My Royal Christmas

Chapter 4 Outside Decorations

I decided to go outside in the courtyard to Christmas it up. When I walked into the courtyard with my beautiful apple tree, I saw Emma admiring the tree. She held out her hand and amber lights strung themselves around the trunk, and branches. Red and gold glittery balls hung from the branches. She held out her hand, and a beautiful gold crown formed. Focusing on it, it floated up to the top of the tree where it found its resting place. I smiled and walked toward her.

"It's beautiful."

She turned to face me, and I noticed that she was crying. "Remember, when we first met, you got me so angry that I cut down your apple tree."

I chuckled, "Yes, but I also recall that you were the only one that had the guts to do that."

I got a smile from her. She strained to hold back tears, "What can I do to show Killian that Hope is his baby?"

"I have a question for you."

"Sure, what is it?"

"Is there a small chance that Hope could be mine?"

There it was; uncertainty, I hung my head and I exhaled.

"Regina, while I was pregnant, Hope would drain all the magic I had. I had to get Blue to help me regain my magic so I can stay conscious. It was like her magic helped, but something was missing. I know we didn't do anything together intimately, but I do feel your magic in Hope."

It dawned on me, and I had to ask. "Emma, you were there when we had our last Christmas with Henry. Do you remember when he asked me to make a wish on that gold star ornament?"

"Yes, when you closed your eyes, I knew you were making a wish. I made a wish too."

I looked up at Emma and realization hit me. "Emma, you didn't…"

"There you two are. Oh, look how beautiful!"

We turned around to see Snow admiring the beautiful decorations. I smiled weakly, and she walked right up to us.

"Emma, your father and I were talking with Regina about you and Hook's dilemma."

"You have got to be kidding me!"

"Emma," I exhaled in defeat. "We are worried about you, Hope, and Hook. The only way to settle Hook's troubling mind is to do a blood test."

"I think that is a brilliant idea, your majesty."

We turned around to see Hook walked into the courtyard holding a screaming baby.

"Now she's hungry. I'll go feed her."

"You sure you don't want her godmother to do it?"

It was my turn to blow up. "That is enough! You have done enough damage today! I want you out of my castle until you find out the results of the blood test."

"You just want Hope and Emma to yourself."

A fireball formed in my hand, "Get out or I will escort you out myself."

He stormed out, and I blew out the fire. I turned toward Emma who was in tears.

"Emma." I reached out to her, but she disappeared in a cloud of white smoke. I closed my eyes, exhaled, and I heard Snow talking to me.

"Regina, you are the only one that can talk to her."

"I will do my best." I waved my hands and disappeared in a cloud of purple smoke.

* * * * *My Royal Christmas* * * * *

Emma was in my room sitting on my chaise lounge chair feeding Hope when I appeared in front of her. I smiled, and I decided to try to talk to her.

"You know." She looked at me, and I continued, "I thought I would find you here."

She looked down at her nursing babe, and new tears streamed down her face. "I don't know if I can take anymore."

I walked up to lounge chair and sat down. Emma looked at me, and I could feel the hurt and the pain that Hook was causing her.

"I wish I could do something to cheer you up. I understand exactly how you. I have been in verbally abusive relationships many times. The best thing that helped me with it was to end it, and walk away. I know that is not what you wanted to hear, but I can't decide for you."

She was quiet and smiled at her beautiful little girl. I decided to ask a personal question. "Do you still love him?"

Emma looked at me with her bottom lip quivering, and I mentally kicked myself. "Damn it; I'm so sorry."

"No, I'm glad you asked that question. I am at a point where I don't know anymore. Hope doesn't accept Hook as a father. She only accepts you, Henry, and my parents. All I know is that I have some major decision making to do."

I sighed, "I know, dear. Take your time. If you don't want to stay at home alone, you can stay here if you want."

Hope made a noise, and Emma smiled. "Are you done?"

I smiled, "Give her to me. I'll burp her."

Emma gently handed her over, and I began to pat her back. Emma fixed herself as Hope gave me a big burp.

"Regina."

I turned to look at her, and she moved to hug me. "Thank you for everything you do for me."

I smiled and replied, "You're welcome."