Author's Note: So, there is a lot going on in this chapter. First, I cobbled together the oath from a couple of different websites and adjusted it for my needs. Second, this is a warning. There is some consensual blood play and rough sex, if that makes you uncomfortable, don't read the section between the two lines.
As always, please let me know what you think. Reviews make me happy and help me write a better story.
Enjoy.
Chapter 7
When I parted ways with Regina after visiting Red, I made my way down to the training field for my daily lesson with Lucas. He was impressed when I told him about the attack.
"You may just make a fine knight after all," he said teasingly.
"Thanks," I answered dryly.
His sobered and added, "Seriously, she's a vicious fighter. I've seen her take out some of the Queen's best soldiers. It's impressive that you were able to wound her enough to make her retreat. In all the years of us fighting the White Kingdom, I don't think anyone has managed that."
"It's probably only because she wasn't trying to kill me," I said modestly.
"Hm, maybe. Regardless, you're progressing much faster through your training than I expected," he said thoughtfully.
"Lucas, I've been training to fight since I was barely old enough to hold a wooden sword," I said, rolling my eyes.
He chuckled, "That's true. Alright, Consort, let's see how ready to be a knight you really are."
I grinned, "I thought you'd never ask."
He grinned, "Put on your padded armor and grab a practice sword. I'll be right back."
He ran off to confer with some of the other guards and I used my magic to do as he asked, giving me enough time to stretch before whatever he had planned. I had to wait about 20 minutes before Lucas returned with ten knights, all wearing the light padded armor used for heavy training.
"We're going to simulate a battle. Consort, you'll need to fight us all off. If anyone is struck with what would be a fatal or disabling wound, step off the field. Does everyone understand?" Lucas explained. We all nodded and I grinned in excitement. I finally had a real chance to prove myself.
Lucas and the others withdrew a bit and he talked tactics with them for a minute before they turned to me. I fell into my ready stance and waited. They came at me in groups of three or four. The first wave took it easy on me, not thinking I was really ready for this. I managed to easily land blows on all of them and they retreated. The next wave of attackers made me work for it, but I was still able to strike the necessary 'fatal' or 'disabling' blows on each of them without them being able to touch me. By the time, the third group advanced, I noticed that we had drawn a crowd of spectators. I didn't spare them a glance as I focused on my opponents. Lucas was in the final group of four attackers and they came at me fast and hard. I managed to beat them off, but knew that I had received what would have been two minor wounds if the blades had been sharpened. The crowd clapped and shouted encouragement when I finally managed to disarm Lucas and held my sword to his throat.
He laughed and slapped away the blade. "Not bad, Swan. Think you can take more?"
I was breathing a little harder than normal, but I felt exhilarated. I eagerly nodded, "Sure, bring it on."
He turned to the others and said, "You heard her men. Same rules apply, but let's see if the Consort is as good as she thinks she is."
Adrenaline raced through me as all 10 of the knights surrounded me. I felt my magic rise within me in response and I focused on using it to heighten my senses and speed up my movements. Time seemed to slow around me and I felt the strike aimed at my back, I twisted around and easily parried it, before moving to block the next blow. Time held no meaning for me as I spun, dodged, parried and swung my sword. As the last man fell, Lucas charged me from behind. I dropped to a knee and spun around to swing my blade under his guard to slice along the stomach of his padded cuirass. He blinked down at me in surprise for a moment before a wide grin split his face and he lowered his sword. I took a deep breath and relaxed, letting my magic retreat.
"Swan that was some of the best swordplay I've ever seen. I don't know how you did it, but that was incredible," he said, clapping a hand on my shoulder.
"I couldn't agree more, Captain," said a sultry voice behind me.
I spun around to see my very proud and very aroused Queen smiling at me. I knelt and said, "Thank you, my Queen."
She chuckled and said, "Stand up, Consort." I stood and grinned at her. She returned the look for a moment before turning to Lucas who had also knelt. "Well, Captain, is she ready?"
"Yes, your majesty. I don't know how she did it, but after besting your eleven best knights at the same time, I don't think there is anything left for me to teach her," he said and I could hear the pride in his voice.
The Queen nodded and turned to the knights and soldiers watching the exchange. "And what do you say? Is the Consort ready to be a knight?" She said in a voice that carried across the field.
As if they had practiced, they all knelt and as one said, "Yes, your majesty."
"Very well," she said nodding her approval. "Lucas, assemble everyone in the throne room. Emma, come with me," she commanded and without a glance to make sure we obeyed, began walking back into the palace. In my surprise at the sudden turn of events, it took me a minute to process what was going on. Once I did, I rushed to catch up to the Queen. When I caught up to her, she smiled and said, "I'm proud of you, Emma."
"Thank you. I can't believe that this is really happening," I admitted.
"You've earned it. You're young to be knighted, but you proved yourself worthy today, my dear," she said.
We walked in silence for a few minutes before I asked, "Regina, what were you doing on the practice fields?"
She bit her lip, hesitating for a moment before she said, "I felt you, your excitement and the adrenaline rush. It called me to you and I followed."
"Oh, okay," I said and we fell into silence again. When I could see the door to her chambers, I asked, "Does it scare you how much the bond is growing?"
"Sometimes," she said in a voice so quiet that I could barely hear her.
I nodded, "Me too. But I think ultimately it will be a good thing."
"What makes you say that, dear?" She asked, stopping to look at me.
I met her eyes and smiled slightly. "Two reasons really. First, being able to share magic can only make us stronger. And secondly, being able to sense each other might save one of our lives one day. Especially, since we can transport to the other person in the blink of an eye."
"You may have a point," she conceded.
An hour later I was freshly bathed, dressed in a simple white shirt and trousers, and standing at the foot of the steps leading to Regina's throne with all of the castle's residents standing behind me. Regina even had Red brought from the dungeon to witness the ceremony. She was chained hand and foot, and being guarded by two soldiers.
Regina smiled down at me for a moment from her throne before standing and addressing the room. "Today, the Queen's Consort has proven herself in the eyes of her peers to be ready for the rights and responsibilities of knighthood, and you all have been called to witness this joyous occasion." She turned to me and said, "Kneel, Emma Swan and give your oath."
I sank to my knees and said, "My Queen, I now reaffirm my oath of fealty to you and to the Shadow Kingdom. I swear to ever be a good knight and true, reverent and generous, be shield to the weak, obedient to my Queen, courteous, kind and caring at all times, and champion of the defenseless and innocent. Call when you have need of me; ask what you will of me; my sword and my service are yours, from this day to my last."
The Queen came down the stairs to stand in front of me, turning to Lucas for his sword. "I accept your oath and hereby dub thee, Lady Swan, Knight of the Shadow Realm," she said, tapping the flat of the sword against each of my shoulders. She stepped back, handing the sword back to Lucas. "Rise Lady Swan and accept the vestments of your new position."
I stood and gave Regina a small smile. She returned the look as Lucas stepped forward and began to buckle my new armor into place. I glanced down at it, saw the surprisingly white metal and lifted an eyebrow at the Queen, trying to ask her about it, but unable to speak due to the ceremony. She just smirked in response. Once the shockingly light armor was on, Regina stepped back and buckled my sword on herself. When it was in place, she took my hand and turned me to face the crowd. "I present to you, Lady Swan, White Knight, Queen's Champion and Consort," she stated.
The response was deafening. The servants clapped and cheered, and the soldiers banged their fists against their breastplates. I smiled and tried my best not to blush in embarrassment of their approval. I glanced over and met Red's wide eyes. She apparently hadn't been told why she was being brought to the throne room and wasn't expecting this. I smiled at her, wanting her to see how happy I was and she returned the smile tentatively. I felt elated; maybe I would manage to convince her to at least stop trying to get me away from Regina, if I couldn't convince her to switch her loyalties.
Movement at the back of the room caught my attention and I quickly turned in time to see Lord Steven storm out of the room. I quickly searched the crowd for Lord Jared and when I met his gaze I subtly nodded in the direction the other lord had gone. He inclined his head and discretely followed. I forced my smile to stay in place as I watched the Spymaster leave. Regina's comforting hand settled on my shoulder and I turned to her. Her radiant smile was still in place, but her eyes told me she had also seen the two lords exit. She nodded almost imperceptibly at me before turning back to the crowd.
She raised her free hand for silence and the crowd immediately stilled. "Thank you all for attending today. We will celebrate more over the evening meal, and you will have the opportunity to congratulate Lady Swan. However, until then, please return to your duties."
I smiled at my Queen and offered her my arm. She took my arm and I ushered her out the back door, wondering what she had in mind. She waited just long enough for the door to shut behind us before she tightened her grip and transported us to her bedroom.
She pulled me roughly into her arms and purred, "As much as I love the sight of you in your new armor, dear. I need your hands on me."
A shiver of desire raced through me and I smiled, waving a hand over myself, magically removing the armor and undergarments so that I stood naked in her embrace. "As you wish, my Queen," I murmured against the soft skin of her neck. I trailed my hands along her curves.
She tightened her grip, pulling me even closer as she moaned, "You have no idea what it did to me to see you fighting today. I've been dying for your touch for hours."
Her words had moisture pooling between my thighs and I tugged on her dress, desperate to reach her skin. My lips followed my hands, lavishing newly exposed skin as I stripped her. I was kneeling in front of her by the time I pulled her panties off. I sucked in a sharp breath at her beauty and could smell her arousal. I groaned and slid my hands up her thighs. She shivered under my touch and I hooked my shoulder under her leg, parting her thighs to reveal her soaked center. I glanced up for permission and Regina tangled a hand in my hair and pushed my face where she needed me most. A needy growl rumbled in my throat as I extended my tongue to lick through her dripping folds. Her fingers clenched convulsively in my hair as she let out a desperate whimper. I smiled and lapped up her sweet, tangy flavor. I swirled my tongue around her clit, making her hips jerk forward and focused on her swollen bud. I alternated between short flicks and long strokes of my tongue.
She gasped out, "Oh, gods. There, Emma."
I hummed against her in agreement and felt fresh moisture coating my chin. Two fingers found her channel and slid easily into her. She moaned and I added a third finger, pumping rapidly into her as I continued to lick and tease her clit. She tensed above me and I sucked her clit into my mouth and curled my fingers inside her, hitting just the right spot. She cried out, shuddering through her orgasm. I sat back and looked up at her marveling at how gorgeous she was as she came. I slipped my fingers from her and licked them clean.
A predatory smirk was my only warning before her magic washed over me and I was transported into the center of her bed. I let out a wanton moan as her magic lingered on my skin, feeling like hundreds of mouths, kissing, licking and teasing my body. I writhed under the touch of her magic, tingling heat racing through me as she stalked towards the bed. Her magic brought me to the edge of orgasm, but didn't take me over.
"Please, Regina…" I begged.
She slowly crawled across the spacious mattress until she hovered over me, careful not to touch. "What do you want, Emma?" she asked huskily.
"You. P-please. Fuck. Me," I gasped out, desperate for her touch. She smiled wickedly and sent another wash of magic over me. I arched up towards her, moaning out another "Please…"
The moment my hips returned to the bed, she thrust three fingers into me pulsing even more magic into me. I screamed, my inner walls clamping down on her fingers as I came. As soon as I relaxed enough for her to be able to move her fingers, she began thrusting hard and fast into me, using her magic to make me feel as though her fingers reached much deeper into me than she could actually reach. I cried out again, another orgasm building quickly. Without realizing it, my magic rose within me, flowing into Regina as she plunged into me. I heard her gasp and my mind cleared enough to realize what was happening.
I opened my mouth to say something, but she sent another pulse of magic into my core and a scream tore from my throat as my release washed over me. Regina shifted and began to grind her hips down on my thigh even as her thrusts sped up between my legs. I forgot how to breathe and I stiffened under her, arching my back off the mattress. With a final thrust and pulse of magic, I shuddered and came harder than I ever had before. I felt my magic burst out of me into Regina and I distantly heard her cry out as an orgasm ripped through her.
I sagged back onto the bed completely spent, gasping desperately for air and Regina collapsed half on top of me. I tried to wrap an arm around her, but I couldn't convince any of my limbs to move. Regina gently stroked my side, apparently content to lay with me until I regained control of myself.
When I was able to, I said, "That was amazing."
Regina chuckled and kissed my neck. "Yes, it was, my dear."
I smiled and found I could wrap my arm around her back, hugging her against me. "Maybe I should have you watch me spar more often," I murmured.
She laughed and leaned up to place a kiss on my lips before she gently stroked my cheek and murmured, "If I did that, Emma, I'd never get any work done."
I chuckled and admitted, "Yeah, and I'd probably never be able to walk again."
She smirked, but when she spoke, her voice was tender. "You are beautiful like this, my dear Swan."
I smiled, "You're always beautiful, Regina."
"I know," she said, tossing her hair over her shoulder.
"And so modest," I added teasingly, making her lift an eyebrow imperiously at me. I just chuckled.
She playfully smacked my arm and I winced. She had unknowingly hit a bruise from my earlier sparring match. Regina immediately noticed my reaction and all the playfulness left her in an instant. She gently took my arm and studied the blue line of the fresh bruise.
"What's this?" She asked concerned.
"Just the beginnings of a bruise. It was one of the few hits I took this morning," I said with a shrug.
Her brow furrowed and she said, "But I didn't feel this. How many hits did you take?"
"Not very many," I said proudly, then added, "Do you think we'll only feel it if the other bleeds?"
"I don't know," she said looking troubled.
I sat up, forcing Regina to sit up as well. "We should try to figure this out. There are a lot of different types of ways to kill someone without breaking skin, and we can't just assume that we'll feel it if the other is in danger."
Regina's face darkened and she glowered at me. "Just what exactly are you proposing, Lady Swan?" the Queen asked.
I swallowed nervously and said, "The bruises I got today were minor injuries, I'm suggesting you test the limits of our bond on me, your majesty. I can heal any damage done."
She stared at me for a long time and I met her gaze, letting her see my willingness in my eyes. Her face hardened into a cruel expression and I found myself staring into the dark eyes of the Evil Queen. "Very well," she said coldly, waving a hand and conjuring rope that secured my wrists and ankles to the bed frame and yanking me down onto my back. I struggled against my natural instinct to fight the rough treatment and forced my body to surrender to my Queen's will.
The Queen noticed my submission and a possessive fire lit in her eyes as she smirked down at me and purred, "You look simply divine, bound and helpless in my bed, White Knight."
A shiver ran down my spine in a combination of fear and arousal. "Thank you, my Queen," I said, pleased when my voice remained steady.
"You may not thank me later, dear," she said with a dark, husky chuckle.
I had no response to that and so waited. She inclined her head in approval and conjured a soft leather flogger. I let out a shaky breath and met her eyes as she swung her arm, bringing the tails down harshly across my stomach. I clenched my jaw against the sharp pain that blossomed in its wake. When the Queen lifted it from my skin, I could see the red welts it had left. She ran her fingers over the welts and I hissed out a breath as her soothing touch turned the pain into a pleasurable heat that settled between my legs.
The Queen lifted an eyebrow at my reaction and said, "Hmm, I didn't feel that at all. I'll just have to try harder."
The flogger swung through the air and slapped across my right thigh. I gasped as hot pain radiated up my leg. The Queen frowned and purple smoke swirled in her hand, replacing the flogger with a wooden rod. I felt my eyes go wide, but I didn't struggle against the ropes. I clenched my teeth in anticipation of the pain as the Queen swung the rod down. The blow landed on my left thigh. It felt like she'd nearly broken bone with the strike and I swallowed the cry that tried to escape my throat. The Queen cried out, dropping the rod as she clutched her thigh.
I surged towards her, forgetting the ropes that tied me to the bed. "Regina!" I yelled, unable to reach her as the rope dug into my skin.
"I'm alright," she grunted.
"Let me go, so I can heal you," I said, forgetting in my concern for her that I could release myself with my magic.
Her eyes snapped to mine and she snarled, "No, Swan! We will finish this little game that you started with your Queen."
I sighed and slumped back onto the bed. "As you wish, my Queen," I said, not willing to push the Queen further.
"So glad you agree, dear," she said sarcastically.
When I didn't reply, she conjured a slim blade and pressed it to my throat. I knew that she was testing me and I lifted my chin, giving her access to my vulnerable neck and showing her that I trusted her completely. I felt the cold metal drag down my throat to hover just below my collarbone. She was careful not to break the skin as she moved the knife. In an almost gentle move, she put just enough pressure on the sharp blade to part the skin of my chest in a shallow slice. I didn't react to the pain from the cut as I glanced down to my Queen's chest. I was surprised to see her skin unmarked.
She followed my eyes and pursed her lips. "Interesting," was all she said as she moved the blade to my left bicep. This time she cut slightly deeper, again leaving her own skin unmarred. She cocked her head to the side and moved the blade an inch lower on my arm, slicing more deeply into my skin. I grit my teeth against the burning pain in my arm. I knew that both cuts were fairly shallow, and while blood welled from them, dripping onto the sheets below me, neither were serious wounds. Regina frowned and moved the blade again. I grunted as the blade bit into my skin. The Queen let out a gasp as her skin parted as though cut with an invisible knife.
She met my eyes with an unreadable expression. After a moment, her gaze softened and she softly said, "I think that's enough, Emma."
She moved to wave her hand to release me and I shook my head, "No, Regina. You need to break a bone. We need to know," I added the last when it looked like she was going to protest.
"Fine," she snarled, clearly pissed. The Queen slashed down with her hand, sending a bolt of magic at me. I was unprepared and couldn't stop a scream from escaping my lips as I felt bone snap in my left forearm. Regina's pained cry joined mine and I immediately felt guilty to suggesting we continue.
I magically untied the ropes and sat up, reaching for Regina. Just as before I could touch her arm, she placed a hand on my chest and through gritted teeth growled, "Just heal the break."
I nodded, even though I didn't know why she didn't want anything else healed. I gently placed my hand over the break and pushed my magic into her. We both gasped as our bones shifted back into place. After a minute, the bone fused back together and the pain receded. I let out a sigh of relief and asked, "Why don't you want me to heal everything?"
She raked her eyes down my body and leered at me. "I should contact Snow White and inform her that her wolf failed. And having you bruised, bloody, tied to my bed and thoroughly fucked, will make a perfect prop to torment her with. Do you have a problem with that, my dear White Knight?" the Evil Queen asked.
Another shiver ran through me and I shook my head. "No, my Queen," I said, uncertain whether I was amused, horrified, or turned on by the glint in her eyes.
She gave me an evil grin and leaned in to nibble a trail along my neck to my ear. "Good. But let's just make sure to make the picture complete, shall we," she purred in my ear before biting into my neck, sucking hard enough to bruise.
I moaned, my head falling back to give her better access. She hummed her approval and after re-securing my wrists and ankles with the rope, she moved down to my chest, leaving several marks on my skin before she took one stiff nipple into her mouth. She teased the tip with her tongue and I gasped as I felt the bite of the knife slide across my stomach. As pain flared in its wake, my Queen sucked my nipple deep into her mouth. Pleasure flooded me, erasing the pain and I arched into her, pressing my breast deeper into her mouth. She chuckled and moved to the other nipple as she sliced into the skin over my hip. The pain of the cut only heightened my arousal this time, as desire and need flooded my core and I let out a needy moan. The Queen dropped the bloodied blade on my stomach and pushed three fingers into me. I groaned, my hips rising to meet her plunging hand as heat spiraled through me. She sent a pulse of magic through me and I came undone, letting out a hoarse cry as I flooded her hand with my release.
She pulled her fingers out and wiped her hand on my thigh, smearing the bruised skin with my desire. The Queen looked down at me and chuckled darkly, "There, dear, now you're ready for your audience with the White Queen and King. Do try to look terrified and pathetic for them."
I just nodded, still trying to regain my voice from the mind-blowing orgasm the Queen had just given me. She smirked and waved a hand, magically redressing herself before she demanded the mirror contact Snow White.
As we waited for them to appear, the Queen sat next to my hip on the bed, putting my body between her and the mirror. She idly stroked my thigh and I sighed, enjoying her touch. She turned and lifted an eyebrow in a look that reminded me not to enjoy her touch. I bit my lip and gave a small nod of understanding. She smirked and dipped her fingers between my thighs, making me squirm.
Two horrified gasps filled the room and we turned to the mirror. My eyes widened as I got my first real look at the parents I'd never known. They both looked older than their years, grief and strife had left their mark in the deep lines on their faces. Both wore identical looks of horrified outrage as they stared at me. A blush rose to my cheeks and I looked away as they took in my naked, abused body.
"Regina, what have you done?" Snow screeched, making me wince.
My Queen chuckled and began stroking my thigh again. She ignored the question and said, "I just wanted to inform you that Red failed to kill me."
"What did you do to Red?" Snow angrily demanded, and I looked back at the mirror. Both of the White monarchs had their attention fixed on Regina.
"Nothing, yet. She is currently a guest in my dungeon," Regina lazily answered.
Snow's fists clenched and she said, "Let her go, she was there on our orders. Don't punish her in our place."
My Queen chuckled and asked, "Are you offering a trade for your pet wolf?"
That stopped Snow. She turned to Charming and had a silent conversation with him. I had to struggle to keep my confusion from my face. Had they really forgotten about me? Would Snow really sacrifice herself for a friend, but not me? That thought brought tears to my eyes and I choked back a sob. I wasn't successful enough at suppressing the sound because Regina's hand tightened on my thigh in reassurance and Snow and Charming turned their attention back to me. Snow looked at me with eyes full of compassionate understanding and it took all of my willpower not to curl my lip in disgust. Did she really not realize that she had just forgotten about me in her concern for Red?
"Oh, Emma, I'm so sorry," she said in a sickly sweet voice before turning to Regina. "I'll surrender to you if you release my daughter and Red."
The Queen smirked evilly. "And what makes you think I'd be willing to give up my new toy for you?" she asked as she ran a possessive hand down my thigh. The movement sent heat racing down my spine and I whimpered, hoping Snow would mistake it for distress.
It worked, her eyes hardened and she snapped out, "Take me and let her go. You'll have your revenge. You can do anything you want with me."
My Queen stood and dragged her fingers up my body suggestively. I widened my eyes, trying to look terrified and forced another whimper from my lips. Her eyes met mine with an approving look before she turned and stalked towards the mirror. "I'll consider your offer. I'll give you my answer in a two days' time. But if you attack me or my people again before I contact you, I will take out my anger on your daughter, again," she said threateningly. Before Snow could protest, she reached up and the mirror went blank.
Regina let out a long sigh and the tension drained from her. She turned to me and seeing the silent tears streaming down my cheeks, she rushed to the bed, releasing me from the rope. "I'm sorry, my dear," she whispered gathering me into her arms.
I clung to her and cried. She stroked my back, soothing me. "She was more worried about Red than me," I choked out.
"I know, Emma. I could kill her for that," she said vehemently.
It was enough to surprise a laugh out of me. I sat back and wiped the tears from my cheeks. "Gods, why do I care?" I muttered, disgusted with myself.
Regina put a finger under my chin and lifted it to meet my eyes. "We all want our parents to love us, dear. You don't need to be ashamed of that," she said softly.
I sighed and said softly, "At least you had your father. He was a good man and he loved you unconditionally."
Regina looked away and whispered, "I know. I miss him every day."
Her sorrow slid along our bond and flooded me. I felt fresh tears filling my eyes and I reached out to tenderly grip her arm. "I know you do. But he lived a long life and he was lucky enough to pass quietly in his sleep."
She nodded, tears slipping silently down her cheeks. "I know. It's been five years, but I still wish he hadn't left me."
My heart ached for her and I searched for something to say that might make her feel better. After a moment I said, "Did you know that he used to come to the library sometimes when I was with my tutors?" She glanced up and shook her head. I smiled sadly and said, "He did. He used to talk about all of the changes you made in the kingdom after you took over. He was so proud of you and what you'd accomplished."
"Really?"
I nodded, "Yes, I could always see it in his eyes and hear it in the way he talked about you."
Regina took a deep breath and smiled softly at me. "Thank you, Emma," she said, reaching for my hand and giving it a light squeeze.
"You're welcome, Regina," I said with a smile. After a moment, my thoughts returned to the woman who'd given birth to me. "Thank you for saving me from that woman," I said with a scowl.
"You're welcome, my dear," Regina said with a small chuckle.
My lips twitched at her amusement and I said, "Gods, did you see the look she gave me? It was full of such patronizing understanding; I thought I'd be sick. She could never understand me."
"I know, my dear," Regina said. Then she smirked and added in a sultry voice, "But, your Queen understands you and your needs."
I smiled, "Is that so?"
She leaned in until her lips were less than an inch from mine. "Yes, Emma, I do," she murmured and closed the distance to fuse her lips to mine.