Thanks for the response hope you enjoy the next chapter! :)
Chapter 2
Two weeks after returning 'home', the blonde Princess makes her way towards the main hall having been summoned there by her parents. Pondering over their reason, Emma came to two conclusions. One being that it was for her mother to say she was spending too much time with the Queen as she was not to be trusted or two that she needed to spend more time with Neal despite the pair spending many an evening together. Spotting the man in question exit a room and join her side as they walked, Emma found her answer.
"You too?" Neal questions with a raised eyebrow.
"It would appear so.." The blonde replies with a sigh. "Seriously we are being treated like we are children. Can we not make up our own minds on who we want to spend the rest of our lives with?"
"Apparently not but..if it's any consolation, I am very privileged that it is you"
Feeling bad, Emma offers a small smile then enters the double doors as a guard opens them.
"Oh there you both are!" Snow announces with a beaming smile while her husband stands behind her arms crossed, clearly not happy with the whole situation. Watching from their place, Cora and Rumple share a mutual look over the short haired woman's excitement.
Coming to a halt before their parents, Emma gulps upon Neal taking hold of her hand in reassurance. "What do you wish to speak to us about?"
"Well honey since coming back, we have noticed the amount of time you two have been spending together and have discussed the fact that you would be a perfect match to continue on the Kingdom's legacy"
Glaring across at Snow, Cora goes to argue as the woman is speaking against her daughter. "I did not agree to that!" Feeling her husband take her arm, the older brunette lets out an angry breath.
Frowning herself, the blonde Princess responds honestly. "I think you'll find mother, that the Queen is already continuing on the legacy..and in a fair and graceful manner"
Eyes widening at her daughter defending Regina, the short haired woman drops her mouth open but stops herself from protesting. "Anyway...we have decided that it would be best for you to unite as one, therefore an announcement will be taking place later on today of your engagement"
"But-"
"Emma. Honey it has all been arranged. You knew this day would come, you should be grateful that we have chosen Neal"
Glancing towards her father, Emma simply nods remaining quiet before turning to leave not wanting to hear anymore. Following the blonde with his eyes, Neal frowns in concern. "When will it all take place?"
"As soon as possible" Snow smiles.
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After leaving the hall, Emma wonders around the castle before hearing a carriage being brought to the front. Making her way through the corridors to the entrance, the blonde spots the Queen stood by the carriage door and hurries down the steps. "Your majesty?.."
Pausing as she was about to get in, Regina turns to face the Princess with immediate concern over the young woman's sad expression. "Emma? What is it?"
"Where may I ask are you going? Is it about King Midas?"
Seeing the desperation in Emma's face, the brunette shakes her head. "No dear..I was simply going on a visit..but it is of no interest of any Royal"
"Oh.." Glancing down, the blonde sighs.
Tilting her head intrigued, the Queen dismisses her guards briefly before stepping up towards the Princess. "Emma..did you need my assistance?"
"I..I just wondered if I could go with you..I need to get out of the castle.." Emma confesses.
Taking a deep breath, Regina touches the woman's shoulder to gain her attention. "Of course you can"
Seeing a smile appear on the Queen's face causes the Princess to let out a grin before climbing into the carriage.
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Pulling up alongside an abandoned field, Regina steps down from the carriage then waits as a guard helps the Princess down. Looking across the empty clearing, Emma raises an eyebrow. "Where are we?"
"You'll see.." Letting out a shaky breath, the Queen begins to walk along the clearing and around by the small amount of woodland before stopping before a large stone fit for a grave.
Pausing by the side of the brunette, the blonde glances across at the Queen who appears sad, while waiting for an explanation.
"This..is my father's grave..but of course he wasn't actually my father but..anyway. This is where he is buried, the man who brought me up for the first 18 years of my life. He was so loveable and happy..he loved to go riding in that field over there which is why I had him buried here. There was only ever one thing he did not approve of in my life and that was when I married the king..because he knew I was unhappy..but now that's over with.." Scoffing, the Queen states quietly. "It's all over with. Sometimes I just wish-" feeling Emma's hand slowly slip into her own, Regina pauses and looks over to see the woman simply smile and squeeze her hand.
"I am sure he is very proud of you Regina"
Chuckling in disbelief, the brunette shakes her head but squeezes the Princess' hand back in appreciation.
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Heading back to the castle, Emma looks opposite to the Queen curiously as the carriage had come to a halt in the middle of the village. "Does Rumple know you visit Henry?"
Nodding, the brunette smiles slightly. "Yes he does and he doesn't mind for the simple fact that Henry did what he couldn't do at the time and love me as his own..he has told me time and again how thankful he is to my father for raising me. He knows that despite being my biological father, I will always have two.."
"I am glad that everything there worked out okay for you"
Going to smile, the Queen then frowns hearing a bell being rung from outside. Leaning forward to her driver, Regina questions. "What is the hold up here?"
Tilting his head back while keeping a tight hold of the reins, the guard replies. "It would appear your majesty that the Princess Snow had decided to take her carriage out to the village for an important announcement"
Eyes widening, realising what is happening, Emma gulps as a voice could be heard shouting through the crowds of people outside.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, it is with great honour to announce the impending nuptials of her majesty's brother Lord Neal to the late King's granddaughter, Princess Emma White! A grand celebration will follow!"
Inhaling sharply, Regina looks towards the blonde shocked. "What?"
Looking down, the Princess fiddles with her hands. "Our parents...called us in..this morning to inform us..that it was to happen"
"Oh..I see.." Not sure how to respond, the Queen sits back and glances out of her tinted window hearing the vast amount of cheering from the crowds with a few snide remarks made in her direction.
"Let's hope he behaves better than his sister!"
"It will be the only happy ending to ever be witnessed in that castle!"
Hearing the jeers, Emma signals for the driver to continue on before looking at Regina feeling guilty. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I just couldn't believe it myself..I needed to get out. I knew it was to happen at some point but this is all too soon..I barely know him"
"Emma you do not need to explain yourself to me.."
"But-" feeling the carriage come to a halt again and the door swing open, the blonde watches as the Queen descends the steps and makes her way up to the castle. Following hastily, the Princess grabs her arm as soon as they are in the corridor and tugs the woman around desperately. "Please Regina, I don't want to lose you as a friend!"
Seeing the blonde become tearful, the Queen sighs and moves forward, pulling Emma into a hug in which the Princess clings. "You will not lose me Emma"
Sniffling, the Princess buries her face into the brunette's shoulder. "I don't know what to do..I..I do like him but..these past couple of weeks he has been more like a big brother than a..husband.."
Rubbing the blondes back sadly, Regina hides her own tears as she responds. "You will learn to love him Emma like you told me..it will all work out..."
Beginning to sob, the Princess tightens her grip on the Queen.
"Oh Emma..." Pressing a kiss to the Princess' hair, the brunette stares off while biting down on her own trembling lip, determined to not let the woman know how she feels.