Thanks to all of you for the reviews last chapter, I know this will not answer all/any of your questions but the next chapter will have more content in that respect, possibly some M rated scenes as well. Also, the teaser from the previous chapter has been bumped to the next I'm afraid but that just means you get a little more story than I had planned. Sorry for any typos, it's later here.
This one is for anyasha1
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Previously on The Collar
"Farewell but do not act rashly, Regina," was Maleficent's warning as the air swirled, wings unfurling as she stood on the balcony. "Farewell," A gentle kiss placed on the dark queens' cheek before she spiralled up to a dizzying height, wings reflecting the sunset before spinning away and flying towards home.
Regina watched her go, always fascinated and in awe of the majesty.
Dammit! Regina pinching the bridge of her nose, only now remembering she had not sought Maleficent's consul on Belle.
"No, mind," the queen muttering to herself as she sighed. What now? She had grown to appreciate the slave's, Emma's, company but this was -. Another sigh as Regina began pacing her study, unsettled and conflicted by the information Maleficent had provided.
Xxxxx
"Farewell, my friend" Regina sighing as Maleficent unfurled her magnificent wings, standing on the terrace outside the queen's study, waiting to take her leave.
"Farewell, call me should you need my consul again," Maleficent inclining her head towards the dark queen.
"I doubt that I shall need it, but the offer is always appreciated," Regina graciously accepting the kind words, lifting her hand to steady herself against the stone of the door frame, wings creating a downdraught and blowing debris from the garden onto the paving slabs, the finer particles at risk of irritating an eye.
Head inclining in acknowledgement, Maleficent rose to a safe height before a final thrust sent her spiralling towards the night clouds, highlighted by the nearly full moon.
A sigh.
Reaching up to pinch the bridge of her nose, a headache brewing, Regina reviewed the conversation. Not what she had wanted to hear, not at all! A casual wave of her hand as she re-entered the interior of her palace ensuring the doors were secured behind her. Always so much to deal with!
"Braxas!" Regina calling to her captain as she strode through the hallway.
"My Queen?" Braxas replying, stepping out from an adjoining corridor. He was rarely far away, especially when his queen was alone with, well anyone except her pets.
"Assemble the inner council," Regina commanding as she swept past him.
"The usual meeting room?" Braxas enquiring, keeping pace with his queen.
"Yes, quickly," Regina urging as she broke off outside the room in question.
"Anything I need to prepare the soldiers for, Majesty?" Braxas enquiring, tone turning to one of worry.
"No," the word dismissing the man who bowed his head before gesturing to the nearest guard to spread the word.
Xxxxx
The sound of Emma and Mistress Red approaching down the hallway spurred Belle into action, the action of moving from kneeling by the fireplace (practising what Emma had been teaching her and Greta in their lessons) to standing, causing her hip to nudge the corner of Red's desk and unsettle the wine flask standing there. Belle barely catching it before the door opened to reveal her frowning mistress.
"What did you break this time?" The wolf growling as she cast her eyes around her outer room, nothing seemed to be out of place but Belle's heart rate was elevated and her expression panicked. "Answer me! I have no patience for games today, girl." Red standing in the doorway, waiting for a reply.
"I," Belle clearing her throat, "I almost knocked your wine flask off your desk. Sorry, Mistress Red," the words spoken clearly, eyes focusing firmly on the floor.
"I will deal with you later," Red frowning as she felt the queen summoning her. "Kneel and do not move until I return," the order a little harsh but she was tired, too tired to invent tasks just to keep the girl occupied and figuring the girl needed to learn the hard way what it meant to be a slave in the queen's palace.
Walking her aching body back the way she had come only a few minutes before, Red found that she was the last to arrive at the impromptu meeting of what the queen dubbed her 'inner council.' It was not what you would expect of a royal enclave, simply those the queen deemed her most valued employees, ten in all. Braxas, Cook and Lucy the seamstress (and ageing wolf) sat around the table. Arno the stable-master also had a seat, Red took her chair next to the queen and the other five contained the school mistress (who had once taught Regina as a child), two other guard captains (both wolves), the head gardener and the blacksmith who was a massive bearded man covered in tattoos. None were of noble blood but had led normal lives, now privileged as they were well taken care of by the queen, a reward for services past.
"Thank you for coming, I appreciate the lateness of the hour but given the day's events I deemed it necessary to call you here," the queen's words were met by murmurs of agreement. "To offer you some explanation for the earlier 'invasion' as well as to clarify some other points of note." Regina looking around the table to gauge her peoples' reaction.
"I would think the most pressing question you all have is regarding Emma -,"
"Majesty where ever did you find her?" Cook couldn't help but interrupt the queen, Regina allowing the outburst, on this occasion.
"What I shall tell you now is of the highest confidence and covered by your pledge," Regina referring to the oath all present has sworn to her, to keep her confidence at all costs, magic aiding them in this should they ever be captured and pressed for information on the queen and her doings.
"Of course, we would expect nothing less, My Queen," Lucy gesturing around the table, signalling the collective agreement of the terms.
"I found her in another world, where times appears to move at a different pace," Regina sitting back into her padded chair as she spoke, eyes roving over curious faces. "The spell to bring her here took many years to perfect and at first I thought I had failed." A pause, taking a moment to survey her most loyal subjects before continuing with her tale. "Instead of finding myself with the girl I sought, a child, I found myself with a curious creature. She arrived fully aware of the etiquette I require from my slaves, she intrigued me so I decided to keep her. A wager was made and she took the collar. It was not until she revealed her name to me that I realised my spell may have worked after all. My magic could only tell me she was a child of true love but what are the odds of her being anyone else? An orphaned child, named Emma?"
"What she said in the hall?" Cook looking concerned as she referred to Emma's insinuations relating to her early life.
"Emma tells me she was found almost frozen to death by the side of a road, never adopted but moved frequently between carers as a child, she survived using her wits and her body," Regina not concerned about sharing this information as it was how many young, disadvantaged people made their way in this world. It was not a frowned upon background, their fortitude was admired. "However, it seems she had gained wealth and social status in her world. I believe this to be true as we have all seen her interact with others here, she is not timid and down-trodden."
"Will the White Kingdom attack?" Braxas needing to know if he should be readying the soldiers for battle.
"Possibly," Regina leaning forward, brow furrowed. "Emma has made it very clear to me that she does not wish to leave, had I deigned to let her. I believe she and I have an understanding in that respect," none present dared to comment on how well suited the queen and her slave were but glad that Emma was likely to be around for the foreseeable future. "She is of age and can legally make that decision so I see no grounds for war. If anything comes of it I have leverage to use against any would be adversary," Regina reassuring her council of her continuing protection of her kingdom.
"She remains your slave?" Cook speaking again, always one of the most outspoken member's of the council but Regina permitted her questions as she knew it was likely to be on the minds of all present.
"Yes, she lost our wager and is now bound to me until, if, I ever decide to break the bond. She is not a princess in this kingdom and will not be addressed as such by anyone, put the word out among the populace as gossip spreads like the plague, Emma is mine and I alone decide her fate!" The words carrying a chill but no-one really objected, knowing Emma was good for their queen.
"Well, I hope you can keep her alive! That girl's taken some of the harshest punishment I've ever known," Cook snorting. "I mean, who gets brought home by a dragon!" Regina relaxing when she realised the comment was not aimed solely at the queen's use of her pet's body but also Emma's other misadventures.
"I aim to limit her physical activities to prevent further comas," Regina sniffing dismissively and not feeling it necessary to inform her staff of Maleficent's generosity on fully healing the girl, it was best she was left underestimated, as always.
"Well, make sure she eats, girl's nothing but skin and bone!" Cook huffing her disapproval at the situation.
"I am fully aware of her health, " Regina's tone frosty. "It is not your concern," dark eyes flashing with magic at the interference, good intentioned though it was, the reprimand serving to remind the assembly exactly who was in charge. "But I shall also inform you that she has magic, it has been latent until the attack but is now active and she has no idea how to control it. I do not anticipate any major issues but you are all aware of the magical disturbances earlier today," Regina not going into any details but deciding these people were entitled to an explanation, of sorts.
"Please keep this to yourselves, I shall be instructing Emma but she is powerful and clueless, it may take some time." This revelation sparked pockets of conversation, the news surprising the majority of them, except a few who had already witnessed some of the events and formed their own conclusions.
Red sat silently, extremely aware of the queen on her left hand side. Extending her senses, Red felt the queen's magic reaching out as though searching for something, every now and again it withdrew, Red detecting the spike in the queen's heart rate as it did, a conscious effort it seemed. All appeared well on the surface and no-one else would be aware of the queen's unsettled state only her, the one who knew the queen better than anyone ever had.
"Red?" The question a ghost in her mind, the queen sensing all was not well with her wolf. Red sparing a brief flick of her eyes to her queen before concentratedly re-focusing on the blacksmith's anecdote about sharing weapon designs with the amazons, apparently they were in awe of some of Alex's creations.
"Yes, that would be a good trade avenue to explore," Regina joining in the conversation, "they are not cash rich but their horses are unparalleled. Arno, contact Queen Gabrielle and see if she is amenable to trading some horseflesh for the designs."
"Yes, My Queen," Arno looking pleased at the level of responsibility being handed to him.
"And finally," Regina needing to bring the meeting to a close, it was almost dawn and she was exhausted. "I will be officially naming Red as my heir at the summer solstice, it is not something I wish to hide. However, with today's events I will be issuing the proclamation immediately, the solstice will be more symbolic and a celebration of the event. With things so unsettled there is no need to wait, I have seen to it that the Kingdom's charter has already been amended."
Although all attending the meeting were fully aware of the queen's reliance on Red it was hugely significant that she had taken the steps instate Red as heir, and telling that these changes had begun since Emma arrived at the palace.
"Archard's daughter, Eva will also be coming to live at the palace and joining the council," was the next unexpected announcement. "If you agree, Red?" The wolf raised her brows in surprise, taking a moment to consider the situation. A nod, it made sense to her. She was a very smart girl with ties to the nobility that none here had. Plus, Eva and Greta had an undeniable connection that Red would rather be around to keep and eye on and also -.
"By her mother's blood Eva has a strong connection to the faye and has been officially recognised by Maleficent, we lack a faye emissary and I believe it will only strengthen that alliance. All in favour?" Regina putting the matter to a vote. Despite her strong suggestion she was always open to a challenge from her people, they often held a different perspective and their advice was invaluable.
When all present raised their hands Regina nodded.
"You may all retire. I shall declare tomorrow a rest day as many have been up all night. Braxas, we shall meet after luncheon to discuss the provisioning of the troops should the need arise."
"Yes, Majesty," the man looking relieved. He trusted the queen to have every angle covered but there were strong foes that may decide to align themselves with the White Kingdom if they decided to mount an attack.
"Please, get some rest. It has been a taxing day," Regina dismissing them all, even Red who sought express permission to leave.
"My Queen? " Red standing, aching muscles screeching a silent protest as she did.
"Leave, go rest. I shall not need you until I meet with Braxas," Regina replying distractedly, Red knowing the queen was troubled but after the way she had been treated in the dungeon had little sympathy. In fact, it was hard for her to interact normally with the queen now that the drama of the day had subsided, Red still emotionally raw from her experience and not inclined to offer the queen any more than had already been taken from her that day.
A terse nod and Red left the queen alone, re-tracing her steps to her rooms, exhaling when she realised she still had Belle to deal with.
"You need to get back into training," Red commenting, entering her chambers and reaching to unbuckle her sword belt. "You're getting clumsier without your drills." She continued as though their previous conversation had never been interrupted.
"Yes, Mistress," Belle agreeing then daring to look up from where she had been kneeling as she caught her mistresses motion. "Please, let me?" A nod, Red stilling her hands as Belle rose from kneeling by the hearth and allowing the girl's deft fingers to unfasten the belt.
"On the chest," Red's voice was low with overuse and exhaustion as she instructed her slave to lay her weapon down. Torture will do that to a person, she reasoned slightly hysterically, the day's events a blur. "Water," ordering as she slid down into her favourite chair, positioned by the generous fireplace.
"Yes, Mistress Red," Belle eyeing the wolf in concern. It was only now, that she was able to take a quiet moment to run her eyes over the young woman, that she could see what a toll the day had taken, Red had taken time to change her clothes since they had encountered her with Emma in the hallway but dried blood could be seen under the shirt, tainting pale skin. Red didn't move as though she were injured, the wolf healing maybe taking care of that? But, it didn't mean she hadn't suffered trauma at some point.
Belle kept her eyes down, handing over the goblet of water she had poured, leaving the pitcher by the open window had given it a pleasant chill, one Red appreciated, downing it in one long draught.
"Wine."Another gruff order from Red had Belle hurriedly reaching for the flask, back in its rightful place before clumsiness had stepped in. Red taking the proffered goblet, barely registering its contents as she drank, her thoughts in turmoil, body aching.
"More!" The wolf snapping as the last drop coloured her lips, piercing eyes fixing Belle with a glare.
"I shall have to fetch more, Mistress," Belle murmuring, her mind wary of the unsettled woman but her body excited by the wolf's feral energy.
"Then be quick!" A literal snap of Red's jaws sent Belle scuttling from the room. "Curses!" Red swearing to herself, not really having meant to frighten the girl, she was just the only one around to take the brunt of her mood. Normally, when she felt like this she would shift and run the forest all night, that didn't seem prudent tonight so she would stay as close to the queen as she could and try to work through the -, the betrayal she was feeling from the queen's actions.
A sigh, leaning forward so her forehead rested on her knees Red released a shuddering breath, another following until the tears she felt behind her eyes began to recede. So absorbed by her inner thoughts that she was startled by the knock on her door.
Just one firm rap.
Extending her senses Red was confused by its origin but went to greet her unexpected guest.
"My Queen?" Regina frowning as the obviously troubled countenance of her wolf looked back at her.
"Red," a courteous return of the pleasantry confusing Red further. "May I enter?" The wolf stepping back and allowing the queen inside. "Your pet?" Regina enquiring after Belle.
"Gone for wine, she will be a few more minutes," Red replying, wondering what the hell was going on? The queen summoned, she did not knock on peoples' doors and request an audience, she demanded and she took, it was just the way things were.
The two women regarded each other in silence, Regina extremely aware of what price the wolf had unwittingly paid today and Red noticing the unhidden exhaustion transmitted by the queen's every move.
"May I sit?" Regina requesting permission. A nod, coupled with a very confused blink giving the queen the go-ahead,. Red gingerly taking the chair opposite, the one she had been sitting in before the queen's arrival.
"I have much to say but very little that really matters now," Regina began, not really knowing why she was doing this, just that -. "I know that my actions today hurt you in a way that cannot be forgiven. The way I treated you, restrained you makes me no better than they." An uncontrolled growl escaping the wolf at the reference to her first arrival at the palace.
"I do not expect you to ever forgive me for that, I have won your loyalty over many years and to think that one foolish outburst has undermined that trust sickens me," Regina paused, Red was stunned to silence by the course the conversation was taking and unable to do anything but listen to this -, this woman who looked exactly like the queen she had come to love but had never spoken in such a way before, to her or anyone else that she was aware of.
"Yet, it is my own fault, my own fear, confusion, jealousy, that led me to it. That is not an excuse, there can never be an excuse for what I did to you today, I am ashamed of myself and will spend my lifetime regretting it. Today has reminded me of what I once had but lost and I do not wish to lose you as I have lost those others. I value you above them all, Red, and I hope at some point in the future you can forgive me. However, that is not a requirement of your continued position as my heir and, as you already know, I shall make it official at the summer solstice celebrations."
Red had no chance to reply as she was left alone, only the feint frisson that accompanied the queen's magic remaining, the queen vanishing in the typical puff of purple smoke.
xxxx
Emma hadn't been alerted by the door but by the sudden appearance of the queen in her outer chamber. One look at her mistresses troubled expression causing the slave to rise and immediately move to offer aid, to remove the heavy cloak and ease the burden of the day.
"No," Regina waving a dismissive hand. "I do not need you tonight, pet." Emma confused by the dismissal but the thunk of the door to the queen's bedchamber closing was re-enforcement enough.
"What the actual fuck?"Emma standing there, redundant and unsure of what to do with herself. She couldn't recall the last night that she had not been required in the queen's bed, either for sex or a human pillow. What the hell had Maleficent said to her? What the fuck was going on?
Task-less and at a loss, Emma shrugged and retired to her own small room, one with which she acquainted with sickness and injury, those having been the only time she had spent in there. A sigh, stripping before washing, not wishing to use the bathing pool without direct permission, then grabbing the first night gown she laid her hands on. Pulling back the thick blankets and furs so she could slip between the cool sheets.
Sleep didn't come. Not to the queen lying alone in her chamber, the slave lying in the foreign bed or the wolf listening to the quiet breaths of Belle sleeping on the floor by her bed. Thankfully dawn wasn't far away, giving all an excuse to rise and distract themselves with the coming day.
Xxxxxx
Next on The Collar
"Have you seen the Queen?" Red approaching Emma at a trot.
"No, she said she had business and wasn't to be disturbed. "She left me these trade agreements to review but that was straight after breakfast," Emma helpfully providing. "Has she left the palace?"
"I don't know, if she's here, she's cloaking herself and that's rarely a good sign," Red sighing as she slumped in the chair opposite the blonde.