First royal trip- part 2
Johnnysgirl asked for a oneshot of a sequel to Ch2802 "First royal trip".
Emma's few days in Atlantica went by without a hitch. In fact, King Triton spoke very highly of Emma's royal conduct. In fact, seeing as Emma was willing and able to make the transformation into a mermaid to take some of the load off of the royals of Atlantica. Previously, meetings with Triton were a monthly affair. Since Emma was able to be a mermaid, trade arrangements were being re-established and meetings would now take place fortnightly. They would switch about who took turns in each kingdom.
After Emma's first successful visit underwater, she had an equally successful time hosting Triton in their kingdom. Her next two visits were equally as good. It was Emma's third time in Atlantica when things went horribly wrong.
Charming paced nervously up and down the shorefront.
"I always had a bad feeling about Emma taking over relations with Atlantica." He muttered. "I knew this would happen."
"Charming, nobody could have known this would happen." Snow sighed. "Not even Triton. How many times has Regina tricked us? Or Rumplestiltskin? Or any of the other villains we've had to face?" She pointed out. Charming just continued pacing, unable to deny it. "Exactly. Triton couldn't have known Ursula had worked out the new schedule and spied an opportunity. How could he have prevented her from disguising herself and sneaking into the kingdom? The only person to blame here is that sea witch. Trust me, if I ever so much as see her reflection, I'll turn her into some nice calamari." Snow growled.
A couple of hours ago, Triton sent word immediately to the Enchanted Forest that there had been an incident. Ursula had disguised herself as a common mermaid to sneak into Atlantica. She had worked out that the princess of the Enchanted Forest was coming down every other week. She knew if she got her hands on a foreign royal, Triton would have to give her whatever she wanted.
She had bided her time, waiting until Triton's daughter closest in age to Emma (Andrina) was showing her around the coral reef. Then she struck. She changed into her normal self, grabbing both princesses with her strong tentacles. Her folly was the usual problem of any self-obsessed villain; her speech. She spent so long announcing to the people of Atlantic that with both the princesses at her disposal, their king would have to give into her demands. By the time she finished, Triton had arrived with his trident and was able to free both girls, but not before Ursula's tentacles had done some slight damage.
Snow and Charming saw Triton beginning to emerge with their daughter from the sea. They both winced at the bruising round her midriff, the little red sores left by Ursula's suckers. It was clear their daughter was in pain. They didn't know yet was internal damage there might be.
Snow and Charming waded into the water, with Charming taking over supporting Emma. Normally, Triton would transform Emma back into a human by this point and she'd simply walk to the surface. Nobody thought that was a good option this time around though. Charming instead took Emma into his arms and carried her back to the shore and rested her on the sand, the waves still lapping at them all. Snow knelt down beside Emma's head and pulled Emma into a tight embrace, careful of her wounds. They were both now soaking wet, but neither cared in the slightest. With a gentle wave of his trident, Emma was human once more.
"Snow…David…I am so sorry." Triton croaked. "You entrusted me to look after your daughter. I have failed you." He said, voice filled with shame. Charming shook his head, seeing the man's remorse.
"It wasn't your fault." Charming assured him. "It could have just as easily have happened the other way around. Emma will recover. She's strong." Charming assured him. Emma looked faintly over at the king of the ocean.
"I'll see you in two weeks, Your Highness?" She croaked. Her parents and Triton looked at her, unsure.
"Emma, I think it might be best if we went back to the old arrangement." Triton suggested. Emma shook her head. She sat up, wincing ever so slightly. Snow did her best to support Emma.
"I'd rather we continued as we are, sir. I feel we're making excellent progress. Please, don't let the sea witch ruin that. Please, continue the way we are. I like spending time with your family in Atlantica." Emma pleaded. Triton looked at Snow and Charming. The couple had one of their silent conversations before nodding at Triton.
"I will have security increased then." He said, leaving no room for arguments. Emma smiled.
"Thank you." She responded gratefully. Triton smiled at her. He was rather fond of the princess. He bowed at the family.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to make sure that my daughter is alright, and I'm sure you'll wish to see Emma on the road to recovery."
"Of course, wish her well from us." Snow said. "Thank you for bringing Emma home so fast." Triton gave another slight bow before turning and heading back underwater. Charming kissed the side of Emma's head, which was still salty from her time spent in the underwater kingdom.
"Let's get you home." He said, picking her up are carefully as possible. "We're so proud of you. You've been so brave." He praised her. Emma just rested her head wearily against his shoulder. She was done being brave for the time being. Snow and Charming shared a worried look as they headed up to their carriage that was waiting to take them home. Their poor brave girl.
