DISCLAIMER: I own absolutely none of the wonderfulness that is Once Upon A Time and their characters or other later-mentioned characters (non-related to OUAT).
This is my first fic therefore, there is obviously no prequel but if you'd like a reference as to what I'm going to use as canon for most of Emma and Jeff's past then I'd recommend "Happily Never After" by L3ftOfCent3r. Plus, I think it's a rather brilliant fic in general so you should just read it anyways if you haven't.
Thank you oh so very much to everyone who keeps reading this story and sticking with it and to any new readers as well, you are all so great and your amazing support just makes me love writing this even more! :DDD Every review/follow/favorite means the world and I am beyond thankful so as a gift here is a rather fluffy chapter (at least compared to the last few parts) of "Our Wonderland"! ;D
A/N: This skips to two days after the day of Graham's funeral.
Chapter 11: You Are A Wonderful Princess
"What in the world is that noise?" Jefferson asked with his face pinched in distaste.
"Oh, it's Graham's wolf. He's been doing that for the past few hours." Red replied with a shrug as she took another sip from her mug, elbows resting on the counter in front of her, "And pretty much all of yesterday too."
"Really? How have we not heard him 'till now?" Emma questioned with a confused look as she stood at Jefferson's side, hand intertwined with his.
"I think it's probably hard to hear up in the higher castle quarters." Red answered as she turned to set her mug in the nearest sink, dodging a member of the kitchen staff in the process.
"Do you know what he's saying? Or why he's doing it?" Emma continued as she helped Jefferson pile some breakfast food onto four separate plates.
"Well it's hard to translate since it's not a full moon but I think he is saying something about going home," she shrugged before dismissively adding, "though I could be entirely wrong, so don't take my word for it."
"That's…. odd." Emma countered as she took two of the now-full plates and placed them on the counter in front of Red.
The group suddenly turned to the kitchen doorway to see Pinnochio marching a very guilty-looking Grace and Henry into the room with one hand on each of their shoulders and remarking, "Look who I found, letting a new friend into the castle."
Emma gave a stern look to her children who had obviously done something wrong before questioning, "I thought you two were right behind us…?"
"Well we heard something outside so we decided to check it out…" Henry started.
"It was Graham's wolf and as soon as we let him in he stopped howling, so we figured it was okay…" Grace finished with a weak smile.
"You two know better than to let a wild animal in without asking." Jefferson scolded as he picked up the other two plates and placed them on the counter with a thud.
"But he's not wild, he raised Graham and he—" Henry started before being cut off by his mother.
"Look we don't have time to talk now," Emma quickly stated as she hurried Henry and Grace into the dining room with Jefferson following behind, picking up their breakfast plates, "you two have to eat and get off to school. We'll talk later."
"Come on, eat up." Jefferson added as he handed them their plates, leaving them to rush into the dining room, satisfied that they weren't punished, at least not yet.
"So did you let the wolf back out?" Emma asked curious, turning back to Pinnochio who now stood across from Red.
Then, as if on cue, Graham's wolf shyly trotted up to the doorway and whimpered as he poked his head in.
"He wouldn't go back out." Pinnochio replied with a small smile and a shrug.
"Aw, he's so sweet." Red cooed as she ran up to the wolf and kneeled down, beginning to stroke the fur atop his head.
"He may be sweet but we can't keep him here in the castle." Emma stated as she sat back in her seat and looked up in thought, not wanting to deal with this.
To that the wolf let out another whimper of sadness as he nudged his forehead into the palm of Red's hand. Pinnochio took the opportunity, with the attention turned away from him, to slip into the dining room quietly. Red perked up slightly at the wolf's gentle touch as she shyly smiled, "Well, we don't have to get rid of him right away."
"Yeah, I guess… but keep him out of the castle until I explain the situation to my parents." Emma complied with a grimace.
"No problem" Red exclaimed as a bright smile slipped across her face, "I'll just take him to the market with us after we drop Henry and Grace off at school."
Emma sighed as Jefferson slowly rested a soothing hand on her shoulder and handed her an extra biscuit that Henry had opted not to eat. She smiled back at him as she took his hand and he sat in the seat next to her wrapping his finger around hers.
"We better get going," Red stated turning to the wolf with smile, "Bye Jefferson, bye Emma. See you later."
They wished Red farewell in unison as they continued eating their breakfast at the small table in the corner.
"Are you helping my dad out today?" Emma questioned before shoving a piece of French toast in her mouth.
"Yeah, he wants me to help him map out the realms he hasn't been to before."
"All of them?" Emma questioned curiously, with a mouthful of French toast.
"Well as I've told you there's an infinite amount of other worlds, so no," Jefferson explained with a small laugh at Emma's impolite speaking. "You do know that princesses shouldn't speak with their mouth full, right?" he explained with a smile before leaning over and planting a small kiss on her mouth, still full of food.
Emma dramatically chewed and swallowed before pulling back with a smile and a roll of her eyes while stating, "I never claimed to be a good princess."
"You are a wonderful princess," Jefferson countered as he looked at her from under his brow, peering up from his plate, "just not when you eat."
"Very funny," Emma replied with a smirk.
"I am," Jefferson smiled before going back to their previous subject, "but anyways, what do you have planned for today?"
"I'm not really sure… I think Snow wants me to help her with something but she hasn't really told me what it is yet."
"Well whenever you're done come find me and if you can't, you know where I'll be." Jefferson explained with a wink.
"Yeah, probably right behind me, ready to pop out of thin air and scare the crap out of me." Emma snapped back playfully.
"It's not my fault you're cute when you're scared." Jefferson stated with a raise of his eyebrows as he stood to walk around Emma's chair, earning a smirk from her. "Seriously, find me later," he stated as he turned to her and leaned down to cup her chin before giving her a small kiss then pulling back to bid her farewell, " and have fun with Snow."
Emma continued leaning forward, wanting more, as he walked away and sighed to herself. She lazily gathered the dishes, rinsed them in the sink then strolled into the hallway to begin the search for her mother. She found her way to the fourth floor, where her mother's room is, and though it was visibly empty she decided to quickly search through it just in case. Just as she finished her search and went to turn the corner around the doorway she walked straight into Snow.
After a flurry of apologies from both women Snow greeted with a smile, "Oh it's alright. But I am so glad I ran into you Emma."
"Yeah me too," Emma replied with a small smile, "I was wondering what this super-secret thing is that you wanted help with."
"Oh yes, about that… It's not so much that I need your help with something but basically, I wanted you to have your day free so we could spend the day together…" Snow offered with a slight shrug and a weak yet hopeful smile.
"Sure," Emma replied with a bright smile, causing her mother to beam back at her, then quickly questioned, "but what exactly does that entail?"
"Whatever you want, I am fully open to suggestions." Snow exclaimed as her hands gave a small gesture of excitement.
"Really? You're gonna make me decide what to do?... You know I can't make decisions."
"Last I checked, as a princess, you need to make quite a few decisions and difficult ones at that." Snow mocked with a playfully stern look as she crossed her arms over her chest, sat into her hip, and raised her eyebrows.
"Sheesh, what is with all the nagging me this morning about not being a fit princess!" Emma cried jokingly, throwing her hands in the air, "Not like I disagree or anything, I just don't think I need to be reminded twenty-four, seven."
"I am just giving you a hard time Emma," Snow soothed as she unfolded her arms and gently clasped her hands just below Emma's shoulder, "you are doing a wonderful job as a princess."
"You sound like Jefferson," Emma replied with a roll of her eyes as a smile unconsciously pulled at the corners of her lips at the thought of her husband.
Snow smiled back at her daughter and suggested with a small laugh, "Anyways, back to the matter at hand… I was thinking maybe we could go riding, take a trip to the beach, or…"
"Or what?" Emma questioned excitedly, nearly jumping with anticipation.
"Or we could maybe practice a bit of your swordsmanship…?" Snow suggested with a sly grin.
Emma's eyes brightened at the idea for she had become rather fond of sword-fighting. Contrary to the first time when she had basically been forced to use a sword to fight a dragon she had grown quite skilled at the art and enjoyed sparring with a formidable opponent. The only thing was that she rarely got to practice due to her many 'princess duties' so it was always a hobby put on the back-burner till free time came about. "Um, YES!" she squealed with excitement as she envisioned being able to freely swing her beloved yet terribly unused sword about.
"I thought you might like that idea," Snow smiled back at her daughter's eager expression as they began to walk down the hall, "but I hope you don't mind if I kick your butt."
Emma raised her eyebrows in disbelief at her mother, "Oh it is so on."
Hallway Leading To The Council Room, That Afternoon/Early Evening
Emma slowly wandered down the expansive hallway with a far-off gaze but a grateful smile as she reflected on her exciting and joyous day. She and her mother had spent two hours sword-fighting, beating one another numerous times until they were both so tired they could hardly hold the swords. After a quick rest and a small snack they rode to the marketplace to join Red and Pinnochio which led Emma to explaining why Red was walking around with Graham's wolf at her side. Snow understood the situation and agreed to let him stay in the castle as long as he stayed on the first floor, which practically made Red's day. After shopping and visiting friends who lived in town they picked up Henry and Grace from school and rode back to the castle. After helping Snow make a snack for the kids she was now off to find her husband. She loved today, it was nice to simply relax and have a good time without having to worry about the kingdom or her family or anything for that matter. A day off was what she had needed and she couldn't more thankful to her mother for realizing that and making it happen.
She strolled into the council room and noticed it was merely her father sitting alone at the table so she enquired, "Did you and Jefferson already finish?"
"Oh yes, he left an hour or so ago."
"Okay, I'll see you guys at dinner later, I'm going to head out for a little bit." Emma replied nonchalantly as she sauntered out of the room with the same grin on her face. She casually walked out of the castle and through the forest before reaching her destination. She halted though as she stepped through the clearing for she did not see her husband anywhere. She glanced in all directions before turning all the way around to find a shadowy figure just behind her.
She shrieked in fear till he took a small step forward and she realized it was Jefferson. He crossed his arms and playfully remarked with a raise of his brow, "I was beginning to think you weren't going to come."
"What in the hell is wrong with you?!" Emma cried as she punched his arm.
"Ouch! You don't need to punch me." He whined, rubbing his now red arm. "I've been waiting here for an hour completely bored, I needed a little entertainment."
"Oh so my fear is entertainment for you?" Emma questioned, crossing her arms in mock distaste. "You know one of these times you are going to scare me so bad and I'm gonna have a heart attack and you are going to regret ever wanting to freak me out!" She scolded as she wagged a finger within centimeters of his face, bringing her face close to his with a stern, angry expression covering her visage.
"I'm sorry." Jefferson apologized with a large pout as he looped his arm around Emma's waist and pulled her tightly against him.
As their faces grew closer, their foreheads pressed together and their breaths heaved as Emma attempted to sternly explain with a deep sigh, "You know saying 'I'm sorry' and kissing me is not always going to work…"
Unconvinced of his wife's declaration, Jefferson leaned into her ever so slightly and caught his lips in hers. He reached his free hand to grab hold of a small mess of her hair and pull it in front of her shoulder as he pulled away just an inch, leaving her breathing heavily, as he teased, "Yes it is."
Still too dazed from the kiss to have collected herself, Jefferson took hold of Emma's hand walked her a few feet into the sea of wildflowers surrounding the lake. Just a slight walk into the massive ocean of small but bright flowers laid a picnic blanket with two wine glasses and a nearly full wine bottle atop it.
Emma shocked to see the quaint set-up, snapped back into reality and remarked, "You lied! You said you were bored."
"Well I was, most of the time," Jefferson teased as he pulled her down to sit next to him on the blanket. "Would you like some wine princess?" Jefferson offered with a smile as he held up the wine bottle after pouring a small amount in his glass.
"I would love some your highness," she smiled back. She took a sip and with a satisfied grin, questioned, "To what do owe the pleasure of such a wonderfully set-up surprise?"
"It was your father's idea," Jefferson shrugged.
"My father told you to get me drunk?" Emma questioned with a raised brow as she leaned back on her hand with a curious look, taking another sip from her glass.
"Not in those words exactly," Jefferson laughed, "he just let me know how today was your 'official day-off' so I should maybe be a part of it... Speaking of, how was your day? What did you do?"
"Oh my god, it was so good! I practiced sword-fighting with Snow in the morning then we went to the market and shopped and saw friends and we got to ride home with Henry and Grace on our horses, it was great!" Emma exclaimed with a wide smile as she shifted herself up against Jefferson's side.
"And is it still going well?" He questioned, looking down at her as he began to run his free hand through her golden curls.
She looked up at him with that smile that made him melt as she replied quickly, "Perfect," before giving a him a small kiss then turning back to stare out at the lake.
"Would you like some more wine princess?" Jefferson offered, holding out the bottle to her glass as she took her last sip of it.
"As much as I would love some, no thanks… I want to be sober for dinner tonight."
"Where's the fun that?" he quipped as he continued running his hands fingers through her hair.
"We do have kids you know? We need to set an example…"
"Really? You think I would have remembered that…" Jefferson teased as Emma playfully swatted at his chest.
Suddenly a sound, reminiscent of a lion's roar, echoed through the woods and they heard a rustling in the thick of trees and bushes across the lake. Both Emma and Jefferson shot up in shock and worry as they muttered confused thoughts, trying to decipher where the noise came from and what it was. Last they had checked there were no lions in their world, aside from the pack of mountain lions residing in the mountains but in the forest it was impossible. They both discerned where the rustling was coming from and stood completely still and stared at the forest across the lake in anticipation of what would come through the greenery.
Suddenly the rustling stopped and Jefferson moved protectively in front of Emma, holding her back with one hand. He stood with his feet unmoving, planted firmly to the ground, as Emma attempted to squirm out from behind him but once the rustling began again she froze and glanced up to see a figure beginning to emerge from the thick of bushes and moss. Both of their mouths went agape as they realized what leapt through the greenery was in fact, a large and glorious lion who moved with an almost sense of grace, his large, golden mane adding to his already humongous size. What was even odder though was that a young girl who couldn't have been much older than Henry or Grace rode on the lion's back and was now sliding off to walk alongside it as she grasped it's mane.
Within moments the young girl glanced towards Emma and Jefferson's, noticing their presence, and leaned down to whisper something to the lion as she pointed in their direction. Jefferson cautiously bent down to pick up their belongings, not letting his eyes gaze away from the odd spectacle across the lake. The young girl with medium-length, slightly-curly brown hair who looked entirely harmless slowly walked with the menacing lion at her side around the lake to stand just before the meadow of wildflowers.
Jefferson and Emma merely stood, staring in just as much shock as the moment the girl and the lion came through the bushes. Finally the girl opened her mouth but before any words came out the lion, nudged her to grab her attention, looked up at her with eyes that seemed to explain something the girl could understand for she then closed her mouth and took a small step back as the lion stepped forward towards Jefferson and Emma. They mistook this as an advance on them and to keep the ground between them equal they took a step back in unison.
It was then that both Emma and Jefferson were utterly shocked for the lion opened his large mouth and they expected a roar but instead the fearsome animal began to speak. His voice was low and slightly raspy but certainly one of authority and respect as he explained, "Please, don't be alarmed. My name is Aslan and this is High Queen Lucy of Narnia. I am sure you have never heard of our land and we have much to explain as to why we have come here but please, there is no need to fear us."
Emma's jaw was completely dropped by this moment and she stood utterly speechless but Jefferson stood seriously, his lips pressed into a firm line. He was more used to talking animals so that part didn't necessarily alarm him and he had actually heard of Narnia, though he had never been there himself.
The odd quartet of assorted beings stood in silence for a moment longer before Queen Lucy spoke in a sweet, melodic tone that was rather distinguished for a girl her age, "I promise you, we are not here to hurt you or anyone for that matter. If you could help us locate the nearest kingdom, it would be very much appreciated."
Jefferson took a step forward as Emma glanced quickly to him, thinking he was possibly going insane again, before he spoke hesitantly, "I have actually heard of Narnia." To that Queen Lucy beamed a bright smile as he continued, "I have never been there myself but I know it exists and know much of its history. I can travel between worlds as I know you can as well Aslan. From your country, if I'm not mistaken?…" he inquired, addressing the lion. Aslan slowly gave a nod of his head in agreement as Jefferson continued now slightly more comfortable and speaking less tentatively, "If I may introduce us, this is Princess Emma, daughter of Queen Snow White and King James," he explained gesturing towards Emma then motioning for her to come stand by his side. She hesitantly, almost in slow-motion, reached his side as he continued, "I am her husband, Jefferson, from this land as well as another world you likely know of that goes by Wonderland."
"Ah, yes. I have heard of it." Aslan conceded with a nod of understanding. "We actually send those exiled from Narnia there," Aslan admitted with a small laugh that ended up more of a roar, causing Emma to wince.
Jefferson reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze of comfort as he whispered, "It's okay. I'm right here, no need to worry."
Emma's tense position loosened slightly as Lucy greeted with a warm smile and a small bow, "Well it is lovely to make your acquaintance Princess Emma and Prince Jefferson. If you would be so kind as to lead us back to your palace we would be more than happy to explain things along the way."
Emma took in a deep breath and finally chose to speak as she gestured to the nearest path back to the castle and stated flatly, "Follow us."
So I hope you enjoyed this chapter… it included a lot more Mad Swan fluff (back to the normal) so I hope that's helping to make up for the bit of drama and sadness recently! :] Also, I hope you liked how I'm going to be throwing in a few other well-known tales (i.e. Aslan and Lucy from "The Chronicles of Narnia" series), that have not been used in OUAT, in my story because this is just the first of many! ;D If you haven't read the Narnia books or seen the movies I HIGHLY recommend you read/watch them because they are all brilliant and I love them to death! But no worries, if you don't have the time I don't think you will really need any info from them to understand their roles in my story! ;] I must regret to inform you all though that I am starting school on Monday which means my crazy busy days that are completely filled with school, dance, homework, and minimal sleep are coming back so it is likely that I will not be able to update this quite as often! :[ I will still do my best to update but I guarantee they will slow down, so I hope you don't lose interest! Trust me, I would MUCH rather be writing this then doing endless amounts of reading and homework but unfortunately I must if I want to get into a good college, so sorry about that all! :/ But PLEASE review if you get the opportunity, thank you all soooo much for your continued support, and again, I hope you all liked it! :D