Bit of a recap to get you back on track. Next chapter is half done but a few scenes decided to insert themselves in here.
Thank for all your reviews and PM's I will be responding shortly if I haven't already.
Another late one so hopefully I've not missed any typos.
And hi to my recent acquaintance areseya who has has some input into this and the next chapter
Enjoy xx
P.S. Anyone on fetlife come and say hi to me at 'tightentherope' on my fledgling profile.
Previously on The Collar
"Excuse me?" Emma blinking, not actually believing what she was hearing.
"You heard me," Regina curling her lip in a very queenly manner.
"I did but well -, you've never apologised to me before," Emma replying, rapidly running through their interactions.
"Not when you have been conscious, no." Regina looking away as she spoke. The blonde blinking, taken off guard by the quiet admission. "There have been a few times where I have pitied the abuse you have taken, when not deserved."
Emma slumping back in her chair, the revelation leaving her deflated, all anger gone.
"You really do care about me." A statement.
"I would not have opened the portal if I did not." A reply.
Emma inhaled sharply, downing the remaining wine in her glass, absorbing the connotations of the confession.
"Come, this is not the place to discuss such things," the blonde regaining her composure and signalling for their coats, the meal would go on her tab. "Michael," Emma barely acknowledging the man as he held the door open. "Oh, I will be seeing you soon." A cold smile from the blonde made the man pale and Regina couldn't help but enjoy the moment, glaring at him as she passed.
"Regina?" Emma called to the queen, smiling to herself as she caught the intimidating look she had thrown the man.
"Thank you," the brunette murmuring, offering a small smile, sliding past Emma who was holding the door and then swiftly back into the relative familiarity of the car where it sat waiting She heard the blonde give muted instructions before her pet joined her, hand slipping back onto the queen's knee, the action not rejected but the tension between the two women was still high.
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"Hey," Emma turning her body so she was facing the queen, "I won't leave you or leave you vulnerable," a slender hand reaching out as she stroked her knuckles down the brunette's cheek. "If you need to leave, just say. It's Ok to be scared." They locked eyes but Regina did not acknowledge them, Emma moving the moment forward by leaning in for a kiss.
It was slow and sensual, they had rarely kissed like this in the queen's world, the act too intimate, Emma always submitting to the queen's whims. But now, now she was kissing the brunette as she would a lover, lips pressed together tongues slowly moving but not seeking dominance. Regina gasping as she was pressed back into the seat, then moaning as her pet nipped at her bottom lip, thumb moving to rub across her fabric covered nipple.
The moment was broken, the car slowing and Emma pulled back, clearing her throat as she sat back in her own seat but her hand remaining on the brunette's knee.
"Here," Regina frowning as she was passed a small object that the blonde had removed from the small purse she was carrying. "It's a mirror and lipstick," Emma prompting, flipping the mirror open and holding it out for the queen. "You've got a little -," gesturing to her own lips, Regina's eyes widening, realising that her own make-up must be as smudged as the slave's.
The car was silent as it began moving, the queen tidying her lips, the compact snapping shut and being handed back by a gracious hand.
"Thank you," Regina glancing at the blonde before focusing her eyes on the lights they were passing by at great speed, continuing their journey.
"My pleasure," Emma smiling softly, pleased that her hand had not been dislodged, or maybe it had been forgotten. "I feel this excursion may be enough for the evening? We've both had a hell of a day. I have some good wine in the apartment if you'd like to join me?"
"Well, where else would I have to go?" Regina sniffing at the offer. Her prickly reply not phasing Emma who understood it was nerves showing,
"It's Friday night, the good clubs are open if you'd rather stay out?" Emma suggesting with a raised brow, knowing how taken with the idea the queen had been when she'd first discovered the concept.
"Oh!" A soft exclamation, brown eyes turning away from the window to peruse her pet but then a brief a flicker behind her eyes causing Emma to lightly squeeze the flesh under her hand.
"Or, we could just have the wine, a nice breakfast then see how you feel tomorrow? We can go then, if you'd rather? Or not at all," the blonde finishing with an easy smile. Regina did not reply but a familiar raising of her chin was taken as acceptance by the blonde. "Driver, to my apartment please," Emma pressing the intercom and was politely acknowledged. Brown eyes flicking curiously to the intercom speaker but putting it down to more 'electricity'.
The rest of the ride remained silent but Regina relaxed, the queen knowing their destination and that it was not somewhere she needed to be on her guard. The car slowing before it came to a stop exactly where it had picked them up. It was even colder now, Regina musing, taking her pet's hand as she slid along the leather seat, smoothly exiting the vehicle, now familiar with the process.
Emma releasing the queens hand as soon as they were side by side, instead placing a brief touch on her back to urge her towards the doors and the warmth within the building.
"Shit, it's so cold!" Emma nodding to the night doorman but not engaging in conversation as they waited for the elevator. This time Regina entering of her own accord and watching intently as slender fingers pushed the brass button, 14, it read, but then her pet inserted a key into the lock next to it. "Extra security, private floor. No-one else can get up here except me".
"Mmm," was the hummed response but nothing more. Emma sighing to herself, realising her companion's day had been as bizarre for her as Emma's first day in the palace had been. The elevator arriving at her penthouse as she finished the thought, stepping into the hallway and she fished for her keys.
"Here, let me take your coat," Regina re-entering the apartment as the door opened. Her pet helping to ease the heavy wool from her shoulders, deftly removing her own coat and hanging them both away, out of sight. A brief touch of her hand by warm fingers had Emma moving away from her and towards the seating area. Regina closing the distance between them but hanging back, watching as a fire roared to life in a previously hidden hearth.
"You felt cold, I'm afraid I have no magic to keep it warm in here and the heat isn't set for winter yet," Emma explaining as she re-set the thermostat by the kitchen. "But the fire will keep you warm for now," the blonde smiling slightly awkwardly at her guest. "Would you like some wine?"
"Yes, I do not think the hour is late enough to retire," Regina replying, glancing around the room, undecided where to sit.
"The couch is very comfortable," Emma gesturing towards the large leather seat closest to the fire before opening a large, hidden door and revealing an impressive collection of wine bottles. "Red, I presume?" Knowing that was the queen's favoured wine. "I don't have any cider but I do have most other spirits?" Stepping forwards into the living area Emma opened yet another hidden door in the panelling to reveal a fully stocked bar.
"Impressive!" The queen murmuring, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the choice and unfamiliarity on offer. "
"Here, you'll enjoy this, you can try the others later, if you want?" Emma snagging the wine glasses she'd prepped off the counter and crossing to where Regina was now sitting on the edge of her seat, having chosen the left hand side of the couch, closest to the fire, It really was much cooler than she was used to. "Oh here," Emma snagging a dark grey woollen blanket from another chair and passing to the brunette. A nod of thanks and a small smile were given before Emma returned her attention to the wine.
"It's rich but very smooth," Regina watching her pet deftly pour the dark liquid into the two glasses now resting on the edge of the raised hearth. "Here," Emma holding out a glass which Regina took then taking her own, allowing herself to slide back into the couch, groaning as she did so. "You have some fine looking furniture but nothing is this comfortable!"
"You never seem to complain about my bed," was the sly retort, eyes meeting over the rim of the wine glasses as they both too their first sip.
"There have been times when it has not been the most relaxing place to be," Emma replying in the same tone, sensing her guest was finding her feet a little now they were back in a familiar environment. "But you seem to enjoy my company there, prefer it even," the blonde's tone light but her words insidious. Regina did not reply, instead focusing fully on the wine she was drinking, it was very flavoursome and full bodied.
"A pleasant vintage," a nod from her guest all Emma got in reply, not that she expected anything less. However, she was keen to see how the alcohol may loosen the queen's tongue now she was not fortified by her magic.
"What are your first impressions?" Emma sitting forward and curling her legs under her, now facing the queen side on. Not really knowing how to continue the small talk she resorted to the kind of questions she would ask a potential client.
"Of?" Regina fielding the question, the broadness allowing her to toy with the blonde as warmth pooled in her stomach, the wine being absorbed.
"Of this'" Emma gesturing with her wine glass, encompassing the apartment. "That" a jab towards the windows and the world they held at bay.
"Well," Regina pausing to compose herself, "you have good taste, I expected more tawdry décor if your original outfit was anything to go by!" Emma narrowing her eyes at the jibe but not taking the bait.
"And out there, in my world?" The blonde keeping her gaze steady, the queen staring steadfastly at her wine glass, swirling the viscous fluid around its bowl.
"It both intrigue and terrifies me," the soft words barely audible but brown eyes turning, vulnerable for a split second before the mask sliding firmly back. "It is so strong and loud and I have no magic. There are wonders yes, but -."
"It is a harsh place for one who cannot protect themselves," Emma murmuring, gaze slipping away, the observation becoming invasive in the face of the queen's admissions.
"So it seems, But it demonstrates how you are able to function so well in my world," Regina acknowledging, now it was her turn to peruse her companion's profile, the blonde pensive, teeth worrying at her plump bottom lip.
"Maybe," an evasive response but it was obvious to Regina that she had touched a raw nerve and that avenue of conversation had become defunct. Emma launching to her feet to retrieve a slim metal object with many tiny buttons. A frown and one was pressed, only moments afterwards warm rich tones filled the room. Music! Regina's head turning until she located the source of the sound. Small white boxes fastened to the walls.
"Where are the musicians?" She queried, "How did you signal that they were to play?" Eyes still searching for the answers.
"Oh," Emma's brows raising, realising that this concept was far beyond anything she had explained previously. "It's recorded, very high quality of course, and stored on a computer. I press this button which signals the computer to play the song I select."
"Here, look," the blonde sliding closer to her guest and holding the object out. Regina reaching out and taking the surprisingly heavy object from her pet's hand. "See, press here or here and it will skip backwards or forwards. See if you can find something you like, it's set to shuffle so will randomly select a song from my playlists, like libraries of songs I have stored," the blonde clarifying before the confusion could settle on the the brunette's features.
Emma was fascinated by the play of expressions she witnessed as track after track was selected, briefly evaluated then skipped to the next one. After ten or so minutes of this Emma interrupted.
"So, what sounds do you like best?" Knowing how eclectic her taste was there had been a bit of everything on there.
"I like the ones where they talk, although the choice of language is deplorable, it seems to serve a purpose," Regina sniffing at the obscenities she had heard, "it is surprisingly intelligent although I do not know what a 'ghetto' is." Emma barely holding in a chuckle at the queen's assessment of the rap genre.
"Rap, it's called rap music, as a general type," the blonde taking it upon herself to explain. "I like some songs but don't have that many on there. Anything else?" Emma watching as Regina pursed her lips in thought.
"I like the ones that you can feel in your bones, I find it arousing," Emma blinking at the frank admission.
"Ah, that's dance music, they play that in the clubs," the blonde smirking at the raising of her companion's brow, interest evident.
"I can see why, it is extremely appropriate for copulation," Regina nodding to herself, fingers flicking back and forth between tracks. Emma was fascinated by her behaviour.
"Music is extremely important in modern culture, it is used to define who you are and as a means of expression, musically and politically," Emma providing a little background to the subject.
"Hmm, yes the young ones would certainly enjoy the music for dancing to," Regina agreeing. "It is certainly more versatile than my court musicians but I do not recognise a lot of the instruments they use."
"Well,actually a lot of the sounds are produced by a computer, or sounds taken from voices or instruments and layered to form the music," Regina nodding as her pet offered her the information she sought. Emma was extremely proficient in knowing when she had unanswered questions.
"What is this instrument?" Regina having experimented with the small buttons and learned how to skip back within a song.
"Oh, that's an electric guitar," Emma smiling, leaning towards the queen and holding out her hand for the remote, Regina surrendering the fascinating object, for now.
"This is a good one," the blonde pressing a sequence on the remote and starting a new song. "It's very famous," Emma explaining. "It's my all time favourite guitar song, they call it Free Bird." Regina nodding and Emma catching sight of the queen tapping her fingers as the song played through its lengthy entirety.
"I like it," Regina smiling, "very ingenious. I assume it is a great skill to play like that?"
"Yes, it takes natural talent and years of practice," Emma unthinkingly reaching out to rub the queen's stocking clad foot that had fallen across her lap. Both women freezing when first contact was made but Emma choosing to ignore the situation, continuing with her massage, one which Regina's escaping groan indicated was appreciated. Silence fell for a few moments until it became awkward. "Wait a moment," Emma releasing the queen's foot and excusing herself from the room, only to return moments later.
"This is a guitar, acoustic, no electricity. I think it's basically a modified lute," the blonde referencing the closest alternative she had seen in the queen's palace.
"Indeed," Regina nodding, eyes shrewdly cataloguing the instrument, it was made from a beautifully hued wood, amber in colour. "But can you play it?" A brow raising in challenge.
"I should be able to," Emma flexing her hands and fingers. "My hands are nearly healed but I'm a little out of practice.
"I shall excuse some incompetence," Regina commenting, Emma frowning until she caught a glimmer in the queen's eye.
"Self-deprecation doesn't suit you, Regina," Emma calling the queen on her well hidden humour and turning it around on the queen even as the blonde settled back on the couch, arm over the guitar.
"No, it seems that is your forte, pet," both women enjoying the banter but neither willing to back down. Emma deciding that now was a good time to run through a few chords, trying to get a sense of her current capabilities. Regina was caught by surprise at the mellow, tuneful sound her pet was coaxing from the instrument.
"You are not without talent," the queen nodding her approval as Emma continued to play snippets of songs she was familiar with. Regina unable to keep up with the multitude of different sounds the guitar brought to life. Fast, slow, happy, melancholy, such variety. "And you will bring that back with us when we return. I desire to hear more."
"Your Majesty," Emma bowing her head, smiling at the monarch's well hidden enthusiasm."You have excellent taste."
"Well, I chose you. Did I not?" A haughty sniff and Regina stood. "I wish to retire now."
"Sure let me get you sorted," A smile as Emma set the guitar down on the coffee table before standing, unphased by the queen's total shift of mood. Regina waiting then following the blonde towards the bedrooms.
"You can sleep in there, I will sort you something to sleep in, unless you prefer to sleep naked?"
"I am not sleeping in there!" Regina harshly rejecting Emma's offer of the guest bed. Emma's cheeky grin rapidly disappearing. "I am not one of your whores!" The queen drawing herself up to her full height, not as impressive without her heeled boots and high collars, but intimidating none the less. Well, unless you were Emma who simply stepped closer until their bodies were touching, only the silk of their outfits keeping them apart.
"No, you're not but as I do not share my bed with anyone your only other choice is the couch or the rug by the side of my bed, Your Majesty!" Emma murmuring directly into the queen's ear, hot breath tickling the delicate shell.
"Then I shall sleep in there then!"Regina hissing, pointing towards the living room, thoroughly annoyed by this petty behaviour.
"Suit yourself, I'll bring you some covers, it can get a little chilly out there," Regina watching with narrowed eyes as Emma rummaged through a closet hidden in the hallway, retrieving a thick quilt and spare pillow which she deposited on the couch. A foray into the blonde's own bedroom resulting a silken nightgown and robe being added to the pile.
"I presume you have no objection to using the bathroom in there?" Regina shaking her head, refusing to engage in conversation. "Sleep well!" Emma refusing to be drawn into the queen's games, keeping her tone polite and innocuous knowing that would infuriate the queen more than raising to the bait. Instead she retired to her own room, closing the door behind her.
Over an hour must have passed but sleep was not forthcoming. Mind whirling over everything she had seen that day, eyes flying open, a silent shadow moving in the dark startling her.
No words were spoken, hand reaching out and gently clasping the queen's, a light tug and then there were two shadows moving in the dark back towards Emma's bedroom.
Xx
Next on The Collar
"Good, then do you wish to accompany me to a club?" Emma enquiring, lifting a brow at the immediate spark of interest she saw in brown eyes. "So that's a yes?" She smirked.
"That is a yes," Regina nodding, looking as though she was going to say more before instead turning her attention to the lights passing by the window.