Regina risks a glance at her companion, careful not to catch her eye. Blonde hair tumbles down her leather-clad shoulders, seeming to quiver beneath the moonlight. The young Queen stares perplexedly at the woman, unsure about this sudden turn of events.
Tink had told her that fairy dust never fails but she could've been wrong. Why would her True Love be a random stranger? She was a Queen; her suitors should be knights or princes. The woman wasn't even of this land, how could their love ever work? Regina pauses, looking back to the castle she was forced to call home. Could she love this mysterious stranger and could the woman return that love?
The silence had become more than Emma could bear. Regina never was much of a talker, but she could practically feel the awkwardness lingering in the still air around them. She clears her throat. "Um…so what's it like being a Queen?" Stupid, so stupid.
Regina doesn't meet her stare. "It's…." she knew what her mother would want her to say. "Extravagant. I've never been luckier." Somehow, Regina couldn't bring herself to tell the blonde such a lie. "Awful. I don't belong here; Snow and her father are their own family. And I…" her voice trails off sadly as she chokes down a sob. "I am nothing but a shadow."
Emma could feel her heart sinking for the forlorn Queen. She felt like she was intruding on Regina's life, the closed-off Mayor would've never confined her with this. "I'm so sorry that this happened to you." She whispers, knowing no amount of apologies could remove the pain in her eyes. The pain she would feel for years to come.
Regina looks to the blonde in awe. "No one has ever apologized before…" she mutters. "They all either envy or pity me. They know I'm just a replacement for Snow White's late mother." Emma tries not to flinch at her mothers' name. "King Leopold's bedtime toy." Regina hisses, venom seeping into her tone.
Leopold. Her Grandfather. Snow never mentioned him but she knew parts of the story. Hearing it from Regina's point of view, Emma's hands curl into fists by her sides. "That sick bastard." She seethes, wishing they were at the castle now so she could give the pervert a piece of her mind. Glancing at Regina's shocked expression; Emma knew that would not be a wise idea. "I mean…you're so young and he's…ancient."
Regina relaxes slightly, heart thumping unevenly in her chest. "Ancient is one way to put it. Though he acts like a child, always so needy." Regina rolls her eyes.
Emma chuckles. "I bet Snow is like that too." Impregnated Snow was ten times worst when she wanted something. Of course, David is always ready to jump for his wife's every request.
"Snow is supposed to act like royalty, not a five-year-old." Regina smirks. "The child doesn't even know how to ride a horse." She snickers.
Emma grins at the sound, picturing her mother slipping off the beast. "I take it you're pretty good at that?"
"I'm excellent. The best rider in the kingdom."
"So modest." They grin at another, feeling the uneasiness slowly melt away. Emma found herself getting a bit excited; this was her chance to get to know the Queen without any snark or closed off responses. Maybe if she learned more about her now, when -if- she got back home, finally expressing her feelings for the woman may not be so difficult.
Regina allows her smile to linger as the pair continues their way towards the castle. "Emma…" she begins slowly, tasting the name on her tongue, wanting to get the feel of it. "You… aren't offended by my being a woman?" Regina hadn't given much thought to what her love would look like, too terrified of moving on. Though she had envisioned a man a part of her had hoped it would be a woman.
Emma blinks rapidly, feeling her cheeks flush. "Ah no, I'm not. Had you been expecting your True Love to be a woman?" her fingers curl with anticipation inside her pockets. She'd never dubbed Regina as a lesbian but the woman was extremely unpredictable.
"Well I hadn't been expecting a woman." Regina tucks a strand of dark hair behind her ear. "But I am not offended by it."
Emma composes her features as her heart pounds wildly against her chest. If young Regina didn't mind loving women maybe that stands with future Regina as well…Emma inwardly sighs, trying not to get her hopes up. People change, Swan. Don't get your hopes up.
"Okay, cool."
The awkward wall was rapidly re-building itself as the pair trudges up the hill toward the front gates of the glorious castle. Regina continues to glance sideways at the blonde wishing she could hear the thoughts bouncing inside her mind. The woman was extremely pretty despite her odd attire, she had never seen such garments.
"Where did you get this?" The Queen gently grips the collar of Emma's jacket.
Emma shrugs. "I've had it since I was a teenager. I kind of uh…stole it…" she blushes.
Regina lifts an eyebrow. "Perhaps I should report you to my guards, I don't allow thieves in my kingdom." She smirks.
Emma chuckles. "Don't worry Your Majesty, I don't plan on robbing you." She smiles gently at the woman.
The Queen returns the gesture, finding it amazingly easy to do so. As of late Regina's smiles were never genuine, but this attractive stranger managed to break down one of her walls in a short amount of time. She idly wonders if this was a skill of the blondes.
The castle looms closer in all its stone glory torches casting odd shadow against the walls as Emma gasps at it.
"Impressive."
Regina tosses the Savior a dismissive look. "Of course it is. Leopold would never settle for anything less than perfect." She mutters sourly.
No surprise there. "So how do we get in?" Emma eyes the large bridge, the wooden gate nestled between two stone pillars.
Regina gathers up her gown, stepping forward. "I'm the Queen, they'll have to let me in." the brunette doesn't mention the fact no one knew she had left her room in the first place.
"And me?"
"You're with me, as a guest." She stands near the edge of the deep gorge separating the pair from the castle. "Hello!" she shouts up, hoping her voice won't crack.
A few beats of silence past before an armor-clad head pops above the wall. "Oi, who goes there?" a gruff voice shouts down.
Regina clears her throat, glancing back at Emma. "The Queen. I demand you let me in at once." Her voice echoes throughout the still road.
A pause. "Queen Regina is in her bedchambers…"
"How could I be in my chambers if I'm wasting my breath speaking with you?" she snaps. Emma swallows down a chuckle, same old Regina.
The guard visibly flinches at the familiar malice in the woman's tone. "My sincerest apologizes, Your Highness." The shine of his helmet vanishes briefly as he lowers the bridge.
The women take a step back as they wait for the dust to settle. Shoulder's stiff, Regina steps onto the wood motioning Emma to follow. The blonde gingerly places on boot on the bridge, testing the weight. She holds her breath the whole way across, one hand out stretched to Regina ready to grasp her lace gown when the slightest breeze rushed by.
Regina bites down a grin at Emma's wariness finding it adorable.
"Haven't you ever crossed a bridge before?" she asks quietly, feeling light tug on her sleeve.
Emma blushes, reminding herself not to look down. "Yeah but I haven't had the best experience on one." The blonde decides it would be best not to add it was Regina's fault.
"Here, step in front of me so you can cross first." She gently removes Emma's hand from her dress, guiding her in front. Not releasing her grip on the blonde she smiles. "Do you want to hold my hand? We're almost there." Emma nods sheepishly, intertwining her fingers through the Queen's.
They complete the rest of the short journey in this position, Emma timidly pressing forward squeezing Regina's fingers whenever a jolt of fear rushes through her. She huffs out a sigh of relief as her feet touch solid ground, making Regina smirk.
"Not so bad."
Emma shrugs, aware of the slender fingers still wrapped around her palm. "I guess. But I prefer stairs."
Regina chuckles. "We have plenty of those as well." Their laughter dies off as they approach the guard tower. Regina slowly removes her fingers from the blonde's grasp, finding she didn't want the warmth of her palm to leave just yet.
The guards meet the halfway between the palace doors. Seeing Regina, they each bow. "Your Highness, I am terribly sorry for the inconvince."
Regina sniffs, "You may rise." They slowly straighten their postures. "You are forgiven, Raul, though if I ever have to announce my presence to you again…" Raul visibly gulps behind his helmet. "Now, see to it that our guest is place comfortably." Regina orders, motioning for Emma to follow her inside.
Raul and his friend exchange a glance. "Your Majesty, wh-what shall I tell the king?"
"Tell him we have a guest." Regina pauses. "Is his aware of my absence?" Emma could detect light fear strained in her tone, making her fingers curl into fists at her side.
Raul shakes his head. "He is in his study. As far as I know he knows not of your outing, Your Highness."
Regina bows her head, blinking away tears. Of course he didn't. She could be standing right by his side and the King wouldn't notice her. "Oh. Very well, help our guest inside." She puts a hand on Emma's back, guiding her up the stairway and into a dimly lit hall.
Emma gazes around in awe, taking in the marble flooring stretched down the hallway, painting draped along the walls. Everything just screamed "Touch me and I'll break.", which she supposed was the point. It blew her mind that she would've grown up here, probably been yelled at for trying to touch everything in sight. She would've walked these very halls every day, from her first steps to her first ball. Emma could see why Snow had choked up when they had come across the ruins of this place. For once, she wanted to know what life would've been like if she hadn't been the Savior. If she had gotten the chance to grow up with her family.
But Regina wasn't aware of this. The brunette watches her carefully, wondering why her steps were slow-going, why she was blinking so quickly. Perhaps she was just moved by the beauty of the palace. Regina could relate. The first time she had set foot inside she was smitten. Now she would give anything to never see these magnificent marble walls again.
"Do you like it?" she whispers near Emma's ear, making the woman shiver lightly.
Emma meets her eyes, giving her a small smile. "It's beautiful." She breathes out.
Aware of the two men staring at them, Regina smiles gently not letting it meet her eyes. "I'm glad. Raul, you may go back to your post. I'll show our guest to her chambers." She looks to the other guard. "And Charlie, notify the King we have a visitor."
Emma stiffens. She hadn't been prepared to see him. Could she look her Grandfather in the eye without wanting to punch the life out of him? And Snow. Obviously she would be here too. Oh god, what the hell had she gotten herself into?
She allows herself to be lead down the hall, taking her time to gaze at the paintings and statues along the way. Regina quietly walks along side her, hands clasped at her front, head held high. Emma hardly recognized her. This Regina was obviously afraid and self-conscious, nothing like her powerful, confident Regina. Another lash of fear whips through Emma. What was happening back home? It was her job to make sure Zelena didn't try anything stupid since she had her magic. That witch could be with Regina right now, tossing her around her home like a doll. Emma takes in a deep breath, reminding herself to stay calm. But images of Regina's face crumpled in pain continued to dance beneath her lids.
Emma decides now would be a good time to start up a conversation. Before her mind could conjure up a conversation starter, the sound of heels echo down the hall. Emma squints to see a young girl, no more than fifteen at least, running down the hall towards them.
Regina rolls her eyes at the sight. One day the girl would run too fast and slip, cracking her head open on a sculpture. Regina savored that day would come soon.
"Snow White, stop running down that hallway! You have lessons in the morning!" a feminine voice carries after the girl.
Emma could feel her heart stop at the name. Her mother was running towards her in a childish manner, nearly slipping on the polished floor. This has got to be more bizarre than fighting off her boyfriend-turned-monkey.
She giggles, her long raven-black hair flying behind her as she continues onward. "Calm down Maddie, I'll be back. I just wanted to say goodnight to Father." She pauses, nearly running into a painting. "Oh! Hi!" She exclaims, pale cheeks coloring. "Regina! I thought you were asleep." Her voice is cheery as she steps around the guard to stand in front of the Queen.
Regina stiffens slightly. "I couldn't sleep so I decided to take a walk. And I found Emma." She gestures to the stiff blonde. "Princess, this is Emma, a traveler."
It takes Emma a second to compose herself and bow, seeing that she didn't really know how to curtsey. "Princess Snow, what an honor." She smiles shakily.
Snow returns it kindly. "Nice you meet you, Emma." She grin widens. "That's a lovely name, by the way."
Cheeks hurting from keeping her smile in tact, Emma bows her head. "Thank you, Princess."
"You're very welcome. If you excuse me…" she gives Regina one last radiate smile before slowly making her way down the hall.
Regina ushers her forward, not wanting the girl to turn back and accompany them. She looks to the blonde. "Are you alright? You look a bit pale…"
Emma jumps at the sound of her voice. "Huh? Oh, I'm okay. Just tired."
Regina's eyes narrow. "That's understandable." They pause in front of a large oak door. "Luckily, your room is here." Regina slowly turns the handle, revealing a large room before them. A bed twice the size of the picture window sits in the center, plush pillows looking utterly inviting to the overwhelmed Savior.
"Wow…" she mutters, gazing at the carvings etched into the wooden posts. "You guys really know how to treat a guest."
Regina chuckles. "Have to make a good impression." She shrugs. "I'll leave you to ah….prepare for bed…" they blush. "There should be some gowns in the dresser." Regina shuffles her feet awkwardly. She had no idea what to do next, not wanting to leave the blonde yet. She was her True Love after all; she wanted to know more about this mysterious woman.
They gaze at another, not wanting to leave another presences but unsure how to proceed. Emma shudders, feeling as though someone had poured ice water down her back. "Regina…" she starts but realizes she couldn't hear her own voice. "Regina!" she tries again. Nothing.
The Queen's eyes widen in fear as the blonde begins to fade in color, as she were a mere hallucination. "Emma?" she starts, reaching out for her jacket. Her hand falls straight through her arm. "Oh my god…" she whispers, panic rising inside her. Something was pulling her back. But Regina had no idea how to stop the blonde from disappearing.
Their gazes meet in confused fear. "Stay calm! You'll being summoned by someone, just relax and you'll come back to me." Regina explains, not sure if Emma can even hear her. All she can do is watch as the blonde's hazy image shimmers then drifts away.
Regina dials Emma's number for the fourth time. She groans when the same disconcerting static replies.
Snow and David and just left in a haste after banging on her door to ask if she had seen their daughter. Regina hadn't, not since their lessons. But that was this afternoon. Now it's going on eleven o' clock.
Regina sighs, running a hand through her hair. No. She refuses to let the thought run through her mind. Failing at her own attempts, images of Emma in Zelena's green clutches flash in her mind. Or worst, Emma transforming into a winged-freak.
Regina releases a shaky breath as she takes a sit on her couch. That idiot. If she really had gone off to look for Zelena and gotten herself in trouble… Regina didn't know how to feel. She wanted to be upset but the fear coursing through her veins stopped her breath.
Suddenly a rush of chills flows down the brunette's spine. She turns; hand ready to conjure a fireball, to see a ghostly image form itself in the middle of the room.
Standing slowly from the couch, Regina ignites the fire into her palm. Her eyes narrow as the image solidifies, taking a strangely familiar form. Her mouth drops open as she realizes who it is.
"Emma….!?"
The figure jumps and turns blue eyes wide. "Reg-" she tries, finding her voice still trapped.
The Mayor rounds the couch to stand before the woman. "What happened? Are you hurt?" she looks over her hazy figure in concern. Looking back up she sees Emma shake her head.
They pause as Emma's color returns to her clothing. Hand against her chest, Emma waits for the warmth to return back to her toes. Hesitantly, she opens her mouth, "Re…gina?" she tries softly.
Relief washes over them at the sound of her voice. "What happened?" Regina asks again, hand half raised to touch the blonde.
As she begins her story Regina takes this time to look her over for any signs of abuse or claw marks. She notices dust clinging to her jeans, drifting to the floor as Emma shifts her stance. Regina's eyes narrow.
"…so I was walking, then turned around and I saw you. But not you, you like a younger you."
Regina's eyebrows rise. "You...saw me, a young me?" Emma nods. "Where were you?"
"The Enchanted Forest. Only it didn't look like it did when I was there. It looked new, like it was jut built or something." Regina's breath hitches in her throat. "Anyway, so I saw you and you told me that…"She trails off, cheeks dusting a bright red.
Regina steps forward, heart pounding in her chest. "I…she told you what?"
Emma shuffles her feet awkwardly. "She said…that I was your True Love…"
Silence. Deep, deep silence. Regina stiffens, her chest feeling as though it were compressed and inflating at once. This couldn't be right. But God, how she hoped it was true. She gazes at the blushing blonde in front of her. Her True Love apparently. But according to Tinkerbell Robin Hood was her one and only. Things change. People change, Regina.
Unable to take the silence any longer Emma clears her throat. "That's….crazy right?"
Regina blinks rapidly, reminding herself to stay calm. "Yes. It most likely is. Did you get a chance to speak with Tink?"
Emma shakes her head. "I-I'm at the castle right now. I mean, I was…" she gazes down at herself. "How did I do this?"
Regina purses her lips. Emma was walking her castle floors with her…but not with her. This was an odd day indeed. "The time travel or the fact that you're hovering between two dimensions?" Emma's eyes widen. "Magic." She continues simply. "You're the Savior, though how you did this so early in your learning I have no clue."
"So…do you know how to help me?"
Regina thinks this over. "Yes. But it's going to have do this yourself." She swallows thickly. "To undo any damage you've done in the past and bring yourself back to the present, you have to kiss me."
Emma's heart stops. "I'm sorry what?"
Regina inwardly cringes. She didn't want to repeat it. "You have to kiss me. Past me. If Tinkerbell is right then, True Love's kiss will mend everything." If the blonde did in fact, love her.
"What happens if it doesn't work?" Emma hated herself for asking but she needed to be aware of every little detail.
Regina doesn't bat an eyelash. "If we are not each others True Loves, then you'll be trapped there and the future will change." She bows her head. "I don't know how drastically but I can only be sure StoryBrooke most likely won't exist."
Fear trembles through the blonde. "And Henry?" Neither wanted to speak the obvious answer aloud. Releasing a shaky breath Emma runs a hand through her hair. "Okay. So all I have to do is get you to fall in love with me. Simple." She chuckles wearily.
Regina watches her intently. The blonde had no idea just how simple it really was. "I would offer you dating advice but I think you'll manage." She smirks.
Emma chuckles. "Dating advice from a Queen. It probably wouldn't hurt, seeing that I'm trying to date you…kind of…" she cringes.
"Just be yourself and I'm sure you'll be fine. I know what I like." She shrugs, not really thinking her reply through. They both freeze, eyes wide. Regina clears her throat as she adverts her gaze. "What I liked, I meant. Just try not to get on my nerves to often."
"Easier said than done, Regina." She smiles. Emma watches the brunette shuffle her feet and play with her fingers. It was something her younger self would do, Emma realizes. She wondered just how many traits her Regina still kept from the younger version.
A jolt of cold air rushes through Emma once more. She groans. "I think I have to go." She mumbles.
Regina's head snaps back to attention, eyes widening as color drains from the blonde. "Be careful!" she shouts. "Keep a level head and focus on your task at hand." Emma nods her mouth opening to reply but not a sound can be heard. Regina reaches out to give her a reassuring shoulder squeeze only to find herself grabbing air. "You can do this, Emma I-" with a sudden pop she's gone again. Regina lowers her hand, blinking away tears. "-Believe in you." She whispers into the empty room.