Thanks for the follows! This chapter ends up slightly Romeo and Juliet style (the whole love at first sight thing) fluff towards the end. Also an insight to Regina's childhood with a flashback.
Chapter 3
Staring in a state of shock, Regina slowly shifts herself towards the window to peer out at the redhead still sat upon a tree, noticing a slight resemblance to the woman she too calls mother. "She..she's my sister?.."
Dropping her mouth open to speak, Emma also looks shocked. "I'm sorry? You're sister? But...that.." Trailing off, the blonde swallows hard. "Oh..wow..."
As the reality of it all dawns over her, the brunette slides down the wall to sit upon the floor in disbelief. "She..she told me families were pointless..that..I.."
Watching the young woman, the princess makes her way over and also slides down the wall to sit beside her. "Why are you in here?"
"She said it was to keep me safe...I didn't need anyone aside from her..just as she needed me but she has another child.." Gripping at her knees as she pulls them close to her chest, Regina rests her chin against her hand.
Raising an eyebrow, Emma purses her lips as she looks ahead to the make shift room. "I don't see what she needs to keep you safe from. She lives a life of luxury besides King Henry.."
Eyes widening, the brunette tilts her head to look at the Emma. "She's married to a King?!"
"Yes and they have Zelena.."
Glancing down sadly, Regina grows teary. "So I'm just a..secret..someone whose not wanted"
Hesitantly patting the brunette's hand upon her knee, the blonde princess replies. "I'm sure that's not the case..why don't you ask her?"
"I have..many times. She just gets annoyed and gives some sort of excuse before changing the subject" biting her lip, Regina gulps at what she is about to confess. "I'm sure one of these days she will hurt me in some way.."
Appearing alarmed, Emma turns towards her seriously. "Has she ever hurt you?"
"Only with words..she never used to be so isolated and cold but as I'm getting older she's becoming worse" giving a sniffle, the brunette hastily wipes her face remembering that she needs to be strong and not weak. "You should leave in case she decides to visit"
Nodding, the blonde stands before holding her hand out towards Regina with a small smile. Accepting, the young woman stands then stares at their joint hands briefly before pulling away.
"Regina, can you promise me that if we were to return you'd let us in?"
Looking up at the hopeful blonde, the brunette gives a small smile then nods.
"Good.." Letting out her trademark grin, Emma climbs up onto the stone ledge. "Now how the hell am I getting out?"
Letting slip a laugh, Regina covers her mouth in embarrassment as the blonde joins her with a nervous chuckle.
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'Quietly scampering out of bed, the tiny brunette slips out of the curtain from the bedroom and into the main room of the tower. It was slowly reaching sunrise and today was a very special day. Regina's birthday. Glancing up upon the wooden table, the girl leans up on her toes to peak at the brown sack above. Feeling giddy, the girl giggles to herself as she makes her way back towards the bedroom only to find the curtain swing open and a tired looking Cora appear.
"Regina, dear why are you up, it's still early"
Clasping her hands together in front of her, Regina cannot keep the smile off of her face. "Mommy it's my birthday!"
Giving a yawn, the older woman chuckles at the lovely child stood before her. "So it is.." Watching the small brunette pout, Cora rolls her eyes. "Come on then. I guess we can start the day now"
Clapping happily, the small child flings her arms around her mother's waist and hugs her tightly. "Love you mama"
Stroking her daughter's dark locks, the older woman smiles. "I love you too"'
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Wiping her eyes from the distant memory, Regina takes a deep breath as she walks towards the window as the day breaks. She knew her mother would be arriving soon and was trying to figure out how to question the woman over her double life and most importantly, her long lost sibling. Turning back towards her bed, the brunette hears a small crack beneath her foot. Looking towards the floor, Regina crouches down to find a button which she knew did not belong to her. Lifting the small piece of plastic, the young woman sits back onto her heels as she stares in wonder of the pure white button with a swan carved into its base.
"Regina?!"
Letting out a sigh, the brunette clasps the button within her hand protectively then stands to make her way towards the window at her mother's beckoning call. Bracing herself for what's to come next, Regina trails her braid off the ledge and down the wall for Cora to reach her.
Entering through the window, Cora glances over at her daughter's pained face as she straightens herself out. "Oh Regina it's not that bad"
Giving a shaky breath, the young woman attempts to dismiss the remark, knowing it's just her mother's way to torment her. "Good morning mother.."
Placing a basket onto the nearby wooden table, the older brunette smiles. "I brought your favourite from the village.."
"Thank you.." Watching the woman conflicted, Regina clears her throat. "Mother..when you are not here visiting me..where do you go? You haven't stayed with me since I was ten.."
Pausing in her movement, Cora peers over her shoulder at the nervous looking girl. "I go home..back to the village.."
Pursing her lips, the young brunette furrows her brow. "You must get as lonely as me..."
"Not really. I have Henry.."
Eyes widening in surprise over the bluntness of her mother's answer, Regina swallows hard in shock that Cora just admitted about Henry. ".He..Henry?"
"Yes" turning back towards the basket, Cora screws her face at the thought of the man she no longer feels anything for before lying. "..the dog.."
Staring in shock, the young brunette bites her lip at the blatant disrespect for the King. "Oh..."
"Anyway dear, this was just a fly in visit..places to be.." Lifting the basket, the older woman steps up to her daughter and kisses her head. "I'll see you tomorrow. Don't have a ball while I'm gone.." Chuckling at her own joke, Cora waits for Regina to slide down her braid before leaving the tower.
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Sprawled out on her front across the bed, the bored young woman sighs as she continues to read her book that she has tried many a times before.
"Pst!..Regina!.."
Lowering her book, Regina cannot help but smile at the already familiar voice as she rolls off the bed and hurries over to the window to find the blonde princess swinging her legs while perched on the edge of the nearest tree branch. "You came back.."
Smiling back at the girl, Emma nods as she slowly pushes herself up to stand. "Zelena is here too but she's refusing to leave the horses. Can I come in?"
"Of course" gathering her braid, the brunette lowers it out the window for the blondes awaiting grasp.
Reaching the ledge, Emma hops down into the room then stares at Regina who smiles shyly in return. "So..how have you been? Did you talk to your mother?"
"..I..." Shaking her head disappointed, the brunette glances down. "I didn't know how..i..I did ask about where she goes when she isn't here but she just said the village. It's obvious that she's ashamed of me in some way otherwise I'd be with her all the time with a family" biting her lip, the young woman shrugs. "I just don't know what I've done.."
"There is no good reason whatsoever as to why she would be ashamed of you. I know I don't know you that well but I can just tell, I mean look at you..don't let her bring you down" the blonde states as she cautiously approaches the girl and rests her hand upon the brunette's arm.
"I've always felt lonely..but ever since I met you and Zelena yesterday, the possibility of a life outside these walls with family and friends, I feel so trapped. I don't want to be here anymore" sliding her arms up prompting Emma to take her hand back, Regina hugs her arms while growing teary with a look of desperation.
Wanting to comfort her, the blonde princess grips her hands into fists to prevent her from moving, allowing the brunette her own space. "Oh..I have a few things for you!" Untying a small pouch from her jacket strap, the blonde holds it out. "Just some..chocolate and a letter from Zelena as she said she couldn't come up"
Looking in amazement, the brunette drops her arms to accept the pouch. "Thank you. I can't remember the last time I had something sweet.." Emptying the small brown bag, Regina sets her letter to the side and retrieves the chocolate.
"Oh and I forgot.." Sliding her hand into her pocket, the princess pulls out a small flask.
"I don't drink. Well I haven't tried.." The brunette confesses awkwardly.
Smiling, Emma continues to hold the flask out. "It's not alcohol, it's hot chocolate which tastes amazing but next time I'll bring you some wine" smiling more as Regina reaches for it, the blondes eyes widen slightly as their fingers brush against one another prompting a feeling she hasn't felt before.
Ignoring the small jolt of electricity sent through her at the touch, the brunette clears her throat as she steps away with both flask and chocolate in hand towards her bed to sit down. "Next time? You'll be coming again?"
"Yes. I mean..yeah..if..if you want me to.." Watching carefully as Regina sets a the small piece of cloth beside her, Emma raises an eyebrow as the brunette begins to separate the chocolate into two piles.
Without looking up, the brunette finishes splitting the chocolate in two. "I want you too" lifting her gaze towards the blonde, Regina smiles. "Chocolate?" Gesturing to a pile, the brunette waits for a response.
Staring in disbelief, the blonde princess strolls up to the bed and sits down on the opposite side before blurting out in admiration. "You're incredible.."
Blinking in shock, not used to receiving any compliments, the brunette ducks her head. "I..don't see how but thank you"
Shuffling closer, Emma leans across to mind the chocolate and takes a chance at placing her hand under Regina's chin to guide her gaze back up to face her. "Please stop doubting yourself. Do not listen to what she says..she's trying to control you, can't you see that? I just said you're incredible because you are..Regina, I came from the outside world to offer you a small token when you clearly have so little and yet you are still willing to share it"
Not being able to tear her eyes away from the blonde, the brunette mutters. "It's the right thing to do.."
Running her thumb gently across the brunette's chin, Emma frowns conflicted as to whether she should take the next step. "Regina?"
"..yes.."
"Can I-"
In a panic over what's to happen, Regina places her hand against the blondes chest. "I have nothing to offer you. Nothing"
"That's where you're wrong. There's more to life than material objects and money. There's care, respect...love. I can see you have so much of everything to give, you have a big heart Regina. A big heart that has been concealed for so long it's ready to burst.."
Swallowing hard, the brunette becomes shaky. "Love is weakness..."
Shaking her head, Emma smiles. "Love is magic"
"Have you been in love before?"
"No..I've read about it. I'm starting to understand it..I'm starting to fall.."
Dropping her mouth open to respond, Regina finds herself speechless as the blonde continues to stroke her chin before claiming the brunette's cheek within her palm. "..Emma.."
Moving closer until their lips are inches apart, the blonde stares directly into deep, dark eyes before whispering. "Can I kiss you?"
Feeling herself release a shiver at the question, Regina nods slowly.
Giving a coy smile, the princess closes the gap between them and kisses the brunette softly on plumped lips. Inhaling a gasp, the young woman kisses back with just as much feeling as she becomes lost in what is currently happening.
She was being kissed.
She has never been kissed.
As mixed thoughts rushes through her mind, Regina came to the conclusion that she loved being kissed, especially by Emma. Pulling back in need of air, becoming slightly dizzy, the young woman breathes heavily as she meets the loving gaze of the blonde.
"Wow..." Chuckling at her own idiotic response, Emma sits back up before reaching for Regina's hand. "I haven't done that before.."
Raising an eyebrow in disbelief, Regina bites her lip, still revealing in the taste of the blondes lips upon her own. "You haven't...you've never kissed before?"
"No. I've received the odd peck on the cheek from a few suitors but not like that.." The princess explains while stroking her thumb along the girls knuckles. "It felt right though..did it feel right for you?"
Nodding mutely, the brunette turns her hand over to clasp Emma's and lock their fingers together. "What do you mean by suitors?"
Rolling her eyes at the memories, the blonde replies without a second thought. "My parents are constantly trying to find someone suitable for me to wed so that when I receive the crown I have support and someone to love by my side"
"The..the crown?.."
Realising what she said, the blonde appears guilty. "Yes..I'm sorry I never told you, especially after informing you that your mother was married to a King but..I guess being a part of something so forced upon isn't my priority. Whether you have heard of us or not..I..my full name is Emma Swan-White..although if you ask among the castle they call me Swan, which I never understood why as i am most certainly not graceful but..carefree. I'm a princess of the neighbouring kingdom to your mother. The White kingdom..my parents respectively are Snow White and the Prince Charming.."
Staring in complete shock, Regina then looks to their joint hands. "I..I've read about you...well I thought it was just a story..that's what mother told me when I asked her about it.."
"Well, I'm completely real.." Smiling bashfully, the princess then looks sad. "I really am sorry Regina. I should have said especially before asking what I did and doing what I did but I..I just loved the fact that someone actually wanted to know me for me and not for some title. I sometimes wish to never to be Queen..and just Emma. I hope you can forgive me and that you still would like me to visit.."
"How can I judge when I live in here?" Offering a reassuring smile, the brunette chuckles. "I'm just pondering even more so why would you want to know me but..I guess we are just the same. Both wishing to be accepted as we are and not who our parents want us to be"
"You got that right.." Sniggering, the blonde squeezes Regina's hand tightly. "If you want to read Zelena's letter and send her a reply, I can take it before I go"
Briefly glancing towards the table, Regina smiles. "Maybe in a little while if you can stay a little longer?" Looking back to the princess hopeful, the young woman blushes when Emma nods her head and pulls her close into a hug.
"I'll be here for as long as you need me to.."
Clinging tightly, Regina buries her head into the crook of the blondes neck, revealing in the comfort and knowing deep down, yes, she was pretty much falling too.