Ok, so a very busy couple of weeks for me plus being sick has delayed this chapter. I hope you find it interesting and there will be heavy SQ interaction next chapter.

(Crimson Bonds will be posted later today or tomorrow)

Enjoy xx

xxx

"Pup, look at me," the queen ordered, placing her finger under the girl's chin. "I have big plans for you, but you will thank me when you manage to put yourself back together. After all Red did, didn't you?"

"Yes, Mistress," Red grinned wolfishly but was in agreement with her queen. The girl needed a firm hand and it seemed the queen, and Emma were in concord. She didn't doubt that they would formulate a suitable plan, with Emma involved plus the queen's guidance on the inner workings of wolves Red knew that Greta would receive the training she needed to overcome this awkward stage of her development. "What of Miss Eva?"

"I will send for her later, I have other matters to attend to now," Regina would speak at length with the other girl implicated in the misadventure. "Pup," the queen called for Greta's attention as she kept hold of the velvet bag but placed the box down on her desk. "It is time for you to take the collar it will help you curb your urges until your training is complete. It is only recent events that have delayed this," dark eyes turned to her pet who submitted to the gaze, knowing full well how her need for a little head space had caused her mistress a great deal of trouble.

"Yes Mistress. Thank you Mistress," Greta straightened up, still kneeling but back now straight and eyes on the queen. All present watched as the monarch withdrew the collar from the bag. "Pet, her hair." Emma was shocked to be the one asked to help, assuming that it would be Red's job, not her as a slave. The blonde stepped forward and lifted Greta's thick, wavy hair away from the back of the girl's neck.

Regina kept her eyes fixed on those of the young wolf as she slipped the metal collar out of the bag, the catch still open and visible, awaiting the magical seal to be completed. Emma held the girl's hair as she watched the queen collar the slave, the blonde knew the metal to be almost weightless when worn.

Greta inhaled as the collar closed around her neck, it was not tight but she was wolf and it felt unnatural. Regina sensed the girl's rising panic and acted quickly.

"Give me your hand," the queen instructed and the young wolf held out her hand, placing it palm up in her mistresses. Regina used her magic to open a thin wound in the skin and an identical one in her own palm before turning her hand over and pressing them together. "Red." Emma knew what happened next.

Red stepped forward and closed her own hands around the union, a glow emanating from between her fingers. Greta whined as the collar heated and sealed itself irremovabley around her neck, no sign of the catch visible as the metal glowed red then dulled to silver, a match Emma's collar.

"Leave us," Regina instructed. "I need to have a discussion with my young wolf," she purred, teeth bared predatorily. Emma released the girl's hair and stepped back, knowing she was included in the command. "Eat, then bring me food," the queen commanded the blonde.

"Yes, Mistress," Emma bowed her head towards the queen but her eyes were dark, the queen's tone having aroused her.

"Your services last night were much appreciated, pet," Regina acknowledged. "But now I have other matters to attend to," her words a final dismissal as Red led the way from the queen's rooms, Emma and Alex following.

"Don't worry, it's the best thing for her," Red smiled as she sensed Emma's unease as they walked together down the hallway, the blacksmith trailing behind, listening intently to the conversation being held. "Our mistress understands the wolf like no other," she reassured the slave before turning her attention to the other blonde. "Brings back memories, huh?" Red chuckled ruefully, knowing how she herself felt each time another pet received their collar.

"Indeed," the response was muted but followed with a smile, however Alex was still unsettled, eyes returning to the slave's strong form as she walked a little ahead.

"Hungry much?" Red teased in an effort to ease the tension.

"Yes, although I have been commanded to eat more than usual," Emma replied, glancing at her friend. "It seems the Queen has taken a dislike to seeing my rib bones."

"You've lost too much weight since you joined us," Red agreed with a frown. "It can't always be helped but you do have a way of taking things to the extreme," the wolf winked and Emma just shook her head, loose curls freely moving.

"In everything I do!" Emma shot back with a smirk just as they reached the entrance to the kitchen.

Alex was absorbing every word as the two women bantered. They were very friendly, on a level that Alex had never achieved with the wolf. They were more than civil but Alex sensed the respect Red held for Emma, more than had ever been given to her and again she wondered what made this slave so 'special'?

"Emma!" Cook greeted the slave personally and eyed the blonde's lanky frame. "You need to eat, girl," she announced with a glare.

"The Queen is trying, but you know, coma!" Red retorted, keen to make it known that her mistress was taking care of the surprisingly popular slave.

"Yes, I have been well fed but my stomach's still a little off," Emma added with a grim smile, recalling the vomiting incident.

"Hmmm, alright then, I'll make you some eggs," the cook frowned, not having realised how badly the slave had been hurt until now. More gossip for the palace, Red sighed as she realised what she had said but it was too late now as she watched the cook murmur to herself and bustle off.

"We'd better wait," Red shrugged as she looked at the slave who mimicked the gesture and cast her eyes about for a place to sit. "Alex, you should also stay, I don't know if the Queen is done with you yet," Red cautioned.

"It's nice out, let's wait on the terrace," the blacksmith suggested, now more settled that the need for her presence had been confirmed. Red was the only one comfortable with her companions as they seated themselves around the table

"Will Greta be alright?" Emma questioned the wolf, concerned about her friend.

"It's for the best," Red answered, eyes narrowed at the slave. "Wolves are strong but Greta is young, too young really to be living outside a pack," she explained.

"Like you?" Emma concluded thoughtfully.

"A little, we'll talk later," Red didn't go into details but Emma felt there was more to her words, a look exchanged between the two sent both their thoughts to the private moments witnessed the previous night. Emma just grunted her response, not wanting to reveal too much around the ex-slave, she did not know her and therefore did not trust her in any way despite Red's friendliness towards the blacksmith.

"And I imagine the Queen will also discuss certain things with you in regards to the pup's training," Red added. Alex sighed to herself, there was so much going on beneath the surface that she was no longer privy to. Her role as a slave had been far more limited it seemed, she had been required to look good at the queen's side, satisfy her sexual demands and other tasks required of her but it had always been Red's consul that had been sought for other matters, never the slave's.

"Mistress Red?" A guard popped his head through the kitchen doorway and caught the wolf's attention. "Commander Braxas requires you for a few moments in the courtyard," he explained with a respectful bow of his head. "He says it will not impact on your breakfast."

"Excuse me," Red stood and rolled her eyes. "With so many guests in the palace things can get a little crazy. Be right back!" The wolf called as she disappeared leaving the two blondes alone.

Emma shut down and stared out of the wall and into the queen's gardens, she had yet to explore but now that the weather was warming she was curious to discover the more decorative side of the palace. She had good knowledge of the practical side that included the stables and barracks but if this was to be her home for the foreseeable future she felt a need to know it all.

"How did you come here?" Alex asked, not letting the slave's demeanour put her off asking the question, she was not easily intimidated even when narrowed green eyes turned to her.

"The Queen brought me here," was Emma's succinct answer.

"From where?" Alex persisted, as if the knowledge would help her discover more about the enigmatic slave.

"Another land." A sigh, this was like pulling teeth.

"Did you take the collar willingly, like the girl?" This time it was Emma's turn to sigh and she turned her body and full attention to the blacksmith.

"Yes," she replied truthfully although the details of the events leading up to the decision would remain private.

"The Queen favours you," Alex stated, hoping to draw out more information.

"My body would disagree," was all Emma would be drawn to say, although all she was currently really suffering from was the legacy of weakness from her recent illness.

"You carry it well," Alex complimented receiving only a tight lipped smile from the slave. "Yet it is true, she values your input."

"My mistress may ask for my opinion but follows only her own path," Emma replied diplomatically.

"You don't feel drawn to her?" Alex pushed and Emma knew they were getting to the heart of the matter.

"She is my mistress, I am her slave. I do what I need to do," Emma ground out, not necessarily disliking the other woman but distrustful of her motives. "I do not love her as you do." The words shocked Alex and she blinked. How -. "Your feelings are not well hidden." The question was answered. Silence reigned for a few moments.

"But you like her? I saw the way you interacted, you are not cold," the questioning continued.

"I show what I need to show," was Emma's reply at which Alex narrowed her eyes, her distrust in the slave growing. "And I don't give a shit what you think," she snarled, smacking her hands down on the weathered table as she stood, the impact startling the other woman who was forced to look up to the slave as she towered over the blacksmith.

"Do you think so little of your Queen that you question her judgement?" Red stepped from the shadow of the doorway where she had caught the last of the conversation, coming to stand behind the ex-slave, hands placed on her shoulders, pinning the woman down against the bench. Alex forced her head round to look up at the wolf whose glowering eyes flickered yellow.

"No!" She protested. "No, I -. I'm sorry," the blacksmith sniffed and dropped the wolf's stare. "I just barely see her anymore and it's hard. Hard for me seeing her so -, as though I was never there." At the pitiful words Red released her grip and nothing else was said as the cook came to serve them plates of eggs, bacon and bread.

"Eat up, the lot of you. I won't have the Queen accusing me of starving her precious pets," the older woman teased, throwing them a wink as she left.

"Well, keep acting like you have been and I will have to have words with the Queen, Alex. I can't have you messing with Emma, our mistress will pick up on it and then you'll be in all kinds of shit," Red growled. "And seriously, Emma has permission to take certain matters into her own hands. Do not push her, she is so much more than she appears to be. Heed my warning."

Emma let Red speak for her. Even though the wolf was exaggerating the slave's autonomy she was happy to go with it if it meant the jealous questioning would stop. Yes, she could see where the other woman was coming from but had no patience for the fucking drama.

"Find yourself a woman, Alex," Red relaxed and slapped the blacksmith on the back. "You need to get fucked, make the most of it now you are able," the wolf wriggled her brows suggestively. "You've been with the Queen, lovers must be falling over themselves to bed you."

"I've been with the Queen," Alex murmured. "That is the problem." Her soft words fell heavily as they resonated with her companions. Red glanced at the slave and noted that Emma had stopped eating, fork hanging limply between her fingers. If what the wolf suspected was true then Emma was already as lost as they were.

Greta tossed her head and whined as the door closed, leaving her alone with the queen. The collar felt strange and she knew it would take time to adjust to wearing it. She also felt -, different. Regina stalked to her chair and settled herself back, a click of her fingers warming the pup's collar.

"That indicates that you are to come to me, wherever I am," the queen explained and Greta immediately rose and approached her mistress, dropping to her knees as indicated by the elegant finger pointing towards the rug under the queen's feet. Greta positioned herself as she had seen Emma do many times, kneeling with her thighs apart, back straight, head down and hands clasped behind her back. Regina took her time observing the girl, approving of her stance but it could be bettered, she also noted the slightly stressed breathing and agitated state the young wolf was in and sighed. "Your actions last night disgraced me," the queen growled and Greta whimpered in response, hanging her head. "But, I will not punish you for this," the wolf looking up, startled by the queen's benevolence. "I fear that living outside of a pack is partially to blame so I do not hold you wholly at fault for this transgression. However, you accepted your role as my slave, at your own request. You are my representative and will act accordingly."

"Yes, Mistress," Greta replied softly, darting a glance at the queen before looking down.

"Now, for the purpose of this conversation you are fee to ask questions as long as they pertain only to the topics discussed, understood?" Brown eyes bored into blue as the terms were laid out.

"Yes, Mistress," the wolf replied, shocked by the freedom offered, if only for a short time.

"The distress you are feeling is because the collar suppresses your magic," Regina explained, cataloguing each and every reaction to her words. "It collars the wolf in you," a whine from the girl but no question so she continued. "This serves two purposes. It will teach you how to survive without your magic, for a time. And, it dampens the urges you have been experiencing because your wolf is becoming stronger."

"Am I still able to shift?" Greta questioned, close to tears it seemed. Wolves were wolves and to have their inner beast leashed was like removing part of their soul.

"Yes, but it will not be with the grace you have shown me," Regina answered honestly and received another whine but no words followed. "But, I am able to adjust the magic in the collar without removing it," the queen explained and Greta looked up, hope in her eyes. "As your training progresses and you learn to control your wolf I will allow you greater access to it. This process is for your benefit, to break a wolf is a brutal process, but to teach control with the aid of my magic much less so. Red was taught the same way and she will agree. She will also be available to mentor you through the process if I deem it suitable."

"Yes, Mistress." There was not a lot Greta could say to that.

"Now, it seems that your wolf is strong, alpha, that is where your problems will lie and why I have chosen this method to train you," Regina continued. "I am your alpha, I am more powerful than you will ever be, pup. I know that I have your allegiance and respect, that is not at question here. What is an issue is how your wolf reacts to others. Right now the only wolf you come into regular contact with is Red who is older, stronger, better trained and more powerful than you. Your wolf respects her and there is your familial bond." Greta nodded but did not interrupt the queen's flow, curious to see where it would lead.

"However, as demonstrated by your control over your shifting, your own magic is powerful and in time you may be come as strong, if not stronger than Red. If the wolf is left unchecked it would feel the need to challenge Red for the position of alpha. I will not let that happen, it is a position I have prepared Red for, and her alone. Note how I do not refer to Red's wolf as a separate creature as I do yours?" Another nod from the pup, she didn't want to challenge Red but so far the queen was making a lot of sense. "That is because they are one and the same, they act with the same control and thought. Your wolf is within you but has reached an age where it fights to be free, to rule you, if you let it." Regina sighed.

"I realise that growing up outside a pack has left you uneducated in such things and I had hoped that having Red around would be enough but I now realise it was not, her own upbringing was unconventional and marred by events that led her to me. She has also kept you from the palace for some time and I had not realised how mature you have become, otherwise I would have dealt with these issues earlier," A low growl in her voice as she addressed Red's reluctance to present Greta to the queen as the young woman she had become, a child no longer.

"At the time you were orphaned the packs were unsettled and it was not a good time to place a child there. At least at the inn you had a stable upbringing under my protection, access to an education and employment. A wolf of your birth may have benefited from more but I was unable to take you in myself as I had Red to deal with. You are now familiar with her past," a statement, not a question. "It took her years to overcome what those brutes did to her and battle her wolf's need for revenge." Greta went wide-eyed, not having contemplated that possibility before. "You know from experience how that can burn inside, pup."

"I do, Mistress. But Red was older, stronger. She has fought hard," an acknowledgement of her friend's struggles with a more mature wolf present.

"Yes, and emerged scarred but stronger," Regina praised her pet. Their relationship was extremely complex, the queen was mistress, saviour and mother to the wolf which is why she trusted her in a way she did no other. Regina also took a moment to muse what her relationship would have been with Emma, had she come to the palace as a child but dismissed it as an idle thought and not one that bore further consideration.

"I will engage Emma in your training, she is experienced in such matters and I will discuss with her how best to tame your wolf. The goal is to allow full integration and therefore full control so you, pup, will submit to whoever I require you to. Including Miss Eva who you molested yesterday," Regina hissed, finally venting the displeasure she harboured over the incident. "Had Red not intervened it could have ended very badly. Your wolf wanted to dominate her and with your strength and lack of control you -. Best case scenario you may have injured her even if she had consented. Worst case you would have raped and killed her." The cold words rang through the chamber as Regina locked her eyes on the young wolf, Greta transfixed but terrified of the magic she saw swirling there. "The punishment would have been unimaginable, the girl is daughter to a dear friend of mine," Regina hissed, "Her death while under my protection would have caused a great deal of political upheaval. You are lucky that I fault your upbringing more than yourself."

"I didn't know, Mistress. I request permission to apologise to Miss Eva?" Greta sobbed, having no idea until now how out of control she could have been. How much damage -.

"Shhh," Regina reached out to the girl whose head hung down, the queen's fingers slipping into thick locks and scratching the pup's scalp. "The wolf is caged so you need not fear now, it will take time but you are strong and you will be a fine wolf when the collar releases, but it will not until you are ready." Greta relaxed under the touch, she knew the queen could be gentle but she felt undeserving, only submitting to the gentle touch as it was her mistresses will. Regina let the pup compose herself and enjoyed the feeling of the girl's submission, it was often the quiet moments that achieved more than the violent ones but there needed to be balance and that is what she would discuss with her pet later that day.

xxxxxx

Next on the Collar

Emma did not know how to react to the gift, simply stood and stared at it in slight shock. This was big, she really fucking needed to talk to Red!