A/N: I'm back! Did you miss me cause I sure did. Hell finals are over and I was away from tech for about a week but I'm on vacation for until the 13th so updats should go as planned still. I'll let you know if anything changes.
Anyway let's see what's happening with mother dearest in the white kingdom and our favorite knight in the dark kingdom shall we?
Rain pelted the gathered mourners in the White Kingdom as they buried all that was sent by the Evil Queen and apparently the White Queen's daughter. Snow shuddered remembering that day as Friar Tuck went into the prayers for the dead.
It was day before Emma's name-day when Snow White found herself standing outside overlooking her kingdom on the amazingly starry night in her secret lover's bedroom. Sighing with content and knowing that her vile daughter was either dead in a ditch or fighting for her life the Queen smiled picturing a new family to start over. To replace the monster that had no right to be called theirs.
So deep in thought she didn't hear the footsteps of her Huntsman Graham enter and stop behind her, "My Queen," the words were but a whisper however still held so much emotion and depth the raven haired beauty couldn't help but smile.
Turning to him the woman looked straight into his eyes seeing pain and suffering within them. The emotions sobered her from earlier thoughts of having his secret child in the future, "Graham what is it?"
"I bring horrid news and a letter...written in…" his eyes could no longer take the intensity that her own brought.
"Written in what?" she questioned grasping his chin so their eyes would lock once more.
"W-written in blood." he got out before losing the nerve, "The- The Evil Queen sent back their heads."
Gasping and knowing whose heads they most likely belonged to Snow held back tears needing to know more, "Tell me." he barely heard her but she said the words.
"Robin and Marian," his hands shook with anger and sadness. They had a little boy for god's sake. How could she do this? His thoughts only enraged him more, "She sent back their heads. Didn't even go for her usual clean cut. They're a mess and gods…" her trailed off turning his back to her running a hand through his already windblown hair.
Placing a calming hand on his shoulder Snow pulled him into a hug burying her head into his chest and gripping onto him for dear life, "I'm so sorry. I know he was like a brother to you."
"Thank you, but there's more."
Dreading whatever came next the Queen knew she'd face it head on no matter what, "What is it?"
"The letter, it's addressed to you." handing over the parchment to his love Graham waited patiently for Snow to take it and when she did he vowed to be there for her when she would need it.
Opening the letter Snow took one look at the opening. Feeling the blood rush from her face and a sudden feeling of dread come over her the raven haired woman thought she might have a heart attack in that moment only one word leaving her lips, "Emma."
Hearing her estranged daughter's name fall from lips he's memorized so many times the Huntsman sat her down on the bed wrapping a comforting arm around her knowing not to ask. She'd tell in time. Drawing her eyes back to the letter Snow read a promise written in blood.
Mother,
You once told me love is the most powerful thing in all the lands and worlds that even we do not know of. You and father both told me one day I would find such a love and I had. I had found it in one of the most benevolent, beautiful, patient, caring, and loving woman I could have ever dreamed of. And you...you killed her. YOU. KILLED. HER! In cold blood mother! You took the person I loved most in this world away from me all because she was a woman and cast my name to be crucified, but what's in a name?
Will I still be ruthless and great even without the name of White as my name? Or shall I sink into the background while you starve your people to keep your bellies fat now that you couldn't whore me out to the next walking dick with a price? The answer is yes, but instead of just being ruthless and great I shall grow and make the world fear me just as you fear the Evil Queen.
Though I do not know the truth of it all I do know your crusade against her was not because of vanity as you have told me because lets face it; even I whose love died bleeding out in my arms can see that there was never any question as to whose beauty is far greater than the others. That belongs to the woman you branded as The Evil Queen.
And just in case you are wondering I am now in service to the Queen's army and I will have renounced you and everything that you are by the time you've read this. Also with this letter written in the blood of a father and mother who sought to destroy a woman for merely being I promise that I shall find a way to crush your heart, your happiness, and your love as you have mine if it's the last thing I do.
Emma Swan
Dropping the letter as if it were on fire Snow twisted her body wrapping her hands against the strong body ready to support her whether through violence, silence, and sometimes even the more intimate physical attraction.
"She's coming for me, and I need to be ready." the Queen immediately supplied knowing it would be enough for her lover, "I don't know when, where, or how but Emma's coming for me."
Hugging her closer Graham just let her sort it all out knowing the next few days were going to be some of the hardest on many of the men and women within the castle and also Roland. What are we to do with him? The question ebbed at the back of his mind filing it away for later.
Shaking off the growing threat the White Queen stood proud and yet also looking mournful as she allowed Friar Tuck to close the ceremony before she spoke up knowing they all expected to hear from their leader in dark times such as these, "It is with great displeasure that we lose two of our greatest friends and allies to the darkness that is the Evil Queen," Snow spoke solemnly, "We have lost many to her darkness but to see the lives of a mother and father lost is heartbreaking. And wherever they are I hope they are in a better place and take comfort in knowing that Roland will be cared for without question. May they find the peace we have yet not found for ourselves."
Murmured agreements and whispers flitted through the crowd s they broke apart leaving Red, the Charmings, and Roland around their graves alone. Watching on Red couldn't help but feel proud though she was able to mask it. Proud that Emma no doubt had part in this and helped destroy the threads that threatened to end the Evil Queen. With those thoughts her mind also turned to Belle.
The wolf longed to be nearer and she'd even spoken to Granny of her want and the old cook actually approved and so in two days time she would travel to the dark kingdom to seek refuge and her lovers embrace. If only it were that easy though because sometimes those you pay to keep a secret are offered more and tongues slip.
Emma paced before the huge wooden doors leading to the great hall where the Queen was currently holding court. Honestly the blonde was never one for such grand and public displays but if it would gain their attentions then so be it. Sighing and knowing that after today she'd be washed of her name as a White and be reborn as a Swan the knight took solace in that freedom. A freedom so rich she'll never let it go like a dragon protecting its hoard.
"Relax Swan: it's only busting open the doors, walking proudly down the aisle, kneeling before the Queen, and then swearing your life to her and the kingdom as well as your sword. It's not that hard." Hook had taken to calling her by her chosen name after she'd told him what it was going to be finally and she found she liked it much better than being called by her first name all the time or blondie by some of the other soldiers who she's gotten to know while sparring and training with them the past few days.
Clenching and unclenching her hands she still didn't know whether she could pull it off or not, "I'm not one for big grand entrances as far as I'm aware that her Majesty's thing, correct me if I'm wrong."
Leaning against the stone wall Hook smirked, "Aye love you're not wrong, but weren't you born and breed a princess?"
"Past tense, and no I may have been born one and Snow may have tried to imprint all the ladylike ways to accept a hand in marriage as soon as possible but as soon as her head was turned I'd be covered in blood, mud, and or sweat. I was never going to be a lady and glad I am of it."
Taking her answer for what it was, the blunt and honest truth, Killian knew it was time to get the show on the road, "Well Swan, it's time." Nodding her consent the Captain allowed himself through the doors to take place beside his Queen in the absence of Champion.
Closing her eyes to take a steadying breath Emma straightened her back holding her chin high befor using the hard earned arm muscles to push open the doors leading to her freedom. As they swung open to the people it seemed as though all eyes were on her. In fact she was pretty sure they all were. Walking down the long aisle dressed in knee high black steel tipped boots, tight leather breeches, a crimson tunic, a black studded leather vest, and fingerless gloves that only went to the wrist Emma was a sight to behold as her hair and complexion contrasted against the darker colors. Even the Queen looked impressed.
Approaching the steps before the Queen's throne while said woman stood proudly with an evil smile plastered on her face the ex-princess kneeled before her Majesty, "And who do we have here?" the brunette questioned putting on a show for the audience.
Leaving her eyes on the ground Emma spoke, "Emma White of the White Kingdom your Majesty," gasps, murmurs, and shouts of surprise echoed within the hall.
"And what is it you want? I could flay you alive right here and give no second thought to doing so. So why are you here?" the dark tone in her questions couldn't be faked or even misconstrued for anything else.
Resisting the challenge Emma felt in that moment the blonde kept her voice even if also taking on a darker tone herself, "I seek to cleanse myself of the name of White and pledge myself and my sword to you my Queen as well as the lads over which you rule."
Glaring down now at the woman on her knees the Queen pursed her lips, "You would renounce all ties, give up your right by birth, and serve me any way I deemed fit?"
"Yes."
"You would kill a child, massacre an entire village, throw yourself into death's embrace if asked?" the Queen had to know how far this woman, the daughter of her greatest enemy, was willing to go. Simply crushing the heart of a man was child's play, but these scenarios were cold and cruel.
Done looking down and being looked down on Emma let her head rise until green locked with brown,"If her Majesty should wish it then so shall it be." a fire alight in viridian eyes told no lies as Regina lost herself in something she wasn't quite sure of in that moment. Perhaps it was the feeling of having an equal even if the other was on their bended knee. Or perhaps it was something more?
With the assurance of her undying loyalty to herself and the Dark Kingdom Regina poofed her sword to hand gripping the hilt with a force many would say too tight for just accepting someone into her knights ranks. Taking the blade and gently tapping one shoulder then the next the Queen completed the ceremony, "I Knight the Ser Emma Swan. Arise and be welcomed into the Dark Kingdom."
Rising from her spot Emma bowed to the Queen before turning to the people as they welcomed their new Knight into the kingdom with applause and gusto. Feeling the brown orbs of her Queen on her though Emma turned her head to find the brunette with a passive and neutral expression, but those eyes...those eyes held something she could not decipher.
Watching her walk down the steps regal as ever Emma bowed her head in recognition offering up her arm to escort the Queen. Taking the offered escort the brunette walked out of the hall with her new knight, "I think it is time for those answers on how to enter White Castle dear."
Side glancing to the Queen the new knight smiled, "Then we shall need to assemble your war room and table. So many options and a promise to keep."
"Then it is settled," Regina spoke removing her hand from the blonde, "For now however return to Killian in the yard and see to your new posting. In the morning we shall have the meeting. Oh and do try not to be late, it's not pretty what happens to those who don't show up on time." the threat was a promise and before Emma could even reply the Queen once again disappeared in a cloud of smoke.
"I really need to learn that trick," Emma laughed leaving for the training yard to meet up with her Captain and was openly welcomed by the group of friends she'd made in the few days she spent there.
A/N: Holly hell that was fun who wants more? Also just so no one gets confused Snow is not prego. SHe's just day dreaming about it right now. SO yeah.
ANyway let e know what you thought please.