Ball

Disclaimer: I don't own Once Upon a Time.

Snow gazed at Emma as she finally put on her beautiful new teal gown. "It fits you perfectly, dear," she told her daughter. It was a beautiful dress made of silk that went all the way to Emma's toes, and went wonderfully with her blonde hair.

Ten – year – old Emma sighed. "I suppose. I just don't see why I need to bother. I'd rather be riding my horse or playing in the garden with Neal and James. Even practicing archery with you would be better than this ball."

Snow smiled a little, realizing how different her daughter was than Snow at this age. At age ten, Snow was a prissy, pretentious princess. Emma, on the other hand, loved playing with her brothers and going on adventures. "I'm glad you enjoy doing those things, dear," Snow said gently. "But this ball is important. Not just for you, but for our kingdom. They should see that you will be a good leader someday." Snow struggled to focus on this moment and not on the sad memory those words invoked. "And that means only you will be allowed to come to the ball. Your brothers will have to stay upstairs, as always."

Emma's face brightened at the sound of that.

"And you and I will have the first dance, Emma," Charming said, walking into Emma's bedroom to join the conversation. "Even before your mother and me. Come, let's practice." He held out his hand to their daughter.

Emma smiled and accepted it. "Put your left hand here," Charming instructed, guiding her hand to his shoulder. "Then we move like this. One – two – three. One, two, three. One. Two. Three." Snow's heart swelled as she watched Charming teach their daughter how to waltz. He was so tender and patient. Such a wonderful father. And Emma's bedroom was spacious, so it was a perfect place for them to practice.

"That's right, Emma!" Charming said as she began performing the steps herself. "You are a natural." Of course, Emma was a natural, Snow said to herself. Just like her father when Snow had taught him how to dance. Snow felt her body heat up as she remembered those days.

OOOOOOOOOO

"Charming," Snow whispered seductively later that day as she pulled him into a secluded corner. "I can't stop thinking about you." Her lips landed on his neck and she pulled on his shirt. Love and arousal filled her simultaneously.

Charming chuckled. "You can never stop thinking about me."

"True, but when I saw you dancing with Emma, it made me think of the time I taught you to dance." She squeezed his buttocks. Her heart beat faster and faster at the thought of having him where anyone might walk in on them. It always felt like another one of their adventures.

"Of course," his voice vibrated against her skin as he reached under her dress. She knew he loved all their adventures as much as she did.

OOOOOOOOOOO

"I'm nervous about Emma's ball, Charming," Snow admitted softly as they walked back into the hall, looking perfectly presentable.

"Emma is going to be fine, darling," Charming told her, just as softly. "She's already a natural dancer. And I think she understands why it's so important now that you've spoken to her." He picked up her hand and gave it a squeeze.

"Yes, but… Charming," Snow sighed as the memories she'd been trying not to think about came rushing back all at once. "My mother planned to give me a ball like this when I was Emma's age. She even gave me a special tiara to wear for the ball. But she died before we could hold the ball. I just can't stop worrying…"

Charming pulled her into his warm strong arms. "Nothing will go wrong this time, Snow. Emma will be presented to the kingdom as a princess, and everyone will love her. And your mother would have been happy to see us doing this."

"So, I should give Emma the tiara?" Snow asked into Charming's chest. She glanced up to see his blue eyes staring down at her tenderly.

"Absolutely."

OOOOOOOOOOOO

"Ladies and gentlemen, I present you, her royal highness, Princess Emma!" Snow's daughter looked radiant as she walked into the ball room and stepped into the center. Her teal dress made her face glow, her smile was warm, and her blonde hair was tied in a tight bun.

Best of all, Emma wore that special tiara covered with diamonds.

All through the ballroom, the sound of clapping hands could be heard as subjects and royals of neighboring kingdoms showed their appreciation for the young princess. Granny, Red, and all seven dwarves stood in the front, grinning from ear to ear while they clapped.

Snow and Charming wrapped their arms around each other, gleaming with pride as Emma stood next to them. "You were right. My mother would've been proud of Emma," Snow whispered.

As my birthday is tomorrow, this is my yearly birthday post. Please consider giving a review for this chapter in particular, as reviews are still my favorite presents for my birthday. :)

Here's the responses from the last chapater.

Baratta Jennifer: Thank you.

Bloomandgrow: Thank you for all your support, especially for the stories your fandom – blind. Yes, it would have been frightening for Emma when she first discovered her powers. But fortunately, she realized she still needed to go home.

I have to tell that I'm running out of ideas for this series, though. Furthermore, I'm busy with other fandoms. So, I don't know how often I will be updating this anymore. You are welcome to give me prompts for this collection if you would like, though.