A few days passed, and still no change with Emma's condition. Regina refused to leave her friend's side but as each hour passed she became more agitated. "You should eat something." Red coaxed her, holding out a bowl of soup. "I'll eat when Emma wakes up." The girl had answered, her gaze unwavering from the pale blonde.
Belle and Ruby exchanged a worried glance. Regina glanced up as the Blue Fairy put her hand over hers. "You don't have to wish so loudly. I can hear you, dear." The older woman said gently. Regina's face flushed bright red. She had heard about the fairies' ability to know of people's wishes.
"I'm sorry." She sighed. "I'm just worried about Emma."
"If it's meant to be, Emma will wake. She's still recovering." Blue said. Regina frowned at her comment. If only there was someone who had the power to wake Emma. "Rumpelstiltskin." The name slipped out before she could stop it. "What did you say?" Belle's head turned towards her.
"Nothing." Regina answered quickly. "I was just thinking."
Her mother had told both her and Zelena about Rumpelstiltskin, warning them of the conniving and malicious intent of the man. She mostly told them tales of the Dark One to frighten them into behaving. Zelena had promised with wide eyes never to have anything to do with him, clearly afraid.
When Cora had turned to her youngest daughter, Regina had mimicked her older sister, promising to not even mention his name. Inside however, she was curious. What made this Rumpelstiltskin so feared? From what her mother had told her, the man just sounded extremely selfish.
"Regina." Belle's voice broke her out of her thoughts as she knelt in front of her. "You mustn't have anything to do with Rumpelstiltskin. Nothing good will have come of finding him."
"He could wake Emma." The brunette argued. "That's true, but you would be paying a very high price. It's not worth it." Belle said firmly. "I would do anything to get Emma to wake up! She's my best friend. She never deserved this!" Regina said loudly, biting her lip to hold back tears.
"Emma will be okay. You just have to have faith that she will be. Just promise us you won't go looking for Rumpelstiltskin." Belle pleaded. "Okay." Regina finally answered. She ate dinner to lessen their worry, climbing onto the small bed next to Emma.
A strange whispering woke the girl from her dreams. She looked around to see the cottage was quiet and everyone else was asleep. She checked to make sure it wasn't Emma finally waking up, even going so far as to shake her and whisper her name. The blonde didn't budge.
As the whispers grew louder, Regina thought one of the adults would wake up. "Ruby. Belle." Regina whispered loudly to the two women curled up on the bed across the room. "They can't hear you, dearie."
Regina whipped her head around to see a man standing by her bedside. Instinctively, she shifted closer to Emma. "Who are you?" She demanded. The man giggled, a sly grin on his face. "Well don't you know?"
Regina's eyebrows furrowed, her eyes looking the man up and down. He didn't look familiar. His skin was a shiny gold, almost green. His eyes glinted in the moonlight, his mouth pulled back in a wide grin. His long nails tapped his chin, patiently waiting for her to speak.
"I am Rumpelstiltskin." He said, bowing. Regina's eyes widened in fear, and she looked around for something to protect herself with. "No need to fear me, dearie. After all, you are the one that summoned me."
"I didn't mean to." Regina said. "Ah, but you did. You were going to find me even after you promised you wouldn't. Being a royal princess you should know better, but you're not like your sister, are you?" The man observed. "How do you-?"
Rumpelstiltskin cut the girl off with the wave of his hand. "I'm the Dark One, dearie. I know everything there is to know. I know that Emma is a princess in the enemy kingdom. I know of both of your futures. I know of your… feelings." He giggled.
"So you can help me then." Regina stated. "I can. But I must warn you, all magic comes with a price." The man stepped forward and looked down at the unconscious blonde. "I don't care. I'll do anything- just save her. Please." The little girl begged.
"Anything?" Rumple leaned forward, a dark glint in his eyes. "Even something involving your family?"
Regina's heart skipped a beat. The way he spoke made her nervous. "Yes." She answered bravely. The man snapped his fingers and conjured a contract. "Just sign on the dotted line." He grinned, handing her a feather pen.
As soon as she finished her signature, Emma sat up in the bed, gasping. Regina wrapped her arms around her as the others awoke. Rumpelstiltskin was nowhere to be seen. "You're awake!" Ruby said excitedly, both she and Belle hugging the blonde.
"You shouldn't have done that, Regina." Emma worried, holding on tighter to the brunette. "What did she do?" Ruby asked, looking both girls over for signs of injury. "I- "Regina nervously glanced at the two women. "You didn't." Belle groaned, already knowing what she was about to say.
"He just appeared! I didn't go looking for him!" Regina defended herself. "Did you make a deal with him?" Belle asked. "He had me sign a contract and- "
All of a sudden, the door to the cottage burst open. Guards from the Mills kingdom as well as the Nolan kingdom filed in. They were surrounded. The group was forced outside where David, Snow, Cora, and Henry stood facing one another. "Do you realize what you've done?!" Cora screeched at Regina.
Regina gulped and held on tightly to Emma. The blonde wanted to tell her everything would be alright, but she knew she couldn't console her this time. "Your sister is dead because of you!" Cora yelled. With her eyes blazing, she turned towards David and Snow.
"If your daughter hadn't convinced Regina to run away, none of this would have happened!" She growled. "Our daughter is not the cause of this." Snow snapped, stepping forward in defiance. Rumpelstiltskin appeared in the middle of the chaos. "What did you do?!" Regina yelled at him.
"You made the deal, you signed the contract. You sacrificed your sister for your enemy." He stated. Regina finally understood how their families were able to find them so quickly. It was a trick all along. "She's my friend." Regina held on tighter to the blonde. "Emma, come here now." David demanded.
Emma moved to obey her father, but Regina pulled her back. "You're not separating us." The brunette said defiantly. "Regina, you've done enough. Let's go." Henry said. The hurt look on her father's face and exhausted tone of his voice made Regina let go.
"I'm sorry, Daddy." Regina rushed forward to embrace him, but the King stepped away. "You've done enough." He repeated, turning away from her. Cora grabbed Regina's arm roughly and began dragging her away. She pulled out of her grasp and ran back to her friend.
Emma pulled away from her mother's gentle grip and hugged Regina tightly. "Whatever happens, I'll find my way back to you. I promise. You'll always be my family, Regina. I love you." The blonde said with tears running down her face. "I love you, Emma." Regina slowly pulled away from her.
As the brunette turned to join her mother, a hand on her shoulder made her stop. King David and Queen Snow approached her. "Thank you. For saving Emma." Snow said. "She saved me. She saved this whole town, slayed a dragon like she always wanted to. She's a hero." Regina said softly, meeting Emma's watery green eyes.
As both families parted ways, Regina felt a soft touch on her arm. She looked down to see her bracelet glowing and she smiled.
10 years later
"Nervous?" Snow fluffed out Emma's sparkly gown and straightened the crown on her head. Today marked the day of Emma's 20th birthday, one of the most important days in her life. Tonight she would be attending a ball in her honor and meeting young princes that could potentially become her future husband.
"No, Mom." Emma forced a smile on her face. Looking at herself in the mirror, she felt like she was staring at another person. Ever since the night that she and Regina had been forced to part, she felt… empty.
It helped that whenever she felt sad or lonely she touched the magical bracelet and felt her near, but it wasn't enough to fill the void inside her. "I'll be downstairs in a few minutes." She said quietly. Snow nodded in understanding and kissed her daughter's forehead before leaving her alone.
Millie entered her room, a small white envelope tucked underneath her servant outfit. "Here you go, Little Swan." The woman smiled and gave her the letter with her name regally written on the front. Emma excitedly sat down and opened the letter with great care.
For years, both Emma and Regina's servants would sneak letters the girls would write to each other once a week. Most of the time there would be pages and pages of detailed descriptions, occasionally accompanied by a small gift or two. Emma kept every single letter hidden in the bottom of her vanity dresser, tied together with a small string.
Emma,
Happy birthday! I can't believe it has been 10 years since I've seen you. How time flies now. I am well, as well as I can be. My father is still away; I haven't seen him in a few months. My mother is the same; although now she is determined to find me the perfect husband.
I know you must have been worried about me when you felt the pain through the bracelet a few days ago. My mother's temper got the best of her, but not to worry, my wrist is healing. The small painting you sent me of the both of us as kids is beautiful.
You must have practiced for hours to perfect it. I wish I had the patience and talent that you do. I have sent you a small gift. It's not much, but I had to hide it from the guards and my mother's prying eyes. I found it in my old cloak and forgotten I had gotten it for you as a gift back in our secret village.
Emma peered in the envelope to see a small gold ring nestled inside, a gleaming heart decorating the top of it. It was small, seeing how it was made for a child, but she managed to fit it over her pinky finger perfectly.
I miss you, Emma. I miss talking with you and being with you. I just feel this emptiness that I can't fill, no matter how hard I try. I know we were just kids back then, but I've never been able to find someone I feel close to like you. I'm sorry if you feel my sadness a lot, if I get too sad I take the bracelet off.
That would explain the sudden pulse that had woken Emma from a deep sleep many times before over the years, prompting her to frantically write Regina to see if she was okay.
I know you must be busy, and my mother is expecting me soon for afternoon tea. Have a great birthday, Emma. I love you.
Always and Forever,
Regina
Emma carefully tucked the letter away before joining her family outside of the ball room. "Happy birthday, Princess." David kissed her knuckles lightly, his eyes full of pride. Snow straightened Neal's clothing before arranging them in their positions.
"Announcing, the royal family." Trumpets sounded from inside before the doors opened. David led his wife out the door, smiling widely at their guests. "King David and Queen Snow."
Light applause answered the announcement. "Ready, Sis?" Neal held out his arm for Emma to take. The blonde lightly punched his shoulder affectionately before linking her arm through his. Her little brother had grown up to be a well-mannered 14-year-old man. "Announcing, Prince Neal and Princess Emma."
Emma took a deep breath and walked into the room. "Today marks the day of the princess's 20th birthday." Trumpets sounded, and with everyone's eyes on her, Emma fought to hide her nervousness. Her foot missed a step and Neal steadied her before anyone noticed the small slip-up.
Villagers and royals alike lined up to give their best wishes to the princess, setting their gifts on the ever-growing stack on the corner table. "M'lady." A young man bowed to her, gently kissing her hand. "I am ever so honored to be here tonight. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Prince Jonathan of the Bennett kingdom."
"Pleased to meet you." Emma curtseyed as she was supposed to. "Sir, may I have a dance with your daughter?" The man asked David. "Certainly." The King handed Emma's hand over, stepping back respectfully. "I must say, you are absolutely stunning up close." Jonathan complimented her.
"Thank you." Emma said politely. She was used to this. The compliments, attractive men, gifts, wooing. It used to bother her to the point where she would become nauseous, but over the years she had learned to tune it out and go through the motions.
After Emma had danced for so long with so many partners her feet felt like they were going to fall off, a small commotion interrupted the party. Everyone gasped as they made way for the new arrivals. David and Snow immediately brought Emma over behind them.
"It appears you've gotten our invitation." David said stiffly. "Yes, we did. Such a lovely celebration to be invited to." King Henry answered. "We won't be staying long." Cora sniffed, looking around at the people in the room. Emma was surprised that her parents had even invited them. The Mills never had invited their family to anything.
"We will lay aside our differences for one night to celebrate this special occasion." David said. Henry nodded and shook the man's hand. Emma glanced down to see her bracelet glowing brightly. Her heart thumped wildly in her chest as she realized Regina must be near.
She whipped her head around, eyes scanning the large room. "May I have this dance?" A young man asked. The blonde barely heard him, sweeping past him silently. "Emma." She stopped as she felt her mother's hand on her arm. "Don't be impolite." She gently scolded.
"I don't feel very well. I think I'm going to step outside." Emma mumbled. "Okay, dear. Don't be gone too long, we're cutting the cake soon." Snow said.
Emma nodded and practically ran out the doors. As soon as she was out of sight she began to run down the hallway, her bracelet glowing and tingling as she felt herself becoming closer and closer to Regina. As she burst out the palace doors to the courtyard, she ran head first into someone, knocking them both to the ground.
"I- I'm sorry!" Emma apologized, trying to help the young woman up. As they locked eyes, a jolt from the bracelet made them both gasp. "Emma." The dark-haired woman said softly. "Regina."