Omg, I'm sorry I've left this story for a year! I just haven't been feeling very inspired lately to write any Swan Queen :( Thank you to everyone who has stuck with me. It's so awesome to be back in the SQ community :)
Emma's green eyes immediately found Regina's deep brown ones, and she felt an immense surge of comfort when she looked at the older woman. The beautiful woman was standing by the carriages, petting two black horses and talking quietly to them. Somehow, she had changed too, since now she was wearing a dark indigo gown that plunged down in the front to reveal perfect, creamy pale skin, and her long hair was swept up in a perfect coif. Emma felt the air get sucked out of her lungs when she looked at Regina and she quickly averted her eyes when she saw Regina raise an eyebrow.
"Are you ready?" Regina said softly, heart fluttering her chest when she saw Emma's appraisal at her attire.
Emma nodded, not trusting her voice, and stumbled down the road and climbed in the carriage with a flush in her cheeks. Regina finished patting the creatures and then climbed up in the carriage and grasped the reins firmly in her hands. With a small smile to Emma, she flicked her wrists and the horses started walking, pulling the weight of the coach behind them. Emma sighed and settled back in her seat, taking in her surroundings. It was cold, but the coat protected the frail body from the harsh winds. White snow covered trees, and the sky was a beautiful blue.
"Are you warm?" Regina's voice cut into Emma's observations.
"Yes, thank you," Emma said and watched her breath puff out in clouds.
"I love the winter," Regina mused, turning to look at the blonde.
"Me too," Emma said stiffly. She really was bad at her social skills, having not communicated with anybody for quite some time.
"There's just something about it," Regina continued, not bothered by Emma's lack of participation in the conversation, "I suppose it had something to do with my childhood. When I was young, I always went horseback riding, and the first time I went in the snow, I knew it was magical. The snow somehow makes everything seem beautiful."
"It really does," Emma winced at herself. Trying to scrape together some kind of sentence that wasn't three words or less, she forced herself to say, "I think it's because everything seems so peaceful and quiet in the winter. Snow is a great cover to make ordinary things look extraordinary." Like you, except you're already extraordinary, she wanted to tack on the end, but pursed her lips before the words could get out.
"Yes," Regina smiled and turned her attention back on the path.
They rode in silence for a while, neither minding the lack of conversation. The beautiful nature of their surroundings kept both of their attention, and just the fact that the other was sitting by them was enough to make them feel like they could relax and not have to chatter the whole time. Regina had succeeded in making Emma get out of the castle for the first time in what seemed like years, and Emma succeeded in taking her first step to recovery. It felt good to get out, and Emma greedily inhaled the fresh, crisp air.
Suddenly, the horses whinnied and reared up. Regina immediately stood up and hurried to the front of the carriage, calling back to Emma, "Just a second. Something must have spooked the horses." Emma nodded and then shivered. It was getting colder the longer they were out, and Emma desperately wished she had a blanket. She turned to look for one, and when she turned back in defeat, a reptilian man was sitting cross-legged next to her. Emma screamed.
"Shh dearie," the scary man put a finger on his mouth. "You're safe with me."
Something told Emma that she was about as unsafe as she could get in this...man's presence. She opened her mouth to yell for Regina, when the creepy person shook his head and clicked his tongue.
"That won't work Princess," he smiled, showing rows of unkept teeth. "I've enchanted this, you see? We're in our own personal bubble!" he giggled madly, and Emma scooted away on the seat, her heart pounding in her chest. "I wouldn't do that if I were you," he cautioned when he saw Emma try and step out of the carriage. She ignored him, and a sharp pain stinging her in the back flung her right onto the man's lap. She gasped and scrambled to get off of him.
"Now dearie, I am a gentleman. I will require to get to know you first before we reach that stage," his dark orbs twinkled, and Emma had to suppress a retch.
"Who are you?" she asked confidently, her angry eyes burning into his glittery black ones.
"Why allow me to introduce myself," he twirled his hand in the air and bowed. "I'm Rumplestiltskin."
Emma gasped and tried to distance herself even further to put space between them. "What do you want?" she asked.
"Oh dearie," he smirked, "I know all about your...condition."
Emma's eyes flashed and she opened her mouth in an angry retort before Rumple raised his hand and spoked calmly, "I am here to offer you a way out."
"What do you mean?" Emma's curiosity was piqued.
He reached into his black jacket and pulled out a small vial that held a purple liquid. He shook it and grinned. "This potion will erase your sad memories, as well as Regina's."
"What does Regina have to do with any of this?" Emma's eyes didn't leave the potion.
"Well Princess, I know you hate having her around all the time," Rumple handed her the vial. "This will ensure that she forgets you, and you forget her. You can have your life back again."
Emma sat in stunned silence. It was so tempting to chug the drink at that very second, since it would take away all of her problems. But would you really give up Regina? a little voice in the back of her head whispered. She told it to shut up. She hated the older woman with all of her guts. No you don't. You're just mad that she's trying to save you. 'But maybe I want to be saved,' Emma mentally argued back. Then why go through with this? You can't trust him. He's an evil sorcerer. Give it back.
Mind made up, Emma thrust the bottle back to him and said firmly, "I don't want this."
Rumplestiltskin raised a leathery, long finger and Emma flinched, suppressing another scream. He snapped his fingers, and her coat flew off, exposing her dress underneath. Yelping, Emma tried to cover herself up, but Rumplestiltskin pushed her hands away and delicately traced the heavy wrapping under her breasts. Emma struggled not to clock the man in the face, since that would surely result in much more than him lightly tracing her ribcage.
"Such a shame," he shook his head. "To be plagued with such pain at such a young age. At this rate, you're going to be dead before you hit your next birthday."
"Shut the hell up," she growled. "Regina is helping me."
"And what a mighty fine job she's doing," he scoffed. He drew his finger away, and Emma let out a breath of relief. He snapped his fingers again and the coat flew back on Emma's body. "Just think about it."
Emma frowned. "Isn't there a price? My mother told me about you. You always have a price when it comes to deals."
"Oh no, this is special," a slow smile crept on Rumplestiltskin's face. "Just a gift from your old Uncle Rumple."
"Swear that there isn't a hidden twist or a snag," Emma stared at him.
"Nope," he squealed. "Just you use it in the best way possible!"
"Fine," Emma looked down at the bottle she clutched in her hand. "What the heck does the 'best way possible' mean?" She looked up and rolled her eyes when she saw that Rumplestiltskin was gone.
"That should do it. We should be good now," Regina's voice floated up beside the carriage and Emma frantically jammed the glass concoction in her pocket.
"Perfect," she smiled, trying to look nonchalant.
Regina seemed momentarily thrown before returning the smile and settling into her seat. Emma shivered, and Regina glanced over at her.
"Here," she waved her arm and a large, fluffy blanket fell over Emma's body.
"Thank you," Emma whispered, peering up at Regina under her lashes. "Are you cold?"
"Not too bad," Regina lied and shifted in her seat.
"Here," Emma repeated Regina's word and raised the side of the blanket, letting a relieved Regina gratefully slip under the warm cover.
Emma tentatively rested her golden curls on Regina's shoulder and curled her body against Regina's side. The brunette gasped, but loved the feeling of the blonde cuddled up next to her. She let go of the reins and whispered a spell to make the sled drive on its own. Regina wrapped her arms around Emma's body and rested her cheek on the younger woman's soft hair. Emma sighed contentedly and shut her eyes to think about Rumplestiltskin's words. This will ensure that she forgets you, and you forget her. You can have your life back again. Emma breathed in Regina's sweet scent and vowed to herself that she would never use it. It wasn't worth losing Regina over. Burrowing her head deeper in Regina's throat, she wrapped an arm around the slender woman's waist and held her closer. Hearing Regina's sweet sigh, Emma knew that she was falling hard for the older woman, and somehow, it didn't frighten her like it would have a day ago.
They got back to the castle after a wonderful morning wrapped in each other's embrace, and walked together to eat lunch with the Queen and King. Emma sat down across from her mother and father and next to Regina.
"How was your morning sweetie?" Snow asked her daughter, noticing the brightness in Emma's eyes.
"Oh, wonderful," she smiled at Regina.
"What did you do?" James asked.
"Regina took me on a carriage ride," Emma said, her cheeks rosy from the cold. "It was lovely."
"Well, that's good," James looked at his wife and squeezed her hand under the table. They shared a look full of relief and love. Their baby was saved.
"What would you like to do now?" Regina asked Emma.
"Hmm," Emma thought. "Maybe play chess?"
"Of course, but be prepared to have your butt kicked," Regina said with a twinkle in her eye.
"I'm a champ," Emma said proudly. "So if anybody's butt is going to get kicked, it's yours."
"We'll see about that," Regina's eyes narrowed.
Emma smiled and then yawned and stretched her arms above her head. Big mistake. A stabbing pain ripped through her chest and she let out a cry.
"Emma!" Regina shrieked and pointed at Emma's shirt where a red stain started blooming from the middle of it.
Emma gasped and lowered her arms immediately, covering the blood. Regina strode over to her and moved Emma's arms out of the way. Her large brown eyes filled with sadness, and Emma's stomach clenched at the sight.
"I'm so sorry Regina," she whispered, feeling tears start to prick at her eyes when she felt disappointment radiating off the brunette in waves.
Regina didn't say anything and led her to the bathroom silently. She raised Emma's dress over her head without a peep of complaint from the later, and her eyes inspected the poorly made bandage. Snapping her fingers, the bandage fell off, revealing Emma's breasts. The blonde was too ashamed to even try and cover her modesty. She sniffed and moved her eyes to the ceiling, praying for death. A sudden warmth spread through her, and she looked down to see a golden light surrounding Regina's hand resting on her cut. When Regina moved her hand, the cut was healed and the blood was gone.
"I'm sorry," tears streamed down Emma's face and she sunk down to the ground.
Regina enveloped her in a hug and gently rocked her back and forth. "Emma, don't be sorry to me. Be sorry to your poor body."
"I know, it was stupid and I just..." Emma blubbered.
Regina placed her finger under Emma's chin and raised it. "Emma, I understand that we've just started this healing process. I had just hoped-" she paused and sighed. "I had just hoped that maybe you didn't feel the need to cut anymore. Maybe I could have prevented it better."
"Regina," Emma breathed, losing herself in the swirling brown pools of chocolate, "I was just so sad this morning, but after the carriage ride with you, I have been happier than I have ever been in a long time. I swear that I won't cut myself again."
Regina nodded and rested her forehead against the blonde's. "I know," she whispered, closing her eyes. "I know Emma."
They sat on the bathroom floor for a while, comforting each other before Regina pulled away and smiled. "I think that we need to get you re-dressed again."
Emma blushed, her modesty coming back to her and she crossed her arms over her chest. Regina waved her hand and Emma's dress came over to them, newly cleansed and free of blood. Regina held out her hands and pulled the thin blonde up. She helped Emma slip into the garment and then stepped back, but reached out a hand.
"Ready to play some chess now?"
"You bet," Emma smiled at her, slipping her own hand in Regina's soft ones.
They exited Emma's bedroom and walked down the long and twisted corridors to the library. Once they were there, Emma sat on the couch and Regina in the chair across from her. A beautiful marble chess set with glass players were laid out in front of them, and Regina took a moment to appreciate the sophistication and beauty of the board. A servant came in, bowed to the two women, and then lit the large fireplace. Warm air flowed around the room, creating a cozy ambiance. Emma snuggled into the soft couch, and then bit her lip when she started the intricate and complicated game.
An hour and a half later, and both women's brows were furrowed when they studied the chess board. Emma had her white knight, her queen, her king, and her bishop, while Regina had her king, both of her rooks, and a couple of pawns. It was Emma's turn, and she considered her options. Then, a slight smirk graced her face when she realized she won, and she moved her white knight.
"Checkmate," she said triumphantly.
Regina's mouth dropped slightly open and she shifted her gaze from a smug-looking Emma to the pieces in front of her. Nobody had ever beat her before. Shaking her head in defeat, she looked up at Emma and stuck out her hand. "Good game Emma. And with your knight too!"
"What can I say?" Emma said jokingly. "I'm a genius at chess."
Regina smiled and then stood up and stretched, making Emma's eyes zoom straight to the queen's cleavage that was straining against the fabric they were encased in. Clearing her throat, Emma felt that the room just got 100x hotter.
"Are you alright?" Regina asked her, worry filling her voice.
"I'm fine," Emma said hoarsely. "Um...would you like to read?"
Regina looked at her with a look of concern, but allowed the change of topic. "Sounds lovely." She looked around at the big library. "You have an extensive collection."
"They're my parents'. I don't really like to read, but there are a few books that spark my interest," Emma shrugged.
"What do you like?" Regina's warm eyes settled on Emma's green ones.
"Um," Emma flushed. "I like Sebastian Mortimester. He always has beautiful works that make me laugh."
"Wonderful," Regina said and walked over to the couch. She sat herself down and looked at Emma. "Would you mind reading it together?"
"Of course not!" Emma squeaked before mentally scolding herself. She was acting ridiculous. Why, just this morning she hated the woman! She steeled herself and then crept over to where Regina was sitting. The magical woman crooked her finger, and the Best Works of Seb Mortimester came floating towards them. Regina opened the thick book and began to read in her smooth voice. Emma rested her head in Regina's lap and was thrilled when she felt nimble fingers weave themselves through her silky hair. She smiled and allowed Regina's sweet voice wash over her. They laughed at the appropriate times, and then, with two chapters to go, Emma reached up to tangle their fingers together. Regina stopped reading and looked down at Emma. They held each others gaze and Emma's lips parted unconsciously. Her face was illuminated by the light from the fire and the faint coloring from laughing earlier. Regina felt her heart swell and she dropped the book before she leaned down slowly. Emma's breath hitched, and Regina smiled at her. So close... Emma thought. Just a little more.
"Princess!" a voice interrupted them, and both Regina and Emma shot up guiltily. The servant faltered when he saw them together.
"What is it?" Emma asked, wanting to strangle him.
"Um, I was sent by the queen to tell you that dinner is served, and she's worried that about your whereabouts," the man said, still looking from Regina to Emma in confusion.
"Well as you can see," Emma gritted her teeth, "I am fine. So please go tell my mother that I am perfectly safe and that Regina and I will be there soon."
"Yes Miss!" he squeaked and left.
An awkward silence followed, and Emma looked at Regina. "Regina..."
"We should get to dinner," Regina said softly and waved her hand to put the book back.
"Right," Emma bit her lip and then started to walk to the Great Hall. Regina stopped her and brushed a wavy lock out of Emma's face. They stared in each other's eyes before Regina nodded for some unknown reason and reached down to hold Emma's hand before turning and leaving the library.
Emma tried to be quiet, but it was difficult. She rolled over for the millionth time and sighed. With Regina breathing so pleasantly in her ear, it was hard to fall asleep. Plus, Rumplestiltskin's words and proposition with the potion whirled around in her head, it was tough to ignore them. Emma turned on her stomach and then buried her face in her pillow. Then, mind made up, she flung her long legs over the edge of the bed and padded barefoot to her window. Regina cracked open her eyes and watched the blonde silently. Emma exhaled softly and glanced out of the glass, the moon's rays illuminating her face and casting beautiful shadows. Regina's heart ached, watching the conflicted woman. Emma turned around, and Regina snapped her eyes shut, praying that the younger woman didn't see her. Apparently she didn't, since she heard the door creak open and then shut with the utmost care not to disturb her. After she was sure Emma had left, Regina climbed out of bed and followed the blonde.
Emma wrapped her bare arms around herself as she walked slowly across the grounds. By some miracle, she had avoided the guards, and snuck out the back way. Her breaths came in clouds as she stopped by an old tree and looked up at the full, round moon. Her hair tumbled down her back, stopping at her waist and she sighed, brushing off some snow before pressing her cheek to the tree's trunk. Snow started falling gently and Emma closed her eyes, enjoying the peace of the moment.
"What are you doing up?" a soft voice came from behind her and she gasped and whirled around.
Regina was in a black nightgown that fell to her knees. Emma's mouth went dry.
"I-I went for a walk," she stuttered.
"It's cold," Regina stepped forward and wrapped a warm coat around Emma's shoulders.
"Thank you," Emma smiled shyly at her and held the coat up with her hand. "Aren't you cold?"
"No, I already told you, I don't get cold easily," Regina rested her hand on Emma's forearm, making the blonde desperately wish that the intruding fabric was gone so she could feel the heat from the brunette's soft hand.
"Ah," Emma said and looked up at Regina.
Snow was falling down around them, and some flakes got stuck on Regina's long lashes and clung to them. Regina never looked more gorgeous than she did that moment with the white crystals falling around her.
"You're beautiful," Emma breathed, not really thinking. As soon as the words were out, she gasped and blushed a deep red. She tried to step away, but Regina's soft grip stopped her.
"Thank you," she said hoarsely. "You are beautiful too."
"Regina?" Emma had to get this out.
"Yes Emma?"
"I wanted to thank you," Emma said, looking in Regina's eyes. "Thank you for not giving up on me and thank you for...saving me."
Regina ran her fingers through Emma's hair and leaned in. "You are the most welcome," She breathed against Emma's lips before pressing her full lips against soft ones. Emma gasped but returned the gentle kiss, hesitantly stroking Regina's lips with her own before growing bolder. She licked the brunette's lips and slipped her tongue in Regina's warm mouth. Regina wrapped her arms around Emma's back, and pulled her closer to deepen the kiss even further. Emma felt like she was drunk, but her alcohol came in the form of a slender, wonderful, gorgeous woman. Her head spun when she tasted the brunette and she flung her arms around the older woman's neck, panting. Regina slowly turned down the heat of the kiss, and then broke away and rested her forehead against Emma's. Emerald eyes bore into chocolate ones, and their affections for each other shone clearly. Snow fell gently down all around them, and the two women were so lost in each other, they didn't notice the green man watching them from a distance.
"How could this have happened?" Rumplestiltskin tapped his chin as he watched the two women kiss again. "She should have drank the potion," he muttered under his breath. "No matter! Regina will be mine one way or another," he watched Emma and Regina with a glowing hate in his eyes. "You've made a very big mistake Princess Emma," he giggled, then turned on the spot and was gone.