So it's February and this is clearly a holiday themed story but someone asked I continue it and I had inspiration so it's short but it's Emma/Charming fun. Just a reminder Charming is James in this world b/c his identity as David was never revealed. Also for context Chris is the son of Abigail/Frederick and Alex is Ella/Thomas's daughter. Enjoy the sass
It had been a long morning of preparations and work to make sure everything was in place for their annual Christmas Eve ball the following night. By time noon rolled around James was ready to collapse in his bed, but his hunger overrode his exhaustion and he found his way into the castle kitchen. To his surprise he wasn't the only member of the family who's stomach had called them to the room.
"Hey Ems." James smiled at his daughter who was perched on a stool, picking at the plate in front of her. "Sneaking a quick lunch from the kitchen scraps?"
"What Louisa can do with leftovers is incredible." Emma nodded as she indulged in the creative dish her favorite kitchen worker had created for her. "The woman has a gift. And now that John has stopped hounding us about breaking proper custom I look forward to lunch maybe more than any other meal."
"Do not let John hear you say that." James warned as he collected a plate of leftovers for himself, joining his daughter at the counter.
"Do you think I have a death wish?" Emma raised her eyebrows. "He cooks like an angel but he strikes the fear of God into me on the off chance I would insult him. Which is ironic because I'm pretty sure by station he should be scared of angering me."
"It's a funny thing how hierarchy in this castle work." James shook his head, beginning to pick at his own meal.
"Tell me about it." Emma sighed good-naturedly
"Speaking of hierarchy." James looked up. "Your mother wanted me to remind you that Chris and Alex and their siblings are arriving today at three and you are expected in the greeting room at three to welcome them."
"She literally reminded me of that this morning." Emma rolled her eyes at her mother's antics. "The woman does not trust me. It's insulting."
"In her defense you do a history of being late to these sort of things." James pointed out.
"Has anyone ever considered the idea that it was intentional?" Emma countered. "I didn't exactly look forward to the thought of meeting people who I didn't know. People who had six years of memories of me might I add. It was weird. Chris and Alex on the other hand are my friends, I actually want to see them. I'll be there."
"I trust you," James held up his hands defensively. "I'm just following orders."
"It's her world and we all live in it." Emma shook her head, giving a small laugh.
"You have that right." James agreed.
"You know it's royally unfair," Emma held up a finger before her father could comment on it. "Pun intended, that my best friends live in other kingdoms and my time with them is so limited because of our obligations."
"What about Daniel?" James pointed out. "He basically lives in the castle."
"Well Daniel doesn't really count." Emma shrugged.
"And does he feel valued when you speak about him this way?" James asked in amusement.
"A, I don't mean it like that and you know it," Emma gave her father a look. "And b, obviously I would never say something like that around him."
"Just behind his back?" James chuckled. "And be honest with yourself, you definitely would say something like that around him. You're pretty blunt when it comes to those your comfortable around."
"That's fair." Emma acquiesced before giving her father a questioning look. "Since when do you care about Daniel's feelings? I thought you didn't like him?"
"I never said that." James held up his hand. "I actually very much like Daniel. I just don't like the thought of a boy being around you so much. I distrust him and Chris equally, but I like them both."
"How sweet." Emma said sarcastically. "Do you want me to go get him so you can tell him that yourself?"
"Would you like to tell him your previous statement?" James countered.
"Touche." Emma held up her hands in a sign of surrender. "You are a worthy opponent."
"Why thank you." James smiled.
"Anyway." Emma got up to clear her plate and put it in the wash-basin. "You can assure our great commander that I will get ready to greet our guests as soon as my dress fitting, which she scheduled, is over."
"Dress fitting?" James sounded surprised. Usually his wife had things for the ball together at least a week before hand.
"For the Christmas Ball." Emma elaborated. "Nora wants to make some final adjustments."
"Is this an open fitting?" James perked up. "Your mother isn't around this morning and someone has to make sure the dress is up to standards."
"Absolutely not." Emma laughed at the absurdity of the suggestion.
"I can't see the dress?" James was taken a bit off guard by the response.
"No." Emma shook her head in amusement. "Because anytime you see me in a gown you either tear up or tell me what's not appropriate about it. That's why we don't let you see them until it's too late to do anything about them."
"That doesn't make me feel comfortable about what you're wearing." James said warily.
"That wasn't my intention." Emma shrugged, turning to find her way to the tailor's suite.
"Remind Nora who is responsible for her employment." James called after his daughter.
Emma turned around in the doorway, a cheeky smile on her face. "Mother?"
"Funny." James deadpanned.
Emma gave a small laugh. "I know I am. I'll see you at three."