OMG, plot! Short and sweet (I hope) Lemme know your thoughts!

The trio whiled the day away in the shadow of the apple tree, finishing off the picnic and playing silly children's games for Snow's benefit. Emma took particular pleasure in finding Regina in a spirited game of hide-and-seek, and if she happened to 'tag' the brunette by sneaking up behind her for an intimate embrace, so much the better. Once found, Regina gamely helped Emma search for Snow, both women calling for the young girl loudly and pretending not to notice the sliver of bright red fabric that peeked out at them from behind a bush.

Their merry mood continued the whole way to the castle, Snow chatting animatedly and squealing loudly when the King met them in the entryway.

"Papa! They couldn't find me!"

Leopold smiled indulgently. "Is that so, darling? I hope you weren't too hard on them."

Wide-eyed, Snow shook her head.

"Why don't you run along, little one? You're already late for your lessons and I need to speak with your brother."

"Is Em in trouble?"

"No dear, it's just politics." He laughed when she stuck out her tongue in derision. "Now go."

Snow ran off and the King's countenance changed completely, his displeasure dark on his face and in his voice.

"Emmett, accompany me to the study." The King didn't glance back as he turned, clearly expecting his son to follow. Emmett shot Regina an apologetic glance but the young woman merely smiled reassuringly; she knew better than any that the demands of parents were to be obeyed. Regina summoned her courage and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips before he could turn away. She reveled in the plaint, warm flesh beneath her own and the curious, pulling feeling that raced over her skin, heavy and thick like air before a storm. She drew away slowly, a smirk ghosting across her face as she took in Emmett's breathless expression.

"I-" She placed a finger over his mouth.

"Your father is waiting. I'll see you later."

Regina sauntered down the hall, wondering if her husband was watching her but not willing to break character to find out. It had been a beautiful day. Despite interrupting their romantic moment Snow really was a sweet little girl. A bit spoiled, perhaps, but it was clear that the two siblings loved each other very much and Regina had felt almost giddy to be included in the familial interaction. She had never experienced such easy familiarity in her own life. Her father had tried to give her as normal a childhood as possible, but the specter of her mother's disapproval had always hung over their lives, shadowing even the most innocent moments.

"Well, you look quite pleased with yourself."

Regina jerked, her body instinctively coiling in on itself in reaction to the voice.

"Mother!"

Cora took her daughter's arm, drawing her through an open door. It was an antechamber in one of her new rooms, Regina observed, then wondered how she could have wandered this far without noticing.

"Married life seems to agree with you." Cora placed her hand against Regina's cheek. To anyone else the gesture would have looked for all the world like the loving caress of a parent who was happy for her child. Regina knew better; she refused to allow herself to react to the touch. To betray her emotions was dangerous, the lack of control a weakness. "Although do not think that I didn't notice that the Prince did not spend the night with you."

"How did you-?"

Cora scoffed. "Honestly, haven't I taught you anything? In a castle this large, there are never any secrets."

"I'm sorry Mother, he didn't want to say and I didn't know what to do." Regina floundered helplessly, unsure of the right answer. Hadn't Cora herself told her than she must be obedient to her husband? Her mother tsk'd at her, shaking her head slightly. "You know that your father and I will be leaving tomorrow. I will no longer be able to protect you, darling. You must take steps to secure your position by the Prince's side or he will go elsewhere. The way young men act these days I wouldn't be surprised if there were some scullery maid with a blonde-haired babe in her arms at this very moment."

"I don't think Emmett would-"

"You must be sure! I will not have my daughter become an object of ridicule!" With a deliberate effort, Cora softened her voice. "We women have so very few tools available, we must make full use of the ones we have. Do you understand, dear? For your own good, you must make yourself indispensable to the Prince. Heed my advice and you will be Queen one day, and then no one will be able to touch our family."

Silently, Regina nodded.

"Good girl. Now wash up and find something suitable for dinner."

Cora paused a moment with her hand on the doorway, regarding her daughter with a new light in her eyes. It wasn't respect, exactly, but rather the recognition that Regina had finally proved her usefulness.

"I am so very proud of you, Regina."

Emma hurried after her father in a daze, the taste of her wife's kiss lingering on her lips and fogging her mind. Too soon, she met the King's appraising gaze as he regarded her from his position next to a rather large glass of wine.

"You wanted to see me?"

"Simply to remind you of your duties. You were supposed to join me for the meeting of the Court today."

Emma's face paled visibly. "I'm sorry, Father."

"Hmm. Don't think I'll forget this. That girl was a necessary addition to this family but you will not ignore your responsibilities to this realm or trust me, she will not be in a position to distract you at all."

"She's not just some accessory I can put away on a shelf!" Emma ground her teeth in frustration. "If Mother were still alive she would never allow this."

Her ears rang as he slapped her sharply.

"Your mother was selfish, she forgot herself and she is dead because of it! I will not accept the same from you."

"My mother believed in love."

"Love? Love is for stable boys and maids rutting in the hay. You think anyone cares if you find true love or not? They care that there is enough food to get them through the winter. They care that they do not have to worry about war because of the wealth that your wife's family will provide. Love is a luxury that we, with our castle and servants and bountiful feasts, cannot afford. Never forget that you have a duty to this land that is more important than any human emotion you or I have ever felt. So fuck your pretty little wife if you must, but remember that your life has never been – will never be - your own." He pulled her close, his breath hot in her face. "And do not mention your mother to me again."

Disconcerted, Emma pulled herself from his grip roughly. Without a word she stalked to the door, barely repressing the urge to run.

"Emma."

She tensed.

"If you ever do anything to harm the realm or this family, I will gut you myself."