Chapter 8
Turning over restlessly in bed while peaking one eye open at the stream of light shining through from the open balcony, Regina frowns momentarily as she attempts to figure out where she was. Lifting her head at hearing the chamber door being pushed open, the brunette glances over her shoulder as she hugs the blanket to herself tightly to keep out the cool air. Clearing her throat, the young woman questions sleepily. "Hello?"
"It's just me.."
Hearing the blonde princess whisper across the room as she closes the door gently behind her, Regina smiles a little before resuming her position of facing the balcony. Placing herself at the foot of the bed, Emma stares at the brunette for a moment while also taking in the quiet and peaceful time as the day begins to break. "Regina?"
Shifting once again, the brunette turns over to face the princess and offers a small smile when the blonde holds her hand out. Pulling her arm out from the blanket, Regina accepts immediately then tugs gently in gesture for Emma to join her. Following the silent order, Emma lays herself on her side facing the young woman and shudders slightly as she wraps the shared blanket over her shoulders. "My parents are already up..apparently King Henry's carriage has arrived. He must have travelled the night"
Tensing up at the mention of the King, the brunette sub consciously moves closer to the princess and buries herself in once a pair of arms wrap tightly around her. "He will hate me. I'm the illegitimate child..what if he decides that the best cause of action is to have me executed?"
Tightening her grip at Regina's words, the princess shakes her head. "That would never happen..I've only briefly met him but didn't Zelena say he was a kind and gentle man? Besides if anyone was to be executed, it would be Cora"
Tilting her head up to find the blondes staring sympathetically, the brunette reaches out and strokes her cheek gently with her thumb. "Thank you..for not judging me..on..feeling sad about it.."
"I get it. She's still your mother.."
"I know but she still-" pausing in her reply at a knock on the door, Regina sits herself up as the princess sighs, letting go of the brunette and standing from the bed. Watching cautiously as a guard opens the door, the young woman remains quiet for Emma to speak.
"Yes Wilson?"
Bowing his head, Wilson replies. "I'm sorry to intrude Princess but her majesty requires the lady's presence in the main hall" nodding his head towards Regina, the guard looks at the blonde.
"Very well. She will be down in a moment" Emma nods in thanks and turns back towards the bed as the brunette stands hastily while trying not to panic with fear in her eyes.
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Staring anxiously across to her husband, Snow takes a deep breath as Henry is welcomed through the double doors. Upon seeing her father, Zelena smiles and goes straight over to receive a hug.
"Zelena, are you well? I was informed that you were back early from your honeymoon and were here. Whatever has happened?" The King asks concerned for his daughters welfare. Keeping hold of her hands, Henry then looks around the room. "I thought your mother would be here. She was with me when I received word but left before the carriage was arranged"
"She must be going to check..." Trailing off, the redhead looks towards the Queen who nods in understanding.
Turning his attention towards his fellow reigning partner, the King raises his head seriously. "Snow, please inform me as to why I was called here, and why my daughter is in your presence?"
"Henry, it's about Cora.."
Taking his arm, Zelena looks worried. "Daddy sit down.."
Gesturing with a nod towards the armchair by the fire, Snow awaits before also taking her place opposite the man while the redhead sits beside her father's feet and takes his hand again. "Henry. There has been some news that have come to light with regards to Cora's behaviour. David and I found that our daughter yesterday had brought a friend home and..she.." Sighing as there is no easy way to say it, the Queen continues. "We are lead to believe that this girl..had previously been kept in a tower by Cora and she is..her daughter"
Laughing in disbelief, Henry stops as he peers down towards the young woman tugging at his hand.
"Daddy it's true..I've met her. You know how mother kept disappearing and saying she was going to the village? She was going to the forest. I followed her and saw them. She is 3 years younger than I and she's been trapped there since she was born. Mother kept her secret and instead of confessing, she made Regina believe it was all her fault, that she wasn't to go outside because the world was too dangerous and that no one would love her"
Realising the truth, the King sits back with a sigh. "..my god..it all makes sense.."
Biting her lip, Zelena stares sadly as Henry speaks again.
"You were almost 3 and..we were planning a birthday party for you. At the time you were obsessed with mermaids and so we wanted to give you a sea theme. Cora had said before that she felt ill and a party wouldn't be a good idea as she was planning to seek medical support elsewhere. She left and I at first insisted on going with her but then she had a change of heart, said for me to stay here with you and have a party as planned, so you would not feel as though something was wrong with your mother and that everything was normal" scratching at his stumble, Henry scoffs. "She went to have her baby.."
"She betrayed you..and hurt Regina. She's even used her magic" the redhead states. "I know this is a lot to take in but please daddy, whatever you decide to do, please don't punish Regina for this"
"Punish her? Why would I punish her? She's an innocent girl.." Patting his daughters arm, the King smiles reassuringly.
Having kept quiet throughout the whole interaction, Snow rises from her seat. "Henry, I have no idea as to what you want to do with Regina but she is quite welcome to stay here. I have asked one of my guards to go and bring her down here but if you do not want to meet then I-"
Also standing, Henry shakes his head. "No. I want to meet her. She at least deserves to know that none of this is her fault and despite the circumstances, she is Zelena's sister which makes her family"
Smiling proudly of her father, Zelena stands beside him before sharing her smile with the Queen.
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Walking down the main corridor of the castle, Regina comes to a halt at the double doors. Staring blankly at the wooden frame, the brunette then steps back.
"Regina..whatever happens in there, you're not going to be alone. I promise you. I will be by your side in a heartbeat if you need me and I'm pretty sure Zelena won't stand for any nonsense even if he is her father" the princess speaks as she turns towards the anxious young woman.
Simply nodding, Regina gives a deep breath and steps forward, prompting the guard on post to open the doors. Dropping her head once opened, the brunette gulps and walks slowly inside. Following on behind, Emma smiles towards her mother then stands beside her before bowing towards Henry.
Freezing to the spot, Regina remains with her head down as she bites her lip through nerves. Glancing across at feeling a hand slip into her own, the brunette grows teary at seeing Zelena hold onto her tightly for support. "Your..majesty..I.." Inhaling sharply at feeling a pair of strong hands take hold of her shoulders, Regina lifts he head and looks to the older man warily.
"You do not need to say anything dear child. It is I if anything who should apologise. I am truly sorry for my ignorance. I should have taken more notice as to what my wife was doing and should have found you sooner" Henry explains with guilt and sadness to his voice.
Trying not to let any tears escape, the brunette simply stares at him, not trusting her voice to speak as her lip trembles. Squeezing her shoulder lightly, the King deflates himself before pulling the girl into a hug. Eyes widening in shock at the act, Regina drops Zelena's hand and gradually hugs back as her emotions get the best of her. "..thank you.."
Pulling back, Henry clears his throat as he composes himself. "Right. Now then..if you wish Regina, you may come home with Zelena and I..even though I do believe she will be leaving soon to reside with her husband"
Frowning at the invitation, the young woman looks fearful. "But mother.."
Staring coldly at the mention of her his unfaithful wife, the King chuckles darkly. "Oh she won't be a problem. She will hang for this"
"Daddy!" Looking mortified at the prospect, Zelena glances towards her sister who shares the same expression.
"I'm sorry Zelena but she has committed treason on more than one account. She is a danger to this kingdom and she has hurt the family, she needs to take a punishment and if she were any other person, this is what she would get" Henry states with an tone of authority.
"Is that so?"
Turning towards the door, the King glares at his wife stood in the doorway with a guard frozen either side of her. Regaining Regina's hand, Zelena keeps her close as she too glares at the woman. Instinctively wanting to move towards the brunette also, Emma attempts to step over but is prevented by her mother who holds her back. Shifting his stance in front of the girls, Henry remains tall. "Cora.."
Smirking, the older woman glances briefly to her daughters. "I guess the cats out of the bag? Never mind..Regina if you know what is good for these idiotic people, you will come with me now"
Tightening her grip on her sisters hand, the redhead then places an arm around Regina's shoulders to prevent her from moving. "She's not going anywhere"
"Don't be stupid girl! Mind your own business" Cora raises her voice as she moves herself into the room.
"She is my business, she's my sister and you are not going to do anything. Daddy?" Looking up to her father, Zelena nods her permission.
"You leave me no choice Cora. You have to pay for what you have done to this family and what you have done to your husband and King, you have committed an act of treason-"
Laughing darkly, the older woman cuts in. "Do you really think you can kill me? Oh Henry, I knew you wasn't the smartest of kings but this is ridiculous"
Managing to prise her hand from her sisters grasp, Regina walks up to her mother as the redhead fails to reach her.
"Regina, no!"
Peering across at Emma's outburst, the brunette looks sadly at her. Staring back with glassy eyes, the blonde princess shakes her head. "..please..."
Bowing her head, the brunette takes a breath then continues to step up towards her mother, holding her hand up towards the King when he goes to step in. "Mother. This is the last time that you destroy this family, you will leave them be, disappear and you can live"
Raising an eyebrow at her daughter's courage, Cora smiles. "Of course, but just so we are clear..just this family or.." Looking across and directly at Emma, the older woman flexes her wrist.
Feeling a surge of anger rise in her at the prospect of her mother hurting Emma, Regina grips her hands into fists. "Back off!"
Blinking in surprise, the older woman appears shocked. "Did I touch a nerve dear? Is the thought of your precious girlfriends heart being held within my hands too much?"
Tilting her head towards her daughter with her eyes wide, Snow then frowns in confusion as the blonde bites her lip.
"Stop it!" Raising her hand, intending to slap the woman, the brunette stumbles back when a stream of power hits out at her mother, knocking her to the ground.
Steadying herself up while laying on the ground, Cora slowly smiles in a creepy yet genuine way. "You..have magic..just you wait Regina, we can rule this kingdom together.."
Watching as her mother disappears in smoke, making the guards drop their frozen stance, Regina looks to her hands in disbelief. Closing her palm, the young woman fearfully looks up towards the rest of the party before bolting out the room.
Staring after her, Emma calls out in concern. "Regina!"
"Emma, let her go" the Queen states while sharing a look of worry with the King.
"But-"
"Emma. She needs time.."
Slouching at her shoulders, the blonde huffs in annoyance.
"I'll go.."
Hearing his daughter speak up, Henry turns to face her. "Zelena leave her alone"
Glancing between the two reigning partners, the redhead drops her mouth open and scoffs in realisation. "You're scared of her.."
Lifting her head at the statement, Emma also looks between the pair. "Oh my god..do you really think she would hurt us?!"
Trying to explain, Snow takes her daughter by the arms. "Emma honey, you just saw what she did, she doesn't know what she's doing, she might-"
"No!" Yanking herself free, the blonde moves herself away. "You're unbelievable..both of you! You saw her, she was petrified! Now instead of backing off and cowing away, why don't you do your jobs properly and help someone who is in need? You say that the people of your kingdoms mean everything or does that only clarify to certain ones?" Walking off hastily, Emma leaves the hall in search of the brunette, shortly followed by Zelena.