Chapter 15

Snow stepped inside the home, other than the hotel, it was the nicest building she had been in since she came to the realm. At least this place wasn't a hovel, although it certainly wasn't fit for her daughter. It was much too small.

"Welcome to casa de Mills," Cora said, bowing before escorting them to the formal living room. "It is an honor to have you here your majesty."

"Where is Emma," she cut straight to the point. She wasn't in the mood for small talk.

"She...uh..just stepped out. Probably for food, you know these kids." the Mills woman tried for a smile, but the Queen stood in silence, along with the rest of her party. "This must be your husband, I haven't had the pleasure of meeting you."

"David," the prince consort said extending his hand. "I'm just looking forward to seeing my Emma again."

"I understand. It's so lovely to meet you all. I don't know whether to shake your hand or bow….or kneel. This is just...oh…." Cora turned and led the party to seats, giving herself a moment to calm down, directing the Queen to a particular recliner than she enjoyed. If this evening went well…her family would be royalty. ROYALTY. That would teach those who treated she and Henry as trash. "Emma will be back momentarily. Please take a seat. I will get you some refreshments."

"As much as I appreciate your hospitality, "Snow said in a tone which communicated that she really didn't appreciate anything, "You told me that my daughter was here."

"Regina might know where she went," Cora smiled happy to be able to bring up Regina. "Emma and Regina have gotten quite close. "

"Where is your daughter," Snow said with a iciness to her voice. "I must speak with her at once."

[SQ]

Regina had heard the commotion downstairs and saw the reflections of the police lights from her window. No doubt Emma's family had stopped by. Her mother had been practically salivating all evening.

"Regina," Cora's voice came through along with a small knock. "You have a guest here who wishes to speak with you, dear." Regina turned from her seat at the window, where she had been attempting to ignore her reality, to see an older woman come through. When she imagined a queen, she thought of Julie Andrews from Princess Diaries, or a Princess Diana type. Smart clothing, but nearly businesslike. But no, this woman was more along the lines of a 'Queen' from Cinderella. While not too big, she wore a dress instead of a business suit, and actually had a small crown on her head.

"This is Queen Mary Margaret of Cantania, Emma's mother." Cora was still unbelievable giddy as she stepped back.

"Leave us," the Queen said. Emma had come into Regina's life with a ton of warmth and happiness. Her mother was just the opposite. The room felt 20 degrees colder now that the older woman was inside.

"It's...It's a pleasure to meet you," Regina said, giving a small bow to the woman.

"I understand that you are...seeing my daughter."

"I was seeing her."

"Then she has told you about her wife...back in Cantania."

"Wife," Regina could feel herself beginning to get sick. "She's married?"

"Not yet, but she will be. We've already chosen a bride. A lovely woman from a neighboring country. Emma was truly pleased with woman, and we are happy to strengthen political ties with the province," Snow gave a tight smile. "I wanted to make sure there were no misunderstandings in this situation."

Regina inhaled deeply, knowing that it was not in her best interest to lose her senses in front of royalty. Emma hadn't mentioned a fiancee, not in all the conversations they had. Surely if this woman was to be her wife, Emma would have mentioned her. Maybe the woman was why Emma left. She didn't want marry.

"Emma," the Queen started as if she could read the brunette's mind, "came to America to...taste foreign goods prior to her wedding. You do understand that this...relationship could not have been serious?"

"I...I understand," Regina's throat had begun closing. She was fully aware of how close the blonde came to tasting her that night. And she had been all for it. She'd never moved so fast with anyone before, but she had been sure that it was real. She had felt something with the princess she had never felt before. There had been a sense of chemistry that Regina had found enthralling

But it hadn't been real.

"I...I need to go make a run. If you could excuse me your majesty."

[SQ]

Cora had found the Prince much more conversational than his wife. She jerked her head up as heeled steps echoed down the stairs and made their way through the sitting room and toward the front door.

"Regina, where are you going?" Cora called out. "Come meet the Prince Consort."

"Not right now mother."

"Are you alright my dear," David stood from his seat, noticing the terse expression on the woman's face. She was truly beautiful, and if Emma was as taken with the girl as Cora had implied, he could see why.

"Excuse me, I need to step out for moment." She nodded to the Prince and his security before exiting through the front door. The Queen came into the room a few moments later.

"What did you say to my daughter," Cora practically yelled.

"The truth. That Emma could not possibly be interested in her."

"How can you be sure," David spoke up. He rarely contested his wife's opinion. "We haven't seen them together."

"Oh please David. Emma could not possibly consort with such a girl."

"Wait a minute," Cora snapped. "What do you mean 'such a girl?"

Snow rolled her eyes, she hated coming to this realm. The people here were so loud. They rarely acted with appropriate respect concerning their rulers, though the current one was suspect. She had seen how those in this kingdom spoke ill of their former President. Going so far as to compare his wife to a primate. The current leader spoke ill of his advisors. It was appalling. No one in the Enchanted Forest would have dared to act so uncouth, especially royalty.

"I am sorry that you and your daughter have been inconvenienced by Emma's actions. I will make sure you are well compensated. Shall we say $1 Million American dollars."

"No."

"Very well, $2 million. Jefferson," she clapped her hands. "Come write the woman a check."

"You don't have enough money to buy my daughter off."

"Nonsense. Name your amount."

"Sn-Mary Margaret. Stop this!" David moved between the two women. "There is no need to insult the woman. You are in her home."

"And both she and her home are beneath me. As much as her daughter is beneath Emma, and not in the way she would wish."

"One more word about my Regina and i will knock your teeth out of your royal mouth."

"Hey!" Zelena came running into the foyer. "What the hell is going on, why is everyone screaming?"

It was at that moment that Emma and and Killian came rushing into the home. Cora took a moment to catch her breath. The girl looked very different out of her uniform. She wore a deep navy vest over a white shirt with matching navy slacks. Her hair, now up, was in a tight neat bun on her head. A black leather belt with gold snaps adored her waist. She looked ever the picture of royalty.

"Emma!" David nearly ran from his peacekeeping place over to his daughter, engulfing her in a tight hug. "Are you alright?"

"Yes father, I am fine."

"Wait...why are you hugging her? She's just the servant," Zelena scoffed. "He's the prince. Prince Killian." Killian shook his head, backing up toward the door.

"Who told you such a thing?" Snow yelled.

"You mean...Emma's a princess?"

"Yes!" Cora nearly yelled at her oldest. "And she's in love with Regina, but Miss Queen here can't stand it."

"Ugh, why does she always get the good ones," Zelana plopped down on the couch with a scowl.

"Nevermind that," Emma spoke up. "I'll explain the mix up later. Where is Regina?"

"Your mother ran her off," Cora said. Even the blonde's walk was different the elder Mills noticed. She kept her head up and posture perfect as she made her way over to her mother.

"What did you say to her?" Emma kept her voice low, but the simmering anger was apparent.

"It is of no consequence," Snow said, not looking in her daughter's eyes. "We will return home at once."

"I will not go anywhere without Regina."

"So," David cut in. "You do care for this girl."

"Father," the blond started. "I love her." David nodded, seeing the determination in the eyes of his only child. She looked so much like her mother, but he saw his fire in the girl. This was not a battle Snow was going to win.

"Then go after her, my daughter."