Author's Note - Yay! We're done being sick and kinda busy. Though, we're still busy ;) However, a meaty chapter update for all you lovely readers. I'm sure this will be worth the wait. Please let us know what you think!
"What?!" Emma lost all pretense at being quiet and stomped right up to her, kicking up stones and dirt in her wake. Regina's plan was absurd! "Are you crazy? If we get caught, we're going to be fucked - let alone doing who knows what to get inside! We might mess things up in the future. There's … too many variables to consider." Looking confused, the blonde furrowed her brows. "And … how the hell am I being the reasonable one in all of this? You should be the one convincing me not to break into your castle. Not the other way around!"
"Would you rather go and talk with Rumpel? Remember that it was his hidden agenda that led me to create the curse in the first place. Would you rather risk me, or explain to him what a mess we have on our hands?" Regina shot back. "Believe me, I'd rather deal with the… evil… version of myself than deal with him at all in this land."
Emma's demeanor was more considerate and quiet as she approached this from Regina's perspective. In all honesty, who better to dodge any lasting ill effects with the Regina from now, than Regina herself? With the storybook and Emma's own dealings with Gold, he would want reassurances for his help without requiring a deal, or - more than likely - force them into a deal. And if the glamour spell didn't fool him, seeing Regina here could set up some major consequences and require more detailed explanations then they would be prepared for.
"I said I trust you. And I do. You just … can't blame me for freaking some since you want to sneak into your castle," she relented. "Well … I've broken into more sophisticated places before. That's a bonus. And you know your castle. So … you think we can really do this without causing too much of a stir with the guards and stuff?"
Regina nodded. "I know ways around the castle where we can move about unseen."
Do I tell her about the plan to rescue Marian? If she thinks breaking into the castle is bad… she mused. Regina gave her a sidelong look, then decided it was best to just be honest.
"I have an additional reason to go into my castle: Marian. Back then…" She sighed heavily. "I had her killed for her defiance and her refusal to give up your mother. This is my chance to rectify that…"
The blonde didn't say anything, only closed her eyes with a sigh because the situation was awkward. Regina had killed the wife of her supposed soul mate, pixie dust-chosen, true love that Tinkerbell had pointed out. It explained the recent dirty looks Robin Hood had been throwing at the former evil queen, and Emma by default. She was still ignorant of the pair's private conversation and did not realize that was a partial motivating factor in rescuing Marian as well. This made things more complicated but Emma Swan was not about to let someone die. Not if they could save them. Not if Regina was trying so hard to be good and fix a mistake of her past.
"I'm all for this, but … Regina? We can't just rescue her and let her go! Even I know that could mess things up big time," she said, accepting the plan but not the outcome. "Unless ... " Green eyes glanced over at her lover inquisitively. "Are you planning on bringing her with us?"
"Yes. She'd have to come with us. And the only way she'd be willing to is thanks to the glamour spell. She'd never know it was me from the future, doing… well, doing the right thing." Regina's mind was racing now that she had Emma's support; truthfully, she had been anticipating a fight. "It will be tricky to get to the dungeon to rescue her, but once we're within the castle… we can obtain the magic we need, then get her out."
"So … we sneak in, grab magically needed items in your you now's stash, get to the dungeons to free Marian, and then get the fuck out before you know there are shenanigans going on in your castle." She shrugged and laughed in dismay. "Totally simple. Especially since we don't know what we need from your version of the vault here to get back."
"Well-"
The pounding of hooves on the hard-packed road coming up behind them hard and fast cut Regina off. Brown eyes went wide, knowing that had to be her carriage. She thought they'd had more of a lead on the Queen's timeline than they apparently did.
Shit.
"Get to the side of the road. Now. Bow your head as she goes past," Regina said in a rush. "Do not look up. She... I… she… wants obeisance. Just keep your head down. We'll be seen as peasants and the Queen will keep moving. And… if the worst happens and she should stop for some reason, let me do the talking, alright?"
Emma's heart pounded against her chest as they quickly moved to the side of the road. She kept close to Regina and nodded fervently. "Yeah. I got it. Bow my head and shut up. You do all the talking."
As the carriage just came into view, the savior immediately bowed her head, eyes fixed to the ground. She reached for Regina's hand and squeezed, needing that extra incentive not to do something inadvertently idiotic, knowing what was at stake here.
Regina squeezed back, a feeling of dread spreading through her. Please keep going, don't stop. Nothing to see here. Just keep going, Regina! she thought.
The carriage came to an abrupt halt and the mayor of Storybrooke cursed under her breath, squeezing Emma's hand harder. Wanting to help her lover through this now impending interaction, she whispered, "Only look up if and when we're addressed. Go for humility. Remember I… she's known for killing anyone who shows defiance. We don't need to find Marian by ending up in an adjoining cell."
Oh fucking hell! The carriage stopped! Emma's mind had been racing but it was Regina's calm, nurturing, voice that helped the savior steady her thoughts and give her direction through this crazy awkward situation. With a death grip on her lover's hand, she whispered back, swallowing her trepidation. "Got it. Thank you …"
Though she had signaled the halt, the Queen did not immediately disembark her carriage. She waited for several heartbeats, studying the hand-holding peasants with a critical eye. Gaze narrowed, she nodded to her guard who then opened the door for her and helped her out.
There is something about them… about her…
"Ladies, well met," she said, studying them closely. "What brings you down the Queen's road today?"
Squeezing Emma's hand, Regina looked up then and sketched a quick curtsy, making sure to do it with a peasant's awkwardness and not in a courtly way that could betray them. Emma followed suit, knowing that this was respectful form in honoring your sovereign, and didn't have to phone it in. She was all kinds of clumsy in performing her curtsy - needing to grip Regina's hand tighter as she lost her balance. The brunette grabbed her harder, pulling her upright.
"Your Majesty. We're traveling the Queen's road to visit the market on the morrow," she replied, feeling faint at how incredibly ridiculous this was, talking to herself. Regina prayed that Emma's awkward antics didn't get them into trouble! "I hope we did not inconvenience your journey with our being on the road."
Tilting her head, the Queen's gaze dipped to their still-held hands. She lifted a perfect eyebrow, shifting her gaze back to make eye contact. There was a definite edge to her voice as she asked, "Lovers?"
Whether it was her Regina, or the Evil Queen, Emma knew that tone and it wasn't going to be pretty if they answered incorrectly. Beating Regina in answering, Emma responded with the first thing that came to mind.
"No, your Majesty. Sisters," she said, forgetting to lift her head up.
Queen Regina nodded once, but still looked pensive and curious about them. She came to a decision and decided to attempt a friendly demeanor. Why not? It had been a very productive afternoon.
"Since we are traveling in the same direction… why don't you journey with me? I've had a very good day," she smirked, "and would not mind sharing my carriage for a change."
Oh hell, Regina thought. Talk about changing the past! What is she doing? I never picked up strangers! Well, except the time I walked with Belle in order to toy with Rumpel… oh, this cannot be good. I've only done that if I had an agenda. Oh no.
"We'd… be honored, my Queen," Regina replied because she knew there was nothing else they could say. To refuse her would be to sign their own death marks.
Emma wanted to look at her Regina for any measure of comfort and what the plan was then, just get in the carriage with the Evil Queen and wing it! But what else was there to do than stick with the known plan - "Shut up and let Regina talk." Granted, she already failed once at that part, but her quick wits managed to temper the Queen and she was actually respectful in doing so!
"Yes. Thank you, your Majesty," added Emma, figuring it was good to show solidarity in getting to hitch a ride with the ruler of the Enchanted Forest.
I'm going to be surrounded by Reginas. This is like a good fantasy gone really bad, really quick. Ugh.
The Queen smiled her terrifyingly charming smile and walked back to the carriage, knowing they would fall in line. The guard's expression was unreadable as she climbed aboard, taking the forward-facing seat. She looked toward the open door as the sisters boarded, trying to figure them out.
Regina slid onto the bench across from her younger self, keeping her gaze averted once more. She could see, though, that the Queen could've cared less about her. Her brown eyes were riveted to Emma. Alarm rippled through the mayor, recognizing why they were invited to travel with her.
Oh god, no. She has a thing for Em too?! Oh hell… that's what I get for even entertaining the idea of her being bait! Regina thought. Why can't I just think us home then?
Sliding in beside her Regina, Emma folded her hands onto her lap to avoid doing anything nerve wracking with them - twiddling or rolling her thumbs, tapping her legs in some crazy tune, or even hold her lover's hand. That already warranted enough scrutiny on the road that she rather avoid any further probing questions. As per informed protocol, she kept her eyes away from the Queen and watched the guard locked up the carriage.
Well, at least I got the window seat! Small favors. Unfortunately, Emma failed to realize that the carriage had windows on either side for that comment to make any sense, far too rooted in looking in the opposite direction of Regina's regal self.
"What are your names?" the Queen asked, looking at Emma still.
Regina pursed her lips, realizing that Emma was going to need to respond. She gave her a gentle elbow to the ribs, hoping she got the hint that the plan had just changed again.
Oh, great. Now she wants me to do the talking? Really?! Need to think quick.
Looking up, Emma was startled that the Queen was already focused on her. Even though she had said very little and acted in deference to her so called sister. She had to think fast because another second hesitation and Queen Regina was going to become suspicious. So, she went with the first names that popped into her head from a show she had watched not too long ago.
"Well, I'm … Helena, your Majesty," she answered quietly, "And this is my sister, Myka."
Regina crooked an eyebrow at her. Helena and who?
The Evil Queen barely glanced at Myka before looking back at Helena. "Lovely. Are you from a nearby village? You seem quite familiar to me, but I cannot place either of you."
"No, your Majesty. We're some days walk from here," Regina said, inserting herself into the conversation to try and help Emma.
Smiling at the mayor, Emma hoped her relief didn't show as her attention went back to their queenly hostess. "We come every other month to the market. So we don't travel the road that often."
"I see," she replied, still gazing at Helena. "And do you have lodging arranged when you reach the castle? I am aware that the inns often fill on the larger market days and you two have indeed a late start..."
"Well, uh … we usually end up finding a place to stay." Emma looked at her 'sister' fondly. "Myka's a difficult one to say no to, Majesty."
A fact that was quite true considering it was Regina. Which also meant that Regina as Queen was impossible to say no too, and Emma failed to consider why the young monarch was questioning them so. Or why they were even getting a ride from the ruler. They were just peasants.
This moment was where Queen Regina should've looked at Myka, or made some comment to her wiles or her powers of persuasion. But, she didn't. She continued to focus on Helena instead. "Would you allow me to provide you hospitality when we reach my castle?"
Storybrooke's Regina dropped her head, chin nearly hitting her chest. One might've thought she'd dropped off to sleep, but it was because she was trying to reduce the chance of her queen-self seeing her roll her eyes!
How transparent can she be?! I wasn't so obvious, was I? Really? she thought, incredulous. Regina paused and thought about how she had treated the Huntsman, then shifted her gaze out the window. Yes, I suppose my style has been rather tactless.
Why isn't Regina talking?! panicked Emma, so happy that her years of keeping cool under stressful situations wasn't giving her away. Unfortunately, there was only one correct answer to this dilemma.
"But ... your, Majesty? Your hospitality … is far too generous for peasants such as ourselves …" she said, bowing her head in respect and hoping that the Queen would take the comment in a positive light.
Regina watched the Evil Queen's expression closely, remembering that she had her own magic. If her regal self did something rash, Regina could poof them to safety. It would tip their hand and cause enormous problems, but it'd be better than dying at her own hand! She hoped. But, the Queen just looked perplexed by the polite deferral.
"I was thinking, perhaps, we could share a drink and you could tell me about the village you come from," the Queen said, sounding charming and unperturbed. "I'd offer accommodations for your sister, of course, while we meet."
Oh hell no… Regina thought. She means to split us up! But wait! That would give me time to work out what sort of magic we need, and spring Marian. But, Emma?!
She looked at Emma, eyes wide, not really knowing what to say or how to advise she respond. What Regina decided on was a vague, "Our sovereign is quite generous indeed."
Looking between Storybrooke Regina and Queen Regina, Emma was at a loss as to what was really going on. She lingered on her lover for a moment, not really getting a feel for her current emotional state. Just the same surprise she was feeling.
"I … uh …" she blinked at the regal visage of Regina sitting on the opposite bench before looking away. "Our Queen is. Yes."
Well, at least we don't have to break into the castle anymore …
The queen arched an eyebrow. "I trust that means you accept my hospitality... Helena?"
Just purr her name. Her FAKE name! Regina thought, resisting the urge to laugh. I know her real name! She's MINE, Regina! Not yours! Oh hell, I am losing my mind!
The way that the Queen said her alias sent a shiver down her spine because it was oh so familiar. Oh no. Oh hell no! Even here, in disguise, Regina has a thing for me?! Shit!
Emma saying no wouldn't work. The Queen would take offense and kill them without hesitation. Of course Regina could get them to safety, but then they would have to go to Gold for help because the kingdom would be in an uproar trying to locate them! Regina was adamant about avoiding him here.
"I uh …" she looked away, flushed for an entirely different reason than merely having the attentions of the queen. This is cheating on Regina. With … Regina? How the hell can I do this and keep our cover without it going too far? Shit!
"Y-yes… your, Majesty. I do." Emma saw no other option than to agree, hoping that her lover made quick use of the time given to her to get what, and who, she needed in the castle.
The Queen's smile deepened with satisfaction that Helena submitted willingly; it would've been tragic to have to force her compliance. "Delightful. I'll see to it that your sister has fine accommodations to rest in while we talk… you'll both be my guest."
Regina's head was spinning. This was - more or less - what she'd originally been plotting! But, now that it was playing out, she was plagued with doubts. Could Emma really survive against her evil self? She'd risen admirably to the challenge in Storybrooke when Henry had first brought her to town, but she'd been a Regina-without-magic when they'd first met. Would she be able to deal with her magical, and far more agonized self?
Gathering her wits, Emma looked directly at the Queen and spoke with more conviction than the meek peasant girl just seconds ago. "Thank you. You've gone far above any expectations we had on this venture to the market. Will I have some time to say goodbye to my sister before we're parted, Majesty?"
Good one, darling, Regina thought.
The Evil Queen eyed them again, still feeling like there was something more to them than mere sisterhood. Then, she shrugged. "You two are quite close, aren't you. Yes, of course, it's not as if I'm making you my prisoner. You can visit and make arrangements for the market or whatever you may need."
"Thank you, again," she said with some relief and fought the sudden urge to take Regina's hand. The Queen had commented on their faux relationship once again, and she didn't need to add more fuel to her continuing curiosity.
"Yes, thank you, Majesty…" Regina murmured.
The rest of the journey proceeded smoothly, with the Evil Queen asking polite, curious questions of them both, but mostly of Emma. Regina was just glad that her love managed to respond without getting them incinerated! That was promising.
The carriage swept swiftly onto castle grounds and the two "sisters" were led into the castle as part of Queen Regina's entourage. She paused at the intersection that led to the guest quarters and smiled darkly.
"You'll be quartered here," she told Myka, thinking the woman's appearance was quite haggard. How can these two be related?
"Helena, dear, the guards will escort you to my suite when you're ready. Don't be long," the Queen said meaningfully.
"Of course, Majesty," Emma said with a curtsey - which was far more successful than the first.
Regina had to be cautious to not walk around like she knew where she was going. After all, she'd just been here - in present time, of course - when Pan's curse had sent them all back to the Enchanted Forest. Trailing behind the guard that was set to guide them (and likely watch her, she realized), she mused on the irony that - weeks ago - she had been fending off Robin's advances here and snarking at him, and now, she was on a crazed plot to rescue his wife from herself!
Her queenly self had at least given her a choice suite to retire in while she "talked" with Emma. She sighed and slumped her shoulders, needing that moment of privacy to feel her exasperation and fear for them both.
"Oh, Em… what a damned mess," Regina groaned.
With the guards behind them, Emma felt safe enough to take her love's hand. "I don't want to do this. You just have to do what you need to do and rescue me before anything happens," she said stubbornly.
Regina searched her gaze.
"I'm so sorry you have to see me like this. That I'm… that she is so interested." She sighed. "I'll work as swiftly as I can. I promise. And I'll find a way to get you away from her. Just… try and remember that this is the me who hurt so badly that she enacted the curse. Yes, this is the woman who separated you from your parents, but her actions also led you to Neal so that you could have Henry."
Regina put on a sad, but brave smile, repeating sentiments that Emma had tried to impress her on her transition from Evil Queen to Regina the Redeemed.
"Please try to be gentle with her, as you've learned to be with me. She is so more much damaged," she whispered.
"I don't have any problems sharing the same space as her. I know she's you," Emma said quietly back and put on an equally brave face. "You don't need to remind me of that. I'm glad to hear you finally say all of that though. That you know that really isn't you anymore."
Now her expression darkened, the savior looking positively stricken with uncertainty. "I … just don't know if I can be with her like I am with you. It's hard separating all of that with the intimacy. She isn't exactly the woman I fell in love with yet ..."
Thus far, Emma had yet to see anything from the young Queen that would equate her to the mayor she fell in love with. Henry had ten years to temper the hole in Regina's heart, and that hadn't happened yet.
Regina blushed and squeezed her hand hard. "I love you so much for saying that. Truly."
She wanted to embrace her, but as sisters, it wouldn't make sense to be that showy with emotion. Or at least, Regina didn't think so. It was better to be cautious.
"Be careful. I'll come get you as quickly as I can."
Squeezing back, Emma subconsciously knew to follow her lover's lead and not embrace her, despite how badly she craved the contact. "You too. I really don't want you sharing a cell with Marian. Means I'll actually have to become a White Knight like Henry says I am and come save your ass."
She gave the mayor a cocky grin, knowing that her lover had all of her magic at her disposal, but it was fun to paint the picture of being that kind of hero for a moment before letting Regina's hands slip away. Turning to the guards, Emma nodded. "I'm ready to see the Queen now."
As Emma walked off into the likely arms of her younger, evil self, Regina forced herself to walk into the guest suite. She couldn't think about what was going to happen or how Emma was going to handle this. Regina had to focus on several objectives that now faced her and her alone.
Find a magical item that can get us home. Free Marian. And slip a forgetting potion into the Queen's wine because I cannot remember who Emma is when she comes to Storybrooke for the first time!
Of course, right now, the Queen couldn't see the true Emma because of the glamour spell. However, she was one of the most powerful magic users in the realm, so Regina realized there was a chance that the Queen might realize that was what was odd about "Helena." She couldn't take the chance that the evil regal would strip away the spell and see Emma for herself.
I have to make her forget this whole encounter with us, she thought. I have to.
Gathering her nerve, Regina decided to make good use of her knowledge of the castle. She pressed her hand to a crest that adorned the wall, stepping back as a hidden panel opened to reveal a passageway. Taking a deep breath, she stepped inside and climbed the long, winding secret staircase up to the Queen's tower ...
Walking in the middle of her guard escort, Emma's was working on calming her agitated mind as they approached the Queen's personal quarters. She knew Regina could take care of herself - using her magic discreetly if required and knowing all the ins and outs of the castle - but the blonde couldn't help fret. The mayor had tasked herself with finding a way home and freeing Marian, which were no simple feats!
I need to be the distraction for as long as I can to buy Regina time. There's just no other way. She can easily manipulate anyone in the castle to get what she needs. Of course that means the Regina I'm about to have drinks and chatting it up with will probably be doing the same with me.
As her mind raced, Emma's heart didn't think that was entirely true. The Regina from here seemed more curious about her than anything else, even more amused at Emma's polite refusal of staying in the castle.
And she even let me see my 'sister' before heading up to see her. So … I don't know.
Approaching the Queen's chambers, the lead guard knocked and announced their presence sharply. Emma fidgeted with her fingers, cracking her knuckles while fully processing what the most probable outcome of the situation were to be.
This is still your Regina. The woman you're going to fall in love with. She even made you believe in true love. She's just lost like you were growing up ...
As Helena arrived, Queen Regina had removed her wide-brimmed hat and stood at her balcony, staring out at the kingdom. There was something tempting and dangerous about this peasant, Helena. She couldn't put her finger on the problem and that deeply vexed her. Sighing to herself, she turned as Helena was announced and favored her with a knowing, devastatingly beautiful smile.
"Hello, my dear. Won't you come in?"
Emma immediately felt her heart melting with that look, one she knew so intimately. She could almost forget that this was the feared Evil Queen, reaffirming her thoughts prior to entering these chambers that this was still her Regina.
Just not completely yet. Have to be careful.
The guard stepped aside allowing entrance and the savior couldn't help her wandering eyes. Any peasant would be fortunate to have an audience with the queen, let alone see her private quarters. The opulence was exquisite with hanging tapestries, plush furniture comfortably located by the roaring fireplace, and a sturdy wooden table that had food and drinks prepared for far more than just two. Gluttony of the rich and powerful still held true even in this land.
She entered as far as the border of the fur rug that rested against the stone floor and curtsied, bowing her head until Regina expressed her wishes. "Hello, Majesty," Emma said, Regina's quick lessons on the road had not been forgotten.
Regina regarded her for a long moment before she gestured toward the buffet. "I always have an appetite after a journey. Would you care for a bite as well?"
Oh hell. Like I don't know what appetite you're referring to.
Now that Emma felt that she was being addressed in a manner that could let physical formalities slip away, she looked up and gave the monarch a genuine smile. "Well, truth be told, I'm always hungry."
Then she blanched. Shit! Did that sound like I was flirting back? Or did I sound like I just wanted to actually eat food? Shit!
Regina's smile deepened. "Good. Let's partake then."
"Uh … right. Sure. Thank you." She cleared her throat and advanced on the table, making sure to keep that between her and the Queen as a barrier, and found the food more interesting than her host at present. There was something that was too small to be a chicken, but it looked like one, and Emma peered closer to figure it out while grabbing a piece of bread.
Regina did select a few items from the buffet, delicately sampling the fare. But, her attention was riveted to Helena, studying the woman closely.
"What village did you say you're from?" she asked, a smile obvious in her tone.
Curiosity finally getting the better of her, the blonde grabbed the tiny leg and pulled … getting nothing but bone. She dropped it back on the plate and nibbled on her bread instead, feeling the fool around this Regina more than ever as her majesty asked what was supposed to be a simple question. Thinking back on the conversation that was shared on the ride in, Emma gently corrected the queen since neither of them had confirmed they were from a village. "We're from a farm further north. Why we need to come for supplies now and then. Rather isolated bit of land."
"Ah."
She scrutinized Helena's difficulty with the quail and tried to juxtapose that against a farm girl's likely expertise. It didn't make sense that she should struggle, even out of nerves. Or so Regina thought. There is something about her… what is it? Setting aside her own plate, she cut the meat off the bird and held it up on a fork, presenting the bite to Helena.
Eyes wide as saucers glanced from fork to Regina's face in rapid succession. When they finally came back around to settle against brown eyes waiting upon her, Emma realized she just had to go with it. The act was actually quite thoughtful, even though she was well aware of Regina's ulterior motives behind it. She could ignore the gesture anyway.
"Thank you," she replied clumsily and leaned forward, pressing her mouth around the tines and pulled the piece off to eat - finally realizing she should avert her gaze since she probably just over-sexualized the experienced.
Regina's predatory smile deepened, watching Helena eat off her fork. "Anything else you'd like to sample, my dear?"
"I … think I'm alright for now," Emma forced out, trying to hide her blushing face behind the guise of finishing her bread. It was so difficult to tone down her natural desire for the woman standing beside her.
...but you're interested, Regina thought, smirking. She resumed eating from her own plate, using the same fork just to be wicked.
Emma caught the gesture out of the corner of her eye and averted her gaze once again to the spread on the table. Really? Even using the same fork? If Regina ever ends up doing this when we get back, I'm going to either groan or laugh because I'll see the move coming a mile away.
"This really was too kind of you to have all of this prepared just for me. As your guest, Majesty," she said, trying to get Regina to talk more, hoping to stall her.
"I've taken quite an interest in you," she said with a smile. "I like to treat my guests well when they are intriguing as you are, Helena."
Regina prayed that her younger self was treating Emma well. It was such a ridiculous situation that she nearly laughed as she crept up the hidden stairwell. Emma shouldn't even be seeing or interacting with the Queen! This was insane! But, crazy though it was, Regina hoped Emma survived the encounter and that they could survive this foray into her past.
She moved silently and in utter darkness. She didn't dare light the sconces or use her magic, after all. Regina preferred the isolation and lightless space, moving by memory up the steps. It left her free to strategize and think.
Emma found her… me… sexy… as the queen. That's good. Right? She's intrigued, so she won't fear her. Yes. That's good, she reasoned. But, what if she's overly familiar? What happens then? What would the queen- what would I have done if someone was too familiar with me?
Regina grimaced, knowing exactly how she handled people who dared something so foolish.
Oh, please be careful, Em. Be gentle with my old self… but, please be careful.
The mayor paused at the top of the stairs, taking time to think about the layout of the queen's chambers. She knew where her younger self was likely to entertain Emma while she decided what to do about, or with, her. Regina stood in the darkness and considered the likely sight lines and exactly where she'd have to avoid being in order to keep from being spotted directly, or through one of the Genie's many mirrors.
Sidney. Oh hell.
She realized that he wouldn't be an obstacle though. He knew better than to try and play voyeur when the Queen was amorous. He'd tried once and she had threatened to smash every mirror in the kingdom if he thought to be such a fool again. So, with the sovereign entertaining Emma, he'd go wherever he went in the mirror when Regina wanted him scarce.
Thank goodness for small favors.
Regina opened the passageway just enough for her eyes to adjust to the light, then slipped out with such ease that the eighth dwarf would've been impressed! She didn't pause nor look toward the living quarters where Emma would surely be, making a hasty pace for the vault with her hearts and her magic.
Breathing a sigh of relief that she had at least reached her destination successfully, Regina set to work, creating a forgetting potion. Despite its name, that was easy enough for her to remember how to do. She worked quickly and efficiently, boiling the contents into a ready liquid that she thought she'd slip into the queen's drink.
How? I'll figure that out once this is ready.
Bottling the concoction, Regina pocketed it securely. Now, it was time to deliver the potion and get out before she was seen by the queen! She crept away from the beating vault of hearts and made her way to the bedchamber. The mayor of Storybrooke peeked out from behind the modesty dressing screen in the queen's inner sanctum and looked out into the main room where she stood with Emma. Regina resisted the urge to roll her eyes and crept forward. She assessed the space and realized there was no way to reach the wine bottle that they were currently drinking from.
I'll have to use the potion on a different one… in here. It's not as if I don't know what she is up to. So strange. Other than Graham, this isn't… like me.
Regina mused on that as she selected what she thought the queen would be likely to switch to and poured the potion into it. Then, she realized she had to find a way to warn Emma not to drink from this somehow, or she'd lose her memories of this too.
Would that be a bad thing?
Regina hesitated, listening with a keen ear toward the reception area where they were dining and flirting. She frowned, then decided to signal to Emma somehow; it could be her decision then. Regina wouldn't make it for her. She just had the added challenge, then, of figuring out how to clue her in…
How the hell's this possible? Is it this true love thing? The savior was baffled, really not understanding how Queen Regina just stopped on her way down the road to pick up some peasant girls because she found 'Helena' intriguing. It didn't fit into any preconceived notion that Emma felt in reading, or hearing Regina explain her old life.
"Majesty?" Emma couldn't hide the confusion in her voice. "I'm just a lowly peasant. I really don't understand how someone like me could be so interesting to someone of your stature," she explained, banking on being truthful.
"There is just something about you… but the fact that you're also obscured by a glamour spell surely plays into the intrigue," she said candidly, watching closely for Helena's reaction.
Shit! Now what the fuck am I supposed to do?!
Swallowing down the food in her mouth, Emma set aside what was left on her plate and worked her jaw, not expecting Regina to have noticed there was a glamour spell. Since her cover was blown, she might as well go for blunt Emma. "If you've known that, then why all the pretense in inviting me here?"
"What is the saying? Keeping friends close, but enemies closer?" she said, the friendly tone still clear in the queen's tone. Her gaze had turned shrewd though, responding to Helena's bluntness. "Who sent you? Maleficent? Rumpelstiltskin?"
Sighing, Emma placed hands on her hips and shook her head slowly. She had to be honest, but not too honest where she gave away any information that could jeopardize the future. "Trust me. No one sent me. Not sure that you'll believe me, but it's the truth."
Queen Regina lifted her brows and set her plate aside, stepping toward Helena, purposefully moving into her personal space. "Then, why are you under such a spell? Those take work. Believe me, I know all too well."
She dropped her hands, the presence of the queen so close making her feel adrift and relaxed all at once. It was comfortable and perplexing and it was difficult for Emma to string a coherent thought. "I … I don't want others to know I have magic…" she confessed, thinking of the best way to spin this, perhaps even gaining some sympathy from Regina. "I don't want to be used for someone else's agenda."
"You used the glamour spell yourself?" she asked, moving even closer, curiosity piqued. "My, you are powerful and beautiful then…"
Closing her eyes, the savior attempted to steady her nerves because she could almost feel the heat radiating off of Regina's body with how close she was now. "Just … lucky enough that I didn't turn myself into a toad yet, Majesty …" she managed to say, heart thundering behind her chest as she plucked the courage to open her eyes.
"In a distant land, it's said that if you kiss the right toad, he'll turn into a prince," Regina mused, gazing at her lips before looking into Helena's eyes.
Unconsciously licking her lips, Emma chuckled. "I'm no prince."
Technically, true. I do have the wrong parts after all …
"No, I suppose not. Does that mean you'd rather I did not kiss you?" the Queen asked.
"You … want to kiss me?" the savior replied, sounding apprehensive. "After what you learned about me?"
"That you're hiding behind a glamour spell because you can use magic?" she recited, smirking. "Perhaps our kiss will make the spell fall away and I can see who I am truly so attracted to…"
Green eyes widened in alarm. The Queen couldn't see her real face! Their first meeting had to be when she brought Henry home. "But … your Majesty? What if you do that and don't like what's actually hiding underneath?"
Not to mention the crazy clothes I'm wearing that don't scream Enchanted Forest!
From the bedchamber, "Myka" was frantically trying to get Emma's attention without giving her presence away to the queen.
"Are you positively repulsive beneath that spell?" Queen Regina teased.
"No … I …" Emma caught the frantic movements of her Regina out of the corner of her eye. When in the hell did she get here?! But she couldn't allow her pause to linger, for the Queen would become suspicious. "... I just don't want to disappoint you," she finished, sounding shy and hoping that would keep the young monarch's attention focused solely upon her.
"Myka" held up the bottle of wine and pointed at her emphatically, shaking her head negatively before pointing at the bottle. She hoped that Emma would understand that she shouldn't drink it. She paused, then pointed at the Queen and gave a fervent nod that she should.
Please understand me, dear, Regina thought.
Meanwhile, the monarch was unaware of the non-verbal conversation taking place. "I don't think you could. You're quite charming in your earthiness…"
An idiot as the mayor had rudely, and affectionately, called Emma - the blonde was not at this moment. Ooookay… Regina did something to the wine … all the way over there. How the hell am I going to pull this off?
She inclined her head in the direction of her lover that she understood, but also tucked a strand of hair behind her ear coyly for the queen's benefit. "You're really too kind, Majesty …"
And so on target about the charming thing, but not exactly how you think.
The Queen drew back, her smile fading. She moved toward the balcony, looking out at the kingdom beyond.
"Myka" gave Emma a quick thumbs up and moved out of sight, heart hammering in her chest. She hoped her younger self was gentle with Emma and vice versa; she was only sure of one thing in this: Emma apparently would succeed in getting the evil regal to drink the wine because Regina herself had no memory of any of this, if the past had changed for her.
With the queen moving away from her, Emma was allowed a moment to gaze upon Regina fully and couldn't help smiling at the mayor giving the thumbs up. It was rather comical, even in this dire of circumstances. The only problem was making a move now to get the wine bottle from where Regina was hidden would cause a lot of mistrust - more so now that it appeared their conversation had taken a bad turn for the first time since Emma arrived here. Plus, why would a peasant girl go snooping in the queen's bedchambers without permission?
"Majesty?" Emma called out, not following the young monarch too closely, as she felt Regina needed her space, remaining near the table.
Regina did not immediately respond, trying to make sense of the dissonance she felt. She wanted this Helena. Badly. And, unlike other liaisons she'd had, the queen felt that forcing physical intimacy with her would be a mistake. But, she didn't know why! There was an emotional tug she felt toward the spellbound woman, and she didn't know why that was either! Worse, she suspected Helena knew, but she was playing knowing-but-coy about everything and it galled her.
"Ordinarily, in a moment like this, I would coerce someone into my bed with seduction or threats," she said casually. "Why is it, with you, I feel that is the wrong thing to do? I have leverage over you, after all, with your sister here as my guest. Tell me why you are so damned different, Helena."
If that is truly your name, she thought with a spark of surprise that she hadn't considered that likely truth sooner.
Closing her eyes, Emma leaned against the back of the table, gripping the edges tightly as she considered how to answer. Despite Regina's voice being devoid of it, everything that had been said showed that sliver of vulnerability that Emma had picked up on since the two of them had met in Storybrooke. Without knowing exactly what the present Regina had done to the wine bottle, she couldn't do anything to jeopardize the future by being completely honest. All that she did know is that the queen was definitely at war with her emotions towards her. She knew she had to be gentle and not risk the wrath of the evil queen as well.
"I … don't know how to answer that, Majesty. But it really does move me that you don't see me as something to be conquered …" she answered honestly. "Not often does anyone take my feelings into consideration."
Which was painfully true. So few people in her life did - her parents, foster parents, Neal, Hook, the general populace of Storybrooke that just saw her as the savior. Now long before Emma were to meet her true love, Regina at her worst was questioning her usual tactics in bringing her to bed. It was actually making her angry that was even possible - the Evil Queen being considerate, while those that loved or idolized her were such a disappointment.
Regina nodded quietly without looking at her. "I understand that feeling all too well, believe me."
Biting her lip, Emma struggled with wanting to go to her and with what to say! She sighed, lowering her head. "Is there anything I can do to help take away some of your concerns about me?"
"No," she said curtly. "You're dismissed. Take your sister and get the hell out of here."
The words were out of the queen's mouth before she had chance to think about them, of course having no idea that her "sister" was skulking around the castle on a mission!
Emma visibly winced as if slapped by the queen's words, feeling the sting of them stabbing at her heart. It agitated her more than it probably should have. Taking a moment to settle her nerves, she pushed herself off the table and walked up the steps to the balcony, nodding to Regina, who still had her back to her. "I'm sorry."
She really didn't know how to stay here and believed that since the glamour spell had not been dispersed, whatever concoction was in that wine bottle was no longer needed. That just left the issue of finding her Regina, but Emma had an idea on how to go about doing that. It was just her loyalty to her true love was warring with wanting to stay and comfort the queen because it wounded her that she had caused the woman to suffer.
"It doesn't matter. My happiness never does," she whispered.
"Of course it does!" Emma said ardently. "You deserve to be happy Regina."
Her entire body froze then, realizing her slip but unable to take it back. She flexed her fingers and prayed that the woman who had showed her kindness was still there, not the woman who lashed out when in despair.
The queen turned sharply on her heel, staring at her in utter shock. "What did you presume to call me?"
"I'm sorry, Majesty. I … shouldn't have been so informal," Emma said biting her lip again, ensuring that this time she did not avert her gaze. "I just wanted you to believe that your happiness mattered to me. That was all."
Regina stalked toward her, closing the distance between them again. "And why does my happiness mean anything to you, Helena?"
Eye to eye with the queen once again, Emma stood her ground because at least she had not been outright attacked, even with how dangerous Regina's words were. "Because we're both survivors. I've been through a different sort of hell than whatever it was you dealt with, but I can see it. The whys and the what ifs and the thirst for getting what you want no matter the consequences."
It was a straightforward enough answer, but Regina wasn't happy with it. She shook her head. "There may be truth in what you say… but you're also being clever. You're dangerous and I can't risk you getting in the way of what I want."
"Believe me," the savior said with honesty in her voice. "I would never do that."
They were standing too close together; the queen's emotions were too keyed up from the victory found in capturing the woman in the village, and finding this Helena on the heels of that. What she felt for her Regina didn't understand and it scared her. The fact that Helena had refused her order, moments ago - to leave - unnerved her.
"You'll be my undoing," she whispered, frightened, even as she leaned forward to kiss her.
Now? Yes. But I wish I could tell you I won't be … that you really will be happy, Regina, thought Emma, as their lips finally met. She could not repress the shiver that ran down her spin, almost feeling the intensity resurfaced when they had truly kissed for the first time.
For Regina, it was the shock of her life as their lips touched. She gasped softly, slipping a hand onto Helena's arm. Whether it was to hold her there, or to anchor herself, Regina was unsure. She pulled back, dark eyes wide with fear and surprise.
"Who are you really?" she almost begged.
Emma had wanted to believe it was the kiss that had made the queen reel, but it was clear by her reaction that something more beautifully tragic had occurred. She had felt the ripple of magic that had resonated within the two of them. The very same when Regina had kissed her in the Bug to stop the aftereffects of being stabbed by the Dark One's dagger. Somehow, even now, Regina as the Queen was her true love. Their connection had ran so deep that it transcended realms and even time itself. But, the savior had to wonder if that would have remained true if she had not been the vessel of the heart that was beating so fiercely beside her. She could feel it.
"You know who I am," she said quietly. "Even if you don't know my name."
"No…" Regina said, denying this. "You can't be. You… but you…"
Falling silent, she touched blonde waves, seeing the woman who'd been masked by the glamour spell. Regina looked horribly conflicted, wanting to believe "Helena" could be.
"Who sent you to torment me?" the queen demanded.
"No one. That wasn't a lie," Emma said gently. "Our paths crossed by crazy circumstances." She lowered her head, shaking it, knowing that there was no choice but to find a way for the queen to drink the wine Regina magically spiked. Instincts were telling her now that her lover made some potion to make the queen forget meeting her in order to preserve their future. "Shit. I'm so sorry that this happened like this. I never want to be the reason you're upset."
Regina studied her, so afraid… and afraid of feeling that way. "Who are you?"
Looking up, Emma studied the queen closely and could feel the fear radiating off of her. Regina was vulnerable and seconds away from doing something rash - which could be incinerating Emma or possibly be driven further into the madness infecting her with her thirst for revenge.
"Emma," she whispered. "My name's Emma."
The kiss had changed their dynamic and she couldn't keep speaking veiled truths.
Regina stared at her steadily. "Emma. And you're…"
No. If I speak it, it will make it real and I can't because this can't be real, she thought. The queen reached out and touched her cheek, caressing it gently, unsure what to say. Heart pounding, Regina kissed her again. Emma instinctively leaned into the touch, reacting naturally as eyes closed before they kissed. Without seeing who was actually kissing her, the savior couldn't have noticed the difference between the Regina of now and the one she fell in love with in the future. It was still same gentle touch and the same pliable lips that she moaned softly against.
The queen plunged her hands into her hair then, deepening the kiss as she let this play out. She'd wanted this Helena… this Emma… from the moment she'd laid eyes on her. It was still terrifying because of who Emma claimed to be, but she couldn't not savor this moment. Another moan escaped her lips when Regina's nails grazed her scalp. It tugged Emma into a more active participant now that, it appeared, the queen had finally conquered the fear and trudged forward despite what the blonde represented. Strong arms came around Regina's waist, pulling her closer so the distance between them no longer existed.
She moaned, surprising herself. Regina pulled back and stared at her, then kissed her again, harder, deeper. She plundered her mouth, cupping her face in both hands, the rush of emotion and desire making her reckless. Emma reeled, returning the passion with the same fervor that Regina assaulted her with, realizing that her earlier reservations of being with the queen had disappeared. How could this be wrong if, even now, they were true loves and meant to be? She was not so foolish to forget that after this, she needed to make Regina forget, but at least now she could give that one moment of happiness that the queen desperately craved.
Regina pulled back again, brown eyes wide and full of desire.
"I've destroyed everyone I've ever cared for," she admitted in a rush. "This isn't safe for you to be here with me. Like this. I'll end up hurting you too."
"No you won't," Emma said adamantly, gazing upon her with love and conviction shining in her eyes. "You could never hurt me."
Regina laughed in disbelief. "Then, clearly, you aren't from here. My track record in life speaks to the exact opposite."
"I know you have the potential," the savior said, cupping the queen's face gently, "and I know it doesn't seem like that's possible now, but it's there. I can see it when you were looking at me just moments ago."
The queen eyed her and asked in a small voice, "Are you… here to keep me from seeking my revenge?"
It should have been difficult to say this, considering the circumstances. Regina wanted Snow White humiliated and dead. But, for all the misery that the evil queen had orchestrated in finally having her revenge, Emma wouldn't have had Henry, nor fall love in with Regina Mills.
"No," the blonde said reassuringly. "I'm not."
Regina nodded, hands sliding slowly up and down Emma's sides. "But you want to be here? With me?"
"Yes," said Emma, smiling as she stroked the young queen's cheek. "There's no other place I'd rather be than with you, Regina."
To call her anything but her given name felt wrong. Emma knew how vulnerable her Regina was and how often doubt stabbed at her. To speak her name with love and without fear was a small gift she could impart on her, as well as know that every word resonated with truth.
Regina nodded slowly, processing all of this. The queen stared into her green eyes, trying to believe this could be true. None of it made sense to her; she just happened to stumble upon her true love on the road? This beautiful, awkward peasant? Truly?
"Pass the night with me," she said in challenging, daring this hallucination - or whatever Emma was - to evaporate then.
"Of course," the blonde said tenderly, knowing that it wasn't the entire truth. However, if she had been stuck here for all eternity, Emma had no doubt that it was Regina's bed she wished to wake from every night. Even here. At least this afforded an opportunity of not only settling the queen's raging heart for a time in bed, but to finally get close enough to get to that concoction that the mayor had made.
I really hope that's a forgetting potion in there or I really just fucked over everyone's future.
Emma kissed her soft and brief. "Anything you ask of me … I'm yours."
Regina searched her gaze once more, then kissed the blonde woman hard. She held nothing back, needing to believe in this - for this moment - even if it turned out to be a figment of her imagination or a colossal mistake later. She needed to believe in Emma and the love she promised in the now, as the blonde moaned right into the kiss. The savior could feel the hesitation strip away from Regina by the kiss, the need, that she felt by the bond between them. It made her feel lightheaded that she clung to the queen and pulled her body so tightly against her own for support.
Abruptly, Regina poofed them into her bedroom proper, moaning against her lips as she slid her hands over the other woman's backside as they landed on her bed. She squeezed her cheeks, grinding their covered mounds together, which coaxed a heated moan from the blonde. This was a side of Regina that Emma had yet to see - on top and fully in charge. A complete shift in the short dynamic that they had shared together in bed.
Brown eyes blazed as she pulled back, still rocking her hips against her. "You said you wield magic. Prove it," she gasped. "Make us both naked, Emma."
Green eyes clouded with desire widened in panic because as far as she knew, Gold had stripped her magic and had not returned it. She cupped Regina's face instead and kissed her hard and deep, pouring all of her want into it as dark tresses pooled around her, trying to figure out a way to distract Regina into submitting for old school friskies without magic. Which really did upset the savior. This was a similar situation that Regina had tried to do to her in the vault - using sex as a motivation to perform. It would have been so perfect that in the height of this moment, in the midst of foreplay with the evil queen, that Emma could poof their clothes away without pause! She could even picture the moment clearly - poofing their clothes away in a cloud of white smoke and seeing Regina's face when she told her what happened.
Regina watched her face and smiled with pleasure at seeing that Emma was indeed capable as a magic wielder; that was such a turn-on to have her an equal! She rewarded the blonde with a rough, hungry kiss, moving between her legs with nothing between them now. Green eyes widened in realization that they were skin on skin and instead of returning the kiss, Emma broke it with a loud gasp in shock.
"We're naked!" she blurted. Gold must have dropped the nullification barrier! Which also angered Emma just the same. It was so like him to do something like that and not say a damn word.
The queen lifted a perfect brow at her. She cupped one of Emma's breasts in her hand, squeezing, thumb rolling over her nipple. "Yes, we most assuredly are. And may I confide how erotic it is to find a partner who can perform so well?"
"Honestly wasn't sure I could perform so well under pressure," gasped the blonde, arching into the queen's touch.
"You should have faith in your power," Regina crooned, bending her head to lick the nipple she was working to tautness. "You've put quite a spell on me after all…"
Emma's fingers wove into dark hair, tugging the queen closer with a powerful moan. "Think… think it's a mutual one…"
She grazed the nipple with her teeth before looking up, lust and genuine pleasure in her eyes. The regal was unused to such a willing partner in her bed, and the possibility that this was truly her second chance with true love with this lover made her bend her usual rules. Regina kissed her lightly and gazed down into her eyes, clearly allowing herself to be vulnerable with Emma.
"How may I please you, Em-ma?" she asked.
Regina's sultry voice sent a ripple of desire straight to the savior's core, forcing her to cry out softly. It took a moment for her to recover, so touched that the woman she were to fall in love with - No. Was in love with was making this about the blonde's enjoyment instead of hers. She didn't need to know the details of Regina's sex life in the Enchanted Forest to realize that this went outside the norm of usual behavior.
"Any way you want, Regina…" she said softly. "I trust you."
She shivered and searched her gaze at hearing that from this near-stranger. The fact that this was so surreal came back to the regal then, wondering at someone who could say she trusted her. So much of Regina's life had been built on terror and manipulation that Emma trusting her struck her deeply.
"You shouldn't," she replied as she grazed kisses down the blonde's neck.
"Probably not," agreed the savior, her fingers now gently caressing her lover's shoulder as she exposed more of her neck. "But, I do."
Regina sucked hard on her pulse point, intending to leave a mark on her - old habits died hard, after all - but her other touch, as a hand wandered her body, was gentle and curious. She paused at her hip, marveling at her lean body and how good it felt being with her. Regina's aggressiveness caused Emma to inhale sharply, fingers digging into the flesh of the queen's back as she was marked. It almost drowned out the pleasurable sensations of feather light fingers that danced across her skin.
"Are you claiming me?" the blonde voiced curiously.
Regina smiled against warm skin. "So I know this was real tomorrow. Visual proof."
Her hand slid over to cup her mound, groaning softly at the moist warmth against her skin. She tilted her head up, licking the blonde's earlobe. Emma melted against the quilt with Regina's ministrations and chuckled.
"Give me something to remember you by too..." she said with a heartfelt sigh as her lover continued to tease her ear.
The queen pulled back, staring down at her with mistrust in her eyes. "You're… you do intend to leave me?!"
Shit!
"No!" Emma declared adamantly. "That's not what I meant, Regina. Not at all. I doubt I'll get to see you all day tomorrow." She smiled and cupped her lover's face. "I get a nice bruise to remind me of tonight. One that I can admire when we're apart."
Green eyes narrowed in all seriousness, trying to will the queen to believe the truth of her words. "And I promise you. I'm never going to leave you."
It just won't be until years from now when I can, but I mean every fucking word, Regina.
While she felt Emma was being entirely honest, Regina also felt it deep in her soul that she'd never see her again. Come morning - the beautiful blonde who had unspokenly stated herself as her true love - would be gone. She was sure of it.
Not trusting her voice to say a word, because she knew she'd be too raw and emotional, the queen lowered herself over Emma again and cupped her mound once more. Regina flicked her tongue against Emma's lips, fingers teasing her folds. If it was forever as the blonde suggested, then tonight would be an amazing beginning. And if Regina's suspicions were right, it'd be one incredible night, starting with her pleasuring Emma.
"Oh god, Regina…" cooed the blonde, opening her mouth with an eagerness that scared her. She wanted that teasing tongue to be replaced by the owner's lips as Emma rocked her hips. This was so exquisite, the teasing, and she knew her heat was warming Regina's hand - her essence slicking its skin.
The sound of her name on Emma's lips was heady. The queen thrust a pair of fingers inside her without pause, moaning as her heat enveloped them. Emma immediately cried out as she was filled, clenching around those digits in welcome.
"Fuck yes!"
The queen didn't hesitate, slamming her fingers inside her again and again, the heel of her hand slapping against her clit with each thrust. She stared down at her, a wicked smile lighting her lips.
"Let me hear you, Emma… let me hear you love this…" she whispered.
Arms immediately wrapped around Regina's neck, Emma needing to anchor herself because she was not used to this sort of aggressiveness from her true love. They had only shared such intimacy once, and the mayor had been shy at first, wanting to ensure that she was pleasuring Emma, but even at the height of their lovemaking - it was never this rough. But the savior loved it. She rocked her hips into each thrust, the sting of contact against her throbbing clit forcing the cries from her mouth that the queen desperately craved.
Regina's grin widened as her lover clearly responded to her. This whole situation felt crazy! But, the queen was too turned on by the idea of someone genuinely wanting her and wanting this to think now.
"Yes, Emma… you feel so… fiery… like the passion in your eyes," she whispered, this talking wholly unlike her. "Do you like what I do to you, Emma? Do you?"
The blonde's immediate response was a deep groan, her arousal sharply spiking that the queen was this talkative. "Fuck yes …" she rasped out, clenching around the fingers penetrating her once again. "God! Don't stop!"
"Never," she promised. "I'll never stop…"
And Regina made good on that, fucking her hard and deep, relentlessly. It was beautiful and intoxicating to watch, she thought, seeing pleasure bright on Emma's face. It was a shockingly new sight too, seeing and hearing how wanted it was as she felt the fingers behind her neck lock together when the blonde arched her back against her. Emma writhed beneath her as Regina was bringing her swiftly towards release. She felt that delicious, teasing, pull deep inside her groin.
"Fuck, Regina," the savior cried out. "So … so close …"
The queen whimpered, wanting to see Emma climax under her hand. She instinctively curled her fingers with a deep thrust inside her, staring down at the blonde. In truth, it was when Emma caught Regina's gaze and heard that whimper did it send the blonde over edge.
She came hard, screaming her lover's name as her core milked the digits buried deep inside her. Emma's body undulated beneath Regina as she rode out every wave of pleasure, clinging to her desperately. Regina gasped at the sight and sensation of Emma's release, her own core clenching hard in response. She thrust again, dragging out the irresistible blonde's pleasure, wanting it to go on and on. It was delicious agony, the savior's core squeezing Regina's fingers like a vice as the last powerful wave hit her - Emma's cries reaching their crescendo.
Her body relaxed, falling against the bed limply, panting frantically while her body thrummed in the aftermath of coming so hard. And it was Regina, here in the past, that had coaxed such pleasure from her!
"Mmm…" she licked her dry lips and then squeezed the queen's fingers with a smile.
Regina smiled back, panting softly. She withdrew her soaked fingers and considered them before offering them to Emma. She wanted to see if her lover would indeed lick them clean, and Regina was not disappointed. The blonde grabbed the queen by the wrist and brought those fingers towards her mouth with a wicked grin. Emma's tongue flicked out and slid its tip up the length of her lover's index finger, moaning at her own taste coating it.
"Damn…" the regal whispered.
She cut off anything Emma might've said by kissing her hard, moaning at the pleasure of this wild intimacy. It was too good to be real, she thought. So, Regina was going to enjoy this to the fullest; why not? Emma wrapped her arms around Regina's neck, kissing back just as heatedly. She felt reckless and wanton in this moment - still feeling no guilt despite how crazy this night was. The need between them was palpable in the way they kissed and writhed against each other, and Emma knew this was just the beginning of their evening ...
Author's Note: So! Regina's writer hopes you don't find the Evil Queen too OOC. I figure that she differs from Regina in Storybrooke because 1) she's QUEEN :), 2) the effect of true love on her when so damaged emotionally impacts her differently, especially because she's scared while wanting to believe in it so badly, and, 3) and her thinking this is some kind of dream/hallucination anyway. Her inhibitions are down as a result, showing how much her choices and the curse had weighed her down as her Storybrooke self from previous chapters.