Ok, this got a little long, sorry. Once again I've had to move the preview forward but I promise the next chapter will be nothing but fun and games as Regina toys with her guests in various ways and Emma kicks some serious ass!

Any comments regarding Belle would be useful at this stage, I do have plans for her of course but what are your first impressions?

Enjoy, Lil'D

Xxxxxx

"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.

"You will always have my loyalty, this is unexpected but I know you do not make such decisions on a whim. I will do whatever you ask of me. Thank you, for everything," Red darted forward and pressed a light kiss to the queen's cheek before whirling away, head dipped as she walked off, leaving the queen to her guests.

"Red -," Regina called to her wolf who stopped and turned, a quizzical brow raised. "I will have an outfit sent to your rooms for the banquet, if you wish to wear it. You will be attending as my guest. Instruct Braxas to see to the rest. We will speak about this in depth soon, but now is not the time. Bring you new pet, if you wish."

"Yes, My Queen," a bow of her head, waiting to see if the queen had really finished with her before continuing on her way. Red's head was full, she was shocked and nothing the queen had ever said to her had led the wolf to believe that this had een her mistresses plan. The wolf did the things she did because she respected and admired the queen, loved her but this -.

A shake of her head as Red approached the dungeons, the guards nodding respectfully as she passed. A sniff of the air told her that Greta was also down here. Red quickly navigating the complex warren of corridors under the palace until she came to the secluded cells, one of which was hers for those nights she felt like indulging her beast. It was strange, even the queen thought so, that at certain times of the year when the moon was at its largest Red's beast was more violent than others. It had been that way the night the queen had deposited an unconscious Emma in the cell next to the wolf, warning her to keep a close watch on her prisoner, her mistress in a foul mood because she had ended up with some woman and not the child she sought.

How things change, Red mused as she observed the two young women, barely into adulthood, now locked in the cells. The amazon who was to face her punishment tomorrow and the girl who had dared shoot at the wolf. Red ignored the amazon but she did respect the woman's stoicism and acceptance of her fate, amazons were stubborn creatures but an honourable bunch as a rule.

"Let her out, she's coming with us," Greta nodded and deftly unlocked the cage standing back so that the girl could leave. "I will see you tomorrow," Red briefly addressed the amazon before turning to leave, feeling eyes on her as the small party exited. "Do not speak unless spoken to," the older wolf addressed Belle who nodded her mute understanding

It was a silent procession until they were on the royal corridor that held the queen's chambers and also those of the two wolves.

"Pup, you are free until the queen or I summon you. Check your room for the Queen's choice of outfit for you" Red informed her friend as they came to a stop outside the doors to the wolves chambers, offering a small smile as she realised her mood was off and Greta had picked up on it. "We will speak later." Greta nodded, accepting this but was concerned from her friend, something was on her mind that was obviously unsettling the wolf.

"You, come with me," Red pushed her own door open and ushered the girl inside. "Sit!" She barked, finger pointing to one of the comfortable chairs arranged around the hearth. Belle flinched and did what she was told without hesitation, sitting on the edge, eyes fixed on the wolf.

"I'm sorry for -." Bella began.

"Enough!" Red growled, eyes flashing yellow as she towered over the girl. "You will listen and only speak when asked a direct question. Do you understand?"

"Yes." Wide eyes looked back at the wolf who was staring back at the girl, eyes narrowed as she studied her 'guest'.

"The Queen has given you to me. Do you know what that means?" Red questioned the girl who shrugged. "Answer me!" The wolf snapped, not in the mood for foolish girls.

"Not , not exactly," Belle murmured, she had not had time to ask Thera because the other slave, the girl, had told her not to speak so no questions had been answered.

Red sighed and sat back in her chair, elbows on the arm rests and fingers steepled.

"It means you are mine to do with as I please, it makes you my slave, my your mistress," Red explained and watched a variety of expressions cross the girl's face. Anxiety, fear and then surprisingly, resolution. "I have her permission to use you however I wish, I can have you clean my boots, run errands. Beat you. Fuck you." The wolf was blunt, wanting the girl to be fully informed of her situation.

Belle finally realised the dire predicament she was in, until now she had hoped that by apologising and trying to make good her mistake that everything would work itself out in the end. But if what the wolf said was true -. Bella had seen her fight, seen her power and strength and it was truly terrifying but in her human form -, she was beautiful. Deceptively so and Belle realised that until you had seen Red fight it would be very easy to underestimate her abilities, her looks extremely distracting.

Belle had not been with the amazons long but she had come to realise it was a good place for her to be. She wasn't the only young amazon who whispered in the dorms at night about which of the warriors caught their fancy or that they wanted to 'apprentice' with, the queen often setting up matches as she saw fit for the benefit of both parties, a mentor for all aspects of life. But since she had caught a glimpse of Red throwing amazons around like dolls in search of her queen, so quickly recovered, Bella had been in awe, no amazon comparing.

Red was different, she was dangerous and glaring at Belle like she wanted nothing more than to crush her under her heavy boot.

"But, your queen has explained your predicament and my queen has forbidden me from killing you," Red sniffed, still displeased by this decree. "Come here," Red beckoned to Belle to stand before her, the tall wolf not eclipsed by the girl as she reached up and placed her hand against the leather covering Belle's breast bone. "Take it off," Red gestured, not able to feel anything through the thick armour.

Belle nodded, hesitant but not wishing to upset the wolf, hastily undoing the buckles at either side of the breastplate, slipping it over her head and letting it rest on the floor before straightening back up and standing squarely in front of the wolf. This time when Red made contact on the bare skin showing above the girls' chest wrap she concentrated, brow furrowed as she searched for magic within the girl. Belle gasped as she felt a warmth emanate from the wolf's hand, then a jolt as a cool tingle spread through her body. A grunt and Red sat back, observing the now panting girl thoughtfully.

"There is magic in you," she announced, watching as the girl just blinked at her. "My queen may want to examine you further but what she suspected is true and it is the only reason your life is not forfeit, do you understand?"

"Yes," Belle murmured, not really fully comprehending what the wolf meant, what magic was in her?

"Enough for now," Red sighed. "Dress, what you wear now will do until more clothing can be procured." A nod from the girl but she looked apprehensive and eyes that flickered between blue and yellow regarded her thoughtfully. "Are you virgin?" The wolf questioned, judging that the girl was maybe fifteen or sixteen summers old, around the same as Greta.

"I don't know," the words were spoken strongly, chin lifted as Belle met the wolf's eyes. "I don't have my maidenhead but very few of the amazons do at my age," Red nodded, understanding the active lifestyle the tribes led often meant it tore before any copulation occurred. "Other than that I can't remember," the girl shrugged, biting her lip and avoiding the wolf's gaze.

"Well, that is not something I will require from you, although it is within my rights to take it," Red informed the girl. She was angry at having to babysit the girl but she was not a monster who would ever hold that over someone's head. "You will obey me and I will punish you if you disobey me but I will never rape you," Red watched as the girl swallowed nervously but nodded her understanding. "But you are not permitted to take a lover or pursue any kind of such relationship whilst under my supervision." Another nod but a look the wolf was unable to read crossed the girl's face but Red ignored it for now, she already had enough on her mind.

"Although if the queen ever desires you in her bed I cannot say what will happen. She is known for her brutality but is also beyond compare as a lover, if you do not anger her that is. If you do -," a pause, "then the experience can be torturous." Another pause. "Do you having anything you wish to say?" Red sat forward and waited for the girl to answer.

"Yes, I have some questions?" Belle asked hopeful that she would be permitted to speak, this was all frighteningly new. Yes, she had heard tales of the Dark Kingdom and its queen but to have to live here, to serve Red -. There was a Lot she needed to know but given the wolf's mood would have to limit herself, for now.

"Ask and I will answer if I think it's relevant," Red agreed brusquely.

"Um," the girl was nervous but it suited Red so she offered no reassurance. "What should I call you?" Was the first question.

"Mistress Red, will suffice," the wolf confirmed, it was how the lower members of the palace staff addressed her.

"If I'm a slave where do I sleep?" This question caused Red to bare her fangs at the girl. The only slaves in the palace were those chosen by the queen, she employed the rest of her staff and soldiers. The queen's slaves were required to be on hand to their mistress at all times so were roomed close to the royal chambers. Red had no wish for her own privacy to be compromised.

"I will find you a place to stay, you will not be sleeping here with me," Red growled, causing Belle to flinch. "Anything else?"

"A slave wears a collar," Belle had seen as much of the queen's slave, the beautiful blonde. "Will you collar me?" The girl asked, looking up from the floor for a moment before dropping her eyes.

"No." Red's answer was swift. "The collar is only given to those who deserve it, you do not. But, you will be marked as a slave when I have time to arrange for this." Belle was left none the wiser by the comment, was she to be branded? But, sensing the wolf's patience was wearing thin she asked no further questions.

"Thank you, mistress," was the girl's response, " I have no more questions but I only wish to please you so may I ask that you let me know exactly what you need from me, how you wish me to behave?" Red sighed, she was already over this, she had far too much on her mind to be bothered training the girl but it was what the queen wished so -.

"Agreed. You are to walk a pace behind me at all time unless I instruct otherwise. Do not speak unless I ask you a direct question, do not answer others unless I give permission. Your time is not your own unless I specifically allow it. You will do what I ask without question and you will not repeat anything you see or hear to anyone! You will also inform me of anything you see or hear that may be of interest to me or the Queen. If you fail to do any of these things I will punish you in any way I see fit. I have lived with the Queen for many years and have learned a wide variety of methods to choose from. I will also ensure that you have time to continue your combat training, your discipline leaves a lot to be desired," Red growled as she boosted to her feet.

Belle stumbled as she tried to keep up as the wolf yanked the door open and strode into the hallway and back towards the main areas of the palace.

"She's with me now, spread the word," Red informed the guards at the end of the hallway, gesturing towards the girl trailing her, both looked surprised at the information but nodded respectfully to their alpha as she passed. "Remember this route, it is the fastest to the kitchens and inner courtyard. I will find someone to give you the tour later as I will expect you to know your way around very soon."

"Yes, mistress Red," Belle murmured, not wanting to irritate the wolf further. She was obviously an inconvenience to her mistress and did not want to annoy her any further, not when she knew what the wolf was capable of.

"Lucy," Red barged into the seamstresses workroom, the older wolf expecting her after hearing her not so quiet progress through the outer halls.

"Red girl, what can I help you with," curious pale blue eyes roved over the terrified looking amazon girl and the frustrated alpha.

"This is the one that shot me, the Queen has seen fit to gift her to me," Red growled, casting baleful eyes at the girl. "I will not have her sleeping in my rooms, please can you find her somewhere to sleep?"

"Why not with Greta, the rooms are large enough?" the seamstress queried, a little wary of Red. The alpha was rarely this out of sorts, emotions usually in check. It seemed that this little amazon had managed to get under her skin. But, she supposed, being shot by someone might do that to a wolf.

"Because," Red ground out, blinking her eyes as a headache started to make itself known. "Because those rooms are a reward for Greta's service to the Queen. She should not have to share them with a common slave," the wolf hissed, both Lucy and Belle recoiling at the venom in her words. "Besides, there are other reasons why that is not a good idea." Red telepathically communicated part of Greta's indiscretion with the faye girl, well the part that had Red dragging Greta off the girl and the pup's unwillingness to submit.

"Oh my, well yes. That would not be a good idea," Lucy nodded her agreement, understanding that placing two hormonal teenagers together was asking for trouble. "I will find her a room but it will take a day or two. Until then she is your problem," Lucy smiled and patted Red on the arm, her gentle touch earning the woman a reluctant smile from the alpha who had never forgotten how the older wolf had cared for her when she first came to the palace.

"Thank you," this time Red's smile was more genuine.

"I'll have a cot sent up to your rooms, that'll have to do for now. Send her back whenever you want to get her measured for clothes," Lucy called as the two younger women were leaving, Red lifting a hand in acknowledgement but not looking back as she led her charge away.

"It's getting late," Red sighed as she caught sight of the sun through a window as they passed, things had taken longer than she had wanted. "I need to dress for the banquet. You should bathe too," Red wrinkled her nose at the stench of horse and dungeon that radiated off the girl. Belle took an experimental sniff and had to agree, travelling did not make an amazon sweet smelling. "You can use the facilities in my room, I haven't the time to show you the common pools," the wolf grumbled as they neared her rooms for the second time that day, Belle doing her best to keep up with the long strides of her new mistress.

On entering her rooms Red went to take the first look at the outfit the queen had sent for her. As always it was laid out on the bed, today consisting of crimson leather pants, white linen fitted tunic, cut to show off her curves to perfection and embroidered in intricate designs with silver thread. To top that off was an elegant cloak, also in crimson, that would only fall to the wolf's knee level but add a dramatic flair that the queen was so fond of. Red approved and was happy to wear it to the banquet.

Belle stood awkwardly in the main chamber, unsure of what to do with herself as her mistress busied herself in the bed chamber.

"I'm going to bathe then you may clean yourself," Belle squeaked in surprise as a very naked Red suddenly appeared in the main chamber, stalking past the girl and through another door set in the far wall of the room, Belle flushing as the lithe wolf passed her in naked perfection. "You're an amazon, haven't you ever seen a naked woman before?" Red grumbled, scenting the girl flood with arousal as she passed by. That was all she needed, a hormonal teenager crushing on her!

Belle was left gawping by the wolf's lack of modesty and her mind flicked back to seeing Red fight. No! That was doing nothing to quell her 'admiration' of her mistress. Belle was already aware that her presence was a burden to the wolf but neither could go against the queen's wishes.

"Red?" The outer door burst open to reveal Greta who bounced in, slamming the door behind her. "Oh, hello," the younger wolf's face dropped as she came face to face with the young amazon. "Are you still here? I was hoping Red had taken you back to the dungeon," the young wolf sighed dramatically as she flopped down on the large day bed near the hearth.

"No, I'm stuck with her as per the Queen's request," Red informed her friend as she emerged from the bathing room, naked and towelling off her body. Wolves had no room for modestly in their lives, any Red had been instilled with during her childhood had vanished when in the queen's service and time with her packs. "Eyes down, girl," Red barked and Belle realised she had been staring again and hastily dropped her eyes, blush rising to her cheeks as she did.

"She wants to mate with you," Greta teased the older wolf who just glowered at her friend before snapping her teeth as she walked to her bedchamber.

"You may use the water, I have left some clean undergarments that are spare. Change them, otherwise all I will be able to smell all night is that!" A wave of Red's hand encompassed Belle as a whole before the wolf disappeared into her room to dress.

"You have to do as she says," Greta shrugged, her sympathies with Red at having to put up with the one that injured the wolf.

Belle nodded as she made a hasty exit to wash up. The girl washed and managed as quickly as she could before slipping as unobtrusively as possible back into the main room. The wolf girl was still there, looking at home as she lounged in a large chair. As no naked Red was present Belle was composed enough take in the girl's attire, or what little there was of it. Barely there blue silk that matched her eyes covered the young wolf's breasts and sex but little else.

"Our Queen enjoys seeing her slave's bodies," Belle jumped as Red appeared behind her. "You'll do, for now," Red confirmed, her nose no longer overly offended by the girl's stench. "Both Greta and Emma outrank you, they are the Queen's slaves and you are to obey them as they speak for the Queen. Understood?"

"Yes, Mistress Red," Belle spoke for the first time in the young wolf's presence but received only a contemplative look from Greta. "Good, tonight you are accompanying me but I am the Queen's escort, that means that you will follow behind the Queen's slaves." Belle nodded her understanding, this was all getting a lot to take in but she had no time to reorganise her thoughts as Red continued to speak."I heard the Queen return to her rooms sometime ago, wait here and I'll go and see if she's ready yet."

"I can't hear her fucking Emma so I think you're good," Greta added after cocking her head and listening carefully.

"The rooms are soundproofed you silly pup," Red laughed at her friend. "With all the wolves around here do you really thing the Queen wishes them all to know her business?"

"I never thought of that," Greta grumbled, standing up and straightening out her clothes.

"Because you're just a little pup," Red bantered, only to receive a playful punch on the arm as she passed Greta on her way out.

xxx

"We shall play some games with the amazons tonight, pet," Regina announced as Emma waited for the queen to apply her make-up, dark and dramatic. "You will wear the outfit I gave you for the last banquet and use whatever you deem fit to make a lasting impression."

"Yes, Mistress," Emma smirked and it was met with one from the queen.

"Go dress." The slave was dismissed.

Regina drew an approving eye down her pet's body before indicating that she should turn to give her mistress a full view of her outfit. Emma had put her hair up and darkened her eyes with the kohl she had been provided with, lips a blood red that went surprisingly well with her pale complexion. The slaves outfit didn't consist of much, the fine silk, green of course as it seemed to be the queen's preferred choice for her pet, barely covered her breasts or ass and left everything else on display. Emma's tattoo was clearly visible now her hair was tied back and the barely there fastenings on her top did not impeded the view too much. The arm bands had been fitted and adorned the blonde's biceps but she wore no other jewellery except the ornate dagger, another gift from the queen, strapped to her thigh.

Regina was very pleased with the overall effect, the marks from the slave's punishment had darkened, the individual marks were clearer now than they had been earlier in the day, that was not a bad thing, the queen mused.

"How do you feel?" The queen asked, surprising Emma with the question.

"Um, a little sore but nothing is cracked or very badly bruised. It looks a lot worse than it it feels, Mistress. I admire your skill," Regina nodded at her pet's reply, taking the flattery as fact.

"Good, that is what I hope would be the case, these amazons are incredibly competitive but it never hurts to be prepared. The timing was both fortunate and not, I enjoy seeing you this way and it means that you are sure to be underestimated but I do not wish it to hinder you."

"I understand, Mistress," the queen's explanation matching with Emma's own assessment of her personal situation.

But first -," Emma moaned as her hand was taken and the blonde was pulled into a deep kiss, teeth nipping at the slaves lips, breaking the skin. "There, much better," Regina beamed as a darker shade of crimson bloomed on plump lips.

"Always, Mistress," Emma offered a playful bow just as a knock on the door interrupted them.

"Mistress?" Red's knock on the door was welcomed with a call to enter. Emma made a final adjustment to her clothing before following behind Red and the queen. As they passed the wolves' rooms Greta fell into step beside her and the amazon girl brought up the rear, Emma curious about her but now was not the time.

"Pets, Red is my guest tonight so you are to be my eyes and ears," Regina turned to glance at the two young women who wore her collar.

"Yes, Mistress," Emma and Greta replied in unison as their party reached the double doors of the banqueting hall. Belle tried her best to copy the queen's slaves, they were so graceful in their movements as they followed the queen and Red.

"Then let the games begin!" Regina chuckled, receiving grins from her three pets as they entered the room.

Xxxxx

Next on The Collar

"How about some wagers? Hmm?" Regina turned to her friend who smirked at the dark queen's suggestion.

"Possibly, but how am I to know you won't cheat?" The amazon queen retaliated.

"I will swear on our friendship that I will not interfere in any way, magical or not. Is that sufficient for you?" Regina feigned hurt as she looked out over the

"Then I accept," Gabrielle took the proffered hand and shook, the deal was done.

"Who will take on my slave?" The dark queen stood and called out into the room, the chatter dying immediately as all eyes turned to her.