New chapter here.

Thank you to those that had commented on the last chapter, much loved and sorry its been long in updating. Hope you all enjoy and happy reading.

I don't own OUAT

"She's too perky."

Ruby turned to see Regina sitting and leaning against the trunk of a huge oak tree. She was staring at the princess who was spinning in the middle of the clearing, smiling widely and laughing as the leaves fell down around her, Ruby turned to look at her other friend and rolled her eyes humorously, her own smile forming before turning back to Regina who was also looking like she was about to show her own jovial endearment.

Make her stop."

The smile faded as she stared at the pouting dark-haired girl. The last couple of weeks they had met in young royal in secret. Regina didn't want to at first and was strongly refusing to make the journey with Ruby, who begged and pleaded with her to come along, she had tried that for a while but to no avail, she then tried to work on her conscience – telling her that if she went by herself she might end up getting hurt by who knew what.

Regina had laughed and said she was more than capable of taking care of herself before it dawned on her that Regina was the most morally stunted person she had ever met. With whatever compassion she had ranging from the very low to the almost extinct and so knew she wasn't going to get her that way.

After exhausting every route she could think of she ended up sealing the deal with bribery. Regina would accompany her to visit Snow who would sneak out and meet them in exchange for the brunette doing her hunting for the next two months. She sullenly agreed but not before scolding her about how cruel she was.

Not that it bothered the Dragon girl who just shrugged. Her company didn't come free after all as they set off on the familiar path.

"I can't just make her stop." Regina turned to look at her; she threw her hand out and replied. "Want me to."

Ruby glared earning a laugh as she shook her head. Scurried footsteps had them both looking to see Snow excitedly running over to them.

"Isn't the woods just amazing" She stopped in between them as Ruby smiled widely and nodded. Regina rolled her eyes and plastered a saccharine smile as she spoke.

"Just the best,"

Ruby glared once more at the tone which seemed to bypass the princess but having already been familiar with it for far too long, she knew when she was taking the piss. Mouthing silently to her she was in the middle of telling her to knock it off when Snow spun and faced the wolf girl once more.

"Let's go somewhere!"

The request made the raven haired girl want to groan. She wanted to go somewhere else, again? They had been moving around all morning, with the two giggling idiots running from place to place with her, slowly and very reluctantly… she couldn't stress that enough, followed on after them.

They had been all over and now she just wanted to rest when she was on about moving again. She frowned and was about to put her foot down when noises from around had her freezing.

Eyes darted from tree to tree as she tried to work out what the sound was, she glanced to Ruby who to must have heard the noise and was staring at her, she nodded so slightly that if Ruby wasn't looking at her and didn't have the eyesight she did, she would have missed it, she didn't have any idea on what it was making them both nervous.

If there was one thing she didn't like it was when situation's had her feeling like something was about to happen. She didn't call it sixth sense or even a gut instinct; it was more bad luck and so with another look which Ruby saw her face and knew what she was going to do, she looked to the still oblivious princess before nodding once more.

Very carefully Ruby stood with Regina following suit still taking in their surrounding's as the other girl talked to Snow making sure her voice was loud enough to hear.

"Sure – where did you want to go next?"

Snow turned to look at her, her smile disappearing slightly as she thought. Regina was still looking around and internally wished she would hurry up, finally she decided and her smile returned.

"The small cavern in the woods, it was so beautiful, oh let's go there again!" Acquiescing to her wishes Ruby allowed her to drag her along as the raven haired girl took up the rear still listening to the sounds that where around them. By the time they got to the small clearing the rushing sound of water could be heard as it crashed over the rocks before pooling in the small ravine as Snow took off running.

Ruby smiled and moved with her as Regina took her seat on the edge. By now she had figured out just what was following them and cursed at how she could have missed it – or rather them – she looked out over the two giggling girls and mentally abused her own lack of awareness.

"Stupid… ruining me… why do I bother," She frowned and leant back on her hands. Soon enough the sound had followed them and now accompanied the scent as it grew more potent in the cold air, that mixed with the waters smell she found it all to cloying and so decided to do something about it.

She glanced at the two other girls who had by now taken off their shoes and was messing around in the water, kicking it and splashing each other, laughing loudly.

"God she was infectious in such a bad way." With careful moves she edged back so she was next to the underbrush before rolling so that it covered her completely before she crawled to reach the trees and moved carefully to her feet. Still listening she could hear the two still enjoying themselves which she used as a cover to go and find the people following them.

Using the scent with only grew stronger in the West; she carefully made her way in an arc – around the clearing and past the men watching from the edge of the trees, using the shade as their own cover to avoid being spotted.

She moved until she got past them before doubling back taking care not to step on any twigs or crackle leaves before managing to get closer to them. Edging all the more near she could hear them speak, as it seemed they had not only noticed that gone but also was planning to do the same as she had.

"Where the hell is the third?" They were scanning the area in panic as some kept their gaze on the princess and brunette whilst others looked around for the missing member of the trio.

"She was right there before – how could she have gone now – we were watching the whole damn time!" A smacking sound saw one hit the other on the chest as he growled in frustration.

"Dammit this is bad!" From behind them she elegantly snorted and took to watching them. She was enjoying the little show as she found it far more entertaining than what she had currently been witness to before she knew it was time to act as one got ready to move. Carefully she shifted to her knees, and carefully shuffling she crept closer, waiting for the moment they finally acted before striking.

"Screw this – one of us has to go find her," They looked at each other before the first nodded sighing and with one last look at the two in the middle he turned. Not that he got far as Regina had used their momentary distraction to her use and pounced. A slight yelp erupted from both as she hit them from behind, using her strength she managed to get the both in her grip as they struggled.

She grabbed both their heads and brought them together, watching as they knocked each other out before letting them go and smiling as they keeled over. She nodded in satisfaction before moving off to the next leaving their unconscious bodies in the bushes. She made her way around systematically, getting the drop on them one by one or two at a time taking them all out until finally she got to the man in the middle.

She parted the bush she was using as cover as she spied him looking on at the royal and her friend. She watched his body tense each time Ruby placed a hand on Snows shoulder and rolled her eyes. She was content to just sit and wait but when Snow shoved Ruby under the water, with the wolf retaliating and dunking the princess head the same way, he went for his sword and unsheathed it slightly.

The sound had her on guard as she watched him watching them before a scream had him moving which also prompted her to dive forwards.

The two had been having fun in the small pond, diving on each other and Snow let out a happy scream when Ruby grabbed hold of her foot and dunked her under, she sprang to the surface laughing and wiping the water from her eyes when a loud crashing and fast movement had them both turning quickly.

The sight before them caused another scream to fall from her lips but in fear this time as she saw two people just at the other end come tumbling from the trees - rolling about, it was clear they were fighting as the sword in the man's hand led to her heart stopping. She saw that one was Regina and her panic grew at the sight of her other, if not slightly aloof friend being in danger.

Ruby had scrambled from the water on seeing her best friend scrapping with an armed man and was about to move to help when a strangled yell from the man cut the air as the other girl had managed to top him. She grabbed hold of his shirt at the back pinning him to the ground as he flailed and tried to hit out with his free arm.

They both watched as Snow had to climbed from the water and stood next to Ruby staring with wide eyes as Regina then used her strength to haul herself up and bring him with her, the grip on his clothing tight and inescapable before she moved it to his neck which caused him to yell again as she used her nails to pinch the back of his neck causing him to jolt and lift his head.

Snow gasped on seeing who it was and was about to move but was stopped by Ruby who shook her head. The princess went to protest but more yelling had her looking to see that Regina had kicked his leg from under him forcing him to bow on one knee. He went to swipe at her with his sword only to have his hand caught in her vice like grip.

He moaned when he felt his wrist being crushed and the weapon dropped from his hand when she pulled back and swung his hand on the sold tree next to them rendering him weapon less and now defenseless.

He was at her mercy and they both knew it, he let out a ragged breath and closed his eyes as he could feel the final blow coming his way when a scream had his would be attacker stopping as Snow ran forwards.

"SNOW" Ruby moved to try to stop her but she slipped from her grasp and ran to where Regina had him on bended knees. The raven haired girl looked to her, a mixture of disdain and confusion on her face as the other girl fell to her own knees in front of him.

"Regina, stop, please!"

She reached out and lifted his head to meet her gaze as he smiled lightly. "Princess"

She smiled but it fell as Regina, who was pissed – spoke - her words harsh and sharp. "I'm taking it you know him?"

She nodded a little as she stared at her again. This time silently pleading as the Dragon girl harshly exhaled before letting him go as he slumped a little, being held up by the smaller girl who was now looking back at him.

"Reginald… are you ok?"

Ruby had moved quickly to Regina's side – the other girl looked at her, a brow arched as if waiting for her to chide her but was surprised when Ruby gave her a small smile and a shrug. She knew that Regina had no idea who they were so she couldn't exactly be mad for something that wasn't her fault; she was only doing what she would have done if she had been given the chance.

The sound of metal scraping along the ground had them both twisting their heads fast to see Snow helping a dazed Reginald to his feet. He bent had took hold of his sword, all for placing it back in its cover but not before seeing the piercing gaze of his attacker. He looked at her and knew immediately that what she was thinking, he didn't want to be the recipient of another sparring with her and so very carefully, making a show of him putting it away, he slid it back in its sheath.

It seemed to lessen the gaze but not the tension as she eyed him hawk like before he stood up straight, his body aching, his neck killing and his leg slightly twitchy from the kick.

After making sure he was ok. Snow turned back to her friends who were on the other side of them. Waiting, as she smiled apologetically and spoke,

"This is Reginald; he's my father's second in command and one of the palaces finest." He lifted his gaze to meet theirs and judging from the slightly incredulous stare the brunette was giving him and the knowing one from the other girl, laced with both haughty derision and pride. His status of being one of the best had sorely taken a beating.

"Hello."

Ruby smiled lightly and nodded. Regina, as usual, never said a word but kept her gaze on him. Snow turned back to him. "What where you doing out here?"

The tall man turned to the royal he had been sent to follow and keep an eye on as his own apologetic grin spread across his face. "My duty, princess"

It didn't take her long to figure it out as she sighed and slouched, "Father sent you didn't he?" They knew it but he nodded all the same.

"I'm sorry my lady. But it was for your own protection." He glanced at the two still silent. "Though to be fair I think you had far better protection here than with any of us."

Once more the gleeful smugness poured from her as Ruby rolled her eyes and nudged her stomach. He turned back to Snow who was frowning.

"Princess I must insist that you return to the castle immediately," On seeing her protesting face he cut in "He allowed you this long because you never went far from the castle and we could see you,"

Regina stiffened at that and glared at him. "But seeing as you went further out we had to come and get you on his orders," She deflated once more knowing that she couldn't ignore an order from her father, she nodded sullenly before sighing. Ruby looked on sadly at having their time cut short.

Regina on the other hand tried hard to contain her new-found buoyancy. She had been wanting to go home all morning and with the opportunity presenting itself so gratifying in front of them, she did her best to not look so pleased.

"Well, if he insists" She had to restrain the fist bump and so did it mentally; Snow turned to Ruby her sadness evident in her eyes as she moved over to them. Ruby stepped closer as she took hold of her hands.

"I'll miss you," Behind them Regina had to stop the eye roll. It wasn't like she was going away, she was only going home, was she really that bloody sad as Snow looked to her and she schooled her slight revulsion into something natural.

"Miss you to, Regina"

Not trusting herself to say something insulting she merely nodded and gave what she hoped was her best look of fake despondency. "I'm sure."

The other girl stepped back and moved back over to the guard who had been watching. Ruby sighed and turned back to Regina who was itching to now just leave. They were all about to move away in spate directions when suddenly Snow turned around.

"Wait!"

Both stopped. One curious the other annoyed as they turned back to see the smiling face once more. "Come with us,"

"What?"

Two sets of voices spoke as Regina and Regina spoke. They looked at each other but Snow was now to focused on her idea. "Yes, please come… I can introduce you to father, he always wants to meet my friends and hearing so much about you, he'll never say no."

She broke eye contact from the guard at hearing that bit of information. "Hang on, you've told your father about us?"

Snow nodded, eyes wide not seeing the issue making her bristle slightly as by now her idea had taken over and there was no stopping,

"Princess I don't think that's such a good idea." Regina smiled and nodded with him. "Yes, Snow – listen to the man, his fighting abilities may have taken a decrease but not his brain power."

He stiffened and shot his own dark glare at her, something to which she simply smirked at. Snow didn't pay attention and was now tugging on Ruby's hand.

"Please…"

Ruby was silent. She had her own reservations about going to the castle up ahead, she had been told by near everyone to stay away from the king who hunted for pleasure and with Regina refuting the idea entirely she was all for agreeing, but with Snow pleading and how she looked, it was almost impossible to say no.

"You can have dinner with us."

The temptation of a banquet was enticing, from what they had heard it was never just a dinner with the king, but Snow seemed to naïve to understand the difference. She turned to Regina who to had fallen silent at the offer.

Dam her stomach; it was like it took over when food was mentioned and now it was seriously impairing her decision to say no again. She looked to Ruby who seemed to be having a similar train of thought and silently they communicated for a few minutes. In the end the promise of having their prey served up to them was too much to pass up, even if it as with the man who would no doubt would have gotten his hunting hounds if he knew what they were.

Snow beamed with joy as she threw herself at Ruby who chuckled and hugged her back, the other two stood and watched as they broke apart. She almost went to give Regina a hug who practically dived out of the way and waved her away with her finger. Snow shrugged and turned back to the guard who was in two minds, before sighing and nodding his head.

"We must leave now, the sun is already hallway and it'll be dark soon."

She nodded and with another tug on Ruby's hand she pulled her along. The two still standing watched them go, both sighed at the same time and turned to look at each other again before shaking it off, as Regina made to move past him he turned to call his men who had lain in wait, only to frown when they didn't show.

"Oh – before I forget." She turned around to face him. "You might want to get somebody to come for them… I doubt they'll be able to move anytime soon."

Alarm crossed his face and he turned once more to the shade before back to her, "What do you mean? What did you do?"

He really began to hate the look of superiority that came over her face as she replied. "I couldn't very well leave them unattended to now couldn't I? If I took out one the rest had to follow"

Disbelief spread over his face and he turned back to the trees. He listened to any sound but none came. "You… killed them all?"

She chuckled and shook her head. "No, though the thought did cross my mind. But no just knocked out." She smirked at his mouth as it dropped slightly; she spun around and carried on her way but not before leaving him with one last remark.

"So unless you're planning to carry them back to the castle. I suggest you call for help, because believe me they won't be waking anytime soon."

With that she left him to stare uselessly around the clearing and at the scattered points his men were strewn about. All taken down by one singular teenaged girl

He shook his head silently thanking that this hadn't taken place in court where the king could see because if that was the case… then his job and quite possibly his ranking, would both be on the line.