Ok, so readers of my other stories know that in order to go forward I always go back, allowing me to fill in relevant back-story to explain current character motivations without getting too complicated early on in the story. So, here I am doing just that for a couple of chapters before we continue on exactly where we left off.
And yes, the amazon queen is a nod to Xena as the master/slave fics in the Conqueror genre of Xena fanfic are what inspired this story. I have posted a couple of links on my profile page to those who are interested.
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"Yes, Mistress. Thank you," Red stood and brushed her palms over the front of her leather pants, pushing out imaginary creases as she composed herself. "Majesties," a formal bow and she left the room. As soon as she was out her forehead came to rest on the cool stone. What had just happened? She wasn't all that much younger than the queen, ten years maybe, so why? The queen was barren, that much Red knew. She never bled like other women and it wasn't just her magic, she had heard stories but-. But maybe it was fortuitous that the amazon queen was here? Her mistress was stubborn but Red doubted the blonde queen would miss the interactions between Emma and her mistress.
Regina felt her wolf loitering outside the door.
"Excuse me," the queen rose and left the room, surprising her guests and leaving them alone with Emma.
"Wolf?" Red had heard her mistresses steps coming towards her but didn't look up, preferring to keep her eyes closed, focused on her thoughts.
"Mistress?" Red finally looked up and into those intoxicating brown eyes and both women were thrown back to the time they first made such contact.
"My Queen!" Braxas burst into the throne room and as this was not his usual style of entrance Regina waved him closer, sensing his urgency. "Majesty, a situation has come to our attention but we should move quickly," he murmured into her ear. "It is one of our own, held captive in the White Kingdom." The words were enough for her to be off the throne and striding across the throne room, her captain at her side.
"How far in?" Regina queried as they walked, towards the stables.
"Not far, only a mile of so from the border, the local pack heard it and sent a messenger, they didn't want to act without your permission, Things could get nasty, My Queen."
"Summon the alpha pack," Regina commanded. " We ride out now!"
As soon as they hit the stables Rocinante was saddled and champing at his bit, Regina and Braxas rode out surrounded by the elite pack of wolves known as the alpha's, those wolves who were the most skilled of those beholden to the queen. The ride was swift, the horses strong as they galloped towards the border, Regina reaching out with her magic trying to sense the wolf they sought. If she could just pinpoint the location she could be in and out before Snow was any the wiser. Whilst she was all for causing problems for her step-daughter she was not willing to risk the lives of her subjects in a full-blown war.
"I feel it," Regina growled at her captain. "You will wait on the border until I return unless I summon you."
"Yes, My Queen," her trusted captain answered, proud to be beholden to such a fine ruler, one who went out of her way to protect all magical creatures. As they broke through the treeline Regina saw what looked like the entire pack of wolves that made their home on the area milling around, some in human form, many in wolf as they howled their frustration into the cool air.
"Silence!" The queen's voice cut through the din. "This is a covert rescue, disperse and do not bring attention to us." The pack obeyed, quickly melting back into the forest leaving only Regina and her soldiers. "Await my signal."
"Aye, My Queen," Braxas saluted and the wolves sat to attention, fully focused on their mission.
Regina dismounted and closed her eyes, concentrating on her destination, magic seeking out a reflective surface to give her a clue as to what she might face. A bunch of unkempt soldiers it seemed, six that she could see in the squalid room. All that remained was purple smoke as she transported to her destination, as soon as the queen appeared the occupants of the room were unconscious. A look towards the heavy wooden door and the wolf behind it was also subdued, Regina did not wish either the wolf or herself to become injured in a misplaced struggle.
When she was certain her magic had taken effect Regina removed the massive metal bar that was holding the door closed and stepped into the cell beyond. What she saw made her stomach heave and before she was able to do anything else she was bent over, vomiting until her stomach was empty. It was only then that she was able to take a second look at the wolf, no a girl, a child chained to the wall, manacles cutting into her wrists as she lay on the filthy floor.
"Oh, my dear," Regina murmured as she magicked away the chains and knelt by the girl to examine her before even thinking about moving her unconscious body. The girl's skin was pale and absolutely covered in bruises, cuts, welts, every imaginable kind of abrasion and she was badly under nourished, ribs and spine clearly visible, hair matted and dull. "What have they done to you?" She had no emotional capacity for anger at that point, so overcome by the sight before here. A glance around at the marks on the walls and door of the cell showed that the girl had fought, as a human and as a wolf but still-. A hiss as her worst fears were confirmed, the men in the other room bound and dropped before her guards for her to deal with back at the palace but even the thought of revenge left her cold after seeing what they had done to this girl
Sure but gentle hands examined the girl further, checking for broken bones. The ribs were cracked as was her jaw and collar bone. Regina knitted these together as best she could, enough to travel at least, hoping that the wolf's healing would do the rest.
"Come, little wolf," Regina murmured, covering the girl with her cloak before scooping the frail form up in her arms, a final look around and she was gone.
Braxas had been surprised to see the men appear, usually his queen dispatched any enemies herself. But, as soon as his queen appeared with one who was naught but a child in her arms he understood her reasoning.
"Bring them to the palace, make them walk but ensure they reach me alive. I have some issues to discuss with them," the queen commanded, her voice colder than he had ever heard it.
"Yes, Majesty," he nodded and dismounted, arms outstretched to hold the girl so the queen could mount her own steed. The offer was refused as the monarch appeared in her saddle, the girl cradled to her chest, settled gently against her as the queen urged her horse into a steady canter that would eat up the miles to the palace without jarring her charge too much.
The girl stayed asleep for as long as it took Regina to reach the palace and magic them to her private rooms, summoning aid on her way.
"We must bathe her and treat the wounds before she wakes," Regina ordered her assistant.
"Regina, what happened to her?" Gabrielle questioned as she looked at the girl's injuries, appalled by the brutality marked on her body.
"She is wolf and was locked up and abused by animals!" It was then that the queen's temper got the better of her and a nearby mirror exploded.
"I know, Regina. I've seen some things but this -," Gabrielle sighed and looked to her friend. "Who did this?"
"Snow's soldiers," Regina sneered, "they will pay." the blonde shook her head but did not try and sway the queen from her choices.
"I will help you now but then I must leave, it will be best if you are the only one she interacts with until she starts to recover," Regina nodded, heeding her friend's advice. "I was older, stronger, this will have shattered her, Regina," the blonde murmured.
"I know," a sigh from the queen and she magically cleansed all the girl's wounds where she lay on Regina's bed. "Help me apply this salve before she wakes." The two women worked in tandem until they were satisfied any infection would be banished and more serious injuries healed as best as Regina's magic was able. It was then Regina dressed the girl in a soft cotton shift and settled her under the covers, leaving her to sleep.
Gabrielle left but immediately reappeared.
"Uh, Regina?" The blonde walked straight back into the queen's rooms. "I think you're needed." Regina raised a brow but was curious so followed her friend. The hallway outside her chambers was full of men and women of all ages, even the odd child but all standing quietly as though waiting for something.
"Braxas?" Regina queried as she spotted her captain in amongst the crowd, the man striding over when he saw his queen emerge.
"My Queen," he offered a respectful bow. "It seems that the girl has caused quite a stir with the packs, they say she is of an alpha line they thought extinct. An ancient and powerful one they claim and are here to pay their respects and maybe have an update on her condition." The information was nearly more than Regina could handle, she was stressed and exhausted but the fact that so many had gathered -.
"She is injured but will recover and will be in my care," the queen spoke to the assembled wolves and the tension dissipated when they heard the news. They would never be privy to details of the girl's injuries, Regina vowed, hoping that one day she would make a full recovery, emotionally as well as physically.
"Lucy," Regina called out to her seamstress who returned to the queen, bobbing a curtsey as she stood before her ruler.
"My Queen, how may I be of assistance?" The matron queried.
"Come," Regina ushered the woman into her outer chamber, a nod and the door closed, Braxas more than capable of handling the wolves, he wasn't one of them but he had endangered himself many times in battle to protect his wolfen comrades and was considered one of the pack.
"The girl is -," Regina frowned. "It will take her months to recover, if she ever fully does." Her words were met with a knowing look.
"How long did they have her, My Queen?" The seamstress queried, worriedly.
"I cannot be sure but probably weeks, if not longer," Regina closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose in an effort to quell the nausea that threatened to rise again. "I feel that if she wakes to see a wolf she will feel safer?"
"A good idea, especially an old girl like me," Lucy chuckled. "May I?" She asked permission and a nod from the queen granted it. A few moments later a spry but grizzled female wolf stood before the queen.
"You have freedom in these rooms to take care of the girl, summon me if you think my presence is needed or wanted." Regina tapped her forehead with her finger, indicating that the wolf should use her innate telepathy to do so.
Ruby woke and immediately panicked. Where was she? When she realised she was in a large bed she totally freaked and fell onto the floor, her legs too weak to hold her up. She lay curled on the rug, the pain making her light-headed, it was then she saw the wolf watching her, sitting in the corner of the room, head tilted and tail swaying slowly back and forth.
A wolf? Where in the kingdoms was she? The girl scrambled back against the wall and reached for the candle stick that had been standing on the small table situated next to the bed. The two regarded each other before the wolf turned to grab something in its mouth and began to crawl forward on her belly. Ruby backed up as the wolf approached, inching closer but slowly so the girl had time to move away if she wanted to. When she was close enough Lucy opened her mouth and placed the canteen of fresh water by the girl who eyed it with great suspicion. But she was so thirsty -. Uncoordinated fingers fumbled with the cap, eventually loosening it enough to sniff at the contents. Ruby had learned that she could tell bad water from good, sometimes they had given her bad water but she got so thirsty -.
A cold nose nudged the back of her hand, the one holding the canteen and the girl whimpered before a warm tongue followed. Another sniff told Ruby it was good water so she took the smallest sip. It didn't taste bad and now the wolf was sitting, watching her with its tongue hanging out, another sip and the girl began to trust the water was untainted and took a longer drink before placing it down. She had learned that even if the water was bad it wore off quite quickly, too quickly sometimes. The thought sent another wave of panic through her and Ruby searched the room, assessing her escape options.
Lucy was heartbroken watching the child, such a strong wolf but so scared, it wasn't right! The matron took matters into her own paws and shuffled closer to the girl, laying her head down as close to the girl as she could without actually touching her. Ruby stared at the animal lying next to her, its pale blue eyes looking up at her in such a way it was as though it knew how she felt, what had happened. The girl stretched out her hand towards the animal's fur, tentatively, fearing it would shy away from her if she touched it. A gasp and she snatched her hand back, what was she thinking? A wolf would bite her hand off before -. A large head pushed against her hand and Ruby froze, another nudge before her fingers relaxed and fell onto the wolf's thick but incredibly soft fur.
"Are you -," Ruby cleared her throat, voice hoarse from the wrong kind of use. "Are you -. Like -, like me?" The girl wondered, the wolf was not behaving like a wild wolf, one who would run into the forest if she ever got close. A frantic wagging of the animal's tail and a flip onto its back made Ruby giggle before the wolf crawled backwards and stood up before jumping onto the bed.
"No!" Ruby shook her head and the wolf whined but after a huff it jumped down and trotted to the door indicating that it was unlocked with a push of a paw. The action made the girl curious and she shuffled along the floor to join the wolf, peering around the door, candlestick still held in her clenched fist. This door led into a large, luxurious room. Was she back in Snow's palace? Were they going to kill her? It was then it began to build, the panic and fear and anger and pain all crawling under her skin.
"No-oooo!" The sound ended in howl as the girl turned, a brutal but quick transformation, a young, mangy but extremely large black wolf now standing before Lucy, teeth bared. Scared.
"Listen, child," Ruby heard the voice but did not understand the words, all she felt was the need to run, to escape while she still could, her wolf was wild but scared. She had to -. Lucy cowered when the larger wolf attached, snarling, teeth gnashing as it pinned her to the ground, jaws crushing her neck.
Ruby's attention was caught by the sudden appearance of an older woman where the wolf had been, a woman who had smelled like the wolf, not exactly the same but close. A confused hunt for the other wolf turned up nothing, Ruby's wolf brain finally making the connection and issuing a whimper of confusion but she did not release her hold.
"Can you understand me, little one?" Ruby could, this time she was not drugged or fighting for her life. No, she now realised that the woman was a wolf too. Like she was. "Good, you're safe her. Wolves are safe here. You were rescued by our queen and brought here five days ago. You're weak, even your wolf is weak and you need time to recover. You need to eat and rest." Lucy kept things simple, knowing that it may still be difficult for the girl to process human thoughts in her wolf form, especially as she didn't seem to be able to control her transformation. "No-one will hurt you here. You're safe." The words repeated but it seemed enough as those terrifying jaws released.
Ruby watched as the woman changed back into a wolf and stood before her, head bowed but Ruby didn't understand, stepping forward and nudging the grey muzzle with her own.
"Follow," the wolf spoke right into her whined, backing herself into the corner of the room in refusal. Lucy sighed, this was going to be harder than she wished. The older wolf tried to set an example and trotted to the door, flitting through and then back again, looking expectantly at the pup to follow but still no luck so she gave up, for now.
Ruby watched the older wolf leave, whining, she didn't want to be alone but she didn't want to leave the room either. It felt safe here but she did not know what was out there. Lucy left the girl alone, it was too early to push her into anything as it would end in violence as she protected herself the only way she knew how. Instead the seamstress sent for a pot of the stew she had requested be made. When she returned with the food she stood in the doorway, smiling. The massive wolf was curled up in a nest she had made under the queen's bed, the queen's bed furs and quilts surrounding her as she slept.
"My Queen," Lucy called through to the monarch who joined her in the doorway, eyes searching for the girl until the older woman pointed out the mass under the bed. Regina smiled but stepped back before she was spotted, now was not the time to disturb the pup but she would love to see her in wolf form. "Tread with caution, her wolf is confused and scared, she may attack you and that would help no-one," the seamstress warned and Regina nodded her understanding.
"Thank you, Lucy. Your help is invaluable," the queen praised. "But now I must have a chat with those responsible for for this, unpleasantness," Regina hissed, already thinking on how she would make those pitiful excuses for men scream.
"Let me know if you need any help, My Queen," the old wolf growled in support of her monarchs methods, she was harsh but fair if loyalty was shown. A nod and the queen left her alone to stand watch over the wolf-girl.
When Ruby woke she was hungry, very, very hungry. She was also back to girl.
Girl and wolf
Wolf and girl.
It was a lot to take in, especially after -.
Sniff.
Food!
A dark head of tousled hair poked out from under the bed and took a cursory look around, she was alone but she could smell the old wolf yet another scent lingered, it was the underlying scent in the room but stronger now, near the door.
A whimper.
Food.
No-one had hurt here here, had they? There was a wolf like her here too, right? Maybe the food would be good like the water had been? Ruby spotted a pile of clean shifts neatly folded on the floor next to the bed, after picking one off the top and slipping it on the girl extended her senses but could hear no-one nearby, the only two scents detectable were the two she had scented before. No men.
A whimper and she crawled back under the bed where it was soft, dark and safe.
When she woke again she was wolf and it was night but something was different, someone was here! Ruby recognised the scent and the owner was in the bed. It must be her bed. Ruby didn't know who she was was but her scent was pleasant, apples and cinnamon, fragrant with a dark, electric undertone. It was good and soothed the fear and anger in the wolf, keeping her calm. As her stomach rumbled the girl noticed the large bowl of stew that had been placed by the side of the bed. For her? It didn't matter she was too hungry to resist and the bowl was soon empty, devoured along with the rolls that had been placed there.
It was dark and she was full for the first time in months so Ruby crawled back into her nest, still too overwhelmed by recent events to process everything that was happening, the easiest thing to do was sleep. Regina cracked an eye and smiled as she heard the girl eating, the food would do her good, the queen thought before she fell back into slumber.
It took three more days before Ruby ventured further than the water closet attached to the bedroom, again it was the smell of food that drew her out, the old lady-wolf had not brought her any yet today and she was hungry. Since she had started changing she needed to eat more and as she was transforming so often at the moment it was burning through her energy at an incredibly fast pace, this was why she assumed she felt the need to sleep so much.
Ruby didn't remember the nightmares but Regina would sit in her outer chamber or lie in bed and listen to the sobs and howls of pain. It was exhausting but she was unable to offer comfort before she had been accepted by both the girl and the wolf. The queen's spies had been dispatched immediately when she had returned from rescuing the girl and had turned up some interesting information. No wonder the girl had run, knowing how staid the White Kingdom was the girl must have feared for her life to have fled the way she did but the soldier's who had captured her reported to Snow White, the girl's supposed friend! And so close to the damn border, if only she had been able to make it across -. A sigh and she placed the book down on the table beside her and closed her eyes, it was late.
The wolf took a tentative step forward, enticed by the woman's intriguing scent and also the platter of meats and other food placed on the table beside her. Deep even breaths indicated that the woman was probably asleep but the food looked good. A murmur and the woman moved but did not wake, it was enough to send Ruby darting back to her den where she resigned herself to being hungry until the old lady-wolf bought her more food.
But, it wasn't the older wolf that bought her food it was the woman, a tray of warm meats and vegetables placed down by the side of the bed before she climbed in. The wolf did not object but waited until her host was asleep before sneaking out and licking the pan clean.
Again Regina was woken by cries, this time it was the girl crying out in her sleep and the queen was torn between offering comfort or giving the child her space. She had considered removing the girl's memories but that was dangerous even with her level of skill and not something she would ever do to anyone under her protection without their express consent.
Ruby woke, panting and covered in sweat, this time she remembered her dream, it seemed the girl remembered, the wolf did not. Turning in her nest she opened her eyes and scrambled back in shock. There was the woman, curled up asleep in her own nest of furs she had made on the floor right by the side of the bed. Ruby wondered if the woman was a wolf too? But she had never seen her as a wolf so she didn't think so. A confused frown as the girl observed the sleeping woman. She was beautiful and not very old, older than Ruby of course but not matronly in any way. Dark hair framed bold yet refined features, plump lips parted with shallow puffs of breath as heavy lids covered her eyes. Ruby tried to guess the colour of the woman's eyes but was caught by surprise as they opened, staring back at her.
Regina blinked, momentarily forgetting where she was. Oh!, Regina looked up only to be caught by incredibly blue eyes, the colour of the southern seas in their vibrancy. No words were exchanged but the queen extended her arm so it lay on the rug that bridged the gap between them, hand relaxed and open before closing her eyes and returning to sleep.
Brown, they were the richest shade of brown Ruby had ever seen and she stared at the woman until dawn approached and the girl's own eyes grew heavy and she slept. When she awoke she was wolf, she was wolf and hungry and alone, the woman had left but it was day now so that was not strange.
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Next on The Collar
"Here," Emma looked blankly at the piece of cloth she was handed as soon as the door closed behind the dark queen. "It's distracting," the amazon murmured as she gestured towards the blood still staining the slave's face.