The following evening.
Regina stood anxiously outside of the grand hall with Emma.
"Your knuckles are turning white" Emma says, as she see's Regina gripping her hands tightly together.
Regina then crosses her arms defensively and looks at Emma with concern.
"Are you sure about this Emmah? What exactly are they expecting me to do at this dinner?" she asks, with concern.
Emma then gives her a soft look and puts her hand on Regina's forearm.
"Nothing. They just want to get to know you better"
Regina takes a deep breath.
"And you look wonderful in that gown" Emma adds, eyeing the dress that she had given her a while back.
Regina smiles.
"Thank you"
"Are you ready?" Emma then asks and Regina nods, watching Emma turn to open the doors to reveal her parents sat at the table. Who are talking to one another.
Regina drops her arms.
"Emma sweetheart" Her mother then says, having now seen them and she stands up, so does David.
"Hey" Emma smiles and puts her hand in Regina's and pulls her into the room, until they reach a seat next to David. Where Emma pulls the chair out and directs Regina to sit.
"Thank you" Regina says and smiles sweetly at her love, whilst going to sit. Then watches Emma move around the table and sit oppsite her.
"Hello Regina" Snow finally says softly, whilst watching Regina's actions.
Regina looks to her with wide eyes then tries to compose herself.
"Hello your majesty. Thank you for inviting me to have dinner with you all this evening"
Snow and David smile, appreicatively and then gesture for the food to be brought in.
A long moment later.
"Please eat what you wish" Snow says, gesturing to the food that is being laid upon the table.
"Thank you" Regina replies, then looks around the table and the various meats a vegetables on display.
They've certainly gone to alot of effort, she thinks. Maybe they can like me, she adds and waits for everyone else to start picking what they want, before helping herself.
There is then a long silence, as everyone helps themselves and then as they start to eat, Regina looks to Emma and see's that Emma is watching her with soft eyes. It makes her insides melt and she returns the look.
Which doesn't go unnoiticed by Emma's parents, who are watching curiously.
Regina then cuts her meat and puts it into her mouth and closes her eyes at the devine taste.
"This is wonderful" she says, after swallowing and David chuckles.
"You have only had one mouthful" he says to her and she replies "It is still wonderful"
Theres then another silence, as Snow looks to Emma who is nibbling at her food, which is unlike her and Snow woners what is going through her daughters mind. Before turning her attention back to Regina.
"How is your father?" Snow then asks Regina, breaking the silence.
"Feeling better thank you. I think he will be up and about any day now" Regina answers politely.
"That is good to hear. As I know he loves to be out in the garden"
"He does, very much" she smiles at Snow.
"And when he is well he can join us for dinner each evening, if he wishes"
Regina gapes and her eyes widen. Every evening? she thinks in surprise.
Emmameanwhile, looks between the pair seeing Regina's surprise and says "Only if you want too aswel Regina, you don't have to have dinner with us everynight does she mom?"
Snow nods.
"Of course. Sorry. I am just surprised that you would want me to have dinner with you all each night" Regina says, whilst looking at Snow.
Snow tilts her head.
"I understand" she replies "I just think, since you both are courting. That this would be wise"
"Its great mom thanks" Emma then says quickly and Regina looks back to her plate and wonders what the rest of the night will bring.
After dinner, Emma walks Regina back to her chamber, hand in hand.
"So..was dinner okay?" Emma asks, hoping Regina is not too freaked out.
"It was wonderful. I have never tasted such fine food"
Emma chuckles.
"I mean my parents, I hope they havent scared you off"
Regina shakes her head.
"It would take more than that to get rid of me Emmah" she smirks.
"Oh. Good. I mean...I just dont want you to be uncomfortable"
"It was a little at first, I'll admit but it was fine"
Emma bites her lip and then see's Regina smiling and thinks she is so beautiful.
"I love you" she then says unbidden. Which makes Regina smile widely at her.
"And I love you Emmah" Regina replies softly and Emma beams with happiness, as they reach Regina's door and she pecks Regina on the cheek. Which causes the seamstress to go a little bashful and they then smile at each other for a moment, until Regina turns and opens the chamber door.
"Um, I guess I will see you in the morning?" Emma then says and bites her lip, not wanting to leave just yet and she watches Regina turn back around and look both ways before looking back to her.
"Or not.." Regina then replies with a flirtaous look and she grabs Emma's hand, before dragging her into the room and closing the door behind them...
A/N I think this story is going to need an epilogue :)