AN: I promise I'm not dead, just busy and running myself ragged and geeze it's been too long. However if I were you all I'd be thanking my beta BetaBabe, if it weren't for her kicking my ass into gear all the time messaging me and like When's the next chapter. I mean really you're all indebted to her right now cause she also fixes my mistakes and helps come up with my chapter names so please give it up for her.
Alright, on to the story...
She didn't arrive back at the castle until late and even what wouldn't have be a long journey became just that as she and Merida walked back in silence the usual peasant throwing a dirty look. Emma hadn't really noticed them though, too dark were her thoughts in that moment to see the looks, hear the words, and curses sent her way. To them she was the one who sent their queen away. To them they still thought their Queen took care of them, but they didn't see and they didn't know that outside of their city the ones around them were poor and decrepit. Shacks too thin to keep out the cold, too many farmers going hungry giving up their food and crops to the crown just to support others because it was the law.
No they didn't see these things. They didn't see past their own needs, but Emma did. People like her and Merida did, not all but some. Too busy was her mind on the hours before talking to the man who welcomed her into the family like she'd always been a part of it.
"So, how did it happen?" her voice quiet not wanting to break the comfortable silence that had settled around them as they drank tea at the table.
His dark eyes shifted down the only display of emotion he would show of his sorrow, "As you know she wasn't feeling well already," she nodded knowing Lily hadn't been faring well but things had been looking up before then, "I think it was the heartbreak that took her. She just loved our daughter so much that with her gone and not knowing your fate was too hard on her."
Clenching her jaw Emma tried to find the bottom of her glass though obstructed by the murky tea. She was feeling so many things in that moment ranging from happy to guilt. Happy to see the man again, but guilt for feeling to be the cause of his unhappiness and sorrow. It wasn't fair how the world was, but then again she already knew that.
"What was she like?" the redhead beside her asked bringing a little bit of that light back to Alan's eyes.
"She was everything." he found the blonde frowning, "I remember the first time she met our Emma here," said woman perked up at the call of her name, "Sophie brought her home to our cottage a little off the castle grounds by the woods. At first we though her daft and berated her for doing so when Emma stepped in and said, 'I'm sorry for the inconvenience but I was just rounding out my education. Maybe at the end of a sword isn't the best way to do so, but I'm going to do it." and he laughed the blush covering Emma's cheeks in embarrassment was delightful and welcome.
"I was younger then and I didn't know how not to talk like a royal," she snorted into her glass causing the tea to splash in her eyes and the woman next to her to cackle with delight.
"Oi, Emma I think you're supposed to drink it aye, not snort it!"
Glaring she just shook it off with a smile, " Luckily I learned how to actually speak when in the presence of friends. Sadly it bled over into my etiquette which always baffled Snow since I was never allowed outside the castle walls unless at a ball." she sighed a wistful smile on her features.
From there on the trio talked well into the evening, even going as far as to have supper and delayed goodbyes. It wasn't known when they would see each other once more in the coming times. However Emma was able to travel a little lighter now that she was able to see the man who helped her become who she is.
Her musings and thoughts were cut short by the familiar voice stepping from in front of the castle gates, "Halt, in the name of the Regent I place you and your accomplice under arrest," Graham and some of his men came forward smiles on their faces shackles at the ready.
"You have no right," she spat backing up away from the iron clamps, hand going for her blade, "I am a guest here."
"As am I," Merida growled burning blue eyes alight under the moon, "And I demand to know on what grounds are we being arrested!" she too was ready to fight, or die trying.
Moving so he was in the knights face Graham clamped the irons around her wrists, "On the account of murdering one of the royal guards during a neutral time."
"That's bullshit!" the blonde pulled against the chains but it was no use, "I demand to see my Queen!" she spat in his face while Merida simply seemed to be raging on the inside.
"Oh, you'll see her alright, tomorrow when we hold court to suspend you from the games and send you packing." the smirk on his face made her sick, not to mention his breath was repulsive as well. Stepping away the huntsman turned to his men, take them away, and make sure they're very uncomfortable."
Being led to the place she once escaped from Emma looked over her shoulder as two men pushed her forward meeting Graham's eyes in a battle of steel. Though neither backed down both knew this wasn't going to end any time soon.
The stench hadn't changed at all, but she never expected that to anyhow. Mostly Emma was amused as the guards closed the door inches from her face as she stood smirking, brow raised in mirth, "The Queen will get me out, I am a guest here." the blonde commented. Merida shook her head remaining silent though her eyes held amusement.
"Until then, enjoy your time here," he replied leaving the women alone to themselves. As soon as he was out of sight Emma got to work.
"What you doin' now?" the redhead watched as Emma took a pin from inside her sleeve and began toying with the lock.
Tongue out in concentration she adjusted the small sliver of metal until she heard a click signaling the mechanisms release, "Getting out of here," she then responded with a smile in which Merida joined in, "Well at least we won't be down here long."
Just as she'd said the words Emma heard sets of feet coming their way. Closing the door, but not all the way, the two women stood watching as Cinderella, Regina, Graham, and a handful of guards they'd recognized from the mob arrived at their cell. The regent was first to speak.
"I was told two of our guest Champion's have been imprisoned for murder," she was direct and to the point, "However it is said you believe this is not so?"
Snorting the bow wielder pointed a finger at the man next to the Evil Queen, "Yeah, we were just defending ourselves and good Ser Alan whom we were accompanying home this evening to catch up."
"Lies," one of the guards growled stepping closer his nose passing the bars. Eyes held on Merida's he didn't see the fist until it collided with his nose sending blood gushing down his face. Already retaliating he reached through the bars hands grasping the collar of the chest-plate bringing Emma closer. Before he was able to attack though the man froze still.
"I wouldn't complete that action I were you," the Evil Queen growled menacingly.
Though he could neither talk nor move the guards heart began to thud loudly, so much in fact that he was sure everyone heard it, "Release him!" the Huntsman demanded, quick to pull his sword on the woman. Seeing her Queen in danger or what looked like it Emma shoved the door open knocking the frozen guard down and knocking him out cold before she tackled Graham to the dirt, forearm pressed tightly under his chin, "You do not raise a blade to an unarmed woman."
Shifting his eyes to the brunette he smiled, "But she is never unarmed," he reminded, "Besides it was promised she wouldn't use magic while here."
Pressing harder into his throat Emma swore she could feel his pulse begin to ease. She would have killed him too had the regent not interrupted, "Release him," Cinderella commanded and though she was never to take orders from anyone but Regina the blonde let up slightly. Seeking out the cognac depth glowing from the torch light she saw her Queen nod. Looking back down at her used to be prey, Emma released him pushing off his neck to stand herself back up.
Gasping for breath the man rose to his feet unsurely still watching his attacker with the eyes of a hunter. Sword at his side he kept it in hand just to feel useful and to protect the older blonde should it be needed, "How did you unlock the door?" he demanded to know. Smirking Emma moved to the woman she swore her life to, but kept her mouth shut knowing it would drive the Champion insane.
Looking between the parties Cinderella knew something like this would happen, "Why do we not consult the fairy's?" four heads whipped in her direction emotions ranging from impassive to downright anger.
"And why would we do that your majesty when we know this knight killed one of our most loyal men." Graham growled eyes trained on Emma with hate and death.
Turning to the man Cinderella had no time for the petty squabbles. Pinching the bridge of her nose the older woman sighed, "Because they have magic you will trust-"
"But I do not," Emma cut in challenging the woman to say something against her.
"I understand that but-"
"We can consult the fae's," Merida chimed in for the first time since the whole fight broke out, "They've never lead me wrong before, well much anyway." and though that last part of her information didn't sit well with Cinderella or Graham seeing as it was one of the ex-princess' friends to suggest the - whatever they were - Emma and Regina simply nodded in acceptance.
"That is fine with me," the dark Queen agreed looking to Cinderella to dare challenge her. As usual the woman gave in pretty fast; no one could stare down a Queen like Regina in any time or place.
"Alright then," she clasped her hands in acknowledgment before turning to Graham, "Now off with you, I'd rather have you to your chambers before I allow these fine ladies to leave." the glare she received had the regent raise a brow. Huffing the man simply walked away knowing he wouldn't be winning a battle with the woman currently on the throne of the white kingdom.
As soon as he was gone though she turned both to Merida and Emma, "I apologize for any inconvenience this has cause you and I do so hope you accept my deepest apologies."
"Of course your majesty," the redhead supplied a smile on her lips though Emma could tell it was fake. Accusations or not neither champion should have been imprisoned for a suspected crime. They were to be questioned and trailed with evidence. But Graham had none, it was a violation of the laws and codes conducted within the kingdom. Regina however was not so nice.
"I am afraid I cannot," the tone was dark and on the verge of something even more sinister, "Your 'Champion' wrongfully imprisoned not one but two guest champions during a time of neutrality. The kingdom's laws also state that one cannot be arrested without definite proof of guilt in the matter. Witnesses that could have been on the losing side declaring them both guilty, where is the evidence in that?" she snapped, rage filling her at being toyed with, "Not to mention the one imprisoned was from my kingdom, which leads me to think this wasn't just any arrest, it was also harassment. We all know the revenge the huntsman seeks against me and my knight because she came to me."
With each cut of words Cinderella shrunk into herself, and she thought her stepmother had been bad. No, seeing the Evil Queen up close and personal made the woman she used to live with look like her fairy godmother. Clearing her throat the woman was deceptively calm. "You're right, and I shall have him reprimanded for this. He will be deducted five points from the tournament-"
"I would rather you have the Huntsman banned from the remainder of the games," Regina demanded, "Should he prove to be lying and him and my champion face off once more I fear for her life." She didn't really in fact fear for the blonde, Tobias had trained her well, but it was also a way to ensure the embarrassment of the White Kingdom, which let's face it will always be her first goal among others.
Not being able to argue with such logic at the moment Cinderella simply pursed her lips. "Depending on the outcome of the verdict tomorrow I shall adhere to your request," and that was all she had to say on that.
"Good, now if you'll excuse us," the Evil Queen waved a hand teleporting herself and Emma out of the dungeons leaving a fuming regent and a frustrated archer behind.
Back in the Queen's chambers Emma simply watched Regina pace back and forth in front of her mirror knowing she would be berated for her lack of behavior and tact. She wasn't expecting the questions that came instead though, "Are you uninjured?"
"Yes your majesty," the knight replied calmly not understanding why she wasn't being yelled at. The brunette stopped mid step turning to face the now free blonde. Her figure still covered in blood and dirt gave her the appearance a warrior should have. The appearance of a monster, but also something to be looked up to and feared at the same time. Moving closer she reached out seeing a cut Emma may have not noticed, but the small gash across her forehead though dried would surely bleed soon. Regina knew only too well the champion would scratch her head when thinking, and that's been a lot lately.
Not used to the woman being so close to her face other than to yell or goad her, Emma was surprised when she felt a warm touch at her forehead and the smell of cinnamon and apples filling the space between them, "Thank you," she whispered looking into the dark depths of her Queen's eyes.
Clearing her throat the brunette stepped back to keep herself from doing something she'd most likely regret, "You are welcome, though it would do me no good to have you die of infection now would it?" though the question was genuine, cold and seemingly detached, Emma spotted the care within the pools she lost herself in moments ago.
"No," the lopsided smile added a softness to the knight Regina hadn't been witness to before, "I suppose not." the air between them grew comfortable as the silence grew within the walls of the room. Deciding it better to rest for the night, the blonde adjourned to her own quarters with a small wave and a 'goodnight,' thrown in the other woman's direction.
Watching the blonde close her door Regina let out a sigh, the night had been an ordeal to say the least. After leaving Emma to herself she came back to unwind, but found herself worried when Emma hadn't returned for dinner.
The knock at the door was hopefully the blonde but when she bade whoever it was to enter Regina was baffled to find it wasn't Emma. It had only been an hour or two since she had left the tents, but there was no way the knight could be hurt or in trouble. At least that was the hope.
"Dinner is served your majesty," the guard bowed out of obligation. Maybe he knew something.
"Have you seen the White Knight recently?"
"No, Queen Regina," he replied not having the slightest clue to where the crowd favorite was currently, "but if I see her, I shall send her your way."
Nodding she waved him away not caring for dinner in that moment. After the guard departed Regina walked to the vanity which held the only mirror in the room. Releasing a wisp of magic the reflective glass became a reflection from somewhere she'd never seen before.
The image was of Emma and that redhead sitting closely together, practically in each other's lap and suddenly Regina was feeling a flare of green. Why she was feeling jealous was a question for a later time. But the sound of her knight's laugh brought her back to the image of the three around the table. The man was talking about his deceased wife which seemed to cause Emma physical and emotional pain.
"I remember when I met her, much like you met our Sophie," his small smile was directed towards the blonde and Regina found herself smiling at something so genuine. And hell she was going soft.
"I highly doubt that Alan," she laughed, "You're telling me you were guarding Lily and soon you fell in love against the wishes of your parents?"
The way the dark haired man flushed was amusing, "I cannot say that no…" and then all three were laughing. Seeing the woman was alright Regina left their conversation allowing the looking glass to return to its original state.
The reflection she returned to though was somehow sadder than any other time she'd seen herself. Perhaps it was nothing, but maybe it was also the way Emma allowed Merida closer, then again she was avoiding as much contact with the blonde as possible. So she let it go for the moment.
Preparing for bed hours later and still no knight to be seen or heard from, Regina was sure to give her the berating of a lifetime. As she was about to sleep for the night one of her personal guards burst through the doors unannounced, the only one who could ever get away with that wasn't the one bursting in, this guard was panting and heaving, "My Queen," his breath was short, "Emma, is in the dungeons." And she was up with the utterance of the blondes name. Snapping her fingers engulfed by purple smoke she was dressed to kill, literally if she had to. Not even bothering to dismiss the man she stormed out past him and to the dungeons where things would surely become more interesting.
Now that the situation had been handled Regina wondered why she hadn't still berated Emma for her recklessness and sheer lack of tact when dealing with the accusations and overall general problem. Not having the energy to analyze the reasons any further that night the Queen moved over to the bed settling in for the night. Closing her eyes she knew the weeks trials had only just begun.
AN: And that my friends was the end...of the chapter. Nah, we still got a long way to go. Next chapter will be disastrous in terms of plans (but whose?) Let me know what you thought.