A/N: So, as of right now, I am not going to write the companion story. However, I will either write a sequel to this story from Regina's POV, or the next story I write will be from her POV. Not certain which I will choose yet, but I wanted to let you know. Thank you all for the reviews and input on my poll. Please continue to leave me your thoughts. Reviews make my day and really help make the story better.

Chapter 10

As soon as the white smoke dispersed, Regina threw her arms around me. My hands automatically rose to rest on her hips and she smiled at me, pride and happiness shining from her eyes. "You are amazing, Emma. I can't believe you captured Charming."

I returned her smile and said, "He made it too easy. I honestly don't know how he thought he could succeed."

"They always underestimate me," Regina said, placing a chaste kiss on my lips.

"What will you do with him?" I asked, somewhat worried for her answer.

An evil smirk crossed her features and she replied, "Use him to toy with Snow White. Everything is falling into place, dear. And thanks to you, I will soon have my revenge."

I reached up and cupped her cheek in my palm. "I'm glad, Regina. You deserve to finally get your happiness. I'm just happy that I can help."

Regina's eyes softened and she leaned in to whisper, "Emma, dear. You are part of my happiness. I lo—I'm not letting you go, and when this is all over, we will both be free to enjoy our happy ending."

I smiled, not missing the slip that almost let the words I'd been longing to hear slide out. "I love you, Regina," I said, kissing her cheek.

I heard the breath catch in her throat as she pulled me more tightly against her. I wrapped my arms around her back and held her, content to linger in this near-perfect moment with my Queen. Eventually, she pulled back and with a wicked glint in her eyes said, "Put your helmet back on. We should inform Snow of her latest misfortune." I smiled, glad for once I didn't had to play the victim for the White Queen.

Once, my helmet was safely masking my features, Regina perched regally in a stiff-backed chair and I moved to stand at her shoulder. This time, when Snow appeared, she tried and failed to hide the fear in her eyes. With only the barest of glances at me, she focused on Regina, who waited until she had the other queen's attention before speaking. "Good afternoon, Snow. You seem a little worried. Is everything alright?"

Snow White's jaw clenched and she said, "It's nothing you need to trouble yourself with."

The Queen laughed coldly. "That's true. Though I'm afraid I have some terrible news for you."

At these words, all the color drained from Snow's face and she stumbled back a step to sit heavily on a chair behind her. "What have you done?" she asked, dread filling her voice.

"I have done nothing. However, my White Knight foiled your husband's ambush and has taken him," the Queen replied, malicious glee evident in her voice.

"Did—is he still alive?" Snow asked weakly.

"For now," was the cold response. "In fact, I'm feeling generous today. So, you have until noon tomorrow to remove all of your soldiers from my kingdom. After that, I will keep your husband alive as long as you and your people remain within the borders of your kingdom. If I get even a hint of a rescue attempt, I will take Charming's heart, force him to walk back to you and then crush it, so that he can die in your arms as Daniel died in mine."

Tears filled Snow's eyes, and her voice was shaky as she asked, "What will you do if we follow your orders?"

I could hear the smirk in her voice as she said, "That remains to be seen. As you have never headed anything I've said, I don't expect you will be able to help yourself now." The Queen paused before adding, "I hope you enjoy your day. I can only imagine that the thought of the three people you care the most about being within my grasp is anything but comforting."

Snow opened her mouth to speak, but the Queen closed the connection before she was able to say anything. Regina turned to me, her happy smile back on her lips. "Now, my dear Swan, I do believe you have earned a reward from your Queen," she said, raking her eyes down my armored body.

Heat followed in the wake of her gaze and I stepped towards her, drawn to her like a moth to a flame. With a wave of her hand, my armor vanished and I stood naked before her. A shiver ran over me in a combination of arousal and the chilly air. "Anything for you, my Queen," I said my voice deeper and huskier than usual.

She crooked a finger at me and purred, "Then follow me, my White Knight." I had no will or desire to resist as I followed her into the bedroom.

We received word the next morning that all of Snow White's soldiers had retreated behind her borders during the night. Regina was in a wonderful mood over breakfast and as we ate, she turned to me and said, "My dear, I believe it may be time for Charming to meet his daughter."

I froze with my forkful of eggs halfway to my mouth. I thought over her carefully worded statement and relaxed. I looked over at her with a raised eyebrow, "Are you certain?"

She smiled, "Yes, Emma. I can feel our victory over Snow in the air. It's time to reveal the real you."

"Thank you, Regina," I said relieved.

Her brow furrowed and she asked, "Has it been so difficult, my dear?"

I sighed and reached for her hand. "I would do anything for you, my Queen. I just find playing the victim to be tedious. Neither of us are the women we've been portraying for Snow's benefit."

Regina's eyes hardened and she snapped, "I am the Evil Queen, dear. I haven't been pretending anything."

I shook my head, "No, Regina. You really aren't her, not anymore. You can be vicious, but I don't think I've ever actually seen the woman Snow White fears so much. I didn't fall in love with the Evil Queen. I fell in love with you, Regina."

Her eyes softened and she softly said, "You're the only one who sees that, Emma."

I smiled gently and replied, "I know." Her lips twitched in an attempt to return the smile. In an effort to lighten the mood, I added, "Don't get me wrong, I still think the dark, angry Queen is sexy as fuck. I mean, those clothes and that walk…mmm, just gets me all hot and bothered…Are you sure we can't just go back to bed, my Queen?"

Regina's lip curled into an amused smirk, but her voice was imperious as she replied, "No, Consort. Get your thoughts out of my pants and finish your eggs."

I bit my lip to prevent the grin that wanted to split my face and shifted in my chair so I could stare at her leather clad thighs. "But those pants…" I moaned out suggestively.

She laughed and tossed a breakfast roll at me. "Focus, Emma," she said, amused. I just grinned and picked up my fork.

Half an hour later, we were standing in front of Charming's cell, and I was fully concealed within my armor. The Queen opened the door and we entered. James stood slowly to face us, glaring defiantly. "What are you going to do to me?" he snarled.

"Nothing, yet, dear. I just thought we should talk," the Queen said, conjuring a chair with a wave of her hand. She sat, adjusting her jacket so its tails fell around the chair without wrinkling.

"What could we possibly have to talk about?" he asked warily.

She smirked, "Well, I thought you might like to know that I've spoken with your wife. I told her that I won't kill you so long as she doesn't try to rescue you."

"Why?"

The Queen waved a dismissive hand and said, "I have my reasons."

Charming's jaw tightened and he forced out, "Fine, is there anything else you wanted to say? Or are you just here to gloat?"

A wicked grin graced her lips and she said, "While I do enjoy gloating; no, that's not the only reason I came to speak with you today. I thought you might be interested in the truth behind my White Knight."

He looked startled for a moment before his eyes flicked to me. "Why would that interest me?" he asked, obviously confused.

The Queen didn't take her eyes off him as she said, "Remove your helmet, Lady Swan."

I grinned, but quickly forced a stoic expression on my face as I slowly lifted my hands and pulled my helmet off. Charming gaped; disbelief evident in his eyes as he speechlessly met my impassive gaze. "Hello, King James," I said emotionlessly.

As the silence stretched in the cell, my Queen finally said, "What? Do you honestly have nothing to say to the daughter you haven't spoken to in 18 years?"

His eyes flicked to the Queen then focused back on me. "What? But, I thought—How—" he stumbled, trying to form a coherent thought.

I took pity on him and said, "I'm not the victim you expected me to be."

"Emma?" he asked, obviously still struggling to believe what he was seeing.

"Yes, Charming. This is your daughter," my Queen said, losing her patience.

"But, how?" he asked, not taking his eyes off me.

"I've never been the victim we've led you to believe that I am," I said coldly. When he looked like he'd object, I cut him off and added, "Regina has never mistreated me. She's given me everything I've ever wanted."

"No, that's—why would you let us believe that she was hurting you?" he asked, baffled.

I sighed, "Because you'd never believe anything else."

He nodded sadly, acknowledging the truth. "Why haven't you come home, Emma?"

"I am home, James," I said simply. "I told you that yesterday."

"But, you should be with your mother and I, not her," he insisted.

"Why? What could you possibly have to offer me that would make me want to leave?" I said, feeling my temper rising.

"Emma, we're your parents. We love you. We just want to keep you safe," he pleaded.

I snorted derisively, "No, you're not. And I don't need to be protected. That should be obvious after how easily I defeated your men."

"I meant safe from her, the Evil Queen!" he snapped out.

I glanced over at Regina and saw her clenched jaw and the angry lines of her back. I reached out and gently squeezed her shoulder as I said, "I don't need to be protected from Regina. She would never hurt me. I love her."

"No," he yelled in a disgusted voice. He forced his voice to be calm as he said, "Emma, she's put a spell on you. You don't really love her. You just think you do."

I turned back to him, and let my magic fill me. I conjured a ball of white light in my hand and snarled, "I have magic, Charming. Do you really think I wouldn't know if I was under a spell?"

"But, she's Evil, Emma. Evil isn't capable of love. She can't love you back," he insisted stubbornly.

I let the magic fade and asked, "I'm curious, King James. What is more evil: a ruler who selfishly leads their people to the slaughter and near starvation for so many years that their own people rise against them, or a ruler who defends their people with everything they have available, while still ensuring that the defenseless are protected, and every mouth is fed?"

He opened his mouth as though he was going to speak, then closed it again, clenching his jaw. After a pause, while he collected his thoughts, he stated, "You don't know what she's done. You couldn't know and still claim to love her."

"I've never hidden any of my past mistakes from Emma," Regina said flatly.

I squeezed her shoulder again, needing the contact to calm my frustration. Regina lifted a hand to cover mine, steadying me. I took a deep breath and said, "I know what has been done on both sides of this feud. It doesn't change how I feel. If anything it makes me even more proud to be Regina's White Knight and Consort. She has risen from the ashes of her past and rules one of the most prosperous kingdoms in the Enchanted Forest. Her people are happy and healthy and have more opportunities than any other. Can Snow White say the same?"

Regina turned to me, her eyes filled with surprised pleasure. "Thank you, Emma."

"You're welcome, my Queen," I said, smiling at her.

Charming watched us carefully, looking like he was going to be ill. "You're her Consort?" he asked, disgust evident in his voice.

I lifted an eyebrow and sneered, "That's what you're going to focus on?"

"How could you willingly sleep with the Evil Queen?" he asked, determined to ignore everything else I'd said.

I grit my teeth, "She's not evil, not anymore. And is it really so hard to believe that Regina respects me enough not to take anything that I didn't willingly give?"

"Yes," he insisted.

"Fine," I snapped out furiously. "Believe what you want, I don't honestly care. But don't expect me to speak to you again unless you're willing to admit that you are wrong. Good-Bye, James."

I turned to storm out and he called out, "Emma, wait!"

I stopped, keeping my back to him and growled, "What?"

"You've been tricked. You don't know Regina like your mother and I do. You can't believe anything she says," he said patronizingly.

I turned back to him. "No, you're fooling yourself. Regina offered me a choice. I chose her. I want absolutely nothing to do with you or Snow White," I said before turning and stalking out.

I stopped just outside the door and heard him ask, "What choice is she talking about?"

"I offered her the chance to return to you and Snow. As she said, she chose my bed instead of you," Regina explained dryly.

"You're lying," he growled.

"Why would I lie, dear?" Regina asked as she opened the door. She stepped through and closed and locked the door before he could respond. Taking in my tense angry, stance, Regina closed the distance between us and wrapped her arms around me.

I leaned into her, breathing her sweet earthy scent into my lungs and letting my anger fade away. Feeling steadier, I whispered, "Why are they so blind?"

Regina shifted and pulled me away from his cell. "They're idiots," she said with a sigh.

I nodded my head in agreement of her assessment. We walked in silence for a few minutes before I remembered my promise to Red. "Can I tell Red what's happening?" I asked.

"Yes, you may. Do you really think she will decide to stay?" Regina asked softly.

I turned to look at her. She met my gaze and I could see the uncertainty she was feeling in her eyes. "I think that as long as Snow doesn't force your hand, she will decide to stay," I said confidently.

"I think I'd like that," she admitted.

I smiled, "Me, too."

She smiled softly, "Go, talk to her. But don't stay too long. You need to inform the Security Council of the recent events."

"As you wish, my Queen," I said lovingly.

Regina's smile deepened and she kissed my cheek before leaving. I watched her until she was out of sight, unable to wipe the smile from my face. When she turned a corner, I made my way to Red's cell. She jumped up as soon as she saw me.

"What's going on? Is everyone alright?" she asked, nearly panicked.

I held out my hands and calmly said, "Whoa, it's okay. Everyone is fine." She immediately relaxed and I quickly explained Regina's ultimatum to Snow.

As I spoke, a mix of emotions crossed Red's features before she settled on worried acceptance. When I was finished, she said, "I hope Snow actually listens to Regina this time."

My eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Are—are you taking Regina's side in this?" I asked disbelievingly.

Red lifted a shoulder in a half shrug and she sheepishly said, "Well, Charming was incredibly stupid with his ambush."

I laughed, "That's true." I paused and asked, "Have you decided what you want to do?"

She looked away, "Not yet, I want to see what happens first."

I reached out and put a hand on her shoulder in understanding. "I get that. You don't want to give your loyalty to someone who might still kill your friends," I said softly and she nodded. "She did say she'd promise not to kill them if you decided to stay."

Red sighed, running her hands through her hair and said, "I know, but I've seen her in a rage before. I don't want her to make a promise she can't keep."

I sighed and sat down on the cot next to her. "She doesn't lose control like that anymore. And if she did, I'd stop her," I stated confidently.

"Emma, no one can stop the Evil Queen in one of her rages," Red said flatly.

I shook my head, "She's not the Evil Queen anymore. And I can stop her. She can't hurt me without hurting herself and I have magic." Red opened her mouth to protest again and I quickly added, "I'm not going to push you, Red. You decide when you're ready. In the meantime, I think I can make things a little more comfortable for you." I stood and pulled her to her feet. I drew on my magic, careful not to pull any from Regina and worry her, and replaced the cot with an actual bed. Red rushed over and tested the mattress while I conjured a stack of books.

Red turned back to me with a grin. "Thank you, Emma."

I smiled back at her. "Sorry I didn't think of it sooner," I said chagrinned.

"It's alright," she said happily.

"Well, enjoy. I've got to go, but I'll come get you later and take you outside for a while."

"Thanks," she said gratefully.

"Anytime," I said and headed out to meet with the Security Council.

Over the next week, the tension in the castle gradually eased as it began to look as though Snow would actually head Regina's warnings for once. I kept the Council focused on our defenses, but even I was beginning to think that Snow wouldn't take the risk of coming after Charming.

One evening, a little over a week after Charming's capture, Regina decided to check in on Snow. She ordered the mirror to show us the White Queen. I was shocked by what I saw. Snow was sitting in a chair staring blankly into a fire in her sitting room hearth. As we watched the broken queen, a servant entered and placed a dinner tray on a table next to Snow's chair. She didn't move or acknowledge the servant in any way. We watched for another five minutes, but she never moved.

Regina waved a hand and the mirror blanked. She turned to me with a grin, "I do believe that I've won, my dear."

I returned her smile and said, "Yes, I think you have. What will you do now, my Queen?"

Her smile turned mischievous and she said, "I believe I'll let her suffer for a few more days before ridding myself of her for good."

"What do you mean?" I asked warily.

"You'll see, my dear," she replied. When I opened my mouth to protest, she added, "Don't worry, Emma. I won't kill her. I've waited too long for this moment for it to end in her death."

"Thank you," I said as tears began to slide down my cheeks.

Regina immediately pulled me into a hug and she worriedly asked, "What's wrong, Emma? I thought you'd be happy."

I wiped the tears from my cheeks and said, "I am happy. I know this is what you've been planning for all these years. I don't know why I'm crying."

"It's okay, dear. I know it's got to be difficult to see her like this," she replied soothingly, running her hands down my back.

My tears dried as irritation flashed through me. I pushed her away and snapped, "I don't care about that. That woman is nothing to me except the woman who ruined your life and who would keep us apart. She deserves to suffer for everything she's done."

Regina looked stricken as she watched me pace her sitting room. After a minute she softly said, "What's going on? Emma, this isn't like you."

"I don't know what's wrong with me," I growled, throwing my hands out in frustration. I felt a wash of anxiety along the bond from Regina and I suddenly felt drained. I slumped into the closest chair and sighed, "I'm sorry, Regina. I don't know what came over me."

She closed the distance and knelt down in front of me, reaching up to gently cup my cheeks in her hands. "It's alright, Emma. It's been a stressful week and you must be exhausted. Will you come to bed and let me hold you?"

I nodded, "I'd really like that. You're right, I am exhausted. I'm so sorry. I don't mean to take it out on you."

Regina placed a soft kiss on my lips before she stood and held out a hand for me. "I understand, my dear. Come on, let's go get some rest," she replied gently.

I took her hand and let her pull me into the bedroom. "Thank you," I said, stumbling as fatigue settled over me.

"Anything for you, my Swan," she said as she led me to the bed and helped me get settled in before she vanished our clothes.

I curled into her arms and let out a contented sigh. "I love you, Regina."

She kissed my forehead and said, "Go to sleep, dear. I've got you."

I woke the next morning to a roiling stomach and I barely made it into the washroom before the remnants of my dinner splashed into the chamber pot. As I heaved up the contents of my stomach, I heard Regina's worried voice calling from the bedroom. Another wave of nausea washed over me and I couldn't respond. When my stomach finally stopped revolting, I slumped to the side, too weak and shaky to move.

"Emma?" Regina's voice called again, much closer and I realized she was coming to check on me. I tried to sit up so I could vanish the contents of the pot, but the movement just made my stomach churn and I lay back down. "Oh gods, Emma!" Regina cried when she saw me. She rushed over to my side, pulling me into her arms. I tried to weakly fight her off, expecting the movement to bring back the nausea, but it didn't. Her touch immediately soothed me and I relaxed into her.

"Are you alright, my dear?" she asked, brushing sweaty strands of my hair off my forehead.

I nodded, "Yeah, I think so. I guess dinner didn't sit well with me."

"I'm sorry, dear," she said, rubbing soothing circles on my back as she cradled me against her.

"It's okay," I said, feeling steadier by the minute.

As we sat there, I felt my strength return to me and I sighed gratefully, glad that I wouldn't be stuck in bed all day. I sat up and reached a hand towards the chamber pot but Regina stopped me, covering my hand with hers. "Let me take care of it, dear." I let my hand drop, and Regina waved a hand, vanishing the mess. When it was gone, she asked, "Do you think you can make it back to the bed?"

"Yeah, I'm feeling much better now," I said, shifting so I could stand. Regina helped me to my feet and wrapped her arm protectively around my waist. When we got back to bed, she insisted that we lay down for a while longer. I reluctantly agreed only when Regina climbed onto the bed behind me and curled around me, holding my back firmly against her chest. I fell back to sleep feeling safe in my Queen's arms.

It took some effort, but I finally managed to convince Regina to let me visit Red that afternoon. She wouldn't agree until I was able to keep my lunch down and even then, she insisted that she accompany me. I felt fine and didn't think it was necessary, but inwardly, I loved all of the attention. Regina hadn't left my side all day.

When we walked into Red's cell, she set aside the book she was reading and quickly sat up. "What's going on?" she asked, dread filling her voice.

I smiled and quickly tried to sooth her worry. "I got sick this morning so Regina wouldn't let me visit you alone."

"Emma, if you were sick you should be in bed," Red said chidingly as she crossed the small cell to get a better look.

"That's what I said," Regina huffed out in exasperation.

"I feel fine now, Regina," I said, giving her a small smile. Red chuckled at us and reached out to place a hand on my forehead. As she did, her nostrils flared and her eyes went wide. I froze, "What's wrong, Red?"

She stumbled back a step and shot a confused look between Regina and I. "Um, nothing," she said unconvincingly.

Regina had tensed next to me and at Red's lie, she snarled, "What is it, Wolf?"

Red's eyes locked on Regina's and she spoke in a voice that was carefully devoid of any emotions. "Emma's pregnant."