can't stay down here it's freezing," He raised an eyebrow and watched her look up at him with a quick pout that made him press his lips into a line. Damn her and those big brown eyes.
"David, I told her I'd help her..." She frowned.
"I can't let you sleep down here," He raised an eyebrow, seeing her brows knit together in irritation as he reached for the pile of blankets to the side of them, "...or I can't let you stay alone," He rolled his eyes, giving into her as he unfolded a blanket and saw her smile brightly in his peripheral vision.
"Lay down," He smirked when he looked back at her smug expression, seeing her shut her book and lay it back in her basket before lying down on her side. He settled down behind her, pulling a couple of blankets over them before wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her to him, "Do you know how many nights this is going to take? Because my back won't survive this," He grinned, nuzzling his face into the back of her hair.
"You just want back in my bed," She replied playfully, curling into him feeling more than content that he'd given in. That he supported what she was doing and would rather be uncomfortable down here with her than to tell her no or sleep without her.
"That too."
Ruby awoke to an aching in her body, frowning and lifting herself off of the floor into a sitting position. She yawned and glanced over to where Regina had been, grinning when she saw the King and Queen. They were laying in a mountain of blankets, Regina's head was tucked into his neck and she was cuddled up so tightly to David that Red was a little envious of her best friend. David's arm rested over Regina's waist and she almost laughed out loud at how whipped the King must be to agree to camp out in his own dungeon to humor his wife's research.
"Hey, can you two lovebirds let me out of my cell?" She asked after clearing her throat, seeing them stir. The Queen rose to a sitting position and turned her head to smile sleepily at Red.
"You changed back."
"Yeah, thank god," Red chuckled and brushed the straw off of her cape, "Wake up David," She rolled her eyes at the way he wrapped his arms around Regina's waist and laid his head in her lap.
"I'm awake," He muttered without opening his eyes, causing both of the women to look at each other and roll theirs.
"Really David," Regina blushed, never having him be so openly affectionate in front of someone else, nudging him onto his back to rise and let Red out of her cell.
He only laughed and folded his arms under the back of his head, "Want to go for a ride today?" He asked, watching her push the cell door to the side for Ruby to step out.
"Do you think we could get out without Granny knowing?" Regina perked up instantly at the thought of a ride. She hadn't told anyone that it was her birthday because she never really celebrated, but she didn't hate the idea of being with her most loyal pal, Rocinante, today.
Ruby cast a coy glance over at David, knowing that he was using it as a way to get Regina out of the house, "Yeah of course, she has me to fuss over. I'll tell her you all didn't sleep last night and that you're upstairs in bed," She offered her unneeded cover.
Regina's eyes sparkled at the idea of Red covering for them. David sat up from their bed and gave her a smirk, "Go change into your riding clothes, I'll bring your things up. Meet at the back entrance in twenty minutes?"
His wife nodded, flashing a smile at her newfound friend, "See you later."
"See you," Red nodded politely, watching the Queen disappear up the steps. When she turned David was already standing, folding up the blankets and gathering Regina's books.
"Boy, you are whipped," She mused, leaning back against the cell door and crossing her arms to watch him.
"Yeah, yeah," He smirked, throwing a blanket at her face before picking up the basket.
"I can't say I blame you though, she's a catch," Red grinned as they started for the stairs, "Can't believe she's actually into you."
David laughed before wrapping an arm around her neck and playfully pulling her towards him, rubbing his knuckles on her head, "Eat your heart out, Red."
"You look beautiful," David smiled, straightening up from where he leaned against the corridor near her bed chamber, waiting to escort her to dinner. She was in an off the shoulder dress, the periwinkle color contrasting with her skin tone and hair. She had very little makeup on and had taken her hair out of the braid she'd had it in while riding and pulled it to the side in a wavy pony tail.
Their day had been perfect; riding for a couple of hours before finding a place to rest and build a fire. They'd talked about their childhoods, about their past loves, about what they wanted for the future. He found she was most open in a setting like that, when it was just the two of them out riding, for nothing relaxed her more. When they came back they unsaddled their horses themselves, Regina insisting that she wanted to brush Rocinante down on her own to make sure it was done right.
It was almost dark with the short winter days when they got back to the stables, but the snow on the ground lit the way for them to get back in the castle. He loved watching the mischief in her eyes as they snuck in, slinking up the steps and running the rest of the way too her corridor in fear of Granny, though the old wolf knew exactly what they were doing. He'd kissed her and then let her change for dinner while he did the same before returning to wait for her.
"Thank you," She smiled and wrapped her arm around his when he offered it to escort her. He had to bite his lip to keep from beaming, knowing everyone was downstairs in the great hall and waiting for her.
"I had a great day today," He glanced at her with a genuine smile as he led her down the steps, going slowly so she didn't trip on her gown.
"Me too," She mirror his warm expression as he led her down the foyer towards the great hall, "We're having dinner in here?" She frowned in confusion.
"That's what Granny said," He gave a shrug as if he didn't know why they would either. Biting his lip once again not to give himself away, he reached out for one of the large doors, pulling it open in front of her.
Regina gasped at the sight before her, staring at them all for a moment. A beautifully decorated table in the middle of the room was occupied by her friends Thomas and Ella, Granny and Emma and Red. There was a three tier cake in the middle adorned with roses and music in the background. She vaguely heard them call out 'surprise' but she was too touched to react accordingly.
David watched her stare before turning to gaze up at him and the vulnerability in her expression nearly broke his heart. Her eyes welled with tears as she troubled her bottom lip and her brows furrowed together. He could tell no one had ever done something like this for her, but it was all he wanted to do. A rush of anger flitted through him at the though of how sorely Cora had neglected and emotionally abused her. He hoped he could help heal those scars.
"You...did...th-is..for me?" She swallowed hard and a tear slipped over her lashes and down her cheek. He pulled her a little closer, smiling over her shoulder at the people at the table who watched them adoringly.
"I did," He whispered to her, running his hands over her back soothingly, "With a lot of help from everyone here. Happy birthday, my Queen."
She lifted her head to give him a watery smile, quickly swiping under her eyes before nodding once and letting him lead her over to the table. He pulled out her chair for her, having her sit before scooting her in and taking his seat beside her.
"Come on, girl," Granny smiled warmly at her from her seat, "We have food and wine and cake, enough of that." The older woman made the table laugh and helped Regina relax. She found herself exhaling her pent up emotion and smiling back at the older woman who always knew how to lighten the mood.
"Ella," They heard Thomas whisper at his wife stealing a bite of from one of the serving platters.
"I'm hungry!" Her mouth dropped at her husband with dramatic flair and the whole table erupted into laughter again at the comical young couple.
"She is eating for two," Regina defended her friend with a smile, reaching out for Ella's hand when the table started to chat and pass around the plates in an informal serving manner, "I'm so glad you and Thomas could come."
"David invited us for the weekend," Her bubbly friend replied with a bright smile, "You have no idea how hard it was to keep it to myself when we last saw each other." Regina laughed again at the idea of her overzealous friend bursting at the seams to keep her surprise birthday party under wraps.
"How are you feeling with the baby?"
"I'm over the sick part, now I just want to eat everything," Her eyes widened.
David listened to Regina and Ella's conversation about the pregnancy and smiled to himself at the thought of Regina carrying their child. He envisioned her with a rounded stomach, fuller breasts and an even more glowing complexion. The image had him finding himself getting choked up at the thought of what the future held.
Since Snow's death he had truly believed that he would never be happy again. He had Emma to keep him going, but true happiness was over when he lost his first wife. The fact that he was sitting here now, having such deep feelings for the woman beside him and getting a second chance at sharing life's most intimate moments with her overwhelmed him.
"Drink up, you're looking sappy," Red interrupted his thoughts as she grabbed the wine decanter and filled his goblet.
"Shut it," David smirked and leaned back in his chair, holding his goblet up to clink his friend's before taking a sip.
"I'm happy for you, in all honesty," His raven haired wolf friend said genuinely and he knew it wasn't very often she was serious. He gave an appreciative nod before turning to watch his wife again, seeing her interacting with her guests; smiling and laughing like she didn't have a care int he world. If it was up to him, she never would again.
The room was full of chatter and music, but Regina and David could only really focus on each other. Multiple decanters of wine had been served during dinner and throughout having cake and opening presents. Their guests chatted loudly and animatedly after imbibing themselves, making the King and Queen glance at each other and chuckle at some of them.
David ran a hand over Regina's thigh through her dress and felt her own hand rest over his. He was enjoying himself with their company but he couldn't wait to get her alone, and judging from the glances she was giving him she was getting impatient as well, "Let me know when you're ready for bed," He leaned in to whispers down her ear, making goosebumps break out on her skin.
She wanted him, God. Between the night he had planned for them, the way his perfectly tailored outfit fit his big frame and the wine that flowed freely, her mind was reeling with things she wanted to do. Her face was flushed from the alcohol and her own thoughts when she glanced at him and bit her lip, seeing the intent behind his gaze, "I don't want to be rude," She whispered back, running her hand up his forearm.
"Honestly, I think we could sneak out," He leaned in and spoke down her ear, the volume of the background music covering their conversation. Not to mention their guests were all too boisterous to notice them whispering. "No one will remember tomorrow if they notice."
She gave a nod and bit her lip to suppress a grin, "If you'll excuse me for a moment, I'm going to go freshen up," Regina announced as she stood and smoothed out her dress. The wine had her feeling wonderfully warm and fuzzy and she gave them all a genuine smile before slipping out.
David gave it a moment, tapping his hand on the table impatiently before catching Red smirking at him, "Not a word," He raised a warning brow, glancing to the rest of them caught up in conversation as he pushed back his chair and snuck out the back entrance of the room.
"Let's go," He grinned when he jogged up to Regina who waited for him in the shadows of the hall, grabbing her hand and pulling her to run with him towards the grand staircase.
"Did they notice you?" She giggled breathlessly as they made it up the steps in record timing, running again when they reached the top going towards her corridor.
"I don't care," He grinned as they reached her room, panting when he pulled her in and locked her bedroom door, "I want you," He groaned, picking her up from the floor and carrying her over towards her bed.
Regina grinned when he threw her onto her back before crawling over her. She gripped the lapels of his overcoat, pulling him down to kiss him hungrily as she worked it over his shoulders. There was no doubt left in her anymore about going all of the way with him. When she was forced into the marriage she'd given up on having her first time mean something and be with someone she cared about, but now she didn't have to.
"You look so gorgeous tonight," He groaned against her mouth, shucking out of his coat and undershirt, "But how do I get you out of this thing?" He looked down at the dress that fit so well it looked like she was sewn into it. He'd have to have a word with Granny if she started doing that.
She gave a coy grin before rolling onto her front and turning her head to the side, "Unbutton it."
"Fucking buttons," He said impatiently pulling each of them open down the seam on her back, "Fucking corsets," He smirked when he peeled the dress back and saw it. His nimble fingers started to deftly tug the strings loose as he leaned down, kissing over her exposed shoulder blades while his hands worked to undress her.
"Mmm, hurry," She bit her lip, the amount of wine she'd had and her thoughts at the table making her horny and ready for him. They'd fooled around long enough for her to know what she wanted. What they both wanted.
He practically ripped the corset off when he got the strings undone, rolling her back onto her back and grinning at her as he gripped the dress and shift at the same time and peeled them down her body, "My god, you're perfect," He groaned as rosy nipples came into his view, followed by a taut stomach, round hips, toned thighs.
She lifted her legs and bent them a little to help him get the dress the rest of the way off, breathing heavily when he came back over her, "You're overdressed," She moaned, running her hands down to his hips to slip her thumbs under the edge of his boxers and push them down over his ass, using her feet to nudge them down his legs the rest of the way.
He groaned at the feeling of their bodies pressing together when he lowered himself on her, "Regina," He whispered, pressing his lips against her neck as his hands ran up her thighs. He felt his erection pressing against her slick folds and he could barely breathe, "Do you still want to leave?" He asked. He had to know how she felt about being here before they did this. Before he fell all of the way.
She frowned, running a hand up the back of his head gripping his hair and tilting his head back to make him look at her, "No," She said seriously before leaning up to kiss him hungrily, wrapping both of her arms around his neck. A moan escaped her when he gripped her bottom and began to rub his length against her, coating himself in her wetness.
"Have you.…ever?" He whispered near her ear before kissing around it slowly, reaching down to grip himself and begin to rub his tip over her clit as he lifted his head.
She contemplated lying and telling him she had with Daniel, for she didn't want to come off naïve and inexperienced when it had been so steamy up to this point. But she knew he'd see through her lies so she bit her lip and shook her head no. Her lips parted when he continued to tease her clit with his tip, working her up even more and spreading her arousal.
"If it hurts or you want me to stop just tell me, okay?" He looked down at her with a gentle gaze that let her know he wouldn't be mad even if she did. Her heart threatened to explode at how intimate it was as she gave him another small nod, slipping her legs over the back of his thighs and spreading her own more for him.
"I'm not going to break, David," She smiled reassuringly at him when he glanced down between them hesitantly before looking up at her with a smile. He locked gazes with her, gripping himself and slowly pushing his tip inside of her. He watched her expression closely for any sign of pain, but he knew the wine and how wet she was would help her first time greatly.
"You feel so good," He whispered, pressing his forehead to hers as he gripped her hips and slowly started to push the rest of his length inside of her. Her eyes flickered and widened slightly as he did so, causing him to stop abruptly, "Am I hurting you?" He whispered, holding still inside of her.
"It's okay," She leaned up to start kissing him again slowly as she threaded her hands in his hair. He was stretching her and she did feel a bit of pain but it wasn't unbearable. His member was thicker and longer than she'd imagined, never having really seen one. "Keep going."
David groaned under his breath as he pushed himself the rest of the way, moving his lips to her jaw and down her neck. He kissed and sucked at the spots he knew turned her on and relaxed her, caressing his hands over her hips. He could tell the pain subsided when she brought her thighs higher, tucking her legs around his back.
"Try to relax and it will start to feel better," He nodded, breathing heavily against her skin as he started to move gently, not pulling out very far before he curled his hips back into her. Every fiber of his being was on fire at how wet and incredibly tight she was, making it hard to keep a slow pace.
She let out a soft moan when it started to feel good, cupping the back of his neck with one of her hands as the other came down his back to grip it. The friction between their bodies felt delicious, feeling his chest graze her nipples as he moved above her. His lips nibbled on the sensitive spots of her neck, causing pleasure to shoot downwards towards her stomach and make her start to throb.
"Mmm, that's it," He coaxed her, starting to move at a slightly faster pace as he pressed one hand against the mattress by her head to lift his own and look down at her, "You feel so amazing, Regina."
Her mouth fell open and her eyes closed tightly when he curled his hips as if he were thrusting towards himself, causing him to hit a spot inside of her that made an instant coil begin in her stomach. The way he gazed down at her was emotional and arousing all at once, both of them knowing that this was more than just consummating their marriage.
"David," She bit her lip, her brows furrowing in pleasure as she ran her hands down his lower back, digging her nails into it and starting to push her own hips up to his, "Mmm!"
He was right, she was going to be amazing in bed. It was her first time and she was already instinctually pushing her hips up to his, spreading her thighs wider for him. She also let herself feel the pleasure and chased it, unlike women he had been with before who'd been taught to be proper and not act wanton. But he loved it; the way her brows furrowed, the way she bit her lip and her eyes closed, the moans that she choked on.
Regina gasped when she felt David bury his face in her chest, feeling his lips take one of her nipples into his mouth and suck on it, "David…god…keep…yes," She was mumbling senselessly, not being able to put a sentence together as she pushed her hips up, folding her legs against his ribs an squeezing his sides.
"Beautiful," He groaned against her breast, giving her nipple one last tug before pushing into her deeply, running his hands underneath her to grip her bottom and tilt it up tightly against his hips, "Come for me, my Queen," He whispered into her neck as he buried his face in it.
She wrapped her arms around his shoulders tightly crying out in response at the new angle. She clung to him, trying her best to move with him but he had their bodies pressed together as tightly as they would go, pounding into her at this point. She was crying out loudly now, her head falling back as her stomach coiled tightly, "Yes!"
He bit down on her neck hard enough to leave marks but she only moaned in response as her body contracted underneath his. She shuddered against him, causing him to groan loudly when her muscles clamped down on him and her nails dug into his back, scratching across the expanse. A scream permeated the air as her back arched from the bed and she clenched around him almost violently when she came. He continued to pound, through her hips squirming in his grip before he quickly came undone and called out her name when he found his own release.
"Fuck, Regina," He hung his head, letting his forehead rest against her shoulder as he held himself up to keep from crushing her into the bed. It'd been so long since he'd had that hard of an orgasm, the kind that can only come from being inside someone.
Regina let her head fall back against the bed as she stared at the ceiling, running her hands over the scratches on his back as her body came down from the high. She smiled at him when he lifted his head and looked down at her with the same expression of awe she felt much be on her own face. "Worth the wait?" She asked breathlessly.
He smirked at the hair sticking to her forehead, her flushed lips, heavy lidded eyes, his bite mark on her neck. "Absolutely, my Queen."