Well here's the next installment. Emma's introduction into the glittering world of balls and royals. Things get a bit more complicated ;). Emma and Snow's dresses (or at least what they are inspired from) will by on my tumblr soon. Though I can tell you if you go to the elie saab website (Haute couture Fall Winter 2013 2014) and watch the runway show you will get more of an idea of the effect that drew me to them in the first place!
Enjoy and if you have any requests or thoughts, leave a review! I'm sort of obsessed with this story right now.
"Come Emma." Eliza gave a grin as Emma walked out of her washroom. "Let me help you into your dress before your mother arrives and chastises us all for you not being ready.
Emma gingerly stepped into the gown Eliza and Caroline were holding open for her. She pulled it up and held it in place as they tightened it securely on her. Eliza fashioned a delicate silver pendant with a beautiful sapphire stone around her neck. When they were finally finished she turned to see herself in the mirror. She stopped cold. She had worn dresses before when in other realms or even when Altair was holding festivals or balls, but none had ever been as stunning as this. She had to admit her mother knew what she as doing. It was both beautiful and understated. It was made out of a night blue fabric that seemed light as air despite the full skirt. Matching blue crystals had been sewn onto the dress so as to make it sparkle when she caught the light without being over the top. A small ribbon of fabric marked the separation of the strapless bodice and the flowing skirt.
"You look stunning." Snow breathed, her face glowing as she walked into the room.
"It's beautiful." Emma looked down at the dress, feeling the fabric. "It's as if someone sewed the night sky into it."
"I thought you might like that considering your love of stars." Snow smiled.
"Thank you so much." Emma hugged her mother. She felt her mother's arms tighten around her, holding the hug a little longer than usual. Emma suspected it had something to do with the fact that these moments were rare between them.
Snow finally stepped back and glanced over Emma. "You did an incredible job Eliza, she looks wonderful. I really love the hair."
"She wanted simple." Eliza shrugged. "I can't say I disagree. It lets her beauty and the gown speak for itself."
"I couldn't agree more." Snow smiled. "Why don't the two of you go get ready for tonight? I'll take it from here."
"Thank you your grace." Eliza and Caroline both gave small bows before taking their leave.
Emma glanced at her mothers dress. She had chosen a dark green fabric that set off her raven hair and alabaster skin. Crystals of a matching color had been sewn into her own as well but were slightly more pronounced on the heavier fabric. The strapless dress cut straight across the top and then swooped down in the back, revealing a small cutout of Snow's back. Emma could see how the two dresses had been commissioned to appear as if they belonged together but were still distinctly their own. They looked like they belonged together even down to the jewelry, her mother's gold contrasting with her silver.
"One last thing." Snow removed a delicate silver tiara from the box on Emma's desk. It was covered entirely in diamonds, intricate detailing culminated in a small peak in the center where a slightly larger diamond sat. The swirls of silver and diamonds danced in the light of the setting sun. Emma caught her breath at the beauty of the tiara. "This was my mother's. It is one of the two we pass down in our family. One I wear, this one… well I haven't been able to look at it in a long time. She gave it to me on my twelfth birthday. I was going to give it to you on yours but… it is yours by right and I thought tonight might be a special night to wear it."
"Thank you." Emma watched as Snow set the tiara on top of her sleeked back blonde locks. The swirls of silver and diamonds danced in the light of the setting sun. Emma turned slowly to take her appearance in. Both the gems in the tiara and on her dress gently sparkled. "I look like another person."
"You look like yourself." Snow put her hands on her daughter's shoulder. "Like the princess you were born to be and the queen you may one day be if you so choose."
"I just feel like…" Emma sighed as she fidgeted with her tiara. "I'm playing a part on one of our emissary trips, like I'm pretending to be someone, and imposter."
"You are not an imposter Emma." Snow moved in front of her daughter and repositioned the tiara. "You are my daughter and princess of this kingdom. Everyone is here to see you."
"That's not making me feel better." Emma eyed her mother.
Snow ran her hand down Emma's arm comfortingly. "I just mean it doesn't matter what you look like or how you act…"
"They're going to judge me regardless because they've already made their assumptions about me?" Emma raised her eyebrows.
Snow gave a small laugh. "I'm not sure that I can dispute that fact. Some of our friends do tend to gossip."
"Oh I feel immensely better." Emma said sarcastically, a smile playing at her lips.
"It should make you feel better." Snow grinned. "If they already have their minds set on what you're like you can act however you choose."
"I guess that's a valid point." Emma agreed. "So there are… a lot of people coming who used to know me?"
"Yes." Snow nodded. "But they all understand that you are a different person now."
"Won't keep them from gossiping me." Emma muttered, fixing a flyaway.
"And since when are you concerned with what people think of you?" Snow asked.
"I'm a teenager." Emma shrugged. "Isn't that normal for us?"
Snow laughed. "Since when have you ever been a normal teenager?"
"I wouldn't know." Emma admitted. "No one I grew up with is considered a normal teenager… which I guess makes us normal to each other."
"Well." Snow lovingly stroked Emma's cheek. "I happen to like that you aren't normal. I wasn't exactly a normal teenager either. Don't tell anyone but there are going to be a lot of teenagers here who are all cut from the same form. Just be yourself and you'll stand out."
"That's what I'm scared of." Emma glanced back at her reflection.
"Oh Emma." Both Snow and Emma turned to see James standing in the doorway, already dressed in his formal attire, hand to his mouth and tears in his eyes. "You look absolutely stunning."
"You think I look pretty?" Emma asked with slight reservation.
"I do not believe I have ever set my eyes on something more beautiful in my entire life." James walked into the room.
Emma smiled, glancing to see her mother's response. "What about your wife?"
"I believe she would agree with me." James gave a charming smile to his wife. "She will always be the most beautiful woman in my life, but tonight…"
"Careful Charming." Snow warned, a smile hinting at her lip. "Unless you wish to sleep in another room."
"Do you disagree my love?" James asked his wife.
Snow smiled at Emma, fixing one last stray hair. "I think she is going to leave everyone breathless."
Emma looked down, blushing in embarrassment. "Can we stop talking about this?"
"Of course." Snow agreed. "I have to go make sure everything is in order. Are you going to be all right?"
"I think I have everything I need." Emma nodded.
"I'll see you down there." Snow squeezed her daughter's hand supportively. "Do not fret my dear. You are going to do great."
"I hope you're right." Emma said.
"I am." Snow assured her daughter before kissing her husband and taking her leave.
"She's right you know." James turned to his daughter. "You are going to have a great time tonight."
"Let's hold off on the assessment until a bit later huh?" Emma suggested. "So how does all this work? Do you guys go down first and then…?"
"William will be announced followed by your mother and I, and then it will be your turn." James explained.
"Just me?" Emma swallowed hard. "In front of all of those people?"
"Since when are you shy?" James laughed good-naturedly.
"Since everyone is judging me." Emma muttered.
"Well they can all be jealous of your beauty." James kissed her forehead. "You look beautiful my dear. Everything is going to be fine. I'll see you down there."
"Ok." Emma nodded as her father, with one last look and reassuring smile, left the room.
Emma turned back to the mirror and took a deep breath. Her parents were right. She was never this nervous, she had no clue what had gotten into her.
"Wow." Emma turned to see Daniel standing in the doorway, an amused look on his face. "You look breathtaking."
"I look extravagant." Emma countered as she smoothed her dress, regarding herself carefully. "It's like I'm looking at someone who is not me and who was supposed to be me at the same time."
"I think you need to stop letting what you think you should be define how you feel about yourself Emma." Daniel said. "You are so much more than a princess, or a warrior, or anything else anyone may define you as. You are incredible."
"You're being oddly kind tonight." Emma smirked at her friend.
"I'm being honest." Daniel said simply.
"You don't look half bad yourself." Emma nodded at Daniel's formal attire. Clearly she wasn't the only one receiving tailor made clothing from the seamstress.
"Well I clean up nicely." Daniel shrugged.
"What are you even doing in here?" Emma asked.
"You didn't think your parents would leave you with no one to escort you did you?" Daniel grinned.
"Really?" Emma asked hopefully. "But you're not…"
"Royal?" Daniel finished her thought. "I do not think that's a requirement to escort the guest of honor."
Emma looked from herself to the boy who had always been her best friend. "If Juliana could see us now."
"She would be so proud." Daniel assured her. "She always wanted us to be proper and able to assimilate into all situations."
"Well." Emma took a deep breath. "I suppose we should be going. It would be in poor taste to leave everyone waiting."
The party was in full swing and Emma had surprised herself by how well she was handling the situation. Her father had guided her through the first dance and since then it had been a blur of dances and reintroductions to noblemen both foreign and from Eirian. Emma was had finally gotten a small break and had instantly been snatched up by her friends who were eagerly chatting about the other guests.
"Well you look exceptionally beautiful tonight." Emma turned to find Chris smiling at her.
"You do not look half bad yourself." Emma returned the smile. He nodded at the group of girls behind Emma. "Hello Melody. It is a pleasure to see you again."
"You too Chris." The stunning dark haired beauty in the sea green dress smiled. Melody had introduced herself to Emma at the ball. The daughter of Eric and Ariel, she was the same age as Emma and Alexandra and was apparently the final member of the group of best friends Emma had used to have. While the girls had been more than welcoming to Emma, she could not help but feel like an outsider to their little group of three. They had grown up together, had memories and private jokes that Emma would never be privy to. She was thankful that Chris was rescuing her from the endless rotation of men asking her to dance and her friends going on about people she did not know.
Chris looked to Emma. "May I have the pleasure of this dance?"
"You may." Emma curtsied as Chris bowed, holding out his hand for Emma. Emma took it, allowing him to spin her away. "You looked like you need rescuing."
"This is a bit overwhelming." Emma agreed.
"These events typically are." Chris agreed. "And while I love those three, they can be a bit intense to anyone who is…"
"Not part of their group?" Emma asked.
"You should have been you know." Chris said gently.
"Well things panned out differently." Emma shrugged. She glanced around the room, surveying it as she spun around. "This is quite an interesting collection of individuals.
"Ah yes." Chris nodded. "The rulers of this realm and their offspring are rather interesting. Some are strange, some self absorbed, some conniving but all unique."
"Well Rapunzel's oldest daughter is absolutely gorgeous." Emma glanced at the blonde who had inherited her mother's beauty and then some.
"The minute Victoire turned eighteen suitors were knocking at the palace gates." Chris glanced at the princess who was in the midst of entertaining multiple suitors. "I'm pretty sure her father had to beat them off with a stick."
"Very funny." Emma said dryly.
"I'm actually serious." Chris shrugged. "He can get away with it because he's, well, the king."
"That's actually terrifying." Emma regarded King Flynn who was currently conversing with her parents. "It's just so weird that all the rulers of this realm are here to see me."
"Well not everyone." Chris countered. "Arrendelle declined the invitation. Not really surprising to anyone. King Maurice closed off their palace years ago and only leaves when absolutely necessary."
"Why?" Emma asked.
"No one knows." Chris shrugged. "But the mystery everyone is currently fascinated with is you."
"Oh whatever." Emma rolled her eyes good-naturedly. She glanced down before looking up somewhat nervously. "How am I doing?"
"For being the center of scrutiny?" Chris grinned. "I think you are doing extraordinary."
"Well that's a lie." Emma laughed. "Everyone has to say kind things about me, especially when this ball is for me."
"Well now who's being self-absorbed?" Chris teased.
"Well I'm just trying to fit the role of princess that you have in your mind." Emma replied with a grin.
"Fair enough." Chris chuckled as the song came to a close. He spun Emma one last time, dipping her as the last note played. He gave her hand a kiss. "Well thank you for honoring me with a dance miss guest of honor. I should be letting you get back to all the other guests." Chris nodded toward an older, slightly awkward lord who was eying Emma intently.
"Oh please don't abandon me." Emma begged.
"But he's waiting so eagerly." Chris tried to suppress his grin. "Wouldn't want him to deprive him with the chance of dancing with you."
"I would never forgive you." Emma warned.
"Well we can't have that." Chris turned to the over eager lord. "Lord Robert I believe dear princess Alexandra has been anxiously awaiting a dance with you."
"Really?" Lord Robert perked up as he headed in the direction of Alex.
Chris and Emma both watched as the color drained from Alex's face when Lord Robert approached her. Both burst out laughing as he drug her out into the midst of the dancing couples. "You are absolutely terrible."
"Don't judge me. I just saved you." Chris glanced back to Emma. "Now take your escape while you have a chance."
"My parents would kill me if I disappeared." Emma's eyes widened.
"Well you could always dance the next round with Lord Robert." Chris glanced over his shoulder to where Alex looked miserable dancing with the lord.
"Thank you." Emma grasped Chris's hand gratefully before ducking into the shadows. She quietly hurried up a staircase leading to a balcony overlooking the ballroom. She made sure she was safely hidden in the shadows before leaning on the railing, overlooking the party below. It seemed like a symphony of colorful spinning dresses and glittering jewels interwoven with the sound of the orchestra and the laughing and conversation of everyone in attendance. It wasn't so unlike some of the balls she had been to before but it felt different with everyone looking at her.
She wasn't sure how long she had been standing there when she felt a presence behind her. "Trying to escape your own party?"
Emma turned to see who the voice belonged to. It was a boy who seemed to be about her age or a little older. He had dark hair and dark eyes with a very serious look. His finery was a dark grey accented with black. Everything about him seemed dark. Emma gave a simply shrug, acting as aloof as he looked. "It's my party so shouldn't I be able to do whatever I please."
"Ah so you're one of those girls." The boy raised an eyebrow.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Emma asked.
"Well you know, typical princess." The boy stepped up beside her. "Everything about what you want."
"Well I've never been called a typical princess before." Emma set her mouth in a line. It was clear that she wouldn't have to work to be a proper princess with whoever this individual was.
"Not into this whole ball concept?" The boy asked.
"I don't mind them." Emma shrugged. "I just don't like being judged and eyed by everyone like I'm a piece of meat."
"That's fair enough." The boy nodded.
"So you clearly know who I am." Emma glanced at him. "Care to extend me the same courtesy."
"You don't know who I am?" The boy asked, earning a shake from Emma's head. "Well I'm offended."
"That's not an answer." Emma pointed out.
"Orrin." The boy answered. "That's my name."
"The second in line to the throne of Thrain." Emma nodded.
"So you do know who I am?" Orrin seemed impressed.
"I've studied up a little on who everyone else is." Emma answered. "Since everyone seems to know who I am."
"It must be a terrible thing to be one of this realms biggest celebrities." Orrin said dryly.
"Clearly you've never been the center of attention before." Emma observed.
"Some girls like being the center of attention." Orrin pointed out.
"Well I'm not one of them." Emma said.
Orrin regarded her carefully. "I'm beginning to see that. Though you do seem to like the whole glamour side of this."
"Oh well you just have me pegged." Emma said sarcastically. "Dresses and gowns every day. And I refuse to ever wear one twice."
The comment surprisingly elicited a laugh from Orrin. "Well despite your dislike for them, you wear that particular gown very well."
"Are you trying to flirt with me?" Emma asked.
"If you ask around you'll hear I don't flirt." Orrin gestured to the crowd of guests.
"Well if you ask around about me you'll hear quite a few things too." Emma countered. "It doesn't mean they are all true."
"Fair enough." Orrin conceded. "So what are your impressions of our esteemed group of royals?"
Emma took a deep breath. "Interesting, would be the best word I could use to describe them. I feel my initial assessment would both slightly insulting and probably not all that accurate."
Orrin gave a small laugh before giving an amused nod. "Fair enough, but you must have some opinions."
Emma eyed him carefully for a moment before sighing and looking out over the ballroom. "They make quite a statement." Emma nodded to the exotic looking girls in brightly colored fabric draping over their bodies. The top piece was cut high, revealing their stomachs which where covered only by the draping of a sheer fabric. The older one was dressed in emerald green and royal purple while the younger wore a stunning aqua blue edged in gold.
"Ione and Issarine aren't exactly known for their modesty." Orrin agreed. "They are a stunning and intimidating pair."
"Intimidating?" Emma asked.
"You're telling me that doesn't intimidate you?" Orrin pointed to the two daughters of Jasmine and Aladdin, their confidence creating an aura around them.
"I've seen girls like that before." Emma shrugged. "They're just confident in who they are."
"That's one way of putting it." Orrin mused.
"So what's your story?" Emma turned to Orrin.
"What do you mean?" Orrin looked slightly surprised by the question.
"The brooding prince of a land that my father does not seem to be too fond of." Emma elaborated. "You seem so mysterious, there's got to be a story."
"Brooding?" Orrin looked surprised by the comment.
"Oh come on." Emma eyed Orrin. "You seem even more resistant to this whole thing than I am, and that's saying something."
"You are not pleased to be returned to your former life." Orrin asked.
"I don't know what I am." Emma admitted after a moment.
"Unsure this life is for you?" Orrin asked again.
"Something like that." Emma glanced back out over the ballroom.
"I can empathize." Orrin leaned on the railing.
"What?" Emma looked over. "You don't like being prince?"
"You wouldn't like it if you were in my position either." Orrin said simply.
"And why is that?" Emma asked.
"I'm second in line to the throne." Orrin answered.
"So?" Emma didn't see the issue.
"So I'll never be ruler of my kingdom." Orrin explained.
"There are worse things in the world that could happen to you." Emma told him..
"That's not what I meant." Orrin backtracked. "In my family if you're not ascending to the throne in our kingdom you are expected to marry highly into another."
"An arranged marriage." Emma nodded in understanding.
"Of sorts." Orrin nodded in understanding. "Only my father only does arranged marriages if they are beneficial to Thrain. He'll break them off whenever it is convenient."
"Then why do other families agree to it?" Emma asked.
"Some are willing to do anything for the potential for power." Orrin shrugged. "Position and money are powerful motivators."
"That is truly unfortunate." Emma glanced back at Orrin. "So who are you promised to prince Orrin? Do you have many girls hanging on a string, waiting for the chance to marry you?"
"No one yet." Orrin shook his head.
"No one?" Emma seemed surprised.
"Rhys and Amadeo both are betrothed but I have yet to be promised to someone." Orrin shrugged.
"And why is that?" Emma asked. "Is there something wrong with you? No girls willing to accept your hand."
"Well my father might say otherwise but no." Orrin said. "In my family's eyes my only flaw is my refusal to conform to their way of thinking."
"Which would be?" Emma asked.
"The most important thing is power, no matter the cost." Orrin explained.
"That is a truly tragic way to live." Emma sympathized.
"What would you know about it?" Orrin asked. "Your parents are known for their benevolence and kindness."
"I grew up in a world that exposed us to many different ways of living. I've seen those obsessed with power, what it can do to them, what it turns them into." Emma explained. "Ultimately, the cost is always great."
"That is what I worry about." Orrin said quietly.
"Losing yourself?" Emma asked. "Or losing them?"
"Losing who I want to be." Orrin admitted. "I fear because I am one of them I am destined to become just like they are."
"You can be whoever you wish to be." Emma told him. "You make the decisions for your life."
"I'm not sure it's that simple." Orrin disagreed. "My father is my king. I must do what commands me to."
"And what does he command you to do?" Emma asked.
"Currently?" Orrin hesitated before looking up at Emma. "He has ordered me to win your hand, so we may expand our power base."
"Excuse me?" Emma was utterly shocked by the admission.
"That is why I am not betrothed." Orrin continued. "My father had always planned for me to make you my bride."
"And is this your way of accomplishing this?" Emma asked.
"What?" Orrin seemed surprised by her assumption. "No. I have no interest in marrying you."
"Is that supposed to make me feel better or worse?" Emma asked.
"No I didn't…" Orrin put a hand to his head. "Wow. This is not going at all how I planned."
"What exactly did you plan?" Emma crossed her arms.
"To dance once or twice with you, to speak with you a little to please my father and then to leave you be to make your own decisions for your life." Orrin said adamantly.
"Really?" Emma didn't seem to believe him.
"Really." Orrin nodded. "I have no interest in being a pawn in my father's quest for power."
"You can understand why that would be difficult for me to believe." Emma said.
"Yes." Orrin agreed. "But answer me this. If I was trying to win your heart, why would I tell you all of this?"
"Poor taste?" Emma suggested.
"Harsh." Orrin said. "Emma you would have to consent to marriage as well. I could not force you into anything. So you need not be concerned."
"I'm sorry it's just…" Emma trailed off.
"All of this is overwhelming to you." Orrin finished. "This world is not something I really want to be a part of either. I want to be free of the politics and the expectations of royalty."
"I've seen politics played out before but…" Emma sighed. "I've never really been involved. At least not in the sense where it all seems to center around me."
"Where you are a playing piece in their game." Orrin added.
"We're humans, not pawns." Emma pointed out.
"My father does not see it that way." Orrin explained.
"Do your brothers?" Emma asked.
"Rhys does." Orrin admitted. "He is being groomed to be my father's successor and he seems to be adopting his every mindset. He's become cold and calculated."
"And you're forced to watch the cycle repeat itself." Emma nodded in understanding.
"He didn't used to be like that." Orrin said. "We were best friends as children. He had a good heart. He cared about people, about life. And now, he's become everything my father ever wanted him to be, and there is no relationship between us anymore."
"I'm sure that is not true." Emma said.
"We're strangers." Orrin insisted. "I'm sure you felt that way with Will once. Maybe you still do?"
"Will and I worked it out." Emma shrugged. "Maybe you and Rhys can too."
"You and Will began as strangers and became close." Orrin pointed out. "Rhys and I became strangers while living life along side one another. It is almost impossible to come back from that. I've seen my father. Once you become that way, you may be loyal to your family, but you will be loyal to and love yourself first and foremost."
"Well I'm sorry that you live in a world surrounded by that." Emma said honestly. "It is truly sad when people focus more on their own ambitions rather than those they care about."
"If you keep saying things like that around my father he may reconsider his desire to have me take your hand in marriage." Orrin said.
"Well in that case we can go tell him right now." Emma suggested jokingly, begging to turn to walk away.
"No." Orrin gave a small laugh and grabbed Emma's hand. "I'm not sure that would be the wisest decision."
"Oh well thank you for looking out for me." Emma smiled.
"No matter how confident you are, my father is not someone you want to take lightly." Orrin warned.
Emma was about to speak up when she heard her name being called. "Emma, there you are." She turned to see Alex walking toward her. "What in the world are you doing up here?"
"I was just…" Emma turned to Orrin.
"I should be leaving." Orrin bowed to the girls. "Princess Alexandra, Princess Emma it was a pleasure to meet you."
"Same." Emma said as he walked away.
When he was out of ear shot Alex turned to Emma. "Where you just talking to Prince Orrin?"
"Yea." Emma nodded turning back to Emma. "He seems….different."
"Yea he's from Thrain." Alex nodded. "They are all different."
"No I mean, it's almost like he's trapped." Emma explained. "I think he actually might have a good heart."
"Right." Alex nodded, clearly not believing Emma's assessment. "I think the excitement of this night is getting to you or you have really terrible judgment but regardless the gorgeous dark prince is not a good idea."
"Why not?" Emma asked, not sure she liked being told what to do.
"Why not?" Alex raised an eyebrow. "Try because his father is the evil king that our families are about to go to war with."
"You really think it's going to be war?" Emma asked.
"You're the expert." Alex shrugged. "Do not the signs point to it?"
"Well yes but did not you also say it has been brewing since before I left?" Emma pointed out. "That's ten years with nothing."
"Things are moving faster now that you are home." Alex explained. "It's almost as if you are a catalyst for this war."
"Well that makes me feel good about myself." Emma said dryly.
"I'm just warning you to be careful about who have ties to." Alex said simply. "Make sure they are on the right side."
"I think I can pick who has good intentions and who does not." Emma bristled slightly.
"You don't know these people like I do." Alex said gently.
"Because you are so well versed in public policy?" Emma asked somewhat sharply.
"I'm just saying that you don't have the same history with everyone else." Alex explained. "You are not like us."
"Thanks." Emma sounded offended.
"That's not what I meant." Alex held up her hands.
"You know everyone around here seems to have a real talent for insulting me without meaning it." Emma sounded annoyed.
It's not like I think any of this your fault." Alex said quickly. "I'm just noting that your return seems to coincide with this sudden trajectory towards war."
"How would this even be related to me?" Emma asked. "This happened before I left. I mean why would it even be about me in the first place?"
"Well I could be about your magic." Alex suggested. "Because you're... You know... What do you guys self identify as?"
"We're not a different species Alex." Emma rolled her eyes good naturedly. "And this all started way before anyone knew I had magic."
"Maybe it didn't." Alex thought out loud. "Maybe people knew and just hid it."
"But why?" Emma asked.
"People do strange things when they're scared." Alex shrugged. "Or when they want power."
"Wait to guilt trip." Emma shook her head.
"I wouldn't worry about it Emma." Alex assured her. "I'm sure this war is about things much bigger than you. Oh wow that was insulting I didn't mean…"
"It's ok." Emma laughed. "I know what you meant and thank you, for trying to take my mind off of it."
"If you really want to take your mind off of it lets go mingle with the people." Alex took Emma's hand and began to pull her back toward the party.
"Is that supposed to make me feel better?" Emma asked.
"Oh stop being such a spoil sport." Alex chastised. "Most girls would kill to have a ball centered on them outside of their birthday."
"Well I am not most girls." Emma pointed out.
"Just be quiet and come dance." Alex begged. "Beside I think Lord Robert is wanting a dance with you."
"Oh that is definitely the wrong thing to say." Emma pulled away jokingly, laughing.
"I'll protect you I promise." Alex laughed.
"I'll only come if you keep him away from me." Emma warned.
"I promise." Alex put her hands together, pleading. Emma looked skeptical but finally nodded. "Ok?"
"Ok." Emma agreed.
"Yay." Alex gave a slight jump. "You won't regret this.
"Oh I wouldn't be so sure about that." Emma muttered but followed her friend back into the throng of party guests, rejoining the party that would last long into the night.
It was late when Emma was navigating the halls of the castle back to her quarters. She had managed to slip away unnoticed as her parents where surprisingly nowhere to be found at the end of the ball. She had expected her mother to want to talk all about the experience but she suspected it would occur the following day. She was about to turn the corner into the hallway that lead to the quarters of the royal family when she heard angry yelling. She stopped short, not wanting to interrupt the argument.
"Will I thought this had stopped." Snow sounded furious. "Your father and I cannot tolerate this behavior anymore."
"I didn't do it." Will insisted.
"I wish I could believe that." James sounded disappointed. "But your behavioral history just is not on your side."
"I was with Andrew and Milton the entire night." Will argued.
"They've lied for you before." Snow countered. "Will this is one of your textbook pranks."
Emma finally decided eavesdropping was not the best place to be caught in. She walked into the hallway and stopped when her both parents and her younger brother looked up at her. "What's going on?"
"Emma." Snow said quickly. "I'm sorry. I don't want to ruin your night."
"No it's fine." Emma shook her head.
"Did you enjoy it?" Snow asked hopefully.
"Yea." Emma nodded, putting on an overly wide smile. "It was interesting to meet all the other royal families and the lords of this realm. They are all… unique people."
"That they are." James agreed. "We're sorry to interrupt you with this."
"It's really ok." Emma assured them. "What's up?"
"We're just dealing with your brother." Snow said. "It's nothing you need to concern yourself with."
"What did he do?" Emma saw how upset her brother looked.
"Nothing." Will said adamantly.
"It seems that someone spiked the drinks of a certain few lords so that they are currently incapacitated in our guest rooms." Snow explained as Emma gave her brother a shocked look. "And the kitchen staff's food was all ruined by placing worms in it."
"That's… unfortunate." Emma carefully watched her brother's face to see if there was any guilt.
"I swear it wasn't me." Will pleaded. Something in the way he looked at her made Emma believe he was being honest.
"I'm sure Will didn't do it." Emma defended her brother. "He's a good kid. I mean yea he had his issue but he's changed. I've seen it. "
"Will is notorious for doing things like this." James explained. "It has his name written all over it."
"Spiking the cups of various Lord's with alcohol?" Emma raised an eyebrow. "He didn't do it. Believe me."
"How do you know?" James didn't look convinced.
Emma thought quickly searching for an explanation. "Well when did it happen? Because for the latter part of the night he was with me."
"Really?" Snow didn't look convinced.
"Yes." Emma nodded. "I was trying to avoid dancing with Lord Robert so surrounding myself with my friends and our siblings seemed like the best way to do that."
Snow looked to her son. "Is that true?"
Will looked at Emma, trying to hide the surprise on his face. "Uh, yea. It's true. I was with Emma."
Snow and James regarded their children carefully. Finally Snow sighed. "Ok then… maybe we were wrong. As it seems you have an alibi you're off the hook… for now." Snow turned to Emma. "You looked so lovely out there tonight. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed seeing you out there."
"I'm not entirely sure that is possible." Emma laughed. "I had a good time. Thank you, for tonight."
"You are most welcome." Snow smiled and gave her daughter a hug. "Good night."
"Good night." Emma replied.
"Good night sweetheart." James kissed his daughter's forehead. "Good night Will."
"Good night." Emma and Will replied in unison as their parents retired to their chambers.
As soon as they were out of earshot Will turned to Emma. "Why did you lie for me?"
"Because I honestly believe you've changed." Emma shrugged. "Now please tell me I didn't just lie to our parents about your culpability in all of this?"
"I swear I didn't do it." Will promised.
"Will." Emma warned.
"I have no reason to lie." Will pointed out. "You already covered for me."
"I guess you have a valid point." Emma agreed.
"You lied for me." Will repeated, seemingly in a state of shock.
"Yea." Emma nodded.
"Why?" Will asked.
"Because you're my brother." Emma shrugged. "That's what siblings do for each other."
"How would you know?" Will asked.
"The kids I grew up with were sort of like my siblings." Emma explained. "It's just what we do for each other. We cover for one another, we have each other's backs."
"But I've been awful to you." Will pointed out.
"Yes." Emma agreed. "But you've gotten better."
"I literally stabbed you in the back with a sword." Will continued.
"It was the arm and it was an accident." Emma countered. "I saw it in your face, you didn't mean to hurt me "
"I knowingly took a sword and swung at you with your back turned." Will said slowly.
"Would you be quiet?" Emma hushed him, trying to keep anyone from hearing. "We've kept that a secret for a reason."
"Wouldn't want people knowing their prince nearly cut off his sisters arm with a sword." Will agreed. "They'd think he was crazy, or worse, had bad aim."
"And only one of those is true." Emma teased.
"Shut up." Will gently shoved his sister.
"But you've vastly improved." Emma smiled.
"Thanks to you." Will pointed out.
"Well you have the talent." Emma shrugged. "Someone just needed to teach you to really hone it. And to not swing wildly the first chance you get."
Will and Emma both laughed. Will looked at his sister. "I wish we had this."
"Had what?" Emma asked.
"I wish we had the chance to be brother and sister." Will admitted.
"What are you talking about weirdo?" Emma ruffled her brother's hair. "We're brother and sister right now."
"I mean growing up." Will explained. "I wish I had you as an older sister growing up."
"I wish I had you in my life too." Emma agreed, a smile playing at her lips. "Then maybe you wouldn't have turned into such a tool."
"Hey." Will pretended to be offended.
"Am I right?" Emma raised an eyebrow leaving Will to look down at the ground. "That's what I thought. But hey, we have each other now, and you're not nearly as bad as you were when I came back."
"That's because I know you." Will admitted. "Before when you were just a myth, someone everyone revered and worshiped and missed, I hated you. I mean Andrew thinks its hard living with Alex as the picture perfect older sister? Try growing up in your shadow. Everyone here idolized you. You weren't even around and I had to live up to the person you were, to the person you would have been. You were their perfect daughter and I could never even come close. I had to make up for your absence, to be both children growing up, and I was never good enough. I just wanted to be me, but I had to be you, and I couldn't do it. I just wanted my sister to be there, to have some one to grow up with and take the attention off me and…"
"Not be perfect?" Emma asked.
"Pretty much." Will nodded.
"Well you're in luck." Emma smiled. "Because I am far from perfect."
"I'm not so sure mom and dad would agree with that." Will countered.
"I think you may be surprised." Emma mused
"Well." Will said. "I'm glad you're here now."
Emma gave a small smile. "I am too."
"So … That boy." Will said.
"Which one?" Emma raised her eyebrow.
"All of them." Will crossed his arms. "I don't like them."
Emma couldn't hold back a laugh. "Ok. Why not?"
"They like you." Will said simply.
Emma tried her best to suppress a grin at the fact that her brother was all of a sudden acting so protective. "Well, I guess that's a fair reason."
"Do you have like a journal or something?" Will asked.
"A journal?" Emma asked.
"Like where you write your thoughts about stuff…" Will shrugged. "Like boys."
Emma gave a small laugh. "Why does it matter to you?"
"You can't use magic to hide it." Will told her.
"And why not?" Emma was clearly amused.
"It's not fair." Will explained.
"Stay out of my room you little creep." Emma couldn't keep herself from laughing anymore. "It's getting late. I need to get this dress off and you should get back to your room before they start suspecting you of something else."
"Thanks again." Will said.
"Your welcome." Emma smiled.
"Night Emma." Will gave his sister a tentative hug.
"Night Will." Emma watched her brother walk back to his room before slipping into her own where Caroline and Eliza were waiting to help her out of her gown. Despite her initial resistance to the ball should couldn't help but be thankful she had finally seemed to reconcile her relationship with her brother and though she wouldn't openly admit it, she had enjoyed herself at the party. As she lie in her bed the one thing she couldn't get out of her head were the dark and soulful eyes of the brooding prince Orrin.