A few points to address from mainly guest reviewers who really I do appreciate taking the time to review but who I can't respond to direct – But thanks to you all, I enjoy writing this fic so it's always encouraging to hear you like to read it.

Yes, there will be major shifts in the SQ relationship and we can start to see them happening in this chapter.

No, the story is not just about the sex but the development of that facet of their relationship does have a significant impact on later plot points. Therefore it has been necessary to focus on it in the first part of the story.

Yes, we will be seeing Snow and soon. Within 4ish chapters I think and then everything will start to fall into place for the remainder of the story.

As a guesstimate we are maybe 1/4 way through the entirety of the story so a lot yet still to happen inc Red Beauty but I had to take the time to shift Red's dynamic with Regina before that would be feasible.

Hope that helps you all. Here is the next chapter for your consumption.

I am always open to comments and if you're telling me something has been missed or doesn't feel right I do adjust the tone of the fic as long as it does not impact the overall plot. Things that might seem off now usually tie into the bigger picture :)

LD X

xxxxx

"Go change, pet. There are clothes on your bed," Regina indicated as Emma returned, finding the queen in her robe but not yet dressed.

"Yes, Mistress," she left the room finding a very skimpy outfit laid out on her bed, it was a deep green silk that would highlight her eyes but,left very little to the imagination, a pair of very brief briefs and a top held together with fine silver chain, the triangles of cloth barely containing her breasts.

Very Princess Leia, Emma mused as she slipped them on, bending over she caught a very uncomfortable reminder of what was still lodged inside her body and she groaned. Had the queen forgotten? It seemed unlikely but then she had Greta to occupy her thoughts that day.

Emma brushed her hair, tying it up in the knot the queen had commented on and seemed to like, as much as her mistress liked anything. She then added a touch of make-up, subtle but highlighting the natural arcs of her bone structure before going to her mistress.

Under the clothes had been a cloth bag, the same if not very similar to the one Red had collected from the armour who Emma now knew was called Alexis and had once been the queen's slave. She reached into the bag and her hand closed around a cold metal object and she withdrew to find a metal arm cuff, exquisitely decorated, gold filigree set in the silver metal that seemed to be the same as what formed the slave's collar. Intrigued, Emma turned it in her hands and where they warmed the metal the birds, swans she saw to her charmed amazement, took flight and flew around the circumference of the band. When the metal cooled the returned to sit on the water-scape that formed the setting of the design.

A quick dip into the bag and another, identical cuff was retrieved. Realising she was already taking a little too long she fitted them to her upper arms as they were too wide to be wrist cuffs. Emma tensed her bicep and enjoyed the tightness she felt where the band wrapped around her. She liked these and they looked damn good.

"Mistress?" Emma queried as she re-entered the room, finding her still in her robe as she read a scroll whilst leaning against her desk, it was the most casual pose Emma had ever seen her in and she took a moment to enjoy the smooth, natural curves highlighted by the thin cloth. No costume, just the woman. A very beautiful woman.

Regina looked up and smiled as she let her eye rove over the blonde. Very pleasing, very pleasing indeed. The colour of the silk made the slave's eyes stand out like emeralds and the overall effect was impressive. She let her mind wander for a second, imaging her pet in a fine gown and filed that thought away. She had provided some for the blonde but there had been no opportunity for her to wear them and it seemed a shame.

Their eyes locked but it was Emma who bowed her head, reaffirming their roles and waiting for her mistress to dictate their next interaction.

A click of the her fingers and the queen was in a black dress with a high collar that reared up like a serpents hood above her head, tight bodice and a slim, long skirt. Emma thought she looked every inch the Evil Queen. That was before she remembered her place and dropped to her knees, awaiting her mistresses pleasure. Regina enjoyed the image of such a, beautiful woman kneeling before her, especially one who was so strong, and although the slave's physical strength impressed her it was her mental tenacity that really fascinated her. Emma not missing the appreciative darkening of the queen's eyes.

"What role do you wish me to play, Mistress? Emma queried respectfully, curious to see what her mistress wanted from her.

"You are my slave but you are also my eyes and ears, these people are loose tongued especially when the drink is flowing, and it does," Regina chuckled as she recalled the sorry state her guests were in after the last large banquet." I trust you will inform me of anything I ought to know?"

"Of course, Mistress," Emma replied with a smile. "And if -?," Her question was cut off by a scowl.

"If anyone acts inappropriately towards you or touches you without my permission, you have my blessing to take action," Regina snapped at the very thought of anyone laying hands on her slave. "Try not to maim or kill anyone though," she added, her lips curling into a smirk. "Feel free to teach them a lesson though, these people do tend to be rather full of themselves," she finished with a dark chuckle.

"Yes, Mistress," Emma returned her smirk with a predatory smile.

"Good girl," she was praised before fingers around her collar pulled her in for a possessive kiss which she returned, succumbing to the queen's desire as usual.

"Damn duties!" Regina growled to herself but a small smile from her slave let her know she had been heard.

"Maybe we can find a way to work off that frustration later, Mistress?" Emma suggested, a wicked glint in her eye as she observed the queen who was now looking a little flustered.

"Indeed," was Regina's only comment as she composed herself and pressed her palm against blonde's chest. "I have forgiven you for your transgressions," she absolved the slave as she felt the other woman's heart beat beneath her hand. So tempting to reach in and hold it, squeeze it. Emma was transfixed as the queens' eyes turned dark, white fire sparking through them only to die back to their normal brown as her mistress took a shuddering breath. "What you make we want to do," the words were barely whispers but heard never the less. Emma dropped her eyes, not wanting intrude while her mistress composed herself.

Regina took a deep breath and exerted her iron will over her magic, pulling it back into her core until it was needed. She needed to analyse the effect the slave had on her in greater detail before she lost control. It was as though her magic thrived when around the slave, so much so it was seeking opportunities to escape.

But, Regina mused she hadn't had the chance to really let loose for a few days. Red was still out of favour and her pet had been otherwise engaged. It had been fun breaking the young wolf in, in her bed and just now, but she wasn't up to Red or Emma's standards, yet. She had faith that with her slave offering the girl personal tutelage that she would improve extremely quickly and with a wolf's constitution would have the stamina necessary to fully satisfy her mistress. But that didn't help her now, the dark desires and throbbing between her legs brought on by the blonde and her punishment of the girl.

Emma moaned as the mass still inside her began to pulse, as though expanding as it did. Regina smiled as she watched her slave struggle with the sensation, studying the blonde intently as the pulses quickened and turned into more of a vibration and the blonde gasped and dropped to her knees, overcome by the sensation, over-sensitised and already on the edge.

"Mistress?" Emma moaned as after days and days without release her body began to tighten and she knew it would be hard, if not impossible to hold off the orgasm that threatened. She tried to control her breathing but tremors began to shake her body, her control was slipping -.

Regina narrowed her eyes her pet began to tremble as she knelt before her, head bowed and shoulders tensed as she fought against the queen's magic.

"Please?" Emma was too exhausted to fight anymore and gave in, her body still far from recovered from the ordeal the queen had subjected her to over the past few days. Green eyes looked up to find those of her mistress.

Because the word aroused her so much and because her pet had surrendered a nod was issued and permission given. Emma sighed in relief and relaxed, allowing her body the release it had been without for so long. Her muscles contracted and the pleasure spread throughout her body, chased by the queen's magic racing through her veins. Regina noticed observed very little change in the outer demeanour of her pet but felt the blonde's pleasure reverberate through the magical bond she had forged by using her magic on the slave.

Magic, she had used too much magic which was why the collar had not released. Regina was actually pleased by the realisation as it meant that she now had the upper hand in their little wager. But, looking down at her now panting pet she only felt another surge of arousal and heartily wished that they had nowhere else to be. Their eyes locked and she knew the slave felt the same. They had a connection now and despite their roles they each seemed to gain something from their encounters. It was both thrilling and disturbing and would need further analysis.

"Come, we don't have time to waste," Regina summoned her slave to her side before she gave in to her cravings. Emma pushed to her feet, body relaxed, still coursing with the remnants of the queen's magic giving her a pleasant buzz but now free of any foreign objects forced on her by her mistress and she felt both relieved and empty. The blonde had little time to reflect on her feelings as she followed her mistress as she walked swiftly down the quiet hall where Greta was standing waiting outside her door wearing a n outfit that matched the blonde's but made from a dark blue silk. A crooked finger and the young wolf joined them, walking by Emma's side.

The blonde kept her face passive as they progressed, not knowing what to expect from the evening. Would she be expected to 'entertain' their guests? So far she had remained untouched by anyone apart from the queen and Red and she was rather keen for it to stay that way, but Red had been shared so it was unlikely that she would remain safe for much longer.

Regina noted the slave's quiet and wondered what was going through her mind, she suspected she had a good idea but could never be sure with her pet, she was a complex creature. It wasn't long before they arrived at the entrance to the great hall where the banquet was being held and there the queen paused to survey her slaves.

"If you hear or see anything that you feel I should know I will de-brief you at the end of the evening, if it demands my immediate attention call for me. I will hear you," the queen tapped her temple with her middle finger.

"Yes Mistress," both slaves answered in unison.

"Let the games begin!" Regina declared as she threw the doors open with magic before striding into the room. Emma only a step behind her, the young wolf by her side.

Emma kept her attention on the queen but took stock of her surroundings, noting the position of the guards and the exits as she had not been in this room before. There were also a lot of people, around fifty or sixty, well dressed and a lot of them wearing ornamental weapons although she doubted that they were just for show.

As soon as they entered the room all eyes were on the trio, Red already present but striding across the room towards her Mistress. A brief exchanged whisper which ended with a nod from the queen.

As nothing seemed to require her immediate attention Regina took to her seat, a smaller version of her throne that was positioned at the head of a horseshoe table layout. Emma took up her usual position on the queen's right-hand side, kneeling on the cushion placed there seemingly for that purpose, Greta told to kneel by the queen's left side which she did without question.

When the queen was seated the other guests began to take their allotted places, the highest ranked closest to the queen as was customary. Regina sighed as she waited fro the bustling guests to take their seats, sipping at the apple wine she had requested to dull the urge to kill anyone. Emma heard the sigh and could sympathise. The blonde gave a quick check on the young wolf who was kneeling by the queen's side, she seemed settled and was keeping her eyes down but the set of her body told Emma she was also on full alert, she approved.

Despite the guards and wolf by the queen's side Emma kept scanning the crowd, extremely out of her comfort zone. She felt eyes on her as this was the first time she had appeared at a public function and she knew from her conversations with Red that she was the talk of the kingdom. The blonde held her head high and returned the look of any that made eye contact, if the queen didn't her agree with her behaviour then she would wait to be told.

A sudden movement, a blur had Emma moving forwards, in front of her mistress and she dropped to a defensive crouch even as she registered what was happening.

Regina was shocked as the young wolf came charging past her, transforming mid leap, and attacked, fangs bared and snapping at exposed flesh. Red rushed forward to intercept her but it was too late, the man she had attacked had fallen and had a wolf snapping at his throat, paws on his chest pinning him to the ground as he struggled beneath her.

The queen's guards were quick to circle Greta and her captive but hesitant to act, the fact that a wolf had attacked the man gave them pause. Emma felt a hand come to rest on her shoulder as the queen stood behind her. Even such a casual comfort sending a shiver through her but if the queen noticed there was no sign.

"What the hell is going on?" Regina roared at her assembled subjects. "Come," A touch on the slave's shoulder indicating she was to follow as the queen disappeared in a haze of purple smoke only to reappear next to the wolf inside the circle her guard had formed, Emma leaping over the table so she could stay close to the queen. Regina appeared within the circle of guards, a hand on the wolf girl's head. "Wolf, away. Now!"

Despite her current form the command was heard but Greta was reluctant to leave her prey unguarded. However, she backed off, taking an aggressive crouch next to her mistress, still snarling. She was a fearsome sight and Emma was very relieved that she was not on the girl's bad side. Regina frowned when she saw who her wolf had attacked. It was the son of one of her Counts, he was known to be a vain man who sometimes got a little aggressive with the women he attempted to court but no official complaint had ever been raised.

"Murderer!" Red blurted out. "He murdered her mother," she confirmed with a gasp that drew a babble of raised voices from the crowd.

Regina was stone still as she stared down on the man who's arrogance still marred his face as he stared back up at her, a slight sneer on his face despite the precarious predicament he had found himself in. That he had murdered one of wolves did not surprise her and she sneered in disgust, wanting nothing more than to let the girl tear his still conscious body to pieces with her teeth. An eye for an eye proved to be an extremely satisfying, if primitive, justice system. However, she had not become so respected as a monarch by giving in to her every whim. Her soldiers were her property to punish as she pleased but this was a free man so protocol must be followed.

"Braxas, the West dungeon and ensure that he is heavily guarded by my finest soldiers tonight," she commanded.

"Yes, My Queen," he surged forward and gestured for two guards to pick the man up from the floor and they hoisted him roughly to his feet.

"My Queen!" An older looking man with silvering hair and a dark blue tunic pushed his way to until he was before the queen. "He is my son, surely there has been a mistake, the girl is young. How -?" Regina raised her hand and and she surveyed the Count, he was smart enough to fall silent at the gesture but he looked extremely agitated.

"Would you remember the man who murdered your mother?" She asked him coldly and he could only nod. "There will be a trial but this is not the first misdemeanour your progeny has committed that has been brought to my attention. You are a good, honest man but we both know your son does not share those traits. Don't we?" An arched brow and he looked down before offering a brief nod. "The trial will be fair," she promised him.

"Thank you, My Queen," he mumbled before stepping back, the crowd forming an opening for him.

Emma watched, concerned for both her mistress and Greta. Red was by the young wolf's side, the queen on the other, both with hands in her fur but the wolf was still growling, eyes fixed on the accused as he was dragged away, whining as he disappeared from sight.

Regina flicked her wrist and a fireball flew cross the room where it exploded, leaving a soot mark about two foot across. Emma was startled by the Queen's show of pique as was the crowd who let out varied exclamations of shock, even a few screams from the more highly strung ladies.

"Red, we will eat now," Regina bade the older wolf now that she had temporarily sated her urge to kill the man that the girl had accused of murdering her mother. "You, with me," she locked eyes with Greta who growled but obediently followed her mistress back to her chair and lay down by its side."Be seated, we will not let such an incident spoil the evening," her voice rang out clear and silenced the chatter that had arisen. "His fate will be decided in court tomorrow." the announcement settled the room and her subjects began an easier, more relaxed chatter.

Emma had not been given any specific instructions but had re-taken her position by her mistresses chair. From there she could see the queen's hand scratching behind Greta's ears and the action seemed to calm the wolf, rumbling growls settling into more of a purr. A strange noise but if Emma had come face to face with her mother's killer she imagined that she might feel the same. Well, had she ever known her mother and the bitch hadn't abandoned her by the side of a fucking road in the middle of winter.

Regina sighed, it seemed all her pets were unsettled, not the evening she had been hoping for. Greta's outburst had been shocking but understandable, even when she had used her magic to find the memories she sought the man was unmistakable, the same look of arrogance on his face as there had been today and that is what had caused the fireball. Regina had no doubt that the man was guilty but she would offer him a trial out of respect for his father who had a genuinely good heart.

However, the girl was traumatised and that was not surprising. Emma seemed on edge too although she had stayed by her mistresses side as commanded and had sought to protect her. That was something Regina needed time to ponder. Emma had put herself between her mistress and a possible attack but still the collar had not released.

All these thoughts were running through her head as she carried on small-talk with her guests, it would not do for them to pick up on how much the evening's events had bothered her. She felt better when Red took her position behind the queen, both slaves on full alert but she could sense the tension humming through the bonds she shared with them.

Little of any significance was said , no-one dared question the queen on her new pets, not after Greta's outburst and Emma's display of loyalty when she had jumped to her mistresses protection. Red listened to the chatter and it was there, just not voiced very loudly. Who was the blonde? Some wanted to bed the slave but these were whispers, for if the queen found out they would court her disfavour. Greta was less of a curiosity, the wolves link to their queen well known so to see one by her side was not a surprise. The wolf's actions a shock but no-one seemed overly surprised that the Count's son had been accused of such a crime.

Regina had reached the end of her patience.

"Come," she beckoned to Emma and the wolf girl to follow her. She bade her subjects farewell and left them in the capable hands of her staff, those paid to supervise such events, Red had instructed them to keep the wine flowing and entertainment going into the dark hours. It was not unusual for the queen to retreat early and after the wolf's outburst no-one was surprised when she took her slaves and left the rooms, many envious looks following them.

Xxxx

Next on the Collar

"We are going to have ourselves a hunt!" The queen announced. Emma was both horrified and fascinated. Then shocked as the guards around the room began pounding their spears in a rhythmic beat and began howling. Emma watched as Red threw her head back and joined in, Greta only a second behind.