Chapter Four:

13 years ago

Fairy Tale Land

Enchanted Forest

The wedding was as grand as everyone expected. Black and White flags were flown. A few of the banners were half black with a red raven and half white with a blue lyon flower; a dual banner for the dual kingdoms.

The crowd gasped and smiled as Emma was walked down the narrow aisle by Prince David. Her billowing gown was as white as her mother's name, accented with light blue jewels. As tribute to her father's name for her, swan feathers had been attached at the shoulders. She walked with a grace none had seen her carry, with a bright smile gracing her features.

The Dark Princess was even more of a surprise, for it had been the first time she had been seen in anything but dark colors. Her dress was an icy blue not quite white, but matching the jewels that were embroidered on Emma's gown. It flared at the waist instead of hugging every curve. While the blonde's hair had been fastened up on her head and secured with a diamond crown, the brunette had long curls flowing down her back. Her tiara was filled with diamond and sapphires. King Henry, dressed in blood red finery, escorted his daughter down the aisle, nodding as he passed her to the White Princess.

"Let it be known that Emma of the Enchanted Forest and Regina of Valentia are one heart and one flesh, and one soul," he placed the women's hands ontop of each other, Emma's being dominant. "Cursed be he who tries to tear them asunder." The cleric wrapped a ribbon around the women's hands, uniting them by binding their palms to one another.

"May this union be as binding as the threads that hold the stars in the sky." Both women kneeled at the motion. "I confirm upon you both the status of heirs apparent of Valentia and the Enchanted Forest." Raising their heads, Emma and Regina couldn't help the mutual smiles that covered their faces. They stood, turning around to face their constituents.

"With this kiss, I proclaim my love for you to all present, so let bear witness that I am yours and you are mine." Emma pulled Regina's face to hers, placing a chaste kiss upon her lips. While it was not as passionate as the many they had shared before, it was refreshing. No longer were they stealing moment in stables, cabins or the woods. They were open, in the light of day.

"Citizens and guests," the cleric announced. "I present to you your future: Princess Emma and Princess Regina. United are the kingdoms of Valentia and the Enchanted Forest." The crowd erupted in applause. Despite what she knew were false smiles on her parent's faces, Emma grinned broadly.

She and Regina were married.

[SQ]

David sighed as he pushed open the heavy wooden door. It had been some time since he stepped foot in this nursery, but after seeing his daughter take a spouse, he needed to be reminded that she was still his baby. They hadn't changed the room since Emma had moved into larger chambers. Even the ornate crib was still in place, the hand knit blanket slung over the rail, and a mobile of crystal unicorns hung over it. The toys she used to play with were now on shelves, clean and organized.

"Daddy?" David turned around to see his little girl, all grown up behind him. "What are you doing in here? They are going to announce us into the grand hall in a moment."

"I just…I….I can't believe my little swan is married." Emma grinned at the response. She had been her daddy's little swan since she was four and developed an obsession with the lovely creatures. She'd thought they were the most beautiful of birds and he had told her she was far more beautiful than any swan.

"I am daddy. And I am as happy as I could be."

"I can't help but be scared Emma. I can't trust Valentia."

"Then trust me," she stepped to him. "I trust Regina. I have never been happier than I am right now. She is mine and I am hers and with time, you will see her as family too."

"And you are not….nervous?"

"Well I am a little nervous about the dance. I've never danced with a woman before," she smiled." Can we practice like we used to?" Emma held out her hands, wiping the worried frown from her father's face. As a little girl she would often stand on his feet, letting him lead her around the room.

The two clasped hands as David turned her around in a circle. He led her across the large hand spun rug covering the floor, twirling his not-so-little girl in circles. She matched him step for step, proving she didn't need the practice. They switched hands back and forth, him stepping to lead her from behind, following the circular pattern they had grown accustomed to over the years.

With the final turn, David swept his child into his arms.

"I love you honey, and if she makes you happy….then I am so happy for you." She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him into a tight hug.

"She does daddy. She does." He placed her back into the floor. "Let's get down there so they can re-introduce my wife and me."

As the two turned to leave the nursery an eerie glow appeared from the wardrobe carved from a tree. It had been a gift from the carpenter. Emma frowned stepping toward the furniture.

"Emma get back." The prince pulled his daughter, just as the doors to the wardrobe flew open, a gust of wind entering the room. The blue light from within expanded, bouncing off the stained glass windows, illuminating the nursery in a pale blue, before starting to swirl, pulling the White Princess to its center. "Emma!"

The princess held onto his hand, her grip tight, but the wind seemed to have a purpose. Despite his proximity, the prince held his ground, not moving, the swirling light focused only on the new bride in the room, increasing its pull.

"Daddy please! Help!"

"Someone help us!" the Prince screamed, trying to secure his hold but feeling his grip slip. "Emma hold on. Don't let go!" The prince used both hands gripping on his daughter's wrist hard enough to leave a bruise. He would not lose her. He couldn't. This was his baby girl. He little swan. The girl who would pounce on his chest first thing in the morning until she was too big. The girl who begged him to teach her sword fighting when all the other little girls want to learn dancing.

"Daddy I can't I can't hold on. Please!"

"No!" He tried to pull back, pull her from the swirling vortex, but no matter how he moved, the current increased. He stepped back, trying take her with him, but when he moved one way, she went the other.

"Be there for her!" she screamed.

"What?"

"Regina. Please be there for her! Tell her I love her!" he could see the resignation in her eyes.

"Emma, no! No!" he turned back to the door. "Help us! Anybody!"

"Bye Daddy." Her hand fell from his as the vortex pulled the blond from the room. She disappeared into the wardrobe, doors slamming shut.

"EMMA!"

And the fluff is over...that really does suck doesn't it.