Important (Quick) note: A scene in the chapter will have a conversation in italics and bold. Italics = Snow while Bold Italics = Aurora. It should be clear as it is read. Chapter is unbetaed.

Other then that enjoy!

Chapter 20
'Preparations for Battle'

-.-.-.-.-.-

"The King wishes to see you immediately in the armory. The First Guard ride to Hoymel presently. Your father wishes for you to join them."

The royals shared a startled look, communicating with their eyes alone. Steven needed to leave, now. She would follow after him.

The First Guard of Primrose were highly trained soldiers, the best offensive legion that Primrose had to offer. If they were being sent to Hoymel the King was expecting to be met with the Dark Queen's best as well. The ensuing battle would be bloody.

Steven left, brushing past the trembling guard leaving Emma to handle the frightened new recruit.

"You are dismissed. I will keep your infraction quiet, I swear." What was one more secret after all?

The guard continued to stand in front of her door. Emma tried to walk passed the young guard but every time she tried he would step into her path. His eyes still downcast, but it was his hand that Emma noticed. It gripped the pommel of his sword, the hand flexing into a tight grip or a loose one.

Emma stopped trying to bypass the boy, instead crossed her arms over her chest and glared as darkly and fiercely as she could at him. His trembling increased but he straightened his shoulders, expecting a fight. He finally looked into her eyes and she said nothing, just raised a questioning eyebrow.

"I was ordered by King Phillip and Captain Dylan to keep you in your rooms."

"Is that so?" Emma's eyes widened, honestly surprised at the order. If King Phillip was this desperate to keep her in her rooms there was something he did not wish for her to know. Something important, possibly devastating.

"Yeh, yes, my lady. Mah, my apologies. Plah, please, step back into your rooms. A st-sta-staffer will be here momentarily with yah-your evening meal."

Emma blinked, and did as the boy requested. He couldn't be older than sixteen. Did the King truly think he would be able to keep her here against her will? If she truly wished to leave this boy would be nothing but a heap on the floor, a speck of blue and grey in the distance as she ran down the hall.

Thinking of running, Emma peered down the hallway, Steven was long gone. She noticed two guards approaching from the west end of the castle. Another from the east hallway. If they too came to keep her in her rooms she might find escape a bit difficult. She had no weapons on hand. Most of her weapons were hidden in the stables or Steven's rooms.

The only weapon Emma had in her rooms was a dagger Graham gave her as a birthday gift. Its hilt was beautifully carved and the blade itself had intricate designs etched into it. Currently it was hidden under her pillow encased so it would not cut her while she slept.

If she could draw all four men into her room she would have a better chance against them. She knew the layout of these rooms, they did not. If she were to force them into the hallway she could be too easily overcome or cornered.

What was Phillip's game here?

At her side she flexed her fingers, her body suddenly humming as her heart began to beat more steadily against her chest. Her temperature spiked as adrenaline moved through her veins.

"If I refuse?" Emma stopped watching the approaching guards and looked to the boy, the messenger. It was not fair to take out her frustration, her anger on the messenger. Or so she was trying to convince herself.

The boy's neck bulged as he swallowed thickly. "I am authorized to use force if necessary."

Emma huffed a laugh, and shook her head. This situation was not only absurd, but troubling. What was it that King Phillip did not wish for her to know? Why keep her locked in her rooms away from the action? She knew he did not place any merit to her sword wielding capabilities. He still believed his son was the best swordsman in the realm. She knew he did not respect her, but for him to lock her in her own rooms? Who did he think he was?!

"Are you truly prepared to use force against me?" Emma inquired, crossing her arms stiffly across her chest. Emma swore she would not attack the man until he answered. She hoped he understood the gravity of the situation. She did not appreciate being cornered.

She did not appreciate being kept a part. She was not King Phillip's prisoner. She was his guest. She was not someone he should toil with, and if he learned this the hard way it would be no one's fault but his own.

The three guards were getting closer. She had little time to think this over.

What was his game? Why would he deliberately antagonize her? He had to know this would push her buttons. He had known her since she was a child. He had seen her react when people questioned her abilities, her right to be present and her opinion heard. He was playing on that. He had to be. But why?

Why…?

Emma's eyes widened with clarity.

If she were to lift a hand against any of the men she would lose leverage she needed with the Primrose council. She was supposed to be a dignitary here. She could not soil her hands with something so petty and 'childish'.

Was that what he wanted? To disgrace her? Taint any of the respect she had already gained from many of the castle scholars? It would make belittling her ideas, her opinions, easier on the man during meetings. He could simply dismiss her from meetings instead of 'allowing' her to stay. He could even have her detained for disobeying one of his orders and attacking his guards.

Damn it! Emma forced herself to relax, her hands flattening against her sides.

The boy peered up at her nervously, his hand flexing on the hilt of his sword, his shoulders weighed down heavily by his predicament.

"I am waiting..." Emma tapped her foot impatiently.

-.-.-.-.-

"We ride before the hour is up. Prepare yourselves men." King Phillip addressed the First Guard.

Desmond who stood to the right of Phillip stepped forward to address the men. "Dismissed."

The squadron leaders clapped their fists against their chest in salute before they turned and left the hall to prepare for battle.

Aurora watched the men file out of the hall. Aurora was truly heartbroken that her parents' Great Hall had been turned into nothing more than a war room that catered to the whims of her husband and his generals. That was never the intent for this room and yet its purpose had been tainted.

She had stood off to the side as the men discussed their battle plans. She had been placed in charge of informing their allied Kingdoms that they were only attacking in response to being attacked, that Primrose was retaliating against another assault on one of their cities. She had written the messages quickly.

Aurora did not include a call for aide. She did not wish for this to turn into a war. A battle she could not help, not now, but tensions were already high between all Kingdoms; especially after Phillip had withdrawn their soldiers from Cinderella's lands to help fortify their own. After which Aurora had sent soldiers specifically loyal to her—and her family—to retake the posts that had been abandoned. That decision gave her pause in moments like this when there were so few guards and soldiers she could count on to follow her orders over Phillip's.

Aurora could not, would not, allow Phillip to start a war. He was chomping at the bit to begin one against the Dark Kingdom. War with Regina meant war with Maleficent and now, if correspondences with Red and Snow were to be believed, they would be at war with Red's Wood as well. Aurora was close with Red she did not wish to put her friend in a situation where she'd need to choose.

Both witches sought peace, not war. The only ones incapable of recognizing that wish in the Primrose court were Phillip and Desmond. Her oldest son always deferred to his father's opinion when he was uncertain of his own position.

Aurora would be damned if she let Phillip's desire for revenge put innocent lives at stake. If he so truly wished to avenge any wrong doings to him (mostly his pride) let him take it up alone against Regina or Maleficent. He had no right to hide behind an army and call his actions justified. He needed to release the anger in his heart or it would consume him.

Aurora was of the mind that diplomacy could be reached between Hoymel and Raceen. They had been brothers and sisters just months ago. Such bonds could not be so easily buried, could they?

There had to be more to these attacks.

Regina sought peace and her actions thus far had proved that. She had sent messages after each and every attack to proclaim she had not ordered any such raids and if any of her soldiers were found to be behind it, their punishments would be dealt out swiftly. Even after this attack she had sent word by mirror—it was how Phillip had been informed of the attack so quickly. The messenger on horseback, with news of the attack arrived over a half hour after Phillip had finished his discussion with Regina.

Aurora had been called to the meeting hall after much of the deliberation had been decided. Phillip had played off the conversation as a diversion, a way for Regina to place blame on Hoymel for the attack, to claim innocence when she was so obviously guilty.

If Regina was innocent she could continue to preach that she sought peace with the other Kingdoms and it was the aggression of Phillip and his decree—that he gave months prior—that led to the attacks. The men on the council had been quick to agree with Phillip, although there were two that spoke of their dissention. The two—three including Aurora herself—were outnumbered.

The ability for Regina in this case to receive information before any of them was a great hindrance. It always had been. Maleficent, Regina, Elphaba, and Morgana could speak daily, hourly if they wished, while Aurora, Snow, Cinderella, and Red could not. It was a problem, even with their newer system.

When Snow brought up such matters to Blue Fairy and Aurora brought it to her three Aunts, the four Fae had been quick to device a method of communication that paralleled the witches. Each Queen had enchanted scrolls with a matching quill. Whatever message they wrote on the parchment would appear on every matching scroll. Each castle—and Red's manor—had a scroll that was checked periodically through the day, just in case an urgent matter arose.

Aurora had been quick to use the enchanted scroll as soon as Phillip explained the situation to her. Since writing to tell their allies of the impending battle Aurora had already received Red's response.

Red was clear. Her hands were tied. She would not be involved as she had already signed the treaty offered to her by both Regina and Maleficent. She did, however, tell Aurora—and thus everyone—that if Regina requested it of her, Red would need to allow Regina's soldiers to cross through her land.

That was news to the Primrose Queen. It was useful knowledge too. Now Primrose could more accurately account for how long reinforcements might arrive to any area of attack since Red's wood was massive and bordered nearly all the Kingdom's in one way or another. It was a strategic move on Regina and Maleficent's part, one Aurora should have expected.

After all Regina had always excelled at chess.

Snow was second to respond. The White Queen had asked if there was anything the White Kingdom could do. Aurora did not ask for reinforcements, but for medics and supplies for dealing with wounded.

Medics were abundant in the Enchanted Kingdom (though Cinderella and Alexandra had yet to respond) and Red's Wood. There were very few healers in Primrose to be spared. Usually as part of the deal long ago made with Red's Wood and the Enchanted Kingdom, Primrose would supply protection if they sent healers to teach apprentices.

It was a mutually beneficial agreement. The pact was kept until this past season when many of the healers that lived in Primrose but were originally from the Enchanted Kingdom and Red's Wood left after Phillip withdrew his soldiers from their home Kingdoms. Aurora had tried to right her husband's wrong but the healers had not returned. Something Aurora worried over for when the winter seasons came and with it influenza. They were a mountainous region and naturally colder than many of the other kingdoms and suffered from illnesses more frequently.

Still, even with this recent disparage between the Kingdoms looming just behind them Aurora asked that any healers that any Kingdom could spare be sent to Hoymel and Raceen, as neutral parties. If they remained neutral they could tend to all the wounded.

Red was quick to agree, thankful that Aurora had stressed the healers neutrality in the situation, thus allowing her to assist, and in person. Red herself was one of the best healers Aurora had ever met—outside of Maleficent and her Aunt Merryweather.

It gave Aurora pause that Red might be putting herself in danger as the woman was known for her speed thanks to her 'condition'. Red would arrive before any other healer sent on horseback from the White Kingdom or Enchanted Kingdom. Red could possibly arrive during the battle; and they all knew of Red's tendency to put herself in harms way to save a life. A penance for the killings she'd long ago committed. A penance that Aurora hoped Red believed well and truly served and fulfilled. Aurora knew that the wounded would need the best to tend to them and only asked Red to be careful. Red promised that she would and that she was leaving presently after collecting supplies.

Snow promised to have riders sent with supplies followed by a wagon as soon as possible from one of their neighboring cities. It would still take them until well the following day to reach either city, but Aurora appreciated the assistance.

We were contacted, as I'm sure Phillip told you, by the Evi—by Regina. It was a bit startling to see her image appear in the shine of Charming's sword. She swore that if she found it was her men that started this that they would be punished, handled, swiftly.

Snow's words were scrawled quickly the handwriting a bit sloppy in the Queen's haste to write them.

I…I believe her. Her innocence. She seemed truly upset over this incident. I know Phillip did not agree.

Aurora wondered what spell the witch had used that allowed them all to see each other in any metallic surface and converse, but was quick to wipe away her curiosity. She just wished she had been present during the conversation as it seemed she was correct in her assumption that Regina still wished to remain peaceful.

She made it clear, Aurora, that she would defend her people. She asked that as rulers ourselves that we consider her actions as defensive, not aggressive. That we…see her as we would see each other in a similar situation. She asked Phillip to speak over the matter, permission to see him in person to discuss the incidents along your borders. He refused.

Aurora cringed at the knowledge that Phillip had outwardly refused to settle this amicably. But there was more. There was something else in Snow's words. Aurora tried to read between the lines; to see what it was that Snow was not saying, but that which Snow was trying to desperately imply visibly enough for her to catch on without writing it for everyone else to see. Aurora hated that she could not fathom what it was, and that she had to ask.

What are you saying, Snow?

The White Kingdom will remain neutral as well. We are still in conference with Reg…ina

It seemed it was even hard for Snow to write the witch's name, let alone speak it.

…on a peace treaty. We wish for peace, Aurora. I hope you and Phillip will understand that. This, feud, must end. I cannot allow it to continue. I will not leave it for my children to one day be responsible for ending. They deserve better.

Yes, Aurora agreed, they do. Thank you for your honesty. I too wish for peace. It is something that must be worked for further here. I have not turned away the possibility. I embrace it. Please, when any of you next speak to either Regina or Maleficent, pass that wish from me on.

Aurora knew Snow, Alexandra, Red, and Cinderella would recognize that Phillip was not included in that sentiment and that the work that needed to be done was on her husband more than on the entitlements of the treaty.

I will. Snow replied. Good luck, Aurora. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your people. Especially Steven, Desmond, and Phillip.

Thank you, Snow. We shall need them.

And Aurora?

Yes?

Tell Emma that we miss her and would like to hear more from her. We are happy that she has found love with Steven but we too wish to have the pleasure of her company.

Aurora did her best not to cringe; knowing Emma probably only spoke so highly of Steven and maintained the image of a love sick young woman in her letters to her parents. Parents that obviously missed their daughter, a feeling Aurora did not fault them for.

Aurora wondered, briefly, how much longer Emma and Steven would continue their charade. Snow and James were completely in the dark about what truly was happening here with their daughter and Aurora knew that was how Emma wanted it. It was why Steven and Emma were in Primrose palace and not the White Castle. They could not so easily escape the White Castle as Snow and Charming had it cloaked with protection spells ages ago and had only reinforced the spells since Regina returned.

Aurora had not felt it her place to tell Snow her suspicions of Emma and Regina in the beginning. Even now that she knew and they were not just suspicions she was resolute in her opinion. It was not her place. Emma would need to tell Snow of her feelings on her own time. Aurora could always just help push the Princess along.

I will tell her, my fri-

Oh! Do make sure she does not attempt to follow Steven into battle. She will not like it but she has never been put in a life and death situation before. No matter how brave she may seem, she is not battle ready.

Aurora stared at the parchment before writing her reply while thinking how little Snow seemed to know about her own daughter. Just as Aurora had known so very little about Steven before she was willing to open her eyes and see what was in front of her.

Aurora wondered how frightening Snow's eye opening revelation would be. Aurora's had left her breathless, nauseous, and afraid she was suffering a coronary ailment. Her heart had beaten so frantically. But that was a matter for later, much later. There was too much to worry about currently than to focus on Emma's secret affair with Snow's ex-nemesis.

I will, I swear, my friend.

Thank you.

Aurora stood, waiting for Cinderella or Alexandra to respond. But as the Hall cleared out she could not wait any longer.

It wasn't until it was only Phillip, Desmond, and Captain Dylan remaining that she sidled up to her husband. "Do you truly believe this is the best course of action?"

Phillip sighed, having expected his wife to shy away from his decision to send a massive strike against the Evil Queen's forces. The Evil Queen's men had crossed into Hoymel one too many times. Phillip personally did not take well to the Evil Queen's changed title for she would always be Evil. The idea that she was Dark suggested she could be changed, she could see the light and error of her ways.

He was not as hopeful for her 'recovery' as his wife and the peasants of his own Kingdom were. Even if she could change, he had no intention of giving her the opportunity. Her fate was decided long ago and no one could escape their fate.

The deities of old would smile down upon him if he brought about the correct course of Fate. They would bless him and his progeny for his services. He would keep the Light shining in Primrose. They would not be overcome by the Dark at heart.

Phillip peered intently over the maps of their kingdom, accessing if his course of action to attack from the south west was still advisable.

"They have attacked one too many of our villages. She will learn that we are not ones to be so easily toyed with."

"That was not to what I was referring." Aurora touched Phillip's arm and squeezed it gently, trying to meet his gaze. "I trust that you are already aware of my feelings on military matters. I would much rather diplomatically solve our problems with words than with the sword." Phillip and Aurora both sighed at her words. "I will trust your judgment. For now, Phillip." It was as clear as a warning as either of them needed.

She would not comment on the council's decisions. She had no means to do so. Phillip had made the decisions with the advice of a few council members to attack. The men in the First Guard were loyal to their King. They would follow him to their deaths. No matter how useless and foolish their deaths would be.

Aurora's silence, mostly silence, on the matter surprised him. Aurora had not shied away from speaking her mind on military matters before, at least while they were in private. His expression spoke of his disbelief as he finally met his wife's green orbs. "Then what were you—"

Aurora glanced at Desmond who was speaking quietly with Captain Dylan off to the left of them. She kept a close eye on the two men as she tilted her head down and spoke lowly to her husband.

"You cannot keep Emma locked in her rooms!"

Phillip rolled his eyes; of course the woman's displeasure was his order to keep Emma in the palace. He turned away from Aurora back to his maps and their plan of attack; no longer interested in the conversation. "It is for her own good."

Aurora would not comment on how many follies had been made in history when a man was doing 'what was best' for a woman.

"She is not a prisoner you can lock up, Phillip. She is the next in line to the White Kingdom." Aurora did not remind Phillip of Emma's status as a Princess, he would not respond to such a reminder. However, knowing that he was potentially picking a fight—another fight—with the next in line to a Kingdom twice their size, with three times the army and power, might make him reconsider.

Phillip leaned his weight on the table before them, closed his eyes and considered his options.

"That girl is a distraction."

"Distraction? I think she would be an asset, she is skilled in archery and sword fighting."

"You would let her leave to battle?" Phillip challenged and watched as Aurora's eyes widened for a moment and she lost some of the footing she had been using in this argument.

Aurora did not want any of them leaving for battle; and she had just sworn to keep Emma away from the battle to the best of her ability. Phillip knew this desire for her to protect those she saw as her 'children', even if Emma was not biologically hers.

Phillip also knew Aurora would never wish for Emma to leave for battle, for war, just as she never wished for their sons to be in such a position.

"That is…beside the point."

"It is exactly the point." Phillip argued. "You would worry over her, and you would be here, safe. Imagine how distracted Steven would be if she were not here, safe, away from any harm. What would become of our son if he was just within reach but still too far for him to reach her, to save her, to keep her safe?"

Aurora had nothing to refute Phillip's opinion with. He knew her well enough to know that she would not want Steven's life to be in danger because he spent too much of his energy worrying after Emma.

"Confine her to the castle grounds then. There is no reason to lock her in her rooms."

Phillip sighed; locking Emma to her rooms alone was a precaution. One that he did not want to admit to using. If he were to admit to needing the precaution he would be inadvertently admitting that Emma was more capable than he gave her credit for. Phillip knew of Emma's exploits, her adventures as a child. She knew the grounds of this castle as well as she knew the grounds of her own. Should she wish to leave she would find a way, unless locked away.

It was the safest option. The only way he could guarantee Steven did not get himself killed over his infatuation with Emma. Something he still did not understand but would support, both for Steven and for the betterment of the Primrose Kingdom. With a marriage between Steven and Emma, his son would rule over the largest and strongest Kingdom of the realm.

Aurora and Phillip each glanced at the doors as they were thrown open and Steven strode swiftly into the hall. His sword grasped in one hand, his eyes bright and weary and muscles tight.

"He will disapprove." Aurora quietly added, stepping away to meet Steven in a quick embrace. She kissed both of his cheeks, giving Phillip time to consider her words.

"Your brother will explain what has happened. The First Guard is set to ride momentarily." Aurora pushed Steven over to Desmond as she moved to stand beside Phillip once more.

Aurora tilted her head to the side and arched a single eyebrow in question, looking for his decision.

"Very well…" He growled to himself, his jaw tight as he decided to rescind his order. "She can move about the castle, but is to be kept inside! There can be no chance she could escape and follow after us. She is a liability."

Aurora smiled on the inside and bowed her head, just enough to show her gratitude for her husband's decision.

"That's impossible! Why would they attack?" Steven's voice rose and echoed a bit through the vacant hall.

It was the same question Aurora had wondered herself.

Hoymel had always been a peaceful fishing and farming village. They had no quarrel with Raceen, the Dark Queen's village just east of them. Before Raceen had pledged themselves to Dark Queen they had been a part of the Grassland Kingdom; Phillip's childhood kingdom.

Raceen was much larger than Hoymel.

The working theory was that Raceen wished to expand and give their new Queen more territory to rule. The port at Hoymel was valuable in regards to location, but something was not right about the attacks. Aurora just did not know what it was. If Phillip were in his right mind over this situation he too would see that something was off. Aurora could feel it.

Hoymel and Raceen were only a three hour ride from the capital city of Primrose. The city's location is what truly worried every single General of their standing army and Phillip.

If Aurora were to admit to it, she was slightly worried about how close the cities were to their capital as well. It would be a perfect location to send an army up the river and attack them unawares. If, and that was a big IF, the Dark Queen was merely playing then and sought dominion over peace.

As she watched Desmond settle Steven, Aurora saw Captain Dylan making his leave.

"Captain!" She called, and waved the man over to her.

"Yes, your Majesty?" He bowed his head, showing due respect.

"Deliver a message from Phillip and I to the guards stationed outside of Emma's rooms."

Dylan curiously looked to Phillip before meeting Aurora's eyes. "The message?"

Aurora waited, hoping Phillip would pass on the new directive himself. When he remained silent Aurora rolled her eyes and addressed the Captain, "She is to be released from her rooms, but to be kept inside the castle."

Dylan again looked to Phillip, for confirmation. Aurora filed away how this was the second time he ignored her words in difference to Phillip. It was only after Phillip had nodded his approval to the message that Dylan saluted them both, bowed, and left the Great Hall.

Relieved that Emma was not to be trapped in her rooms until the First Guard returned, she walked to her sons and grasped their forearms, her fingers digging into their skin. It would be painful to watch them leave with their father and their army. It was always difficult and heart wrenching to send them off to fight while she was left behind. She had faith though that they would return to her safe and unharmed.

They had to. They were her babies.

And if Regina thought she was a spiteful bitch for hurting Emma and Steven the witch would not know what hit her if her sons and husband did not return to her.

-.-.-.-.-

"If Prince Steven is leaving, I must see to him before he leaves!" Emma argued for what felt like the seventh time, probably because it was the seventh time.

The guards in front of her were adamant about keeping her in her rooms. The staffer that brought her evening meal had been in tears, her son and husband were both First Guardsman. Her daughter was seeing to their armor at that very moment but she apologized for not remaining to keep Emma company as she had too much to prepare for.

Emma was beginning to panic. Steven was going to go to Hoymel and Emma wouldn't be there to protect his back. She would be stuck in this castle playing the dutiful girlfriend and dignitary biting her tongue and stilling her fists all for the sake of keeping peace and appearances.

Then there was the thought of Regina, which stopped Emma cold.

The Dark Queen would not take this attack lightly. There had been too many attacks by Primrose cities in the last week. Emma knew that many of the attacks could have been made from Regina's side but with King Phillip's edict to refrain from corruption, evil, and darkness, he'd given his citizens free reign to attack any city loyal to Maleficent and Regina.

It was unlikely that Regina would let another infraction slide without retaliation. If the witch learned that the First Guard was Hoymel bound she would send her best and she would lead them. The woman would be the prime target of all King Phillip's men. Any archer that saw her would immediately fire upon her, no hesitation or questions asked. They would kill her and there was nothing Emma could do if she stayed here locked up like some damsel in distress!

"Emma, Emma!" The guards turned at the high shrill voice that echoed down the hallway as Princess Penelope came barreling towards their location. The guards stepped aside as their Princess raced straight for Emma.

"Penelope…" Emma bent down and scooped the Princess up into her arms as the younger girl practically leapt into her. The umph that Emma released at the body check was rough but quick as she spun the girl in a 180 degree circle so her back was now to the hallway the girl had come down. Emma brushed away Penelope's long dirty brown hair. "What is it, firefly?"

Emma used the pad of her thumb to wipe away Penelope's tears. The girl opened her mouth to speak but finally realized that there were four guards standing around them. She peered at them all curiously, "Why are the guards standing here?"

Emma wanted to tell Penelope it was because of her father and his sexist pompous ways but she wouldn't put that kind of strain on the young girl. "Ignore them." Emma dismissed their presence as best she could. "What's troubling you?"

Penelope sniffled and shifted her weight from one foot to the other her eyes clearly uncomfortable with the guards watching and listening. Her brown eyes shifted between Emma and the four guards twice before Emma wrapped her arms under Penelope's "Up you go." and hefted her up over her shoulder and carried her into her rooms, kicking the door closed behind her. Shutting the guards out.

Penelope giggled and the sound was sweet and airy and warmed Emma's heart.

She sat Penelope down on the edge of her bed and kneeled down in front of her. Her hands resting on the mattress beside the Princess's slightly swinging legs. "Now, tell me."

Penelope's smile disappeared and her gaze fell down to her hands that rested on the skirt of her purple dress. "Daddy, Desmond and Steven are going to battle."

Emma swallowed thickly, "Yes, they are. And you are worried for them? Is that why you were crying?"

Penelope bit her bottom lip and nodded her head, her tears beginning once again.

Emma stood so she could sit down beside Penelope and pull the girl into her arms; like Steven had done for her just an hour before.

Penelope rested her head on Emma's shoulder and wrapped her lanky arms around Emma's waist to hold Emma closer. "I don't want them to die." Penelope sobbed, her shoulders jerking with the force of her tears.

Emma felt the touch of Penelope's tears soak into her dress as she did her best to blink away her own tears. "They will return, Penelope."

"How do you know…?" Penelope sniffled as she peered up at Emma with glassy eyes.

Emma swallowed, "I just know."

Penelope didn't seem to believe Emma and that broke Emma's heart further. Penelope could not trust blindly in her, in anyone's simple promise that everything would be okay. Penelope was old enough to understand that people couldn't promise the safety of the people they loved. It was a stage in development that Emma did not want Penelope to face just yet. She should not need to fear for her brothers or her father's lives.

All Emma could do was hold Penelope tight and hope that she could keep her promise, hope that she could find a way to ensure that the Primrose men returned safety.

-.-.-

"Emma…? Emma!" Steven pushed open the door to Emma's rooms, his breath short, face flushed, and hands trembling.

Penelope's head turned so quickly Emma feared the girl might have strained something. The girl shot up and ran the full length of the room before diving into Steven's arms. The metal of Steven's armor shifted at the blow but Steven held onto Penelope tightly. He kissed the top of head, bent over awkwardly to do so, and kissed her head over and over again.

"Hey there munchkin. Keeping Emma company while we men get ready?" He asked, his speech as stiff as he felt in his armor, in this situation.

Penelope sniffled, wiped at her nose, and nodded twice. "Yes, sir."

Emma stood behind Penelope and squeezed the girl's shoulders as her eyes took in Steven in his armor. "Don't you look dashing." She complimented, truly impressed with the sight of her friend.

Steven's smile was small and nervous. She walked around Penelope after one more gentle squeeze to her shoulder and stood chest to chest with Steven. She smoothed out the top of Steven's armor wiping away imaginary dust. She adjusted his wrist guards and breast plate. She just wanted to be close to him so he could pull whatever strength he needed from her for as long as he could.

Her smile wavered as she met his eyes and she could see his fear plainly.

Beneath his chest Steven's heart raced wildly. He worried it would beat loudly against his armor like a drum and give away his fear. This was not the first battle he had been involved in, but it was the first time he felt fear of the outcome.

He had people who counted on him, far more than just his family did, now. He had Maleficent and a future with her. He had Emma who needed him now more than ever. He had a Kingdom in turmoil to protect and keep safe while also feeling obligated to protect and serve the men he would now face in a duel to the death.

He swallowed; his mouth feeling dry and patchy. "A part of me wishes you would be there. Tah have my back." He took a moment, panting as he found the words he was looking for. "The other, bigger part, is glad that you won't be. That you'll be safe."

Emma wanted to be there, she wanted to promise that she would find a way to be there. But she wanted him focused. So she would let him believe she would be here safe within his castle walls. But she'd be dammed if she didn't have his back during this battle.

Emma forced herself to smile even as a tear fell. "You will be fine."

Steven nodded, but he too did not take her word for it, his head and eyes down cast, shoulders slumped.

"Steven." He looked back up at her and stopped fiddling with his armor. She touched his cheek, cupping it softly. "You will be fine." Emma stressed while swiping her thumb smoothly across Steven's cheek.

Steven's shoulders straightened, his back straight, drawing him up in height by three inches at Emma's words. He took the strength he needed in Emma's words, taking them as fact, as something she'd dreamed, something she'd seen and knew.

Knowing they had an audience and one of the biggest gossip hounds of the castle just behind them Emma leaned forward and pecked her lips against Steven's before placing a kiss to each of his cheeks. A customary goodbye Emma had seen her mother place upon her father before he left for battle when she was a child.

"The Gods and Goddess of old will smile on you today, brave warrior." Emma recited an oath and prayer from one of the few books she had seen Steven reading, a Greek tragedy. Maybe not particularly fitting since Emma recalled that character spent over twenty years trying to travel back home to his wife and son, but it would have to do.

It did the trick; he smiled and kissed her cheek and then her forehead, his grip tight on her forearms. He met her eyes once more before he addressed Penelope, only glancing down this time. "You be my brave munchkin, okay?"

Penelope nodded as she sided up next to Emma, threading her fingers together with Emma's and mimicked Emma's confident and strong stance.

Both women watched Steven leave. He took only a moment to look at them from around the edge of the door, smile, and then let the door close behind him.

-.-.-.-

Aurora saw all three of her boys out after helping dress her husband in his armor.

Penelope stood stiffly beside her mother, her head bowed and hands clasped in front of her. Her eyes were watery but she did not let her tears fall. Penelope would be her father's strong little butterfly. Desmond's little soldier. And Steven's brave munchkin.

The sight of four hundred soldiers lined and ready to depart made Aurora's breath catch. This was truly happening. She sent a quick prayer to anyone who would listen to protect all men who fought for Primrose.

"We ride to protect our lands and our brothers! The Evil Queen and our traitorous brethren have gone unchecked. They will not take from us our loyal brothers and sisters or anymore of our righteous Kingdom's land! The Dark will not overcome the Light!"

A uniformed holler rang from the troops as they raised their spears or swords to their King.

Aurora kissed Phillip goodbye and good luck, her hands reluctant to release him from her embrace. He lowered his forehead to hers and kissed her lips gently. "I will return my Queen."

"You better!" Aurora whispered, fighting off tears as she brushed her hand lovingly over his cheek. He could be a sexist ass, but he was her sexist ass, her husband, and she loved him.

Phillip was first to mount his horse, then Desmond, followed by Steven. The three men wore their royal battle armor. On Desmond's breastplate was the Grassland crest, while on Stevens was the Primrose crest and upon Phillip's was a combination of the two.

They rode to the front lines. Once there the soldiers reformed their lines and began to march or mount their horses.

Aurora watched from the front entrance of the castle as they rode off into the waning sun. Penelope squeezed her mother's hand tightly, so tightly both their knuckles were white. In one hand Aurora's hand clasped Penelope's while in the other she held the flag of the Grassland Kingdom, the flag of the King under her arm. It would remain down until he returned.

Just like every time before Aurora would remain poised and composed while in the eyes of her staff and people. She would only shed her fearful tears in the safety of her own rooms where no one could hear her sobs.

From the balcony on the east wing Emma watched the First Guard depart and disappear into the woods.

Turning, mother and daughter turned and entered the Primrose castle together. They left the newly empty courtyard behind as workers prepared the castle for wounded and refugees. Above them the balcony on the third floor too stood empty.

End Chapter Twenty

Author's Note: Good news on the recovery of my data after my computer crashed. :-DD Now everything is backed up on an external hard drive just in case. I didn't combine the two chapters because thus far each chapter has been about 12-20 pages long. There are also points that just SCREAM at me to be the end of the chapter. I've ignored those instances for Chapter 22 which is going to be over 20 pages long and over 10,000 words. Chapter 22 is the battle scene that the three chapters lead up to. After that you'll find that things shift a bit in regards to focus of the story.

As always thank you for reading, reviewing, following, and favoriting this story. And thank you for your continued patience. 3