Chapter 11

The King and Queen's Castle.

Returning to their chambers once the Princess had opened her gifts from her parents and brother, Emma and Regina went to change into their clothes for the day. Meeting one another again within the corridor, the blonde walks up to the brunette and holds her hand out. "There is someone else who is dear to me who I would like you to meet"

Taking hold of her hand and linking their fingers while squeezing tightly still in fear that all this was a dream, Regina nods and follows Emma quietly. Making her way downstairs, the Princess glances over at the brunette and pouts at her sad expression. "Regina? What's wrong?"

Hugging into the blonde's arm while resting her head against her shoulder, Regina sighs. "Nothing major...I'm just trying to make the most of you while I can..I mean before you go that is.."

Frowning, Emma looks down at her. "Go?..what do you mean?"

Raising her head, the brunette pouts slightly. "Your trip..."

Realizing, the Princess smiles. "You're coming with me"

Raising an eyebrow, Regina looks in disbelief. "I am?"

Chuckling, the blonde nods still with a smile before kissing her head. "Of course you are"

"But..I.." Looking down at herself, the brunette feels embarrassed. "I do not have anything else to wear..all my clothes well..the limited amount I have are at the estate. I couldn't possibly travel with the royal family dressed like this?"

Pausing at the stairway to the kitchen, the Princess turns to Regina and takes hold of both her hands. "Then we will buy you some new clothes..but honestly..to me? You're beautiful no matter what and it shouldn't matter what you wear, it's what is on the inside that counts"

Smiling, the brunette releases one hand to stroke Emma's cheek. "what you said right there, just confirms what I already know. You Emma, you are going to make a great Queen"

Emma gives a coy smile then gestures with her head towards the stairs. Making their way down, the blonde goes straight over to the table. "Granny?"

The old cook turns from the oven and smiles in shock. "Oh Emma, what are you doing down here? I thought you would be celebrating" hugging the Princess, Granny looks through her glasses at the brunette stood at the other side of the table. Pulling back, she keeps hold of the blonde's shoulders as she gestures over to the young woman. "Is this her?"

Biting her lip going a little red, Emma nods. "This is Regina"

Stepping forward, Regina holds her hand out to shake the older woman's hand as the blonde introduces them. "This is Granny..she's not really my Granny but everyone calls her that, she's actually Ruby's Granny and our amazing cook"

Granny chuckles as she shakes the brunette's hand. "Trust the Princess to say that..she lives for her food.."

Looking shocked, Emma pouts. "Do not..but your pie..."

Smiling again, the older woman quickly turns around to lift up a rounded tray before showing the blonde. "Like this one? Which I made for you for your birthday?"

Eyes lighting up, the blonde hugs her again and takes the pie before sitting down on the stool. "Regina you have to try this.."

Regina chuckles at Emma's reaction then sits beside her with a frown. "It seems weird for me to be in the kitchen but not cooking..or cleaning.."

Passing over a slice on a plate for her the blonde kisses her cheek then watches, waiting for her view on the pie. The brunette rolls her eyes at how Emma sits patiently, hand rested under her chin for the verdict. Lifting the folk to try some, Regina smiles as she eats it. "Now that is pie.."

The Princess grins and grabs another folk to join her as Granny's shakes her head with a chuckle watching the pair from the sink.

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Entering the main hall, a guard bows down to the royal couple then addresses them. "Your highness and your majesty there is a visitor for the both of you. She wishes to speak with you privately regarding a Regina Mills?"

Snow's eyes widen as she looks to her husband who sighs. David steps forward to respond. "Very well, let her in"

"David...what if its.."

Walking up to his wife sat on the armchair while their son sits on the carpet by the fireplace playing, the King places a hand on her shoulder. "Then we shall deal with it.."

As the couple watch a redheaded woman enter the hall while looking around warily, David looks to Henry. "Henry can you go with Billy for a moment please?" Henry looks up and grabs his train with a nod then stands before walking over to the guard and following him. Looking towards the visitor, the King frowns. "You are Regina's sister correct?"

The redhead nods and quickly bows to the couple while clutching a wooden box to her chest. "Yes..your highness..my name's Zelena.."

Snow stares at her, remembering her from the ball and crosses her arms. "If you think you are here to see Regina, then you have had a waste of journey"

"No!..I mean no, I am not here to see her..I don't want her to see me. I mean..she deserves not to ever see me again after I.." Gulping, Zelena looks at them with guilt and sadness before holding the box out. "This..belongs to her. It was in her room and..I know she would want it as there are some items belonging to our father..I just thought..I thought she would want it before mother..destroys everything"

Raising an eyebrow shocked by the act, the Queen walks up to her and accepts the box. "Thank you, I will be sure to give it to her"

Zelena nods, looking down then turns to leave.

"Zelena?"

Stopping at the door, the redhead looks over her shoulder. "Yes your highness?"

David walks up to meet his wife and looks at the young woman. "May I ask you one question?"

Biting her lip, Zelena lets out a small nervous smile. "I can hardly say no to the King.."

"Why did you go along with what your mother was doing?" Looking intrigued, the King watches her closely as the redhead turns back to face them.

"I..I guess, I was jealous..Regina always got attention from our father who was a great man and..when he died, I thought I could get the attention when mother started..showing me affection..I know it sounds pathetic but..I just wanted to be accepted and I honestly had no idea of what mother was actually doing..yes Neal and I would torment Regina but I would never want to see her physically harmed in any way, she is still my sister..and I know you are probably wondering why has it taken me until now. Well, let's just say mother has finally shown her true colours to all of us. I'm leaving..Neal sees nothing wrong with what she is doing but I cannot stand by and be scared. Can I ask you something?"

Snow sighs listening and feels bad for her. "What is it?"

"Just make sure Regina never gets treated that way again..she has so much love and care to offer..keep her safe. Especially from mother" nodding in thanks, Zelena walks out the door leaving the pair stunned by what she has said.

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Once the carriage was called for, Emma and Regina made their way outside to say their goodbyes to Snow and Henry. It had been decided that David was going to take the two young women to the summer palace so they could enjoy some peaceful time before word gets out that the Princess has found someone to be with and increase further speculation as to when she will be Queen while the King, could also handle some business. Fortunately this also meant Ruby would be going with them as she is Emma's personal maid and has been given strict instructions to cater the needs of both the Princess and Regina. Hugging her mother goodbye, Emma steps back as she watches the woman then hug Regina who is still finding it strange receiving such affection. Climbing into the carriage they once again hold hands as they wait for David to join them.

Kissing his wife goodbye, the King smiles at her. "We will be back before you know it"

Snow nods with a smile of her own. "Yes and have you got the box?"

David leans closer so the two women cannot hear. "I was thinking it may be best if I give it to Emma to pass on..in case it upsets her"

"Good idea..what are we going to do about Zelena?"

"Honestly, I don't know? We shall talk more when we are back, maybe Regina might have a say on the matter once she receives the box"

Hugging her husband quickly, Snow tugs on Henry's hand who waves with a grin when his hair gets ruffled. Smiling at the pair, David backs up and joins the women in the carriage before riding off.

Watching them leave, the Queen bites her lip in thought over the brunette's sister then heads inside with Henry while thinking of a plan.

A/N: next up...Zelena makes a reappearance...and a new and old character makes themselves known to Cora...:) let me know how you think it's going as we have left the Cinderella part behind!